Religion and Violence- Page 313
This excerpt regarding violence in the Christian faith discusses missionaries. This act of bringing the Christian religion (and any religion for that matter) to countries in need has been in active practice for centuries. However, as nationalism increases in these places, violence towards these missionary "invaders" is increasingly common. Missionary work is the foundation of what some call "white mans burden". This includes bringing modern western medicine and culture to the less fortunate. Furthermore, missionaries attempt to convert the people of these places to Christianity and introduce them to the love of God. The problem with this glorified view is what these people actually want. Spreading a religion is an honorable job, but the people who feel they are being pressured to accept western ways see it as a destructive force to ancient culture. This has cause lots of violence and out lash at the presence of missionaries. Some are even killed or executed to make a point about the opinions of locals on these foreign people. This has shaped the culture of Christians and spreading their beliefs. This has also resulted in increased conflict between Christians and cultures all over the world. Less forceful ways of missionary work and spreading Christianity, and increased acceptance of other cultures would help decrease these violent clashes.
Study Questions
1. Christianity began as a sect of Judaism in 1 C.E when the Roman empire was at its peak and Augustus Ceasar ruled.
2. Jesus preformed miracles like the Messiah that included healing people and eventually dying for our sins. He did not however create a Kingdom on Earth with Jerusalem as the capital.
3. The basic rituals of early Christianity included Eucharist, common meal, and Baptism.
4. The section of the New Testament that was most likely written first is Paul's letters. 50's and 60's of the new century was when the gospels began.
5. Constantine took advantage of the growing Christian religion to increase his own support. He assembled Christian leaders and selected which gospels would make up the bible. He was similar to Asoka who converted to the new religion, Buddhism.
6. Eastern Orthodox- Patriarch, Icons, Baptist immersion, Greek, and the use of wine.
Western Christianity on the contrary included the pope, statues, baptist sprinkling, Latin, and used only bread.
7. The reformation was caused by many things included the rise of nationalism, the teachings of the renaissance, and the decline of the papacy.
8. Seven Sacraments- baptism, confirmation, penance, Eucharist, extreme unction, marriage, and holy orders.
9. Pope John XXII wanted to bring the church into the 20th century. He called the Vatican II Council and made some of the most dramatic changes to the church. One of the most important was the ecumenical movement, to reconcile disagreements.
10. Liberation Theology is an emphasis on liberation from social, economic, and political oppression. This is in anticipation of ultimate salvation. Fundamentalism is based on the fact that the Church was made by God to be its divine authorized interpreter.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Friday, May 1, 2015
Summative
Part 1:
4. To what extent does Christianity teach pacifism?
Pacifism is a philosophy that was widely practiced in the Christian religion in the first few centuries of its existence. However, in 430, Augustine justified the use of violence in what he deemed just violence. He developed a theory that earthly existence consisted of the coexistence of good and evil and that in the words on Maryanne Stevens of the theology department in the Kripke Center, "Good is an aspect of evil, and evil is both a source and a possible outcome of the good it seeks to achieve." This means that it can be argued that the rejection of violence due to Christian doctrine may result in a terrible price and the use of violence may be used in the pursuance of good. This theory became rooted in Christian theology and has now been used to justify violent acts from the Crusades to self defense laws. However, Christianity itself is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the lessons of God. This allows me to say that Christianity teaches pacifism to a great extent due to quotes by Jesus Christ that only condone a pacifist way of life. The gospel writers record Jesus saying that violence and division is overcome by sacrificial love. Love thy enemy and the idea that we must not return evil for evil (fighting fire with fire) are central to the Christian ideals of love and forgiveness. Jesus lived a life without violence and encouraged this to others. This supports the idea of pacifism in the core Christian teachings. Hershberger, a Mennonite contemporary of Niebuhr’s, strongly believed that the message of Jesus forbade his followers from using violence. However, many powerful religious leaders today are still not in support of this belief. The world is changing and so are the interpretations of these texts. Popes Paul VI and John Paul II argue that pacifism is a, "a cowardly and lazy conception of life” and that we should strive for “peace at any cost,". These beliefs are increasingly prevalent in today's society and are seen in politics as well as religion. For example, the war on terrorism and the idea of fighting for what you believe.
http://peacetheology.net/pacifism/christian-pacifism-in-brief/
http://peacetheology.net/pacifism/christian-pacifism-in-brief/
http://moses.creighton.edu/csrs/news/S91-1.html
Part II:
"Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith;
Which faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly.
