Religious Studies. Christianity: Beliefs and Practices Revision, Lecture notes of Christianity

Download Religious Studies. Christianity: Beliefs and Practices Revision and more Lecture notes Christianity in PDF only on Docsity! Religious Studies. Christianity: Beliefs and Practices Revision Name & Class: General Teachings 2 The Nicene Creed WE BELIEVE in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. The Apostle’s Creed I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth: And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord: Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary: Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell: The third day he rose again from the dead: He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty: From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead: I believe in the Holy Ghost: I believe in the holy Catholic Church: the communion of saints: The forgiveness of sins: The resurrection of the body: And the life everlasting. Amen. God 5 Belief about God There is only one God God is creator and sustainer God inspires people to do His will God is spirit – neither male or female – but has qualities of both Jesus is God’s son – true representation of God on earth Some qualities of God 6 Omnipotent Benevolent/Agape Just • God is the supreme Being who is all- powerful. • God has unlimited authority. • E.g. Creation of the world, Jesus performing miracles, Jesus Resurrection. • God uses his power to do good. • God shows his love by creating humans and caring for them. • God showed his love by sending God’s son, Jesus to earth – “For God so loved the world, He sent his Only Son…” (John 3:16) • E.g. Parable of the Lost Son • God is a just judge of humankind. • God will never support injustice, ill- treatment, prejudice or oppression. • E.g. Parable of the Sheep and Goats Evil and suffering challenges the qualities of God: Why does God allow people to suffer if all-loving? Why does God not prevent evil and suffering if all-powerful, especially if a natural disaster? Why does God allow injustice if God is Just? Christians believe a just God treats people fairly, so they trust God even when things seem to be going wrong. The Trinity 7 God the Father – the creator of all life, acts as a good father towards his children. He is all- powerful (omnipotent), all-loving (omnibenevolent) and present everywhere (omnipresent). God the Son – became incarnate through Jesus who was both fully human while on earth and fully God at all times. Jesus is called the son of god to show his special relationship to God the Father. God the Holy Spirit - is the unseen power of God at work in the world, who influences, guides and sustains life on earth. Apply your knowledge Which ONE of the following is the idea that God is loving? [1] a. Omniscient b. Omnipotent c. Benevolent d. Immanent Which of the Gospels refers to the ‘role of the word’ in creation? [1] a. John b. Luke c. Mark d. Matthew Give two Christian beliefs about God [2] Give two ways in which Christians believe God shows his benevolence [2] 10 1. 2. 1. 2. Explain two ways in which the belief in creation by God influences Christians today. [4] Explain two ways in which belief in the Trinity influences Christians today. [4] 11 Explain one way Develop your explanation with more detail/an example/reference to a religious teaching or quotation. Explain second way Develop your explanation with more detail/an example/reference to a religious teaching or quotation. Explain one way Develop your explanation with more detail/an example/reference to a religious teaching or quotation. Explain second way Develop your explanation with more detail/an example/reference to a religious teaching or quotation. Explain two Christian teachings about God. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Christian belief and teaching in your answer. [5] Explain one teaching. Develop your explanation with more detail/an example Explain a second teaching. Develop your explanation with more detail/an example Add a reference to a sacred writings or another source of Christian belief and teaching. If you prefer, you can add this to your first teaching instead. 12 You only need to make one reference to scripture in your answer. It can support either your first or second point. 15 16 Who is Jesus? 17 • Christians believe Jesus was the Son of God. • Christians believe God sent Jesus to save mankind from their sins or to say sorry as a kind of sacrifice. This is called SALVATION. • Christians say that there are prophecies (predictions) of the arrival of a great leader or saviour in the Old Testament part of the Bible. • Christians say that Jesus was actually God in human form – this is the INCARNATION – when God became human. • Some people think Jesus was the Messiah – Jewish people believed God would send someone like a leader to help the Jewish people. CHRIST is the Greek word for MESSIAH. • Some Christians say that Jesus was partly divine (like God) but also a human being with human weaknesses. Resurrection and Ascension 20 The resurrection of Jesus: • Early on Sunday morning, some of Jesus’ female followers, including Mary Magdalene, visited the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body. (there was no time to do this after his death due to sabbath) • Jesus’ body was not there. • Either a man or two men, who may have been angels, told the women to spread the news that Jesus had risen from the dead. • Over the next few days, Jesus appeared to several people including Mary Magdalene and his disciples. He told them he had risen from the dead, as he predicted he would before the