Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Huston Smith: Christianity
Read Huston Smith from p.323
Questions:
1) What is the Christ of Faith?
What Jesus Did:
-performed miracles in quiet so as not to emphasize them or boast
-demonstration as a power of faith
-summarized by Peter: "He went about doing good" for everyone in society
What Jesus Said:
-Jesus' teachings are unique and everyone of them is found in the Old Testament or its commentary, the Talmud
-he preached of being a good person inside, and not to just have a grand outer life, but a wholesome inner life and morals. Basically being a good person deep down.
-invited people to 'see' things differently, didn't tell them what to do or believe. He promised them if they accepted the invitation their behavior would change accordingly. This new way of seeing things worked more with people's imaginations and not concrete things. So to bridge this gap, Jesus began with examples of things people were familiar with such as farming, weddings and wine. These things mattered to the everyday people, so they listened to him. Jesus identified the authority of these teachings as being within the hearts of the listeners, not in himself or in God. If the people truly believe Jesus' teachings, it is because they are already found within their own hearts.
-Jesus had many wise sayings ex: "Love your neighbor as yourself" and told many stories (parables) at the time these sayings were completely revolutionary and countered all previous beliefs
-God loves humanity, and people need to accept that love and let it flow through them to others
-to accept God's love is to show Him gratitude
-we should treat others as God treats us, with unconditional love, no matter who we are or who others are, even our enemies, we are all loved
-we should approach all difficult situations especially with enemies as not thinking of how to punish them, but think of how we can help them and aid with their need
Reputation/ Who he's perceived as:
-Jesus lived by his teachings
-strength, integrity and an unusual perfection
-he was completely selfless and never talked about himself, his concern was what people thought of God, Jesus saw himself as less than God ex: didn't want people to call him good because only God is good
-very virtuous and moral man, because of his compassion he loved others and everyone (large numbers of people) loved him
-hated hypocrisy: hid people from themselves, and injustice
-had no human ego, left his life up to the will of God
-people felt they were looking at God in human form
2) What is the End and the Beginning?
-Jesus' life ended in his crucifixion, but his teachings and beliefs didn't, this was just the beginning
-Jesus' teaching grew and grew and a group formed that carried them on throughout history.
His followers were convinced he had not truly died, but his soul carried on with them
-his disciples believe in his resurrection, but not resuscitation into the same physical body. He is visible in this state only sometimes, but usually not
-because Jesus didn't die, it showed the eternal power of goodness in the Universe
-since Jesus proved death did not harm or affect, him, he showed people there was nothing to be scared off and that goodness can prevail through anything
Questions:
1) What is the Christ of Faith?
What Jesus Did:
-performed miracles in quiet so as not to emphasize them or boast
-demonstration as a power of faith
-summarized by Peter: "He went about doing good" for everyone in society
What Jesus Said:
-Jesus' teachings are unique and everyone of them is found in the Old Testament or its commentary, the Talmud
-he preached of being a good person inside, and not to just have a grand outer life, but a wholesome inner life and morals. Basically being a good person deep down.
-invited people to 'see' things differently, didn't tell them what to do or believe. He promised them if they accepted the invitation their behavior would change accordingly. This new way of seeing things worked more with people's imaginations and not concrete things. So to bridge this gap, Jesus began with examples of things people were familiar with such as farming, weddings and wine. These things mattered to the everyday people, so they listened to him. Jesus identified the authority of these teachings as being within the hearts of the listeners, not in himself or in God. If the people truly believe Jesus' teachings, it is because they are already found within their own hearts.
-Jesus had many wise sayings ex: "Love your neighbor as yourself" and told many stories (parables) at the time these sayings were completely revolutionary and countered all previous beliefs
-God loves humanity, and people need to accept that love and let it flow through them to others
-to accept God's love is to show Him gratitude
-we should treat others as God treats us, with unconditional love, no matter who we are or who others are, even our enemies, we are all loved
-we should approach all difficult situations especially with enemies as not thinking of how to punish them, but think of how we can help them and aid with their need
Reputation/ Who he's perceived as:
-Jesus lived by his teachings
-strength, integrity and an unusual perfection
-he was completely selfless and never talked about himself, his concern was what people thought of God, Jesus saw himself as less than God ex: didn't want people to call him good because only God is good
-very virtuous and moral man, because of his compassion he loved others and everyone (large numbers of people) loved him
-hated hypocrisy: hid people from themselves, and injustice
-had no human ego, left his life up to the will of God
-people felt they were looking at God in human form
2) What is the End and the Beginning?
