FINAL Religion Notes 2018 Task 2

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Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018

Religion Notes 2018 Task 2


Church History
Key Terms
Indulgences - a payment to the Catholic Church that purchased an exemption from punishment
(penance) for some types of sins
Infallibility - the doctrine that in specified circumstances the Pope is incapable of error in
pronouncing dogma
Monasticism - a religious way of life in which one renounces worldly pursuits to devote oneself fully
to spiritual work
Monastery – a place of residence occupied by a community of monks living in seclusion under
religious vows
Jesuits - a scholarly religious congregation of the Catholic Church which originated in sixteenth-
century Spain that is heavily engaged in evangelization and apostolic ministry
Salvation - deliverance from sin and its consequences to be brought about by faith in Christ
Almsgiving - Material or financial assistance given to a needy person or cause, prompted by charity
especially in the time of Lent
Encyclical - a papal letter sent to all bishops of the Roman Catholic Church concerning an aspect of
Catholic doctrine or addresses religious, moral, or political issues
Cantor - the lead singer of the choir, in medieval times was the lead singer and the director of the
music and chant in a cathedral
Mediation - silent prayer, cogitating on a passage from Scripture
Contemplation – a state of openness to God
Trinity - the central doctrine of Christianity in which the unity of the God consists of the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Spirit, all distinct from another
Magisterium - the special teaching authority of the Church, especially exercised by bishops and the
Pope
Patriarch – leaders of communities or the centres of faith in that region derived from the apostles and
their mission
Papacy - the office or authority of the Pope
Ecumenical Council – an assembly in the Roman Catholic Church, composed of cardinals, bishops,
and theologians to discuss and settle matters of Church doctrine and practice and when confirmed by
the pope, become binding
Cloister - an enclosed space surrounding the four sides of a rectangular grass court, used for prayer,
exercise and study.
Heresy - belief or opinion contrary to religious doctrine, especially Christian

Early Christianity

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Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018

During this time the followers of Christ grew as key people such as St Paul of Tarsus, Peter
and John altered the way that people commemorated and celebrated the Gospel.
After Paul’s conversion he ceased his persecution against Christians and sought to take the
Gospel message to the Gentiles. This was a significant turning point in the Church, as for the
first time the message of Christ was not something that was a part of Judaism but soon to
become part of a separate sect.
Person Significance to the church
St Paul (Paul the The first significant writer of Christian scripture and played a
apostle) role in Christianity’s expansion around the Mediterranean and
its development beyond the confines of its origin as a Jewish
sect.
Peter Was the leader of Christians after Jesus’ death (first pope) and
established Rome as the centre of Christianity.
John Played a leading role in the Church in Jerusalem and was
significant in early Christian writings, being the author of three
letters and the fourth gospel.

Early Christian Life


At first, Christianity was a movement within Judaism. The spread of the movement which
was to become Christianity occurred gradually as the disciples of Jesus carries the teachings
of Jesus to the many Jewish communities along the Mediterranean coast. At first they taught
only fellow Jews, until a particular group of disciples led by a deacon, Stephen, broke with
this practice and began to preach to the Gentiles. Stephen’s criticism of the Jewish leaders led
to his death by stoning. He was the first of many Christian disciples to die as a martyr.
Stephen’s followers began to preach the gospel wherever they travelled and to whoever
would listen, no longer seeing the message of Jesus as belonging only to the Jews.
The first great controversy in Christianity was the question of whether the teachings of Jesus
were just for the Jews, or whether Gentiles too could become a part of the infant Church. This
debate was finally settled at the first council of the church which was the council of
Jerusalem in 49 AD. Paul’s view that gentiles and Jews alike were saved by Christ was
finally accepted.
Paul then began a series of journeys to many places in the Roman Empire where he preached
the gospel and set up Christian communities. Some of Paul’s letters to these communities are
gathered in the New Testament, and for Christians today they are still a source of
information, inspiration and meditation.
Council of Jerusalem
Initially, followers of Jesus Christ were Jewish and the rituals they would participate in prior
to Jesus predominately did not change.
Paul taught that one did not need to be Jewish to be Christian. As this message of Christ was
for everyone and not just God’s chosen people, those who believe did not need to have
participated in Jewish rituals such as circumcision and dietary rules such as Kosher. With the
death and resurrection of Jesus there was a need for a new law as a new life in Christ.

