PRELIMINARY RELIGIOUS TRADITION DEPTH STUDY: CHRISTIANITY REVISION GUIDE

Students learn
about:

Students learn to:

Notes:

Origins
the historical
and cultural
context in
which
Christianity
began
Jesus Christ
the
development of
early Christian
communities

outline the historical and

cultural
context in which Christianity
began:
examine the principal events of
Jesus
life
explain why Jesus is the model
for
Christian life
describe the early development
of
Christian communities after the
death
of Jesus:
Living Religion (LR), pages 62-65;
Spotlight (S) pages 71-72:
Notes on: LR p. 63- 4stages of
development of early Christianity;
then notes on the work of Peter,
James (briefly) and Paul- what he
established through his missionary
journeys; the heart of his theology
(which helped develop Christian
beliefs)-S p.71 right hand column,
middle paragraph; name 2 or 3
other apostles and the churches
they helped establish -S p. 72; two
main uses of the term, church, up
to c.500C.E. -LR p. 65.

Principle events:
Jesus was born in Bethlehem, to his mother Mary and father Joseph.
Following Jewish practice Jesus was circumcised and every year Jesus and his
family travelled back to Jerusalem for Passover, he also had a Bar-Mitzvah at
12.
Spent most of his life in Nazareth. He was a carpenter
When Jesus was 30 he was baptised by John the Baptist, in the Jordan River.
This is when he began his ministry
Jesus and his disciples then preached for three years
Eventually his minister arrived in Jerusalem, where Jesus was arrested and
Pontius Pilate sentenced him to death by crucifixion.
Jesus then resurrected for the death and ascended in to heaven
Jesus acts as a role model for Christian life as he is the embodiment of his
Christian teachings. Always practiced what he taught. As the perfect human
Christians model from his attitudes towards God and others, his actions in
social justice and his admirable characteristics and personal qualities.
After Jesus death the development of Christianity is identified by four main
stages:
1- Death and Resurrection of Jesus is announced
2- The Church learns its first lesson about expansion, the gospel message
is not tied to Jerusalem
3- The Second lesson: you dont have to be a Jew to follow Jesus
4- The Church expands through Pauls Missionary, Paul had established
new Christian communities in the Middle East and Greece, and his
letters were included in the New Testament.

 Christianity:
Anglicanism
Catholicism
Orthodoxy

Pentecostalism

Protestantism

outline the unique features

of:
Anglicanism
(Church of England)
Living Religion (LR), pages 66-69;
Spotlight (S) pages 72-76:
Notes on: For each of the 5 major
variants of Christianity outline
(that is, sketch in general terms
the main points only) when it
emerged in history; the main
practices or emphases in belief
that distinguishes this variant from
the others; any denominations or
groupings within the variant.

Formed from the 2nd schism, Henry the 8th formalized the separation between
the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church (over the issue of
divorce. Established in 1534 and abolished the Popes authority, nominal
head Queen Elizabeth II, however authority is with the Archbishop of
Canterbury.

Catholicism

The Catholic Church teaches that it is historically linked to the first disciples of
Jesus, currently it is the largest and most widespread of all denominations.
Followers believe in one holy, catholic and apostolic Church, presided over the
Pope, the bishop of Rome. Key belief that Gods teachings have been preserved
thought the guidance of the holy spirit and places emphasis on Jesus
teachings.
Believes in transfiguration (changing of bread and wine in to the body and
blood of Christ) and also the Nicene creed. Seven main sacraments: Baptism,
Eucharist, Confirmation, Anointing of the sick, holy orders and matrimony.
Formed in 1054 after the 1st schism, leadership with Constantinople for Eastern
Orthodox.
Emphasis on God the Father, previously disagreed on the status of Mary.
Divine Liturgies use several symbols and icons; they are particularly noted for
their length and use of incense. The Orthodox Church has a profoundly view of
existence and church membership. Believes in the 7 sacraments and cites the
Nicene Creed.
Group of Churches identified thought their ecstatic worship and emphasis of

Variants: Eastern Rite Catholics

_ Orthodoxy
Eastern Orthodox, 15 self
governing churches. Eg. Greek

Pentecostalism

Dont believe in the transubsitation of the Eucharist.