-Jesus' life ended in his crucifixion, but his teachings and beliefs didn't, this was just the beginning
-Jesus' teaching grew and grew and a group formed that carried them on throughout history.
His followers were convinced he had not truly died, but his soul carried on with them
-his disciples believe in his resurrection, but not resuscitation into the same physical body. He is visible in this state only sometimes, but usually not
-because Jesus didn't die, it showed the eternal power of goodness in the Universe
-since Jesus proved death did not harm or affect, him, he showed people there was nothing to be scared off and that goodness can prevail through anything
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Vocab Part 2
Paragraphs on concepts:
Concept of God
Words: trinity, miracle, logos, incarnation
In the Christian religion, the belief is there is One God and he created the Universe and all that is in it. Humans are both physical and spiritual and created in God's image, but God himself is purely spiritual. In Judaism, the covenant that humans have with God is the basis of the religion, but in Christianity the teachings of Jesus are more important, since he is the physical incarnation of God. This brings up the concept of logos, in which God is the ultimate word and reason. Unlike Judaism, God is not involved in all historical events. He can affect events through miracles, events that seem otherworldly and not possible otherwise, but ultimately, humans have free will. This shows that God cares for humans, and in the Christian religion, worshippers can have a more personal religion with God, and pray and talk to him directly. The belief that God is a person led to the idea of the Trinity. The Trinity is composed of Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit. These three entities are the holy beings that rule the Universe.
The Human Condition
Words: Salvation, Redemption, Atonement
-All humans are born with "original sin", which is the nature of mankind. People must pay for the sins they make in this life, not for the ones committed by mankind in whole. Humans have a tendency to gravitate towards evil deeds in speech or action. Humans do not possess divine power to "save" themselves through salvation, so they must turn towards God. The only way for humans to save themselves is to accept Jesus and God as the Lord and Savior. Humans must first be atoned by righting their wrongs. This is for personal improvement, God doesn't really care about each individual's choices. It is up to them. After this is performed, humans pray to God to ask for forgiveness, or redemption, but this is not for God's approval, it is for the human's personal gain to check if they are on the right track. God provides the example of what is right in life. The analogy of a teacher and students can be used to explain this Christian concept of the Human condition. For example, a teacher teaches the classes and provides the material for the students to learn, setting an example for them if they wish to succeed. Just like God, God provides the example of the right path, and it is up to each person to decide if they wish to follow his example. Also, with a teacher, at the end of the year, they give out grades, to show each student how they did overall in the class, if they followed his example or not. Like God, people can ask for redemption and forgiveness from God, and God can tell them if they are on the right track or not.
Goal for Humans
Words: Agape (love for all humans), Gospel, Parable, Kerygma
There are many goals set for humans in the Christian religion. Among them are salvation, which as explained earlier is shedding oneself of original sin through correcting one's wrongful deeds (atonement) and praying to God for forgiveness (redemption). Through this, one can live in fellowship with God. Another goal is to have inner happiness that doesn't depend on material goods. A third goal is to have respect for all types of authority, such as parental, political and spiritual. A fourth goal is to be successful in such areas such as financial, health, professional, friends, family and social life. A fifth goal is to have victory over sin, which ties into the first goal of shedding original sin. When one is free of sin, they are free from suffering from fear, worry, cruelty etc. One has more freedom. A sixth goal is to develop the ability to give and receive love, or agape, first of all between you and Jesus and God, and secondly for all Christians and human beings in general. This includes all family and friends whom we should truly care for and love.
The last goal, which is perhaps the umbrella goal of all is to follow God's example as stated in the bible through Parables, testaments and passages. Parables help the reader comprehend the material better through a historical example. God's teachings are also preached in the Gospel and through the teachings of Jesus' life. Kerygma is also used to preach the Christian goals through an early version of Christian beliefs. This was used much more in early churches than today.
