Recently in Christianity Category

We'll more or less wrap up our new material on Christianity today with a couple of activities. We're shooting for taking the multiple choice portion of the quiz on Monday, December 8th after we do some reviewing.

Denominations influenced by Christianity: This is a tricky area. Generally speaking, members of these faiths label themselves as Christians. Many "mainstream" Christians consider these faiths to be on the "fringe," if they recognize them as Christian at all. The issue of the "label" is probably of secondary concern to an understanding of the beliefs themselves.

DO THIS: You will look at one on these three groups. In addition to the web resources, be sure to get the corresponding handout from me. (You can write on these or highlight them if you want.) Note that these articles were written by adherents (believers) of the faith, and be aware of the influence that might have upon their positions.

You and you group members need to prepare evidence for both sides of this question: Should the (insert group) be considered Christians? In other words, make the case for the faith being considered Christian. In addition, show us the reasons why others may dispute that claim. You should introduce us to the basics of the faith's history and founders, key beliefs, and unique features during your discussions.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: 

Although they are working to remove this label, these are the people commonly referred to as Mormons.

Official Website: This is the official webpage of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

lds-mormon.com: This site claims to objectively discuss "the good, the bad, and the ugly" regarding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. There are a number of resources linked here.

Jehovah's Witnesses:

Watchtower: Official Web Site of Jehovah's Witnesses: As the title implies, this official site is maintained by those who are Jehovah's Witnesses.

Watchers of the Watch Tower World: An organization calling itself Free Minds, Inc. maintains this web site, claiming to "keep an eye" on the Watchtower. The disclaimer at the bottom reveals more about their mission.

Christian Scientists: 

Note: This group is in NO way affiliated with the Church of Scientology. Do not confuse the two. In addition, this organization publishes The Christian Science Monitor, a highly regarded daily newspaper. Its coverage of domestic and international affairs is excellent, and the vast majority of it is not in any way directed by a religious agenda.

The Church of Christ, Scientist: This is the official web site of the organization whose members are commonly referred to as Christian Scientists.

The Testimony of Carolyn Poole: This is an article written by a woman who explains her reasons for leaving the church.

Distinctive Christian Tenets:

Defining terms: Trinity, atonement, incarnation

Huston Smith describes these three unique tenets of Christianity in some detail.

• Trinity: Check out Smith (pp. 344-346)
• Atonement: Check out Smith (pp. 343-344)
• Incarnation: Check out Smith (pp. 340-343)

Think Again: The Catholic Church - Foreign Policy magazine does a feature each issue where they challenge the "conventional wisdom" on a particular topic. This issue it is the Catholic Church. We'll take a quick look at these.

Trends Within Modern Christianity: This is by no means a complete listing. Notice that we are largely avoiding denominational differences here.

DISCLAIMER: I suppose this probably isn't necessary, but I want to make it clear that these links are here to provide a variety of perspectives, and none of them carry any sort of endorsement by me or the class or the school or whatever... Consider them "primary" sources, and interpret them as you see fit.

Ecumenism: Ecumenical movements within Christianity strive to recognize the diversity among Christian groups and work toward reconciliation. (In its most idealistic format, an ecumenical movement may seek to do the same among different religious traditions.)

• Unitatis Redintegratio - Decree on Ecumenism - Vatican Conference II
  
• Ecumenism - Here's an update from a very Christian-based organization calling itself the Jeremiah Project
  
• World Council of Churches - Homepage

Evangelicalism: Broadly speaking, this refers to the teaching of Christian gospel in an attempt to convert others to Christianity. This tends to be associated with Protestant denominations. One modern manifestation of this movement has been the spread of "televangelists" with which many of you are familiar. Some of the most prominent (and controversial) have included Jimmy Swaggert, Jim Bakker, and Jerry Falwell.

• "What is an Evangelical?" - Here's an essay from the "Worldwide Church of God."
  
• "What does it mean to be born again?" - This is from a site called GotQuestions.org
  
• Current Televangelists - The TelevANGEList Network Here's a list of links to many of the current crop of televangelists.
  