Retained concepts on the nature of faith and grace.
The bible is central to belief and contains everything necessary for salvation.
Evangelical: highlights the importance of personal conversion
High(more Roman Catholic) and low(more protestant) Anglican Church

Hillsong, Apostolic

Protestantism: (protest)

Lutherans, Calvinism, Baptist,

Methodist, Presbyterian.

the gifts of the Holy Spirit, one of the fastest growing Christian denominations.
Emphasis on the holy spirit, believes that the spirit of baptism becomes
apparent when the person speaks in tongues. Emphasis on the cooperative
element in worship, meaning group response of the congregations. They
sought to restore the gifts of the holy spirit in to Christian practices, thoughts
and worship.
Formed from the 2nd schism in the 16th century, two major reformers who
rebelled against the Roman Catholic Church-Martin Luther and John Calvin.
They dont acknowledge the Pope.
They are several variants within but generally;
They accept the bible as the only source of revealed truth and the centre of
authority.
Accepts baptism and Eucharist only
Dont accept saints and believe that faith is alone enough to save you from
salvation
Emphasis on preaching the word and minimizes liturgical and sacramental
aspects.
Emphasis on the transcendence (total otherness) of God, and the effects on
original sin.

Principal
Beliefs
the divinity
and humanity of
Jesus
Christ
the death and
resurrection of
Jesus
Christ
the nature of
God and the
Trinity
Revelation
Salvation

outline the principal beliefs

regarding
the divinity and humanity of
Jesus
Christ
Living Religion (LR), pages 70-71;
Spotlight (S) pages 76-77:
Notes on: What exactly (and
briefly) do Christians believe about
Jesus Christs nature? Living
Religion (LR), pages 76
Notes on: identify a key quote

Christians affirms the full divinity and complete humanity of Jesus Christ (Jesus
is both fully divine and fully human). The Christian doctrine of the Incarnation/
Holy trinity claims that Jesus was God yet became a full human. Remaining
fully divine and for the salvation of the world, the second person of the holy
trinity, god the son, took upon himself a complete human nature and became
human in Jesus Christ. Christians believe that the human person of Jesus
reveals the divine person of God the son. His divinity shows us the close,
unique relationship which exists between himself and God. If you know me,
you will know my Father also (John 16:6-7).
His humanity meant he had the same human limitations- slept, ate, and had
normal emotions. Helps Christians appreciate the pain and suffering that he
endured for humanity and gives greater significance to his ultimate sacrifice
The word became flesh and made his dwelling amongst us, full of grace and
truthglory as the only Son of the father John 1:14

explain the importance of

the death
and resurrection of Jesus
Christ for
Christians
Living Religion (LR), pages 71-72;
Spotlight (S) pages 77:
Notes on: What exactly do
Christians believe about Jesus
Christs death and resurrection?
Why is this important for
Christians?

Jesus death and resurrection confirms his divinity and nature as the son of
God. Therefore, his teachings are reinforced as credible and true. His key
message to love God and love others is given divine significance. Love the
Lord your God with all your heart (Mark 12:30)
Belief and faith in the resurrection of Jesus is the basis of our understanding
that even after his physical death, Jesus is alive and present with us today and
continues to preach to us the same message he did during his days on earth.
If Christ has not been raised, then empty is our preaching; empty, too, your
faith (1 Corinthians 15:14).
Resurrection and ascension provides Christians with hope that they will
achieve salvation- that each believer will one day be completely human but
transformed- body and soul- for all eternity with God.
Obedience, death and resurrection attains atonement for Christians- restoring
humankind to the right relationship with God. Only Jesus death can repair the
alienation from God.
Sends the vital message that God loves humanity and will forgive human
failings. Actively demonstrates his love and care for humans.

Living Religion (LR), pages 76

Notes on: identify a key quote and
its scripture reference that you
can use in an exam answer to
illustrate the particular belief.

 outline the beliefs about the

nature of
God and of the Trinity
Living Religion (LR), pages 72;
Spotlight (S) pages 78-79:
Notes on: What exactly (and
briefly) do Christians believe about
the nature of God and of the
Trinity?