And the catholic faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity;
Neither confounding the persons nor dividing the substance." - Athanasian Creed
a) Comment on the meaning of this passage. (3)
This passage mentions one of the core believes in the Christian faith. This is of the Holy Trinity or the fact that defines God as three entities or persons. These are God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. This is why the quote says "we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity. This is because each entity is separate from the other but God encompases all three and none may be seperated from the others, hence, "Neither confounding the persons nor dividing the substance."
b) Explain how Christians can attain salvation. (7)
Christians can attain salvation primarily by following Gods way and living a life of forgiveness. Humans are considered to be slaves to the original sin and are all sinners in themselves. However, through repentance and reconciliation, or feeling regret, confessing, and learning from past mistakes. A Christian must hold true to the Catholic faith and never doubt God Almighty. The Ten Commandments outline the basic rules by which all Christians should live and these should be followed to the best of ones ability. Catholics must have faith in God and seek forgiveness for their sins in order to be granted entrance into Heaven in the afterlife. They must worship the Holy Trinity and feel gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ and his resurrection.
4. To what extent does Christianity teach pacifism?
Pacifism is a philosophy that was widely practiced in the Christian religion in the first few centuries of its existence. However, in 430, Augustine justified the use of violence in what he deemed just violence. He developed a theory that earthly existence consisted of the coexistence of good and evil and that in the words on Maryanne Stevens of the theology department in the Kripke Center, "Good is an aspect of evil, and evil is both a source and a possible outcome of the good it seeks to achieve." This means that it can be argued that the rejection of violence due to Christian doctrine may result in a terrible price and the use of violence may be used in the pursuance of good. This theory became rooted in Christian theology and has now been used to justify violent acts from the Crusades to self defense laws. However, Christianity itself is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and the lessons of God. This allows me to say that Christianity teaches pacifism to a great extent due to quotes by Jesus Christ that only condone a pacifist way of life. The gospel writers record Jesus saying that violence and division is overcome by sacrificial love. Love thy enemy and the idea that we must not return evil for evil (fighting fire with fire) are central to the Christian ideals of love and forgiveness. Jesus lived a life without violence and encouraged this to others. This supports the idea of pacifism in the core Christian teachings. Hershberger, a Mennonite contemporary of Niebuhr’s, strongly believed that the message of Jesus forbade his followers from using violence. However, many powerful religious leaders today are still not in support of this belief. The world is changing and so are the interpretations of these texts. Popes Paul VI and John Paul II argue that pacifism is a, "a cowardly and lazy conception of life” and that we should strive for “peace at any cost,". These beliefs are increasingly prevalent in today's society and are seen in politics as well as religion. For example, the war on terrorism and the idea of fighting for what you believe.
http://peacetheology.net/pacifism/christian-pacifism-in-brief/
http://peacetheology.net/pacifism/christian-pacifism-in-brief/
http://moses.creighton.edu/csrs/news/S91-1.html
Part II:
"Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith;
Which faith except every one do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly.
And the catholic faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity;
Neither confounding the persons nor dividing the substance." - Athanasian Creed
a) Comment on the meaning of this passage. (3)
This passage mentions one of the core believes in the Christian faith. This is of the Holy Trinity or the fact that defines God as three entities or persons. These are God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. This is why the quote says "we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity. This is because each entity is separate from the other but God encompases all three and none may be seperated from the others, hence, "Neither confounding the persons nor dividing the substance."
b) Explain how Christians can attain salvation. (7)
Christians can attain salvation primarily by following Gods way and living a life of forgiveness. Humans are considered to be slaves to the original sin and are all sinners in themselves. However, through repentance and reconciliation, or feeling regret, confessing, and learning from past mistakes. A Christian must hold true to the Catholic faith and never doubt God Almighty. The Ten Commandments outline the basic rules by which all Christians should live and these should be followed to the best of ones ability. Catholics must have faith in God and seek forgiveness for their sins in order to be granted entrance into Heaven in the afterlife. They must worship the Holy Trinity and feel gratitude for the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ and his resurrection.
Part II- Focused Study
Christianity main points
Christianity is formed on the basis that the human condition is sin. The only way to be granted life in heaven and not burn in the eternal hell of the afterlife is to be pardoned for your sins and live an ethical life. Sin includes acts that are condoned in the bible and primarily the ten commandments and include things like murder, sex before marriage, robbery, and cheating. Smaller sins and rules exist in the religion and these form the foundation for how a Christian should live their life. We as humans were created by God, whose love surrounds us and guides us through our lives. This is one of the fundamental beliefs of Christians. It is human nature to sin, but with the help of God and living in a holy manner that includes ethical values will help one be pardoned when they are ultimately judged for their acts. Following God and the teaching of Jesus Christ is key in living as a Christian.