crucifixion. • “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith. But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead…For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.” Corinthians 15 – This quote shows that Christianity would not exist without the resurrection. It also shows that the resurrection is important because it is significant evidence for Christians of the divine nature of Jesus. Ascension: • 40 days after meeting with his disciples and asking them to carry on his work, Jesus left them for the last time, returning to the Father in heaven. This event is called the ascension. • “While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven.” Luke 24:51 Significance for Christian today: Resurrection: • Shows the power of good over evil and life over death. • Proof that he was the Son of God. • Means Christians’ sins will be forgiven if they follow God’s laws. • Means Christians will be resurrected, if they accept Jesus, so there is no need to fear death. Ascension: • Shows Jesus is with God in heaven. • Paves the way for God to send the Holy Spirit to provide comfort and guidance. Afterlife for Christians 21 Christians will be resurrected and receive eternal life when they die This is a gift from God and dependent on faith in God They will be judged by God at some point after they die and either rewarded in heaven or punished in hell Judgment will happen either very soon after death or on the day of judgment. This is in the future when the world will end and Jesus will judge the living and dead Christian views about afterlife 22 Human Resurrection: • Christians believe God will resurrect them before judgement day. • Jesus said we would be different to our earthly state – a spiritual body. • Continuity between person’s earthly life and the resurrected life. • Roman Catholics believe in purgatory – a state between death and the afterlife. After death, the soul goes to purgatory if it is destined to go to heaven, where it is purified enough to enter heaven. • Different views about human resurrection – Many Christians say we have no answers – only to trust God. • Without scientific evidence it is all a matter of belief based in Bible teachings and Jesus’ words. Judgement: • Jesus taught that God’s love and mercy are unconditional. • At the end of days ALL will be judged – Christians and non-Christians and will be judged by Jesus. • The Parable Sheep and Goats reflects Jesus’ judgement. • Other Christians reject the idea of a second coming – Humans will account for their actions, but no-one knows how or when. • “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 Heaven and hell: • Heaven is thought to be either a physical or spiritual state of peace, joy, freedom from pain and a chance to be with loved ones. • Heaven is a reward for those who have lived a good life. Some Christians believe only Christians can enter heaven, others believe it is for all. • Hell is seen as the opposite of heaven – a state of existence without God. • Often pictured as a place of eternal torment in a fiery pit ruled by Satan (Devil) who is the power and source of evil. • Some Christians believe god would not do this and see hell as an eternal state of mind, being cut off from the possibility of God. • Hell would then be what awaits someone who did not acknowledge God or follow his teachings during their life. Apply your knowledge What is meant by incarnation? [1] a. Fully divine b. Being born c. Returning to earth d. Embodiment What is meant by ascension? [1] a. Birth b. Son of God c. Going to heaven d. Death Give two ways that Christians believe salvation can come about. [2] Give two Christian beliefs about life after death [2] 25 1. 2. 1. 2. Explain two ways in which the belief in Jesus’ crucifixion influences Christians today. [4] Explain two ways in which a belief in hell does not fit with the belief in a loving God [4] 26 Explain one way Develop your explanation with more detail/an example/reference to a religious teaching or quotation. Explain second way Develop your explanation with more detail/an example/reference to a religious teaching or quotation. Explain one way Develop your explanation with more detail/an example/reference to a religious teaching or quotation. Explain second way Develop your explanation with more detail/an example/reference to a religious teaching or quotation. Explain two Christian teachings about Salvation.. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Christian belief and teaching in your answer. [5] Explain one teaching. Develop your explanation with more detail/an example Explain a second teaching. Develop your explanation with more detail/an example Add a reference to a sacred writings or another source of Christian belief and teaching. If you prefer, you can add this to your first teaching instead. 27 You only need to make one reference to scripture in your answer. It can support either your first or second point. 30 31 C h ri st ia n P ra ct ic es 32 Prayer 35 Why is prayer important? Encourages reflection in the middle of a busy life Gives strength in times of trouble Gives a sense of peace enables Christians to talk and listen to God Helps Christians to keep a close relationship with God Helps Christians to accept God’s will even if it means suffering The Lord’s Prayer Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, Your Kingdom come, your will be done, On earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen This is important as it is the prayer Jesus taught his disciples when he was asked by them ‘master, how should we pray?’ 1. Christians see it as a model of good prayer, as it combines praise to God with asking for one’s needs. 