Living Religion (LR), pages 76

Notes on: identify a key quote

Christians believe that there is one God that who is the supreme being that is
to be worshiped and served. God exists as three persons, Father/Creator, Jesus
the son of God and the Holy Spirit, this is known as the mystery of the holy
trinity, the central dogma and deepest reality of Christian faith, and beyond
anything humans can fully understand or comprehend. Three key functions of
the trinity: creating (bringing Gods new life to creation), sanctifying (blessing
creation) and redeeming (turning creation from sin and darkness)
The concept of the trinity helps Christians understand the nature of God
God is revealed in the old testament and in the divinity of Jesus Christ. God is
acknowledged as the personal unchanging, all loving and all powerful create of
the universe, which is not confined to the material world, has no gender and
cannot be rightly represented in images or defined in words. God is
transcendent-not limited by any conditions and is imminent.
baptising them in the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit (Mt 28:19)

examine the Christian

understanding of
revelation
Living Religion (LR), pages 73;
Spotlight (S) pages 80:
Notes on: Explain Christian beliefs
about how God communicates
with humans; what does it mean
to say that Jesus is the agent,
content and process of revelation
(S p.80)?
Living Religion (LR), pages 76

Revelation can simply be understood as the transmission of knowledge from

the divine to the human. Revelation in Christian terms (Latin for taking away
the veil) refers to the disclosure by God, of what was previously unknown.
Christianity claims to be a revealed religion, in historical events God revealed
his Will and Law to humanity. Christians see Christs incarnation, life, death
resurrection and sending of the holy spirit as the climax of the process of
divine self disclosure. Christ was simultaneously the agent, the process and the
content of revelation, meaning through Jesus, Gods revelations are revealed
through Jesus words, teachings and actions.
In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets but in these
late days he has spoken to us by his Son (Hebrews 1:1-2).
Christians also believe that revelation is also a loving and utterly free invitation
to join in friendship with God.

 describe the Christian

understanding of
salvation
Living Religion (LR), pages 73-74;:
Notes on: Salvation as a goal or
state to be attained (-saved from
what? saved into what?); and as
the process of coming into union
with God.
Living Religion (LR), pages 76
Identify a key quote

Sacred Texts
and Writings
Bible

identify the importance of

the Bible in
Christianity

Salvation (Latin for making safe or rescuing) is a comprehensive term for

being delivered from personal or collective suffering or evil. It is the belief that
human beings require deliverance by God from the power of sin and darkness.
All Christians believe in life after death, that salvation is received through the
grace of God. All humankind is born with original sin and that Gods grace sent
his son Jesus Christ to atone for the sins of mankind through his crucifixion and
resurrection
It is also the process in which human beings are saved or brought to fullness
of life in God. In salvation the role of God alone is decisive. It is to provide
salvation and so restore this oneness of the soul with God that Jesus as the
Messiah. Christians believe that to experience Gods love is to experience the
essence of salvations meaning and mystery. Forgiveness of sin is granted, on
the condition that the individual puts their faith in Jesus Christ as the Lord and
Savior.
"We have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ."
(Romans 5:1)

Role in everyday life:

Basic rituals and sacraments, Prayer/ Reflection
Domestic rituals e.g. grace before meals
Aids in the physical practice, enactment and celebration of Christianity in life.
Bible guides Christians in rituals and procedures in order to practice their faith.
E.g. Jesus prays at decisive moments in his life- One of those days Jesus went
out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. (Lk 6:12).
Develops Ethical guidelines
Helps develop guidelines on how to act in certain situations, how to make
decisions and promotes questioning of moral boundaries and therefore a
better understanding of self, goals etc. E.g. difficult ethical teaching Love your
enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Mt 5:44)
Communicates key teachings of Christianity
Nature of God
Ministry and life of Christ parables
Key source of revelation- basis of understanding of the Christian faith- explains

and teaches beliefs. E.g. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling
amongst us (John 1:14).