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Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018

Result and significance


The council of Jerusalem (which is account for in Acts of the Apostles) was called to address
this n 50 CE. The result of this was in the favour of St Paul. Believers did not need to be
Jewish nor convert in any form to Judaism to follow Jesus.
The Council was the first one of the Church and addressed not only this issue but also the
formation of a creed. This means for the first time, with the news of Jesus and his message
spreading across the Mediterranean, there was an official declaration of faith. This is called
the Apostles’ creed.
It also establishes the ancient sees of Rome, Alexandria and Antioch, who had become
known as Patriarchates as the centre of the Church.
Council of Nicea
Following Constantine’s conversion, he took an interest in Christianity. Some things started
to arise which caught his attention. He noticed that there were internal divisions, and for
Constantine, division within the church created instability in the empire. Constantine wanted
to formalise the teachings of the Church and to do this, a council needed to be called. Its goal
was to reach consensus amongst Christendom on belief and practice.
It called to address the nature of Jesus and the Trinity, the timing of Easter, the schism of
small Christian sects and Arianism (a movement in which believers saw the Father, the son
and the holy spirit as sperate entities)
Result and significance
It was significance because for the first time, the outcome could be enforced by Constantine
as it was decreed as a law and was the first “Ecumenical Council”. This is because
representation of the Christian world was reached in the council with Christian
representatives from all across Europe attended.
The Council clarified the doctrine of the Trinity, which teaches that there are three Persons in
the One God: God the Father, Jesus Christ who is God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. It
resulted it in Arianism being declared as heresy and the establishment of the Nicene creed.
Council of Chalcedon
In the year 451 an Ecumenical Council was called in the of Chalcedon in Turkey. It aimed to
try and find the language that keeps in balance and holds together the two natures of Jesus,
his humanness and his divinity. The Council spoke of Jesus having two natures, a human
nature and a divine nature. It described Jesus as “fully human and fully divine in one Person”.
While this gave the Church a precise language to speak about Jesus, it still remains beyond
our human experience to fully understand this mystery.
East West Schism
As Christianity developed, divisions between
eastern expressions of Christianity and the
West began to emerge.

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Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018

At the time, there were five leaders of the church. This cam from the apostolic age where
leaders of communities or the centres of faith in that region derived from the apostles and
their mission. The Pope led the church as part of the “Pentarchy”.
Tension grew as the churches in the East did not necessarily agree with the doctrine of the
West. The concept of power and authority also caused tension, as the patriarchs of the East
saw themselves equal to the pope.
The immediate spilt can be dated to 1054 when Pope Leo IX sent Emissary Humbert to
resolve a debate on doctrine. The Patriarch of Constantinople, Michael Cerularius, refused to
see him, keeping him waiting for months. This resulted in Cardinal Humbert
excommunicating Patriarch Cerularius. This result in Patriarch Cerularius excommunicating
Cardinal Humbert.
As a result of the many differences between the Church in the West and the Church in the
East, particularly over this issue of papal authority, there was a parting or schism in 1054.
Both sides reached the point of condemning each other through a kind of mutual
excommunication. The Eastern form of Christianity, generally known as the Orthodox East,
became progressively separated from the Western form of Christianity, led by the Pope, to
this day.
However, some Eastern Catholic Christians, such as the Maronite Catholics in the Lebanon,
never lost unity with Rome. Later, other communities re-established unity with the Pope.
Within the Catholic Church, the Eastern Catholic Churches still maintain their own liturgies
and customs, such as we saw in the stories of Stavros, Liliana and David. Today these
Churches can form a bridge between the separated West and East.
As you can see, there were underlying tensions which came to a head in this year. The
growing differences can be seen in this table:
Area West East
Language Latin Greek
Leader Pope in Rome Patriarch of Constantinople
Centre Authority was in Rome: Where Authority was in Constantinople: the
Authority St Peter founded the Church capital of the Roman Empire
Celebration of Simplistic celebration of the Mystery of the Eucharist was
Eucharist Eucharist emphasized – concealing the altar
behind curtains and later behind a
fixed screen, the iconostasis
Holy Images Statues and images of Jesus, Holy images were thought to be
Mary and saints used in sacrilegious initially and only the
Churches and homes cross was permitted. But eventually
only flat or shallow carvings were
permitted, there are called icons.
Priestly celibacy Continued to ordain married Increasingly insisted on the celibacy
deacons to the priesthood of all the clergy
Nicene creed In the Creed: “The Holy Spirit Church objected to any change in
proceeded from the Father and wording and any alteration to the
the son” – this is the filioque creed was forbidden. “The Holy
clause Spirit proceeded from the father”