Christian Beliefs of Eschatology/ Cosmogony/ Cosmology
Cosmology: nature of universe
Cosmogony: beliefs about the origin of the universe, Christianity believes in a universe less than 10,000 yrs old. Believe God created everything.
Eschatology- what happens when we die. Our final judgment by God whether we go to heaven.
Words: Heresy, Eschatology, Cosmogony, Cosmology
The Christian belief of Cosmogony is that God created the Universe and everything we know. The world is less than 10,000 years old, and everything on the Earth is here because God created it. God first created the heavens and Earth. He then created light and dark, and made a balance for everything. Humans were last to be created, and God told them they had dominion over all things on Earth. The nature of the Universe is known as Cosmology . Everything God created was good in the beginning, and still is. Humans are the ones who have strayed from their original path. God made humans in his image, but over time, the nature of Humans became sinful.
The Christian concept of Eschatology is that our souls separate from our body and go immediately to heaven when we die. We wait there for our final judgment of whether we can stay in heaven or not. Many Christians believe that there is no hell, but if needed, some form of reform before one can enter heaven. The Christian religion is more focussed on the here and now, and becoming a more purified person by actions in this life. Overall, Christians believe that if they act well, and are good people in this life, after death matters will sort themselves out. For the beliefs of Cosmogony, Cosmology and Eschatology Christians are varied on how strongly they support these beliefs. However, these are the beliefs that must be accepted by all Christians, and all heresy otherwise is not acceptable. Heresy is defined as all beliefs that contrast Christian beliefs, and are unacceptable in the Church and preaching.
Concept of God
Words: trinity, miracle, logos, incarnation
In the Christian religion, the belief is there is One God and he created the Universe and all that is in it. Humans are both physical and spiritual and created in God's image, but God himself is purely spiritual. In Judaism, the covenant that humans have with God is the basis of the religion, but in Christianity the teachings of Jesus are more important, since he is the physical incarnation of God. This brings up the concept of logos, in which God is the ultimate word and reason. Unlike Judaism, God is not involved in all historical events. He can affect events through miracles, events that seem otherworldly and not possible otherwise, but ultimately, humans have free will. This shows that God cares for humans, and in the Christian religion, worshippers can have a more personal religion with God, and pray and talk to him directly. The belief that God is a person led to the idea of the Trinity. The Trinity is composed of Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit. These three entities are the holy beings that rule the Universe.
The Human Condition
Words: Salvation, Redemption, Atonement
-All humans are born with "original sin", which is the nature of mankind. People must pay for the sins they make in this life, not for the ones committed by mankind in whole. Humans have a tendency to gravitate towards evil deeds in speech or action. Humans do not possess divine power to "save" themselves through salvation, so they must turn towards God. The only way for humans to save themselves is to accept Jesus and God as the Lord and Savior. Humans must first be atoned by righting their wrongs. This is for personal improvement, God doesn't really care about each individual's choices. It is up to them. After this is performed, humans pray to God to ask for forgiveness, or redemption, but this is not for God's approval, it is for the human's personal gain to check if they are on the right track. God provides the example of what is right in life. The analogy of a teacher and students can be used to explain this Christian concept of the Human condition. For example, a teacher teaches the classes and provides the material for the students to learn, setting an example for them if they wish to succeed. Just like God, God provides the example of the right path, and it is up to each person to decide if they wish to follow his example. Also, with a teacher, at the end of the year, they give out grades, to show each student how they did overall in the class, if they followed his example or not. Like God, people can ask for redemption and forgiveness from God, and God can tell them if they are on the right track or not.