Core Ethical
Teachings
the Ten
Commandments
New
Testament ethics
the Beatitudes
Jesus
commandment
of love

outline the principal ethical

teachings
in:
the Ten Commandments
the Beatitudes
- Jesus commandment of
love
Living Religion (LR), pages 77-80;
Spotlight (S) pages 84-88:
Notes on: What approach
Christians take to the ten
Commandments (i.e. these are
interpreted through Jesus ethical
teachings, which are the most
important reference points for
Christians); the meaning of the
Beatitudes and the commandment
of love(the Great Commandment)
and the Golden Rule (Do unto
others).

describe the importance of

ethical
teachings in the life of
adherents
Living Religion (LR), pages 80;
Spotlight (S) pages 88-89
(Application of ethical teachings):
Notes on: How Christians use

Ethics are the moral beliefs and practices that clarify what is right and wrong.
They also centre upon the belief that human beings are made in the image of
God with intellect, free will and self determination, therefore, enabling them to
act with morality.
Ten commandments (Decalogue - ten words from God) - are the
guidelines for living that are based on Gods revelation to Moses. The first
three commandments refer to the worship of God, whilst the rest refer to
obligations to ones neighbour and society. Christians uphold these
commandments in their moral decision making; the observance of the
Decalogue is based on love not fear. The Decalogue is an important basis for
structuring and living the Christian life, it calls Christians back to loving God
and helps maintain good relationships with neighbours.
The Beatitudes ( Latin for blessed), the Beatitudes are the sayings of Jesus
from the gospels which form the basis for Christian Ethics , they all begin with
Blessed are... and praises virtues. Hence the Beatitudes encourage
Christians to act within moral guidelines.
Jesus Commandment of Love Jesus commanded to love in order to
become closer to God. Love ... God with all your heart ... soul and mind this
is the greatest commandment
Golden Rule So in everything, do to others what you would have them do
to you .. MT 7:12
The ethical teachings of the bible provide a strong structure through which
Christians can live their lives. Biblical research allows ethical considerations of
issues that did not exist during the time the bible was written. The bible and
ethical teachings can be use to deal with issues in contemporary life,
Christians use their conscience when making decisions in ethical issues.
Eg. One of the 10 commandments says Thou Shall not Kill- this is reflected
on current Christians views on Murder, War and abortion. The Beatitudes also

these ethical principles- are they

just general guidelines or
something more in the daily life of
Christians?
Personal
Devotion
Prayer

describe the different types

of personal
prayer
Living Religion (LR), pages 81-84;
Spotlight (S) pages 89-93:
Notes on: The line between
personal prayer and public or
communal prayer is thin, but take
notes basically on the different
types of personal prayer described
on the LR pages.

Make sure you briefly note the

precise purpose(s) of each type of
prayer. The Spotlight pages 90-93
actually go beyond what the
syllabus requires.

allows Christians to consider social justice issues.

Prayer is an important way in which Christians acknowledge the existence of a

relationship between God and humanity.
Prayer in Christianity is divided in to two types Personal and Public prayer, but
often overlapping (eg. Personal prayer is performed during public prayer)
Different types of personal prayer:
Vocal prayer words are recited, spoken or sung. May be structured traditional
prayers e.g. Lords Prayer, Hail Mary, liturgical texts (bible) or may be original
and spontaneous based on personal experience. (Helps keep attentiveness
during prayer and adds intensity)
Mental prayer process of reflection that involves the mind, imagination and
will.
Meditation: is generally understood as the excursing of ones spiritual
memory based on repetition of words and phrases. Usually pronounced aloud
and accompanied by vocal and bodily rhythm. (Used to focus attention on the
Divine and block out distractions)
Contemplative Prayer, difficult to explain using words, it is often
experienced as a simple prayer of quite where the mind and imagination are
free to wander. It is understood as the pure gift of God. It is focused on a
perception of Gods living presence.
Purposes for prayer
During suffering- personal or family/friends gives hope
During times of decision making asking for advice/
guidance
When grateful give thanks and appreciation

When one has sinned asks for forgiveness

Effect: Provides tangible ways in which to come into contact with the
mysteries of the Christian faith. Provides direction, sense of community
or a sense of joy. Creates ability to act in a more Christ-like way and
experiences life with the living God. Holds transformative power- alters
their life.