The ultimate goal of any Christian is to reach heaven and not be sent to the burning hell below. Heaven grants eternal life and is the throne of God. It is home to angels and perfection and the only way to win a ticket is to seek forgiveness for lifes sins. If one does not live a life of God and love then some believe (Roman Catholic) that they will be sent to purgatory, or a state of suffering who are getting rid of their sins before reaching heaven.
As has been said above, achieving the rightful passage to heaven requires a forgiven life that is lead through the eyes of God and with love. Christians who follow the ten commandments and are forgiven, as well as learn, from their sins may be granted passage into perfect heaven. Man is considered a slave to the sin with which we are born and they must therefore live with the grace of God to eventually reach heaven. Jesus was the sacrifice for the original sin of Eve, and a Christian must practice the religion with gratitude and forgiveness.
Christianity is formed on the basis that the human condition is sin. The only way to be granted life in heaven and not burn in the eternal hell of the afterlife is to be pardoned for your sins and live an ethical life. Sin includes acts that are condoned in the bible and primarily the ten commandments and include things like murder, sex before marriage, robbery, and cheating. Smaller sins and rules exist in the religion and these form the foundation for how a Christian should live their life. We as humans were created by God, whose love surrounds us and guides us through our lives. This is one of the fundamental beliefs of Christians. It is human nature to sin, but with the help of God and living in a holy manner that includes ethical values will help one be pardoned when they are ultimately judged for their acts. Following God and the teaching of Jesus Christ is key in living as a Christian.
The ultimate goal of any Christian is to reach heaven and not be sent to the burning hell below. Heaven grants eternal life and is the throne of God. It is home to angels and perfection and the only way to win a ticket is to seek forgiveness for lifes sins. If one does not live a life of God and love then some believe (Roman Catholic) that they will be sent to purgatory, or a state of suffering who are getting rid of their sins before reaching heaven.
As has been said above, achieving the rightful passage to heaven requires a forgiven life that is lead through the eyes of God and with love. Christians who follow the ten commandments and are forgiven, as well as learn, from their sins may be granted passage into perfect heaven. Man is considered a slave to the sin with which we are born and they must therefore live with the grace of God to eventually reach heaven. Jesus was the sacrifice for the original sin of Eve, and a Christian must practice the religion with gratitude and forgiveness.
6) Ethics and Moral Conduct
The core ethical teachings of Christianity are found in the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes. These contain a summary of Christian ethics and stress the importance of human life. A life directed toward holiness is a key concept in the ethics of Christian life and Jesus' statements about ethical behavior are considered extremely important.
In the beginning of Christianity's long history, Christians would not justify killing anyone to achieve personal goals, and would not engage in Rome's military campaigns. This was changed when the theologian Augustine developed the theory of just violence; a theory that became deeply rooted in Christian theology. However, pacifism is still believed to be rightest under Christian doctrine to this day, and some practitioners do not believe that any violent act may be justified. These pacifists are willing to accept injustice if violence is the only way to achieve justice.
Another issue that has become increasingly controversial in modern times is the idea of abortion and embryo research. Abortion in particular carries strong opinions in the pro-life and pro-choice perspectives. Many pro-life believers will argue that in the Christian faith God's love for all, and the appreciation for human life makes abortion a sinful act that can be considered murder. Pro-choice advocates argue that God loves all, and that we should allow people the freedom to choice what to do with their bodies. The point in controversy is whether the ball of cells that will eventually turn into a baby and may be aborted may be considered alive or not. This is something that the church has stuck to with a strong belief that abortion is wrong and they should be able to consider it illegal. Catholicism is the most strict in this issue and is adamant in spreading support for pro-life. Interestingly enough, the new Pope stated that he finds the church to be too obsessed with political issues like abortion and that the church should reconsider its focus to more charitable passions.
http://www.ppl.org/index.php/publications/abortion-and-christian-faith/61-biblical-and-theological/64-a-firm-foundation-christian-theology-and-abortion
http://portal.waverley.nsw.edu.au/library/SOR/02_christianity/core_ethical_summary.html
http://moses.creighton.edu/csrs/news/S91-1.html
In the beginning of Christianity's long history, Christians would not justify killing anyone to achieve personal goals, and would not engage in Rome's military campaigns. This was changed when the theologian Augustine developed the theory of just violence; a theory that became deeply rooted in Christian theology. However, pacifism is still believed to be rightest under Christian doctrine to this day, and some practitioners do not believe that any violent act may be justified. These pacifists are willing to accept injustice if violence is the only way to achieve justice.