Result and significance

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Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018

This event saw the division between Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism. Orthodox
means “Right belief” and has rarely changed over the centuries and it hold itself closer to the
original church. It was here that the Roman Catholic Church began to grow in power, prestige
and influence.
This event also recognised the differences between cultures and the manner in which
expression can differ and just how far the religion has spread over a millennia. Furthermore,
the disagreement over the filioque clause demonstrates the complexity of the faith.
Significant practices unique to the East such as the se of iconostasis demonstrates the mystery
of the faith and how it is expressed and celebrated.
Orthodox churches are present around the world today and no longer just an expression in the
East. The excommunication which occurred during the period of the Schism was not
rescinded until 1965 as a step towards ecumenism.
The First Vatican Council
Held between 1869 and 1870, this Council was called by Blessed Pius IX and was attended
by 744 bishops. It reviewed and summarised Catholic faith and dealt with the authority of the
Pope.
It was the teaching of the Council that the Pope, as the true successor of St Peter, has supreme
power over the whole Church, and as successor of Peter, he is “infallible” or free from error
when he teaches definitively that a doctrine concerning faith or morals is to be believed by
the whole Church.
This doctrine of papal infallibility was not new. It had already been used in 1854 to define the
dogma of the Immaculate Conception. (This belief affirms that Mary, the Mother of God, was
free from original sin from the moment that she was conceived.)

Reforming Christianity
Context
The Black Plague was a disease which was prominent in the early middle ages. This disease
wiped out millions of people across Europe. Once contracted it did not take long for the
disease killed the carrier.
Many Christians had the misguided idea that the plague was caused by God’s anger at the
sinfulness of humanity, and some started taking extreme measures to appease this anger.
Groups of people who were called flagellants went through the towns and countryside doing
public penance, inflicting pain and punishment on themselves, as they tried to atone for the
evil of the world. 
Indulgences

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Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018

An “indulgence” is an action or a prayer or sacrifice that can take away all or part of your
time in purgatory for one’s self or another.
However, the Church was not able to keep control of what indulgences were being given nfor
and this lead to the eventual payment for indulgences. The corruption of the selling of
indulgences began to emerge:
 At certain times people have imagined that they might compensate for their sins by
having someone else do the penance for them for payment.
 Some priests and bishops gave excessive indulgences.
 Some religious brothers and sisters falsely claimed that they were authorised by the
Pope to forgive all sorts of sins. They took money from people who believed and
respected them, promising that they would have happiness in this life and the
guarantee of heaven. Greed such as this was often the cause of the abuse and
indulgences were often employed as a means of making money.
 Among the “good works” required for the indulgence, might be included the giving of
money to some cause such as the building of churches, the endowment of hospitals, or
the organisation of a crusade.
Pope Leo X granted an indulgence for contributions to the building of St Peter’s Basilica and
by this time corruption had reached various parts of the Church. Issues such as these caused
the Reformation.
The Reformation
It is important to note that the Reformation is a period not one isolated event.
Significant person and actions: Martin Luther and his 95 Theses
Martin Luther was an Augustinian Friar who in 1517 put his “95 Theses” on a church door in
Wittenberg, Germany.

This document focused on key points:


 The abuse of indulgences
 Corruption in the church
 Against veneration of saints
 Believed that salvation was through faith in Jesus and not the sacraments
 Authority of the bible and rejection of papal authority
 Sacraments: Baptism and Eucharist are the only ones necessary for salvation
 Rejection of transubstantiation, rather than the bread and wine turning into the blood
and body of Christ they are instead in union; consubstantiation
Luther was excommunicated from the Church in 1521 by Pope Leo X and summoned at the
city of Worms. Luther refused to take back his attack against the Church. This lead to the
establishing of the Lutheran Church.
What makes Luther significant was not only his break away from the Church but his
actions were a catalyst for reform.

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Others were influenced by his actions and theology.