2. It reminds Christians to forgive others in order to be forgiven, since prayer is only effective if people’s relationships with others are right. 3. It reminds Christians that God is the father of the whole Christian community, and it can be a sense of unity when everyone in the congregation says it together 4. The Lord’s prayer is often used in worship and is nearly always said at Holy Communion, baptisms, marriages and funerals. It is also used in school and in commemoration services in Britain. $$ Reasons Christians pray m INTERCESSION (Eph 6v18-19) Pray for others. Pray for the salvation of your loved ones and friends. Pray for the church growth. = CONFESSION (1 Jniva) | {=q) = THANKSGIVING Confessing and =~ : i (Eph 5v20)) repenting to God @ ’ Thank God for what for our weaknesses He has done for and sins. you, your family & the church. = PETITION Ae (1 Sam 1v27) ~ yr Ask Godfor \ 9 & ww PRAISE peace &foryour \ ~ (Ps 146v1-2) daily needs. \ Meditate on \ God's attributes \ & praise Him for who He is. Sacraments 37 Sacrament: The external and visible sign of an inward spiritual grace. Can be experienced with the senses. Has a deeper meaning which is not experienced through the senses. Sacrament Outward and Visible sign Inward and spiritual grace Baptism Water and the signing of the cross with the words – in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit • Receiving the Holy Spirit • The removal of original sin • Entry into the Kingdom of God/the Church Confirmation The laying on of hands by the bishop • Strengthening/sealing the gifts of the Holy Spirit in the person • Becoming an ‘adult’ member of the Church Eucharist Bread and Wine • Spiritual ‘feeding’ with the body and blood of Christ Reconciliation Words of forgiveness • The forgiveness of sins • Rebuilding of bonds Healing Anointing and the laying on of hands • Spiritual and sometimes physical healing • Preparation for death Marriage Ring(s) • Endless love between the couple Ordination The laying on of hands by the bishop • The special gifts of the Holy Spirit needed by a deacon or priest • Protestants acknowledge TWO sacraments: Baptism and Eucharist. • Roman Catholics, Orthodox and some Anglican have seven sacraments • Quakers and members of the Salvation Army reject all sacraments – they believe that Jesus did not intend for them to be prescribed rituals. Importance: • Christians believe God imparts gifts through the sacraments. • They are offered at appropriate times in a person’s life – Rites of Passage – baptism, confirmation, marriage • Eucharist – bread and wine – helps Christians realise what they have done wrong • Healing can be given to help with strength and peace of mind • Ordination separates those who devote their life to God in the priesthood. Celebrating Holy Communion/Eucharist 40 Catholic Mass and Anglican Holy Communion Holy Communion in the United Reform Church (URC) Liturgy of the Word: • There are three Bible readings, a psalm and a homily (a short sermon) • The Creed is said • Prayers are said for the Church, the local community, the world, and the sick and the dead. Liturgy of the Eucharist: • In the Anglican Holy Communion, people give a sign of peace to each other. • Offerings of bread and wine are brought to the altar. • The priest repeats the words of Jesus at the Last supper over the bread and wine. • People say the Lord’s Prayer. • In the Catholic Mass, the sign of peace is given at this point. • The priest blesses people and sends them out to live the gospel. Catholics and some Anglicans believe the bread and wine becomes the body and blood of Christi. This means Jesus is fully present in the bread and wine. This is a divine mystery that helps believers share in the saving sacrifice of Jesus’ death and resurrection. - Transubstantiation • The service begins with a hymn and prayer of praise and thanksgiving. • Bible readings and a sermon are given. • Prayers for the world and the needs of particular people are said. • The minister repeats the word’s and actions of Jesus at the Last Supper. • There is an ‘open table’ so anyone who wishes may receive Holy communion. • Sometimes the bread is cut beforehand, other times it is broken and passed around by the congregation. • Wine is sometimes non-alcoholic and is usually distributed in small cups. • The service ends with a prayer of Thanksgiving, a blessing, and an encouragement to go out and serve God. Protestants celebrate Holy Communion as a reminder of the Last Supper. They do not believe the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ. Instead, the bread and wine remain symbols of Jesus’ sacrifice, which helps believers to reflect on its meaning today. Pilgrimage 41 Why go on a pilgrimage? 1. Strengthen faith in God 2. Grow closer to God 3. Meet others who share the same faith 4. Experience a holy place 5. Help other pilgrims who are disabled or ill 6. Seek a cure for illness 7. Thank God for a blessing 8. Pray for something special 9. Reflects on one’s life 10. Be forgiven for sin How pilgrimage can impact a Christian’s life: • Gives them a better understanding of their faith • Renew their enthusiasm for living a Christian life • Help them see problems in a new light • Help them to feel cleansed from sin • Help them to feel more connected to the Christian community • Give them a good feeling about helping other pilgrims who are disabled or ill. • Pilgrimage can allow a pilgrim to live a simple life – allowing them to feel closer to how Jesus led his life. Places of Christian Pilgrimage 42 Iona ( an island off the coast of Scotland) About Iona: • Where St. Columba established a monastic community in the 6th century AD • He was given