Another issue that has become increasingly controversial in modern times is the idea of abortion and embryo research. Abortion in particular carries strong opinions in the pro-life and pro-choice perspectives. Many pro-life believers will argue that in the Christian faith God's love for all, and the appreciation for human life makes abortion a sinful act that can be considered murder. Pro-choice advocates argue that God loves all, and that we should allow people the freedom to choice what to do with their bodies. The point in controversy is whether the ball of cells that will eventually turn into a baby and may be aborted may be considered alive or not. This is something that the church has stuck to with a strong belief that abortion is wrong and they should be able to consider it illegal. Catholicism is the most strict in this issue and is adamant in spreading support for pro-life. Interestingly enough, the new Pope stated that he finds the church to be too obsessed with political issues like abortion and that the church should reconsider its focus to more charitable passions.
http://www.ppl.org/index.php/publications/abortion-and-christian-faith/61-biblical-and-theological/64-a-firm-foundation-christian-theology-and-abortion
http://portal.waverley.nsw.edu.au/library/SOR/02_christianity/core_ethical_summary.html
http://moses.creighton.edu/csrs/news/S91-1.html
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
5) Religious Experiences
What is the group or individual experience in Christianity?
The individual experience in Christianity includes many private prayers and the tradition of confession in the Catholic sect. This differs based on the belief of a mediary or priest to help connect you to God, or a direct connection proposed by Martin Luther. Confession in the Catholic denomination consists of a person confessing their sins to a priest in utmost privacy. However, many rituals are preformed with a group of people and bring practitioners together. This includes the traditional wedding in a church with distinct language that incorporates God and community into the celebration. Music and dance are used in weddings and celebrations of all Christian holidays including Christmas and Easter to create a common experience with which all Christians celebrate. These holidays and personal experiences are based on doctrines within the Christian religion.
What is the role of meditation / worship / prayer?
Worship is included in the group celebration on each Sunday that brings the community together while praising God. This is a fundamental part of the religion and solidifying their belief. Music and singing is used to create a beautiful sound that embraces God and the beauty in the world. Language is used to communicate the messages and allow for personal interpretation based on personal experience. Prayer is done in this environment of community as well as in the privacy of ones home. This results in the development of a culture that impacts Christianity greatly in different areas of the world. The specific prayers and social events will also affect individuals.
The individual experience in Christianity includes many private prayers and the tradition of confession in the Catholic sect. This differs based on the belief of a mediary or priest to help connect you to God, or a direct connection proposed by Martin Luther. Confession in the Catholic denomination consists of a person confessing their sins to a priest in utmost privacy. However, many rituals are preformed with a group of people and bring practitioners together. This includes the traditional wedding in a church with distinct language that incorporates God and community into the celebration. Music and dance are used in weddings and celebrations of all Christian holidays including Christmas and Easter to create a common experience with which all Christians celebrate. These holidays and personal experiences are based on doctrines within the Christian religion.
What is the role of meditation / worship / prayer?
Worship is included in the group celebration on each Sunday that brings the community together while praising God. This is a fundamental part of the religion and solidifying their belief. Music and singing is used to create a beautiful sound that embraces God and the beauty in the world. Language is used to communicate the messages and allow for personal interpretation based on personal experience. Prayer is done in this environment of community as well as in the privacy of ones home. This results in the development of a culture that impacts Christianity greatly in different areas of the world. The specific prayers and social events will also affect individuals.
4) Doctrines and Beliefs
Key Doctrine- The key belief in the Christian faith is that Jesus was crucified for the sins of others and he was God's son. He was resurrected 3 days after being buried. This is the foundation of belief for Christians and from it grows the problem of sin and solution of repentance. This also solidifies Jesus' role as Messiah and a holy figure that was the son of God. The entire faith stems from this miracle and the fact that Jesus died for our sins.
Eschatology- This is the part of Christian theory that describes the end of history or the apocalypse. This results in how Christians strive for salvation and to be forgiven for their sins. This will grant them eternal life and life in heaven instead of hell. The apocalypse is viewed as the end of God and the violent destruction of the world in Christianity.