Goal for Humans
Words: Agape (love for all humans), Gospel, Parable, Kerygma
There are many goals set for humans in the Christian religion. Among them are salvation, which as explained earlier is shedding oneself of original sin through correcting one's wrongful deeds (atonement) and praying to God for forgiveness (redemption). Through this, one can live in fellowship with God. Another goal is to have inner happiness that doesn't depend on material goods. A third goal is to have respect for all types of authority, such as parental, political and spiritual. A fourth goal is to be successful in such areas such as financial, health, professional, friends, family and social life. A fifth goal is to have victory over sin, which ties into the first goal of shedding original sin. When one is free of sin, they are free from suffering from fear, worry, cruelty etc. One has more freedom. A sixth goal is to develop the ability to give and receive love, or agape, first of all between you and Jesus and God, and secondly for all Christians and human beings in general. This includes all family and friends whom we should truly care for and love.
The last goal, which is perhaps the umbrella goal of all is to follow God's example as stated in the bible through Parables, testaments and passages. Parables help the reader comprehend the material better through a historical example. God's teachings are also preached in the Gospel and through the teachings of Jesus' life. Kerygma is also used to preach the Christian goals through an early version of Christian beliefs. This was used much more in early churches than today.
Christian Beliefs of Eschatology/ Cosmogony/ Cosmology
Cosmology: nature of universe
Cosmogony: beliefs about the origin of the universe, Christianity believes in a universe less than 10,000 yrs old. Believe God created everything.
Eschatology- what happens when we die. Our final judgment by God whether we go to heaven.
Words: Heresy, Eschatology, Cosmogony, Cosmology
The Christian belief of Cosmogony is that God created the Universe and everything we know. The world is less than 10,000 years old, and everything on the Earth is here because God created it. God first created the heavens and Earth. He then created light and dark, and made a balance for everything. Humans were last to be created, and God told them they had dominion over all things on Earth. The nature of the Universe is known as Cosmology . Everything God created was good in the beginning, and still is. Humans are the ones who have strayed from their original path. God made humans in his image, but over time, the nature of Humans became sinful.
The Christian concept of Eschatology is that our souls separate from our body and go immediately to heaven when we die. We wait there for our final judgment of whether we can stay in heaven or not. Many Christians believe that there is no hell, but if needed, some form of reform before one can enter heaven. The Christian religion is more focussed on the here and now, and becoming a more purified person by actions in this life. Overall, Christians believe that if they act well, and are good people in this life, after death matters will sort themselves out. For the beliefs of Cosmogony, Cosmology and Eschatology Christians are varied on how strongly they support these beliefs. However, these are the beliefs that must be accepted by all Christians, and all heresy otherwise is not acceptable. Heresy is defined as all beliefs that contrast Christian beliefs, and are unacceptable in the Church and preaching.
Christianity Article #2
Josephus as a Primary Source:
Josephus grew up around Jerusalem as a Pharisee, and lead the Galilean forces as part of the first revolt against Rome. However, afterwards he became part of the Roman empire. As a witness, he was one of the main historians of the time and recorded Jewish history and the Jewish War in his written works around the year 100. For some historical events, he is the only eyewitness, but he embellishes sometimes. His viewpoints are contrasting because he changes sides from being against the Romans to being on their side. We can get a feel for what both sides are feeling. However, this can make it difficult to read his accounts because of the different viewpoints. He is the main source for information during the time of Jesus, the late second temple time period and the first century. Many Christian believers have distrusted him because in the second part of his life he writes about his happiness in living in Rome. Christian believers are upset with this because Romans were the ones who crucified Jesus.
Overall, in the Christian religion he is a valuable resource since he an eyewitnesses of events at his time.
Josephus grew up around Jerusalem as a Pharisee, and lead the Galilean forces as part of the first revolt against Rome. However, afterwards he became part of the Roman empire. As a witness, he was one of the main historians of the time and recorded Jewish history and the Jewish War in his written works around the year 100. For some historical events, he is the only eyewitness, but he embellishes sometimes. His viewpoints are contrasting because he changes sides from being against the Romans to being on their side. We can get a feel for what both sides are feeling. However, this can make it difficult to read his accounts because of the different viewpoints. He is the main source for information during the time of Jesus, the late second temple time period and the first century. Many Christian believers have distrusted him because in the second part of his life he writes about his happiness in living in Rome. Christian believers are upset with this because Romans were the ones who crucified Jesus.