 Ulrich Zwingli – a Catholic priest who joined Luther in 1519, brining
“Protestantism” to Switzerland
 John Calvin – from Geneva drew on Luther’s teachings and particularly on the
concept of predestination (the belief that people have no control over events because
these things are controlled by God or by fate). The leader of the protestant movement
in France.
 John Knox – brought Reformed Church to Scotland, forming the Presbyterian
Church.
King Henry VII
King Henry VII made himself head of a new church, the church of England following his Act
of Supremacy in 1534. One contributing reason was that the Pope refused to annul his
marriage to Catherine of Aragon. Henry VII was highly critical of Martin Luther but his son
Edward VI introduced Protestant doctrines and worship.
Anglicanism is a blend of Catholicism and Protestantism. However, it must be noted that
Henry VII and his separation from the Church was not one of theology but one of political
and personal agenda.
Expression in Anglican churches is similar to Catholicism and many do not consider
themselves to be “Protestant”.
Overall Significance
The Reformation was a period of rapid reform in the church. It was instigated by not only
circumstances and context but by the actions of Martin Luther. This reform was maintained
through who he influenced, spreading new takes on the faith world-wide. Many of these
denominations we can still see today.
The Catholic Church did respond to these reforms in the Council of Trent (1545-1563) and is
part of what is known as the Counter Reformation. This meant that the Church reaffirmed
doctrine on salvation, sacraments, training of priests and elimination of corruption and
liturgy.

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Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018

Council of Trent: Case Study


The Counter-Reformation, was a series of movements in Europe occurring in the 16th and
early 17th centuries that not only was a sign of defiance and separation from the newly
Protestant Church but a revival, renewal and revitalisation of Catholic teachings and beliefs.
This extremely significant time period consisted of many events that ignited changes such as
the establishment of the Society of Jesus, the revival of Marian devotions and the sanction of
the seven sacraments through the Council of Trent. These events shaped the life of the
Church throughout history by establishing many key aspects of Church, fuelling its growth
across the world and changing key facets of Catholic worship.
The Society of Jesus or the Jesuits were a new form of religious order that was founded by
Spanish noblemen, Ignatius of Loyola in 1534. A key pillar and part of Jesuit culture and
ideology was evangelisation and missionary work. This is evident even in the first years of
the establishment of the Jesuits in which they won back many regions in Europe that fell to
Protestantism such as Austria, Poland and The Spanish Netherlands. In the life of Ignatius
Jesuits were dispatched to many new and unknown places in the world to spread Catholicism.
The order grew and extended its influence through its roles in education, scholarship, and
missionary activities. Catholic schools, colleges, universities, and seminaries were
established in nearly all of the great urban centres around the world. This broadened the
scope of the Catholic Church and strengthened Catholic education, teaching and its continued
growth around the world. The work of the Jesuits has impacted the course and story of the
Catholic Church for centuries as their work accelerated the growth of Catholicism in the
world to new heights and has shaped the global Catholic Church throughout history. Their
impact can be seen today with some of the most devout Catholics in areas such as Latin
America, South-East Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, which all have established Catholic
educational institutions; a sign of the everlasting impact the Jesuits had on the life of the
Catholic Church across the globe.
Furthermore, the Counter-Reformation saw the rise of Marian devotions and her role in
Catholic teaching and worship. This resurgence of Marian devotions started with the victory
of the Battle of Lepanto in 1571 against the Ottomans which was accredited to the Virgin
Mary. Other factors such as The Council Trent decreeing the promotion of Marian worship
and theologians such as Francisco Suarez laid out the continued growth and central role she
would play in the Catholic Church. Mary during the Middle Ages was reaffirmed in common
teaching. She was seen as the Mother of God, Mother of the Church and Mother of the
Mystical Body of Christ. This was important as it gave Mary a renewed role for Catholics as
the “heavenly queen, spiritual mother and all powerful intercessor”. Mary being reaffirmed as
the Mother of the Mystical Body of Christ created increasing interest in Mary as the mystical
title reiterates that the Church is more than an external organization or institution, but also
and more primarily, it’s a union of all Catholics forming one body. This created a sense of
unity and revitalised confidence in the Catholic Church which was a key factor in fuelling
Catholicism’s resurgence in Europe and the revival of its beliefs. Mary as always played a
role in Church teachings, but during the Counter-reformation, she became much more
prominent and important to Catholics thanks to the Council of Trent, Battle of Lepanto and