Schools of thought- There are many schools of thought in Christianity under different umbrellas of thought and branches. These all differ in slight ways through interpretation or belief. These specific divides have created many denominations under which Christianity is practiced at slight or major differences and separated the religion. In my opinion, the divides in the religion separate practitioners and result in the confusion of authority to divine figures, for example the Pope. Culture has greatly influenced practitioners and each denomination; specifically Catholicism and the strong connection to Roman tradition and worship.
In conclusion, each doctrine results in the direct or indirect practice of ritual and celebration. Each doctrine may be analyzed differently and several denominations are the result. The culture of Christianity remains strong and the link between organization and authority will differ to each sect.
Eschatology- This is the part of Christian theory that describes the end of history or the apocalypse. This results in how Christians strive for salvation and to be forgiven for their sins. This will grant them eternal life and life in heaven instead of hell. The apocalypse is viewed as the end of God and the violent destruction of the world in Christianity.
Schools of thought- There are many schools of thought in Christianity under different umbrellas of thought and branches. These all differ in slight ways through interpretation or belief. These specific divides have created many denominations under which Christianity is practiced at slight or major differences and separated the religion. In my opinion, the divides in the religion separate practitioners and result in the confusion of authority to divine figures, for example the Pope. Culture has greatly influenced practitioners and each denomination; specifically Catholicism and the strong connection to Roman tradition and worship.
In conclusion, each doctrine results in the direct or indirect practice of ritual and celebration. Each doctrine may be analyzed differently and several denominations are the result. The culture of Christianity remains strong and the link between organization and authority will differ to each sect.
3) Sacred Texts
The Bible is not only the best sold book in the world, but it is also the most important text in the Christian faith. It is split into the New Testament and the Old Testament. The primary difference between the two parts are the fact that one anticipates Jesus' arrival and the other describes Jesus' life. This is when the authority of the Old Testament is called into question. Jesus was the figure that brought Christianity to existence and gave the Bible authority. The Old Testament however is unable to be determined as fact or fiction due to its resonance in faith and lack of historical reference. This is also found in the comparison between historians reports like Tacitus, and Josephus. These people offer different perspectives in a primary point of view that carry and give authority to the faith based gospels.
Reading the bible contextually, in the historical, cultural, and personal context of the time, or literally, each word is taken on face level to be exact, will dramatically change the interpretation of the text. Also, the Bible is considered to be God's word. This means that we are not able to fully understand his pristine meaning. These differences in analysis have lead to many variations in practice. Catholics and Protestants for example differ in their believes in the authority of the Bible alone. Protestants believe that the Bible is God's word and is the only text on which Christian behavior should be measured. Catholics believe that tradition and worship are equally important on Christian Values. This is shown in Timothy 3:16, "...all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."
The Gospels focus on the life of Jesus Christ and his life, death, and resurrection. They explore Jesus from a first hand perspective and his status as Messiah. This results in a direct link between Christianity and Jesus. The Bible is also read as the word God which directly links God with the religious beliefs.
Interpretation of the Bible has changed over time and has resulted in many different denominations and sects within the Christian religion. This is apparent in the comparison above between the Catholic and Protestant denominations. These branch further into different sects, all with their own disagreements and contrasts about analyzing the Bible. For example, Baptists and Lutherans differ in their believes of how someone is saved- by a public profession, or to an unknowing baby.
Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/difference-Catholic-Protestant.html#ixzz3YiD9XWW0
Reading the bible contextually, in the historical, cultural, and personal context of the time, or literally, each word is taken on face level to be exact, will dramatically change the interpretation of the text. Also, the Bible is considered to be God's word. This means that we are not able to fully understand his pristine meaning. These differences in analysis have lead to many variations in practice. Catholics and Protestants for example differ in their believes in the authority of the Bible alone. Protestants believe that the Bible is God's word and is the only text on which Christian behavior should be measured. Catholics believe that tradition and worship are equally important on Christian Values. This is shown in Timothy 3:16, "...all Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work."
The Gospels focus on the life of Jesus Christ and his life, death, and resurrection. They explore Jesus from a first hand perspective and his status as Messiah. This results in a direct link between Christianity and Jesus. The Bible is also read as the word God which directly links God with the religious beliefs.
Interpretation of the Bible has changed over time and has resulted in many different denominations and sects within the Christian religion. This is apparent in the comparison above between the Catholic and Protestant denominations. These branch further into different sects, all with their own disagreements and contrasts about analyzing the Bible. For example, Baptists and Lutherans differ in their believes of how someone is saved- by a public profession, or to an unknowing baby.
Read more:http://www.gotquestions.org/difference-Catholic-Protestant.html#ixzz3YiD9XWW0
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