Iona to spread the Christian message. • There daily life was founded in the Bible – daily prayer, Bible reading, stewardship of time and money, regular meeting with other members and the active promotion of justice, peace and the environment. Iona today: • The long history makes pilgrims want to visit • It is quiet, so pilgrims can spend their time praying and reading the Bible, reflecting and meditating • Pilgrims can attend services in the abbey church, take part in workshops, and visit the island’s holy and historic sites. • Individuals often go home renewed in their faith to live and work in the modern world. Lourdes (South of France) Bernadette in Lourdes: • A girl named Bernadette claimed she saw the Virgin Mary 18 times. • In a cave near the River Gave she was told to dig away the growth clogging the spring and drink the water. • Her friend bathed her dislocated arm in the water and was healed. Pilgrimage to Lourdes: • Many visit Lourdes taking part in processions, saying the rosary and mass, touching the walls of the grotto (cave). Some have the opportunity to bathe in the waters of the spring. • Water is often taken home and statues of the Virgin Mary bought. • The sick or disabled go in the hope that they will be healed. Healing in Lourdes: • Since the first cure in 1858, 69 more Lourdes healings have been declared miracles. • Most pilgrims not experiencing physical healing still feel as though they have been healed spiritually. • Pilgrims also describe feeling of peace of mind. The role of the Church in the local community – Food Banks 45 What does the Church do? Individual Churches: •Educate people about Christianity (e.g. Bible study groups – ALPHA course) •Meeting places for prayer and worship •Provide activities for younger people (e.g. Youth Clubs) •Places where Christians can socialise and obtain spiritual guidance. The Church: •Supports local projects such as food banks •Provides social services such as schooling and medical care •Help those in need •Campaigns for justice “And God placed all things under his [Jesus’] feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the Church, which his is body.” Ephesians 1:22-23 You can use this quote to show that Christians think of the Church as the followers of Jesus, who together are the body of Christ on earth Examples of the Church helping the local community: The Trussell Trust •Helps the local community by providing food banks. The work of this charity is based on Christian principles (such as the Parable of Sheep and Goats) •At food banks people volunteer to collect and distribute food. In 2004 saw the launch of the UK- wide network with a vision to end poverty and hunger, to show compassion and give practical help. •A charity running over 400 food banks in the UK •These provide emergency food, help and support to people in crisis in the UK •Non-perishable food is donated by churches, supermarkets, schools, businesses and individuals. •Doctors, health visitors and social workers identify people in crisis and issue them with food vouchers TIP: You may not be asked about an exact organisation, but you can use this to describe how the Churches help in the local community 46 The role of the Church in the local community – Street Pastors There have been Street Pastors in Stafford since 2009. Every Volunteer is a member of a local Church. Street Pastors are on duty every Friday and Saturday night from 10.30pm until the Clubs close in the early hours. We are there to support anyone, with whatever they may need during a night out. We have Water, Space Blankets, Lollies, and Flip Flops for tired feet! We may help lost friends find each other or help to get a taxi, or call home for a lift! Jesus taught that Christians should help others by showing agape love towards them. For example, in the Parable of the Sheep and Goats, Jesus teaches Christians they should give practical help to people in need. “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” James 2:17 • An initiative started in London in 2003, by the Christian charity the Ascension Trust. • Adult volunteers are trained to patrol the streets in urban areas. Following their training, they ask for God’s blessing on this difficult type of ministry. • The main aim originally was to challenge gang culture and knife crime in London. • The focus then widened to responding to drunkenness, anti-social behaviour and fear of crime. • Street Pastors work closely with police and local councils. • They listen to people’s problems, advise on where they might get help, and discourage anti-social behaviour. • A similar group called School Pastors was set up in 2011 to discourage illegal drug use, bullying and anti-social behaviour in schools. The role of the Church in the local community – Other organisations 47 Founded as a result of the deprivation people were living in and the apparent unconcern shown by many Christian churches, the Salvation Army works with the poor and disadvantaged, setting up, for example: • Food kitchens and hostels for the homeless, including emergency assistance • Toy collections at Christmas • Training and employment help and advice. This is a Roman Catholic society whose aim is to provide for the great needs of people in society. Its motto is to help the homeless, visit the sick, befriend the lonely and feed the hungry. The society is involved in, for example: • Setting up support centres and counselling services • Providing work training • Helping refugees, released prisoners, the disabled and the mentally ill. The worldwide Church - Reconciliation 50 Working for Reconciliation: • Christians believe humans were reconciled to God through Jesus’ death