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theologians such as Francisco Suarez. The rise Marian devotions has impacted the life of
Church through being a factor in Catholicism’s resurgence in Europe and Mary becoming
one of the most key figures in all of Catholicism has deep impacted and influenced the life,
history and course of the Catholic throughout the centuries.
The Council of Trent was one the key events of the Counter Reformation. In the seventh session
of the Council, it addressed the doctrinal issue of the sacraments. In 1547, the bishops issued
decrees affirming that all seven sacraments were instituted by Christ. The council greatly
promoted the meaning of the sacraments and how each of them bring someone closer to
themselves and develop one’s connection with themselves and Jesus Christ. The impact of these
decrees on the Church is that they greatly influenced the culture around the seven sacraments in
Catholic teaching. In the case of baptism, confirmation, and holy orders it is to leave an indelible
mark on the soul. The impact of this decree formed and shaped one of the key pillars of Catholic
teaching that has continued for centuries and are still in place today.
In conclusion, The Counter Reformation has deeply impacted many aspects, facets and features
of Catholic Church in an age of Catholic criticism through the Protestant Reformation these series
of movements allowed for the revival, renewal and revitalisation of Catholic teachings and
beliefs. The Counter Reformation impacted the life of Church through the creation of the Jesuits,
the sanction of the seven sacraments at the Council of Trent and the rise of Marian devotions
have all shaped key pillars of Catholic teaching, spread Catholicism around the world, and
formed the role of key figures in worship such as Mary. These have all deeply influenced the life,
history and course of Church to the present day, where the effects of the Counter Reformation can
still be seen.
Modern Christianity
The First Vatican Council

Held between 1869 and 1870, this Council was called by Blessed Pius IX and was attended
by 744 bishops. It reviewed and summarised Catholic faith, and dealt with the authority of
the Pope.

It was the teaching of the Council that the Pope, as the true successor of St Peter, has supreme
power over the whole Church, and as successor of Peter, he is “infallible” or free from error
when he teaches definitively that a doctrine concerning faith or morals is to be believed by
the whole Church.
This doctrine of papal infallibility was not new. It had already been used in 1854 to define the
dogma of the Immaculate Conception. (This belief affirms that Mary, the Mother of God, was
free from original sin from the moment that she was conceived.)
Infallibility is confined only to specific occasions when the Pope makes decisive
pronouncements in his position as successor of St Peter. This same infallibility belongs to the
bishops when together with the Pope in an Ecumenical Council, they teach about faith.

The Second Vatican Council


The Second Vatican Council was held between 1962 and 1965. These are some of the factors
that were present in world society after World War II leading up to the Council.

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Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018

 There was world horror at the violations of human freedom and dignity that had taken place
during World War II.
 The developed nations were involved in a dangerous arms race that was a threat to world
peace.
 There were waves of migration all around the world after the war as people sought peace and
freedom for themselves and their families.
 The development of technology such as radio, television, and transport meant that the world
was truly becoming one global community.
 The development of youth culture saw young people being accepted as important members of
society, with points of view which should be heard.
 In some countries people were less interested in religion.

Importance of the Second Vatican Council


The Second Vatican Council was the 21st Ecumenical Council of the Catholic Church
and it became a turning point in the Church’s openness to the modern world. The Council
was announced by Pope John XXIII, and it began in 1962. It met then for approximately
three months in every year, for the next four years, in the European autumn. The total
number of delegates who attended this Council was greater than the number attending any
of the other twenty councils. Vatican II had more than 2600 bishops from all over the
world in attendance. With the addition of theologians and other experts the total
attendance was close to 3000.

At the Council there were 1089 bishops from Europe, 489 from South America, 404 from
North America, 374 from Asia, 296 from Africa, 84 from Central America and 75 from
Oceania, which included Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, New Zealand and
Australia. Sixty-three observers from other Christian churches also attended. Over the four
years of the Council 52 lay men and women also attended.
The Council was also unique in that it was the first Council of the Church to be able to use
electricity, telephones and other means of modern technology involving communication and
transport. It was also the first to be covered by newspapers and magazines from all over the
world, as well as by radio and television.
Goals of the Council
Unlike many of the previous Church Councils, Vatican II was not called to deal with a crisis,
or to condemn a particular heresy. Blessed John XXIII said in his opening address that the
Council’s goals was to:

 Promote peace and unity among humanity. In the past, Pope John said, the Church
was quick to use severity and condemnation. What was required now was mercy and
understanding, and the ability to listen to the Holy Spirit.
 To find new ways by which the Church can present itself to the world of today, and
proclaim the Catholic Faith.
 Renewal and updating that the Church needed, in order to adapt to the changing
world.
 To “open the windows of the Church” to allow the breath of the Holy Spirit to
permeate it.