Overall, in the Christian religion he is a valuable resource since he an eyewitnesses of events at his time.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Christianity Vocab
Vocab:
Salvation: Salvation is deliverance from danger or suffering. To save is to deliver or protect. The word carries the idea of victory, health, or preservation. Sometimes, the Bible uses the words saved or salvation to refer to temporal, physical deliverance, such as Paul’s deliverance from prison. In Christianity, salvation comes from God and or Jesus and can only be achieved by accepting the two as Lord and Savior.
Kingdom of God: This originally referred to the spiritual realm of which God had rule over, however through history, as the Jewish people lost autonomy, it came to reference the coming of an age when God would rule over all and bring with him justice and peace. i.e.) The kingdom of God shall come!
In Christianity, it refers to the time after the second coming of Jesus.
Messiah: A messiah is someone who is predicted and anticipated as a savior of a group of people. In this case Jesus is the Messiah and he is the savior of the people of the Christian faith.
Miracle: A miracle is something that cannot be explained, or goes against the natural laws of science. Because it contradicts the laws of science it is considered supernatural, or an act of God.
Christ: represents Jesus’ role as the Christian Messiah after his crucifixion. Jesus of Nazareth becomes Jesus Christ after his death, or after he dies for our sins to save humanity.
Canaan: refers to the biblical name of the area encompassing modern day Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon. Canaan is the general sector of the Roman Empire in which Jesus’ lived and Christianity was born.
Resurrection: The return of someone from the dead. In Christianity, the resurrection specifically refers to Jesus rising from the his tomb, showing that he is the son of God.
Redemption: The way of redeeming ones self in the eyes of God, like you steal something, you feel it’s wrong and u try to fix it to the best of your ability. In this, the thief was redeemed and will go to heaven.
Logos: An ancient Pagan Greek term meaning "word" or "reason", and used to indicate the concept that the universe was governed by a higher form of intelligence.
Apostle: A Christian term to refer to Jesus' immediate followers. An apostle must generally be a man and was personally chosen by Jesus, and to have seen him. Sometimes, the term is used to refer only to the twelve disciples, or to the twelve disciples and Paul.
Agape: A Greek word for love that is found frequently in the Christian Scriptures (New Testament). It is supposed to be the characteristic attitude of Christians toward one another, (John 13:34), and toward all humanity.
Parable: A Parable is a brief story in prose or verse that illustrates a moral or religious lesson. It differs from a fable because a parable generally features a human character which readers can relate to. Jesus used many parables in his teachings as a helpful analogy and some scholars apply the word solely for its relation to Jesus although a parable can be any story that presents ethical ideas by describing human events and interactions. In many ways a parable is an extended metaphor.
Pentecost: Pentecost is a Catholic based celebration that takes place 50 days after Easter Sunday. This prominent feast celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus. The Pentecost is also symbolically related to the Jewish harvest festival which commemorates God giving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai fifty days after the Exodus. It is sometimes described as the Church’s Birthday because it what it signifies.
Atonement
o A doctrine in Christianity and Judaism. It describes how sin can be forgiven by God and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This created a possible reconciliation with God and Man.
§ Side Note: There are many Christian theories to how atonement works, ransom theory, and the Abelardian theory, the substitutionary theory, and Anselmian satisfaction.
§ Side Note: In Judaism, Atonement is a process of forgiving or pardoning a transgression.
Sin
o Common term used in religious aspects, to indicate an act that violates moral rule, or the occurrence of committing a violation. The common moral of conduct is known as the divine entity.
§ Side Note: Western Christianity: “sin is lawlessness”
§ Side Note: Eastern Christianity: sin is viewed in terms pertaining to its effect on relationships, both among people and between people and Go
Trinity: The christian idea of the unity of the father, son and holy spirit as three persons in one main god. The religion is still monotheistic, but the the separate entities constitute one God.
Incarnation: When a spiritual entity takes on a bodily form, example: Jesus.
Grace: The underserved gift of divine favor in the justification and sanctification of sinners.
Sacrament: A solemn christian ritual believed to be a means of grace, a sign of faith, or obedience to Christ's commands. example: baptism.