• "Where does world-famous televangelist's money go?" - This is the transcript of an NBC News/Dateline report focusing on Benny Hinn, one of the most well-known of modern televangelists. He is perhaps best known for his claim of being a "faith healer."

Fundamentalism: Within any religion, a fundamentalist is one who interprets scripture and belief at a literal level. Again, this would be more commonly heard in reference to certain Protestant groups.

• Christian Fundamentalism - A List of Resources - Jerry Seay (College of Charleston)

This contains a number of resources, both from within and outside of the fundamentalist viewpoint.

Liberation Theology: "What must be done? as opposed to "What must I believe?" This movement grew out of the Catholic Church in the 1960s. It attempts to address and redress inequalities and oppression through a Christian perspective. Most of the early focus of the movement was in Latin America, but it has certainly spread to other areas. Later, other groups adopted the principles of the movement to seek similar reforms.

• Liberation Theology Resources Online
  
• Preliminary Notes on Liberation Theology - Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (You might know him better as Pope Benedict XVI...)

HOMEWORK for Christianity - Day #6

You should be finishing the Christianity chapter in Huston Smith's The World's Religions.

Your Christianity Blog Entry should be posted by Monday's class.

We'll take the Christianity Multiple Choice quiz during the latter part of the hour on Monday.

"Every generation of Christians has this problem of learning how to speak meaningfully to its own age. It cannot be solved without an understanding of the changing existential situation which it faces. If we are to communicate the Christian faith effectively, therefore, we must know and understand the thought forms of our own generation."- Francis A. Schaeffer

BRANCHES OF CHRISTIANITY and DENOMINATIONS INFLUENCED BY CHRISTIANITY

Ideally, you are well into the Christianity chapter in Huston Smith's The World's Religions. We'll shoot for having the multiple choice section of the Christianity exam on Monday, December 8th during the latter half of the block.

Branches of Christianity

Although there are literally thousands of denominations within the Christian family, there are generally considered to be three major branches: Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant. We will look at the major differences among the three.

Relevant pages from The World's Religions:
Roman Catholicism- pp. 346-352
Eastern Orthodoxy- pp. 352-356
Protestantism- pp. 356-362

Download the Branches of Christianity matrix to guide your work if you haven't already done so.

Denominations influenced by Christianity: This is a tricky area. Generally speaking, members of these faiths label themselves as Christians. Many "mainstream" Christians consider these faiths to be on the "fringe," if they recognize them as Christian at all. The issue of the "label" is probably of secondary concern to an understanding of the beliefs themselves.

DO THIS: You will look at one on these three groups. In addition to the web resources, be sure to get the corresponding handout from me. (You can write on these or highlight them if you want.) Note that these articles were written by adherents (believers) of the faith, and be aware of the influence that might have upon their positions.

You and you group members need to prepare evidence for both sides of this question: Should the (insert group) be considered Christians? In other words, make the case for the faith being considered Christian. In addition, show us the reasons why others may dispute that claim. You should introduce us to the basics of the faith's history and founders, key beliefs, and unique features during your discussions.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: 

Although they are working to remove this label, these are the people commonly referred to as Mormons.

Official Website: This is the official webpage of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

lds-mormon.com: This site claims to objectively discuss "the good, the bad, and the ugly" regarding The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. There are a number of resources linked here.

Jehovah's Witnesses:

Watchtower: Official Web Site of Jehovah's Witnesses: As the title implies, this official site is maintained by those who are Jehovah's Witnesses.

Watchers of the Watch Tower World: An organization calling itself Free Minds, Inc. maintains this web site, claiming to "keep an eye" on the Watchtower. The disclaimer at the bottom reveals more about their mission.

Christian Scientists: 

Note: This group is in NO way affiliated with the Church of Scientology. Do not confuse the two. In addition, this organization publishes The Christian Science Monitor, a highly regarded daily newspaper. Its converage of domestic and international affairs is excellent, and the vast majority of it is not in any way directed by a religious agenda.

The Church of Christ, Scientist: This is the official web site of the organization whose members are commonly referred to as Christian Scientists.

The Testimony of Carolyn Poole: This is an article written by a woman who explains her reasons for leaving the church.