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Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018

Monasticism
Monasticism is one of the greatest movements in the Christian Church. Its origins are usually
traced to St Anthony of Egypt who was born about c 250 CE. The most significant formalised
pattern or rule of life that directed monastic life is traced to St Benedict who was born in Italy
around c 480 CE. Benedict’s rule emphasised set periods of common worship, manual
labour and private prayer and study.
Over time monasteries became great centres of learning. Their libraries preserved and handed
on the writings of the early Church as well as those of the great thinkers who shaped the
Tradition of the Church as we know it.
A study of monasticism shows us one manner in which people have responded to God’s
invitation to ‘Be still and know that I am God’ (Psalm 46:10). In the rush of today’s
competitive world it is possible that we can all benefit from better understanding this call to
prayerful reflection.

Monastic Orders Apostolic Orders


Nuns and monks in monastic Sisters and brothers who dedicate
orders are permanently attached TYPES OF their lives to God while being able
to move out into the world where
to one monastery. They fulfil all
their duties while staying at this RELIGIOU they work in areas such as
one place. For example, The education,
Monasteries are self-sufficient communities devoted to God. They medicine
have a special aim: and social
Benedictine Nuns at Jamberoo in S ORDERS welfare. For example, the Sisters
NSW
To achieve a balance of prayer and work ofinMercy God’s and service.
the Marist Brothers.

The ideal behind monasticism was to live the poverty and humility of Jesus, to be as much as
possible what Jesus was.
In keeping with this ideal, they aimed to care for the poor as Jesus did. According to St
Benedict, one of the major shapers of monasticism, there were four categories of people who
should be cared for: the sick, children, guests and the poor.
Meditation
The three types of prayer Silent prayer with a focus, for
example a passage from
Sung or spoken liturgical
prayer
TYPES OF Scripture. The monk or nun read
the text, tried to understand it
Includes the Eucharist and the
Divine Office (which was
PRAYER and hear the message in it, and
then turned to God, allowing
usually chanted). Mass was God to transform him or her.
celebrated daily, and the Liturgy
of the Hours seven times daily.
Contemplation: A state of openness to God). Contemplation is ‘still prayer’ - a response to the idea
behind the words ‘Be still and know that I am your God’.

An important part of maintaining a prayer life was monastic silence, which was observed by
all monks and nuns. Silence was valued because monks believed that it was easier to hear
God in silence than in noise. This meant that monks only spoke to each other in special

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Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018

circumstances, or at special times. All work was done in silence, though monks developed a
sign language for emergencies.
Oblates
Many people in the modern world choose not to be a monk or nun but to be an oblate.
Oblates are people who are associated with a monastery while having ordinary homes and
occupations. They gather regularly with a community of monks or nuns for study, talk and
prayer. For example, Benedictine Oblates make a formal commitment to Benedictine prayer
and values such as simplicity, respect and reverence for all of life. They study the rule of St
Benedict and try to apply it to their lives.
The second and most important stage
Synoptic Gospels in the creation of the Gospels which
was the period of reflecting on the life
The formation of the gospels and teachings of Jesus by his
The First stage in the creation disciples. They told and re-told the
of the Gospels was the life, events of his life and his teachings in
death and resurrection of Jesus their communities. Through this, they
Christ, between approximately 4 began to assemble collections of
BCE and 30 CE. Jesus’ sayings and parables, accounts
of his miracles, the story of his
The third and final stage in the creation of the passion. There seems to have been no
Gospels wasThethe writing
Synoptic of the gospels which
Gospels organised written words until Paul’s
occurred in the second half of the first century. This
first letter was written around c 51 CE.
was the first time these
Synoptic stories
Gospels were
- the writtenofdown
Gospels Matthew, Mark, and Luke, which describe events from a
and standardised
similar point of view, as contrasted taught.
and now could be formally with that of John.
The gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke are referred to as the synoptic gospels, meaning that
they are summaries of the life and teaching of Jesus, with a similar outline. Luke and
Matthew used Mark's Gospel as a basis for their own writings. More than half Mark's Gospel
can be found in accounts of Matthew and Luke. There is also material in Matthew and Luke
that is virtually identical, but that is not from the gospel of Mark. From where did the authors
get their material? Did they copy from each other?
Many scholars today believe that Mark’s gospel was the first
to be written, and that the authors who wrote the gospels of
Matthew and Luke knew and used Mark’s gospel. At times
they took passages from Mark’s gospel exactly, and at other
times they re-shaped the material to give it a particular
meaning for their own communities. However, there is
material in Matthew and Luke that is identical, yet is not in
Mark. It is argued by some scholars that the writers of
Matthew and Luke had access to another document, which
they also used, in putting together their gospels. This
document appears to have been a collection of the sayings
and teachings of Jesus, now lost. This is often referred to as
the Q Source, Q standing for the German word Quelle
meaning source. However, other scholars believe that there was no such document. Of
course, in addition to the material from Mark and Q, Matthew and Luke also have a great

