Sections 1 &2: Universality & Origins of Christianity Christianity Unit Sections 1 &2: Universality & Origins of Christianity

Jesus Christianity developed through the teachings of Jesus. “ Go Teach all nations the word of God” Jewish people were meant to spread the word of God.

Origins Christianity began in Palestine (Israel) Paul was able to spread this religion throughout the Roman Empire as he travelled teaching of Jesus. Today this spread has reached 33% of the worlds population.

Changes in Traditions Churches haven’t changed much in traditions and beliefs over the years. If you attended a Christian church 500 years ago you would understand what is going on.

Fundamental Belief System All Christian denominations stick to the belief of being “men for others” Action: Work for the community ex. “feed the hungry, heal the sick” Prayer/worship: Center of Christian life is praying and thanking God for all he has given for you and asking him to forgive your sins.

Origins of Christianity Originally written down by the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) These Gospels show how Jesus Christ brought a New Law to compliment the Old Law. They also explain how Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God for the Jewish people.

Messiah According to the Old Testament: The Messiah would overthrow rulers and return the Jewish people to Israel. He would either be a great teacher, military leader, or suffering servant. So in Matthew, Jesus is presented as a leader who descended from Abraham and can lead a great Jewish nation.

Stories of Jesus No evidence of Jesus’ existence has been historically recovered. Generally accepted that he did live. This asks you to be what? The Gospels developed from stories that were told and eventually written down.

Jesus’ Birth Around 6 B.C Augustus Caesar ordered a census be taken in all of Rome. Return to your home town for this (Joseph returns to Bethlehem) No room at the inn – head to a stable.

King Herod Felt threatened by this new “King of the Jews” Ordered the murder of all children under 2 in Bethlehem Herod died shortly after and Joseph returned to Nazareth.

Jesus’ Childhood Little is known about Jesus as a boy. It is assumed Joseph taught him carpentry and Jewish traditions. Only incident is at age 12 when he met with rabbis in the Temple of Jerusalem.

John the Baptist

Jesus & John John preached of Jesus & baptized people a the River Jordan. Jesus was baptized by John and then went into the wilderness for 40 days after. John was soon arrested by Herod Antipas and Jesus took over his teachings.

Baptism John began baptizing people around 26 or 27 A.D. Mystical power exists in flowing water and can wash away sins. Need to be baptized because of the coming of the Messiah.

Jesus’ Teaching Methods Preach to the common people of Israel He taught: On the streets In the countryside By the sea Wherever he found people to hear his message

Jesus’ Message Central message was the Kingdom of Heaven. Prepare people for the coming of the kingdom of God & Last Judgment. People are sinful, take up a new life of obedience in fellowship – Establish God’s Kingdom on Earth.

Jesus Vs. Judaism Jesus – True devotion to Will of God. Not just religious law. He drew from Judaic tradition for the message of love and forgiveness. Jesus – preach an emphasis on love as opposed to law.

Jesus Vs. Judaism He did not think that he was overthrowing Judaic Law. “I came not to destroy the Law of Moses but to fulfill it.” (Matt. 5. 17.) He has now grown into a Jewish leader with a huge Jewish following.

The History of Christianity Birth of the church – 40 days after Jesus’ resurrection from the dead Matthew tells of the disciples’ feeling lost and deserted by Jesus – but they remembered him saying: “I am with you always, to the close of the age”

Acts 2. 2-4 Read from the Catholic Youth Bible

Missionaries The apostles have now gained courage and began to fulfill the final directive of their risen and ascended Lord. Two missionaries, Peter & Paul made the long trek to Rome to preach Christianity.

Caesar Nero Peter & Paul killed by Nero in approximately 64 AD Began 300 years of Christian persecution. According to Romans – Christianity is illegal and many died for their faith.

Emperor Constantine Christianity begins to gain some ground. Between the years 280-337 Emperor Constantine is the first Christian Emperor of Rome. By 380 Christianity is the accepted religion of Rome.

The Fall of Rome Rome falls apart in approximately 530 AD. A great Benedictine monastery begins however called Monte Cassino. With no Rome it means the barbarians and legal accomplishments have failed.

Monte Cassino Thanks to this monastery – Christianity and Roman laws and literacy were able to live on Monks here studied the Bible and early Roman writings. Eventually Christian cathedrals, schools monasteries and more were able to develop and grow.

