What Is Christianity?

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What Is Christianity?

• A Review of the Essentials
• Prof. Felix Just, S.J.

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Introduction

• Christianity is a major world religion,
• AWestern religion (w/ Judaism Islam)
• The largest world religion today (ca. 2 billion)
• It is based on belief that Jesus of Nazareth is
  the Christ ( Messiah) the Son of God.
• Like most other major world religions,
  Christianity has several core aspects
• I) History Development
• II) Core Beliefs Practices
• III) Structures Regulations

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I-A History

1. Historical BackgroundAbraham, Israelites,
   Hebrews, Jews, OT
2. Historical FoundationJesus of Nazareth
   (crucified ca. AD 30) his first
   disciples/apostles
3. Historical DevelopmentTradition
   preserved/adapted 2000 years (interplay of both
   old new, ancient modern)

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I-B Branches Subdivisions

1. Major Christian Branches(Eastern) Orthodox,
   (Roman) Catholic, Anglican, Protestant,
   Restorationist, etc.
2. Orthodox, Anglicans, ProtestantsO by nation
   language Greek, RussianA by nations esp.
   former British coloniesP by leaders/theologies
   Lutheran, Reformed
3. Groups within Catholicismreligious orders
   societies (monastic, mendicant, apostolic, etc.),
   lay groups

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I-C Demographics

1. Number of Christians World-wide 2 billion in
   2000 33 of world population
2. Subdivisions1 bill. Catholics 500 mill.
   Protestant/Anglican 250 mill. Orthodox 250
   mill. Other
3. of Populations48 Africa 85 N. America
   93 S. America 9 Asia 76 Europe 85
   Oceania 

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II-A Foundational Texts

1. The Bibleofficial collection of books, in two
   parts both Old Testament New Testament
2. The Creedsshort professions of faith, defined
   by first two Ecumenical Councils Nicea
   Constantinople
3. Other Writingswritings of Church leaders
   throughout history,esp. founders of orders
   denominations

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II-B Core Theological Beliefs (Dogmas
Doctrines)

1. One God in Three Persons (Trinity) Father /
   Almighty / CreatorSon / Jesus / Christ / Savior
   / LordHoly Spirit / Giver of Life / Paraclete
2. World Humanscreated by God, in Gods image,
   with free will originally good, but corrupted
   by sin/death
3. Church, Salvation, Eschatology community of
   believers body of Christ resurrection of the
   body eternal life

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II-C Core Ethical Teachings
(Commandments Precepts)

1. Foundational Principlesdo good avoid evil
   love God, others, selfdevelop an informed
   conscience
2. Sexual Moralitydual purpose of sex consistent
   ethic of life human relationships central
   role of family
3. Social Ethicsdignity of each person common
   good care of the poor/needy work,
   participation, property

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II-D Religious Practices

1. Calendar, Feasts, FestivalsAdvent
   Christmas Lent Easter saints days local
   universal festivals
2. Public / Communal Worshipofficial liturgies,
   rites, rituals, Sacraments, esp. Baptism
   Eucharist Sunday worship
3. Private / Individual Spiritualityprayer,
   devotions, pilgrimages, asceticism,retreats,
   pious/spiritual practices, etc.

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III-A Church Organization

1. Churches Denominationshistorical divisions
   always! esp. 1054, 1517but also reunifications
   mergers
2. Structures with each Churchindiv.
   parishes/congregations, local dioceses, national
   conferences, international associations
3. Leaders within each Churchbishops (incl. Pope,
   cardinals), priests, deacons, lay ministers
   pastors, elders, etc.

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III-B Internal Regulations

1. MembershipWho can join? What is the process?
   (evangelization catechesis initiation)
2. LeadershipHow are leaders chosen? Who is
   eligible?
3. DisciplineWhat are members leaders
   obligations?Sanctions and punishments? (Canon
   Law)

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III-C External Relations

1. Ecumenical Relationsdialogues between Christian
   denominationsbilateral international groups
   (WCC)
2. Inter-religious Relationsdialogues with other
   major world religionsesp. with Judaism Islam
   (historically close)
3. Church/State Relationscooperation or tensions
   with political, social, economic, and other
   secular institutions?

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REVIEW

• History Development
• Historical Foundations Development
• Branches, Divisions, Demographics
• Core Beliefs Practices
• Foundational Texts Bible, Creeds, etc.
• Central Teachings Theological Ethical
• Common Practices Liturgical Spiritual
• Structures Regulations
• Organization, Leadership, Membership
• Internal Rules External Relations

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Final Exam Essay Questions

1. What are the core beliefs and practices of
   Christianity? (What is common to all Orthodox,
   Catholic, and Protestant Xns?)
2. What are some of the most important differences
   in theology and praxis between Orthodox,
   Catholic, and Protestant Xns?
3. What was (and still is) the impact of the Second
   Vatican Council on Christianity (both the
   Catholic Church and others)?
4. Describe the typical processes of Christian
   Initiation (Baptism-Confirmation-Eucharist)?
   Differences for Orthodox, Catholics, Protestants?
   Differences for infants vs. adults in
   Catholicism?
5. Describe the wide variety of Christian
   "vocations" (how God "calls" Xns to live
   religious lay historical differences etc.)
6. What are "Scripture" and "Tradition"? How are
   they related in Catholic theology? in other
   branches of Christianity?

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Final Exam Practical Tips

• I encourage you to study together with your
  regular group or with other students.
• Bring several pens, one small Blue Book, your
  Bible, and your one page of notes.
• The Exam will take most students about two hours
  some a little more or less.
• Study Well Good Luck!