Redemption:the action of being saved from evil, by God. One can confess or accept God into their heart, and worship God to be redeemed.
Repentance: feel regret or remorse about a wrongdoing. Priests encourage Christians to repent their wrongdoings.
Gospel: A writing that discribes that the life of Jesus , the word that primarily refers to the four canonical- Gospel of Matthew, Gospel of Mark, Gospel of Luke and Gospel of John
Canon: set of books selected from the Hebrew Scriptures.
Christ: Hebrew word meaning “anointed one”, a king of Israel/prophet. Jesus, a prophet and son of God.
Church- a particular chrisitian organization associated with a building and set of leaders
Cosmogony: beliefs about the origin of the universe, Christianity believes in a universe less than 10,000 yrs old. Believe God created everything.
Eschatology- what happens when we die. Our final judgment by God whether we go to heaven.
Ecumenism- promoting unity among all Christians in the world
Gospel- a set of principles and beliefs of the teaching of Christ’s life accepted as true and taught in the Christian religion. Books compiled of a record of Jesus’s life.
Heresy- beliefs contrary to Christian teachings
Messiah- Christian’s believe Jesus is the savior and will come save the human race, and all those who accept him into their hearts.
Kerygma- the preaching of Christian beliefs
Miracle- and event that is not explicable by worldly measures. It came about by divine powers (God).
Parable- a simple story used to illustrate a moral lesson and the teachings of Christ. Historical stories are used.
Pentecost-a festival celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus after his ascension. Celebrated the 7th day after Easter
Response to Article:
Jesus' Social Class
It can not be determined, but many scholars believe Jesus was in a rather low class in the Mediterranean Society. He was not a peasant, but close to one. He had humble roots. These facts are known because of the parables about him, which are rooted in peasant society and life. It is not known exactly where Jesus was in society, but Harold W. Attridge states that, "...an artisan of some sort is probably the best way of describing him." He grew up in Nazareth, a fringe town of Sepphoris, the major center for urban life and all that was happening at the time. Many cultures and languages mixed in Sepphoris since it was a mashup of Greek and Jewish life.
Salvation: Salvation is deliverance from danger or suffering. To save is to deliver or protect. The word carries the idea of victory, health, or preservation. Sometimes, the Bible uses the words saved or salvation to refer to temporal, physical deliverance, such as Paul’s deliverance from prison. In Christianity, salvation comes from God and or Jesus and can only be achieved by accepting the two as Lord and Savior.
Kingdom of God: This originally referred to the spiritual realm of which God had rule over, however through history, as the Jewish people lost autonomy, it came to reference the coming of an age when God would rule over all and bring with him justice and peace. i.e.) The kingdom of God shall come!
In Christianity, it refers to the time after the second coming of Jesus.
Messiah: A messiah is someone who is predicted and anticipated as a savior of a group of people. In this case Jesus is the Messiah and he is the savior of the people of the Christian faith.
Miracle: A miracle is something that cannot be explained, or goes against the natural laws of science. Because it contradicts the laws of science it is considered supernatural, or an act of God.
Christ: represents Jesus’ role as the Christian Messiah after his crucifixion. Jesus of Nazareth becomes Jesus Christ after his death, or after he dies for our sins to save humanity.
Canaan: refers to the biblical name of the area encompassing modern day Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon. Canaan is the general sector of the Roman Empire in which Jesus’ lived and Christianity was born.
Resurrection: The return of someone from the dead. In Christianity, the resurrection specifically refers to Jesus rising from the his tomb, showing that he is the son of God.
Redemption: The way of redeeming ones self in the eyes of God, like you steal something, you feel it’s wrong and u try to fix it to the best of your ability. In this, the thief was redeemed and will go to heaven.
Logos: An ancient Pagan Greek term meaning "word" or "reason", and used to indicate the concept that the universe was governed by a higher form of intelligence.
Apostle: A Christian term to refer to Jesus' immediate followers. An apostle must generally be a man and was personally chosen by Jesus, and to have seen him. Sometimes, the term is used to refer only to the twelve disciples, or to the twelve disciples and Paul.