and resurrection. Thus means Jesus’ death and resurrection helped to restore the relationship between god and humanity, which had been broken by sin. • For Catholics, the sacrament of reconciliation also helps restore people’s relationship with God. • Reconciliation is therefore an important part of the Church’s work. This might involve anything from trying to restore relationships between individual people, working for peace between different religious groups or nations at conflict Christian Persecution 51 What is Persecution? • The International Society for Human Rights estimates that 80% of all acts of religious discrimination today are aimed at Christians. • This persecution happens around the world, but particularly in countries such as North Korea, Somalia, Iraq and Syria. • It might involve – Being forced to pay extra tax; job discrimination; being forbidden to build churches; attacks on Christian homes, churches, families, including murder. Response Supporting quote from scripture • For some Christians, persecution can have a positive effect, as it strengthens their faith and convictions • It also allows them to share in the suffering of Jesus. “I want to know Christ – yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his suffering” (Philippians 3:10) This quote shows that one way Christians can get to know Jesus is by sharing in his suffering • The Church believes it is important to act against persecution, by supporting persecuted Christians wherever possible and campaigning on their behalf. “If one part suffers, every part suffers with it.” (1 Corinthians 12:26) This quote refers to the Church. It shows that helping individual Christians also helps the whole Church. • Christians are encouraged to show love and forgiveness towards their persecutors. “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21) This quote shows that Christians should respond to evil with love. Ways in which Christians can help the persecuted. • Christians have smuggled Bibles into the USSR (Russia) to strengthen and give comfort to persecuted Christians. • The Barnabas Fund sends money to support people persecuted for their faith. • Christian Solidarity Worldwide campaigns for religious freedom for all. The Church’s response to world poverty 52 “If anyone has material possessions and sees a rother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:17-18 Helping those in poverty: Christians try to help those living in poverty because Jesus taught that this was important. For example • Jesus once told a rich man to sell everything and give to the poor (Mark 10:21) • The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus tells of a rich man who ends up in hell for ignoring a beggar. • The parable of the Good Samaritan teaches the importance of helping all people. • Jesus helped outcasts such as lepers, tax collectors and sinners. Charity Examples of their work Christian Aid • Supports projects to encourage sustainable development • Provides emergency relief, such as food, water, shelter and sanitation. • Campaigns to end poverty alongside organisations such as Fairtrade Foundation, Trade Justice and Stop Climate Chaos. Tearfund • Works with over 90,000 churches worldwide to help lift out of poverty. • Supplies emergency aid after natural disasters and conflict. • Provides long-term aid to help communities become more self-reliant, such as education or new farming equipment. • Supported by donations, fundraising events and prayer from churches in the UK. CAFOD • Works with local organisations to train, supply and support communities to work their own way out of poverty. • Gives short-term aid such as food, water, shelter during conflicts and disasters. • Lobbies UK government and global organisations for decisions that respect the poorest. • Encourages Catholic schools and parishes to pray, give money and campaign for justice. Apply your knowledge Which one of the following is a type of worship that follows a set pattern[1] a. Informal Worship b. Private Worship c. Non-liturgical Worship d. Liturgical Worship Which one of the following is the festival that celebrates the incarnation of Jesus [1] a. Easter b. Good Friday c. Christmas d. Lent Give two ways in which the Church responds to world poverty [2] Give two reasons why prayer is important to Christians [2] 55 1. 2. 1. 2. Explain two contrasting ways in which Christians worship. [4] Explain two contrasting ways in which Christians practise baptism. [4] 56 Explain one way Develop your explanation with more detail/an example/reference to a religious teaching or quotation. Explain second way Develop your explanation with more detail/an example/reference to a religious teaching or quotation. Explain one way Develop your explanation with more detail/an example/reference to a religious teaching or quotation. Explain second way Develop your explanation with more detail/an example/reference to a religious teaching or quotation. TIP: The question is asking about different ways baptism is practised – e.g. Infant/believers baptism Explain two ways that Christian charities help the poor in less economically developed countries. Refer to sacred writings or another source of Christian belief and teaching in your answer. [5] Explain one teaching. Develop your explanation with more detail/an example Explain a second teaching. Develop your explanation with more detail/an example Add a reference to a sacred writings or another source of Christian belief and teaching. If you prefer, you can add this to your first teaching instead. 57 You only need to make one reference to scripture in your answer. It can support either your first or second point. 60 61