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deal of material that is unique to their gospels which they have taken from other independent
sources.
Context of the Synoptic Gospels
Gospel Intended audience Author
Mark The community for which he was writing, The author of the gospel of Mark
based in Rome, had probably known the was John Mark, a disciple of St
Apostle Peter very well, and had been Peter.
influenced by him until his martyrdom in
approximately 64 CE. It is most likely that the
gospel was written in Rome, and that it was
written for Christians of non-Jewish origins
(Gentiles). He explains all the Jewish customs
that he mentions and explains Aramaic words
(the language spoken by Jesus).

Matthew It is written for ‘second generation Christians’ Tradition ascribes this gospel to the
perhaps by a Jewish convert to Christianity Apostle Matthew. The author of the
who was familiar with the Jewish law and gospel frequently refers to Jewish
traditions, the writings of the prophets and with Law, Jewish Scripture and traditions,
the hopes of the Jewish people for a Messiah. which suggests that he is writing
The gospel was possibly written after the primarily for Jewish converts to
destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in c 70 Christianity. Jesus is shown as the
CE. It is uncertain where it was written, but Messiah for whom Israel waited, and
most scholars think that the place of its at other times as a new Moses who
composition was the city of Antioch in Syria, brings a new Law for the Christian
to which many Jewish-Christians had fled after communities.
the destruction of Jerusalem.
Luke Luke is clearly writing for Gentile Christians. The author of the Gospel of Luke is
The person to whom his gospel is addressed thought to have been a Syrian, from
has a Greek name, Theophilus, and he declares the city of Antioch, who was a
throughout the gospel that the salvation of physician and friend and fellow
Christ is offered to non-Jews. The author is traveller of St Paul named Luke.
clearly deeply influenced by the Old
Testament, even though he seldom quotes it
directly. Luke is writing in a period of great
expansion for the infant Church. The early
Christians have accepted that the Second
Coming of Christ may not occur for a long
time, and they have learned to concentrate on
issues of day-to-day Christian life, work,
Christian love and prayer. The most important
theme of Luke’s gospel is that Jesus is Saviour
for all, Gentiles, outcasts and sinners alike.
Analysing gospels

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Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018

Example:

Symbols of the Gospels

Mark Matthew Luke John


Symbol

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Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018

Why is The winged lion is The symbol of the The symbol of the  The symbol of the
this the the symbol of the gospel of Matthew is gospel of Luke is a gospel of John is an
symbol Gospel as it a winged man. This winged ox or bull. The eagle. A figure of the
that represents the highlights Jesus' entry ox is an animal used in sky and a strong
represent author, St. Mark, as into the world. The temple sacrifices; Luke creature who can look
s the the lion is a figure portrayal of a man begins his gospel with into the sun. This is
gospel? of courage and relates to the Zechariah making a represented as John
monarchy. The lion genealogy of Joseph temple offering, starts with an eternal
also represents from Abraham. It also it represents overview of Jesus and
Jesus' resurrection signifies Christ's Jesus' sacrifice in His goes on to describe
and Christ as king. human nature. Passion and many things wuth a
Crucifixion "higher" Christology.
 
 
 

Case Study: Gospel according to Luke

Begining Middle End


30 years 3 years 1 week
Jesus' Birth Teaching and Jesus goes to
Jesus' Baptism & Healing Jerusalem
Temptation Peter's Declaration Arrest, Trial & Death
Call of the disciples Jesus Jesus' Resurrection
Preparation for Transfiguration
Ministry Teaching, Healing &
Parables

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Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018

 Luke has a sophisticated grasp of the Greek language


 He is observant of human behaviour, recoding to the mannerisms of people in his
stories as well as giving physiological insight
 Luke is concerned with projecting Jesus as a prophet
 He is concerned for the Gentiles. He does not use Hebrew words. This is because he is
writing for people who don’t know Palestine, and he has to explain Jewish customs
Parables in Luke’s Gospel
 A parable is a short story or figurative speech which uses comparison intended to
evoke a personal reflection in the audience
 Jesus used parables during his ministry as a way of illustrating a specific teaching,
criticism and as a way of describing the Kingdom of God
 This form of story telling was a common way of teaching and communicating in
Jesus’ time
 By speaking figurately, it is also ensured that Jesus could avoid getting in trouble
from authorities
 Parables make complex concepts easier to understand, and makes for a more
memorable, contextualised message
Themes in Luke’s Gospel