Agape: A Greek word for love that is found frequently in the Christian Scriptures (New Testament). It is supposed to be the characteristic attitude of Christians toward one another, (John 13:34), and toward all humanity.
Parable: A Parable is a brief story in prose or verse that illustrates a moral or religious lesson. It differs from a fable because a parable generally features a human character which readers can relate to. Jesus used many parables in his teachings as a helpful analogy and some scholars apply the word solely for its relation to Jesus although a parable can be any story that presents ethical ideas by describing human events and interactions. In many ways a parable is an extended metaphor.
Pentecost: Pentecost is a Catholic based celebration that takes place 50 days after Easter Sunday. This prominent feast celebrates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and other followers of Jesus. The Pentecost is also symbolically related to the Jewish harvest festival which commemorates God giving the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai fifty days after the Exodus. It is sometimes described as the Church’s Birthday because it what it signifies.
Atonement
o A doctrine in Christianity and Judaism. It describes how sin can be forgiven by God and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This created a possible reconciliation with God and Man.
§ Side Note: There are many Christian theories to how atonement works, ransom theory, and the Abelardian theory, the substitutionary theory, and Anselmian satisfaction.
§ Side Note: In Judaism, Atonement is a process of forgiving or pardoning a transgression.
Sin
o Common term used in religious aspects, to indicate an act that violates moral rule, or the occurrence of committing a violation. The common moral of conduct is known as the divine entity.
§ Side Note: Western Christianity: “sin is lawlessness”
§ Side Note: Eastern Christianity: sin is viewed in terms pertaining to its effect on relationships, both among people and between people and Go
Trinity: The christian idea of the unity of the father, son and holy spirit as three persons in one main god. The religion is still monotheistic, but the the separate entities constitute one God.
Incarnation: When a spiritual entity takes on a bodily form, example: Jesus.
Grace: The underserved gift of divine favor in the justification and sanctification of sinners.
Sacrament: A solemn christian ritual believed to be a means of grace, a sign of faith, or obedience to Christ's commands. example: baptism.
Redemption:the action of being saved from evil, by God. One can confess or accept God into their heart, and worship God to be redeemed.
Repentance: feel regret or remorse about a wrongdoing. Priests encourage Christians to repent their wrongdoings.
Gospel: A writing that discribes that the life of Jesus , the word that primarily refers to the four canonical- Gospel of Matthew, Gospel of Mark, Gospel of Luke and Gospel of John
Canon: set of books selected from the Hebrew Scriptures.
Christ: Hebrew word meaning “anointed one”, a king of Israel/prophet. Jesus, a prophet and son of God.
Church- a particular chrisitian organization associated with a building and set of leaders
Cosmogony: beliefs about the origin of the universe, Christianity believes in a universe less than 10,000 yrs old. Believe God created everything.
Eschatology- what happens when we die. Our final judgment by God whether we go to heaven.
Ecumenism- promoting unity among all Christians in the world
Gospel- a set of principles and beliefs of the teaching of Christ’s life accepted as true and taught in the Christian religion. Books compiled of a record of Jesus’s life.
Heresy- beliefs contrary to Christian teachings
Messiah- Christian’s believe Jesus is the savior and will come save the human race, and all those who accept him into their hearts.
Kerygma- the preaching of Christian beliefs
Miracle- and event that is not explicable by worldly measures. It came about by divine powers (God).
Parable- a simple story used to illustrate a moral lesson and the teachings of Christ. Historical stories are used.
Pentecost-a festival celebrating the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples of Jesus after his ascension. Celebrated the 7th day after Easter
Response to Article:
Jesus' Social Class
It can not be determined, but many scholars believe Jesus was in a rather low class in the Mediterranean Society. He was not a peasant, but close to one. He had humble roots. These facts are known because of the parables about him, which are rooted in peasant society and life. It is not known exactly where Jesus was in society, but Harold W. Attridge states that, "...an artisan of some sort is probably the best way of describing him." He grew up in Nazareth, a fringe town of Sepphoris, the major center for urban life and all that was happening at the time. Many cultures and languages mixed in Sepphoris since it was a mashup of Greek and Jewish life.
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