Distinctive Christian Tenets:

Defining terms: Trinity, atonement, incarnation, Nicean Creed

Huston Smith describes these three unique tenets of Christianity in some detail.

DO THIS: Each of you will choose one of the three tenets and read what Smith has to say about it. We will discuss those ideas together as a group next time.

• Trinity: Check out Smith (pp. 344-346)
• Atonement: Check out Smith (pp. 343-344)
• Incarnation: Check out Smith (pp. 340-343)

HOMEWORK for Christianity - Day #5

You should be reading the Christianity chapter in Huston Smith's The World's Religions. I've updated the reading schedule.

"The tolerance of all religions is a law of nature stamped on the hearts of all men."- A.C. Boquet

Let's take a few minutes and backtrack over anything we missed from Day #2 due to the choir concert many of you attended.

"VATICAN" CONFERENCE and BRANCHES OF CHRISTIANITY

MPA's "Vatican" Conference You will be asked to read two sections of the cover story from the an issue of Newsweek that appeared several years ago. I haven't exactly decided on a format, but let's do this:

I'd like to hear summaries of the issues raised by each of the four "readings".

I. The Gay Dilemma
II. Celibacy and Marriage
III. Factoring in Females
IV. The Next Mission

Next, we'll open the floor to discussion of these issues. I encourage you to think about this from three perspectives: a Catholic Church official, a lay person, and as yourself. Feel free to share any or all of those perspectives with the group.

Branches of Christianity

Although there are literally thousands of denominations within the Christian family, there are generally considered to be three major branches: Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant. We will look at the major differences among the three.

DO THIS: Use available resources and the Internet to complete as much of this chart as you are able. We will discuss your findings as a group when we next meet.

Relevant pages from The World's Religions:

Roman Catholicism- pp. 346-352
Eastern Orthodoxy- pp. 352-356
Protestantism- pp. 356-362

Download the Branches of Christianity matrix to guide your work.

Homework for Christianity - Day #4

Your short essays on Judaism are due today - Tuesday, November 25th.

Your fifth Independent Assignment is due by the end of Thanksgiving weekend. 

You should begin reading the Christianity chapter in Huston Smith's The World's Religions. I've updated the reading schedule. 

"A true Christian should have but one fear -- lest he or she should not hope enough." - Walter Elliot

Some of you might be interested in this History of Religion map from a website called "Maps of War."

Others of you might want to check out the St. John's Bible site.

Sacred Literature

The Bible - We will focus more of our attention on the New Testament given the obvious overlap of the material from the Old Testament with what we already discussed during Judaism.

Defining terms: Old Testament, New Testament, gospels, synoptic

Things to consider:

• How did the New Testament widen the gap with Judaism? (Consider more than just the story of Jesus and his life.)
• Does it matter where the various gospels were written? Why or why not?
• How does the fact that the gospels were written decades or longer after the events influence the interpretation of those events?

Comparing Gospel accounts: There are four gospel accounts which are generally considered to be the "canon". They are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. There are differences in the styles, emphases, and dates of compilation for the four.

DO THIS: You can find a handy on-line version of the gospels here. Choose several sections or particular events from the life of Jesus and compare them. I'd suggest looking at the beginnings, the discussion of (or lack of discussion of) miracle stories, and the events leading up to and including the resurrection account. See what conclusions you can draw from these comparisons.

Comparing versions of the Bible: The Christian Bible is the most widely translated book in the world. Many different versions have been compiled over the centuries. Two of the most widely known are the King James Version and the Revised Standard Version.

DO THIS: Compare these two versions. (You can also go here for the RSV version.) Select a particular section and look at the differences and similarities. You might consider the account of Genesis, the Gospels, or the letters of Paul.

"Bible Basics" describes various interpretations of the Bible. You can read around the origins of each and a description of their "intended" audience. Check out the five (I count four) versions of Corinthians 1:13 in the "quote box" on the right.

Here is a tongue-in-cheek quiz which attempts to "match" you with the Biblical character you are most similar to in your interests and preferences.

Nicean Creed: The Roman Emperor Constantine, who legalized Christianity in the Empire, called together the Council of Nicea to decide issues of Christinaity. The Creed that emerged forms the basis of the interpretation of Christian belief. A modern wording is reprinted below.