Monestaries These are independent, self-supporting communities of monks. These monks are dedicated to prayer, work, and study. Monastic life – withdraw from worldly affairs to devote themselves completely to religion. Monks & Nuns are to live perfectly Christian life.

Monks & Monasteries These monasteries were in rural areas outside of cities All of this is taking part in the Middle Ages in Europe. (600-1100 AD)

Religious Movements These are movements that occur in the 12th & 13th Centuries. Franciscans & Dominicans

Growth of Cities In the Middle Ages cities began to grow in Europe. Because of this new religious groups were needed in urban life. Both Franciscans and Dominicans developed in these cities Franciscans – Founded by St. Francis Dominicans – Founded by Saint Dominic

Franciscans and Dominicans Monks that worked in the cities to fight poverty, developed universities and educate the masses through Christian teachers. Thomas Aquinas and Albert the Great famous Dominicans

Gregory I United the church so that it didn’t fall into smaller groups. He is the first monk to become Pope. Lived in Rome and started the Roman papacy.

Protestant Reformation As the Catholic church has been formed for years a few issues begin to arise. Is the church gaining too much power?

Major Questions Should those with spiritual power also hold political power? Does God save man without man’s efforts? Is grace something in man that makes him worthy of eternal life?

Martin Luther These questions and many more were raised by Martin Luther Augustinian monk that nailed the ‘Ninety-five Theses’ to the door of the Wittenberg Cathedral in 1517.

So what are the ninety-five thesis?

His challenge This sets up a challenge against the Roman Catholic church. Should not be compromised with political powers Too much dependence on human work’s instead of trusting in Christ.

Divisions Luther believes there are divisions between Political & Spiritual Natural & Supernatural Human & Divine The Roman Catholic church has crossed these divisions.

Sale of Indulgences People could claim heavenly rewards in exchange for money. According to Luther, faith in Jesus Christ alone saves you.

Ultimate Message Luther: “Religion should always be criticizing a dependence on worldly things and earthly power.” All of these ideas and issues caused major fights across Europe.

Episcopalians Name given to those that follow Anglican. Often seen as churches with red doors. Red represents Christ’s blood shed for sinners

Origins from Church of England Has a combination of Protestant & Catholic elements Puritans and many others came to America to start reform movements. Revolutionary War almost ended Anglican work in America.

Protestant Episcopal Church` In USA this is what the Anglican Church turns into. Developed their own bishops, prayer books and services

Beliefs Must attend church services Book of Common Prayer This includes Nicene and Apostles’ Creed Eucharist – Don’t believe it is body and blood – but requires more special ceremony as it holds supernatural powers. Must attend church services However, Bible readings personally outside of church are extremely important.

Baptists Second largest group of Christians in the United States. How do you figure out who’s a Christian – Profess your faith and then seal it with baptism Founded by Roger Williams – churches ought to be composed of those people who’ve made a conscious choice to be included. Members are present based on their own free will.

Baptists in America Southern Baptist Convention – largest movement Baptists exist as individual communities and congregations.

Born Again Only adults not infants can be baptized. Born again – intense spiritual experience in which a person comes to terms with sin and asks for forgiveness.

Baptist Beliefs Cont. Some Baptists believe that Jesus died only for a ‘selected’ group of people Others believe that he died for everyone. Unrefined preachers fill their pulpits rather than seminary-trained professionals. Sermons are delivered directly from the Bible.

Mormons Sacred Texts: The Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants Founder: Joseph Smith Jr. Christian religion made in the USA. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Joseph Smith in the 1830s spoke with an angel named Moroni.

Book of Mormon Moroni told him all churches were corrupt and gave him a book to translate to English. This book includes Gospel of Matthew, quotes from Malachi & Isaiah, & The Lord’s Prayer Features the saga of the Nephites – ancient North American race

Book of Mormon. Jesus appeared to them and gave them instructions to create a true church on American soil. Moroni was the only survivor (son of their leader Mormon) He buried their book in the hills of New York where Joseph Smith found it.

Joseph Smith

Beliefs Tobacco, Alcohol & caffeine are unacceptable. Anyone can become a God. Father, Son & Holy Spirit are separate Gods. Sealing – meaning you and your family are always connect even when you die. Communion is just a memory – use water instead of wine.