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 worshipped 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.

Distinctive Christian Tenets:

Defining terms: Trinity, atonement, incarnation, Nicean Creed

Huston Smith describes these three unique tenets of Christianity in some detail.

DO THIS: Each of you will choose one of the three tenets and read what Smith has to say about it. We will discuss those ideas together as a group next time.

• Trinity: Check out Smith (pp. 344-346)
• Atonement: Check out Smith (pp. 343-344)
• Incarnation: Check out Smith (pp. 340-343)

"I find the name of Jesus Christ written on the top of every page of modern history." - George Bancroft, historian

Reminders:  We'll take a look at the Judaism multiple choice quiz.  Your short essays on Judaism are due on Tuesday, November 25th, and your fifth Independent Assignment is due by the end of Thanksgiving weekend. 

Ideally, you will soon begin reading the Christianity chapter in Huston Smith's The World's Religions. Please try to make some progress there by the time we next meet. I've updated the reading schedule. 

Bulletin Bloopers - This is not a current event, but rather something I find amusing each year at this time. This is a collection of typos and mistakes which have supposedly been printed in church bulletins. Enjoy.  DON'T READ AHEAD ON THESE.  IT SPOILS THE MOMENT...

Introduction to Christianity: Discussion

As with Judaism, we will try to avoid recovering ground with which you are already familiar. The assumption is that you have studied the subject in Regional Studies/ Western Civilization and that you have acquired at least some understanding of the religion and its role by living in a country where it is the predominant religion. We'll take a few minutes to consider some of our conceptions/ preconceptions of Christianity. These questions are intentionally worded vaguely. I want to see from where we are coming.

• What is the "core" of Christian belief? In what ways is this different from, or similar to, other religions we have considered?

• Is the United States a "Christian nation"? If so, what does that mean? If not, why not? How should this status be viewed? (Is it a good thing?)

• Is the study of Christianity complicated by the fact that the numerical majority of our students are Christian? What advantages or drawbacks does this reality create?

• In today's world, what does it mean to be a "Christian"? To what degree does this vary by geography and individual?

Differences with Judaism: We will spend a good deal of time looking at the historical ways and reasons why Judaism and Christianity split. Too often, many mistakenly assume that Judaism is simply "Christianity minus Jesus." Theologian Leo Trepp has compiled a list of eleven major differences between the faiths. Here is Trepp's list of Judaic principles. For each, provide the Christian "side" of the distinction.

Defining terms: original sin, sacrament, Messiah

• The God that Jews know is One.
• God is formless and will never assume human form.
• No human will ever be divine.
• No human will ever be perfect.
• Jews believe that everyone has direct access to God.
• Jews believe that the soul comes to us morally neutral, with free will to choose between good and evil.
• Judaism insists on obedience to the God-given commandments in Torah and on our personal responsibility to be "co-workers" of God on earth.
• Judaism does not have sacraments.
• Jews believe that "all the righteous peoples of the world have a share in the world to come."
• To Jews, Christian ethics are no more advanced than their own, and many speeches attributed to Jesus are merely restatements of traditional Jewish teachings.
• To Jews, the New Testament is not divinely revealed.

Jesus of Nazareth: It is clear that Jesus is the pivotal figure in the history and development of Christianity. However, historians and religious scholars still differ markedly as to the "true" Jesus. Recent years have seen a wealth of new, and often conflicting, scholarship on this issue. We will begin with an examination of that controversy and the role that Jesus played in the development of the Christian religion.

From Jesus to Christ: The First Christians - PBS Frontline

Here you can find a number of references and links related to the early years of Christianity.

At the turn of the millenium, a group of artists met to consider a "newer" face for Jesus that they believed would be more historically accurate. You can see the image they produced here.

HOMEWORK for Christianity - Day #2

Your short essays on Judaism are due on Tuesday, November 25th.

Your fifth Independent Assignment is due by the end of Thanksgiving weekend. 

You should begin reading the Christianity chapter in Huston Smith's The World's Religions. I've updated the reading schedule.