PREFERN FEMALE
CE FOR DISCIPLE
THE SHIP

THEMES IN
COMPASSI LUKES Stewardshi
ON AND GOSPEL p of wealth
FORGIVNE

KINGDOM UNIVERSA
OF L
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GOD SALVATIO
Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018

Female Discipleship

 Women were prominent in Luke’s portrayal of Jesus’ Life


 This tells us that Luke’s community most likely had a strong female presence and
leadership
 It also tells us the importance of women in discipleship. Women feature in Jesus’ life
through:
- Family (Mary and Elizabeth)
- Examples of healing
- As witnesses to the resurrection

Example: “There was also a prophet, Anna the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of
a great age, having lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, then as a widow to the age
of eighty-four. She never left the temple but worshiped there with fasting and prayer night and day. At
that moment she came, and began to praise God and to speak about the child to all who were looking
for the redemption of Jerusalem.” (NRSV 2:36-38)

Already in the second chapter, Anna raises readers' expectations for an interesting treatment of
women in the story. Evidently, they can be prophets, highly devout, and even public speakers.
And get this—people listen to them.
Anna or Anna the Prophetess is a woman mentioned in the Gospel of Luke. According to that
Gospel, she was an elderly Jewish woman who prophesied about Jesus at the Temple of
Jerusalem.
Stewardship of wealth

 The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus draws on the theme preference for the poor to
exemplify another key Lukan theme of stewardship of wealth
 The gospel of Luke challenges the idea of privilege and wealth, emphasising that while
wealth is not sinful, failing to use ones privilege and wealth for the betterment of society
is sinful
Universal salvation
 Luke 3:23-38 offers a genealogy of Jesus, unlike Matthew, traces Jesus all the way
back to the first man, Adam
 This emphasises Luke’s theme of universal salvation, that Jesus didn’t come for a
select group of people, rather his message and salvation through him is offered to all
humankind
 This theme is further emphasised through Luke’s gospel, as Jesus ministers to both
the Jewish community, but to the people of other cultural and religious backgrounds
Kingdom of God
 The theme of the Kingdom of God is tied up with the theme of salvation
 But the notion of the Kingdom of God is that it is a practical and present thing. Jesus
demonstrates the Kingdom of God through signs of wonder, such as controlling
storms, healing and raising the dead

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Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018

Compassion and forgiveness


 Luke presents Jesus as a man of compassion and forgiveness
 This theme is demonstrated throughout Luke’s gospel as Jesus showed compassion to
the sick, poor and those on the margins of society
 The parable of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son are unique to Luke’s gospel
and emphasise the importance of being compassionate and forgiving
 This theme is carried into the Passion where Jesus shows compassion and forgiveness
to the criminal beside him
Preference for the poor
 Luke’s gospel, often referred to as the social justice gospel, is focused on the
treatment of the poor through justice and mercy
 Luke recalls the prophet Isiah when Jesus recites the scripture at the synagogue. The
interpretation of poor is twofold:
- The economically disadvantaged
- The spiritually poor

Luke’s other themes


Theme Explanation
Family When you think about Christian values, you'd probably say family would
be at the top of the list, right? Well, for Luke's Jesus, family is not one of
the supreme values—familial duties are actually obstacles to becoming his
disciple. Following Jesus quite simply increases the likelihood of familial
conflict and strife. There is no way to make this less prickly of a fact. It's
as hard to swallow now as it was two millennia years ago.
Love There are at least three types of love worth tracking throughout Luke's
story: love among people, God's love for mortals, and people's love for
various non-human things, like honours, wealth, or God. The common
thread here is the Greek word agape, which we see at least twelve times in
Luke's gospel. It might be Greek to you, but that doesn't let you off the
hook. Track it through the English and see how Luke interprets the oh-so-
abstract concept.
Poverty Luke's Jesus is a passionate advocate on behalf of the poor, and he's
convinced that God is on their side. He also tells his disciples to get their
butts busy meeting the needs of the people who don't have anything. This
guy isn't talking about puny acts of charity that leave your own comforts
and securities totally intact. No, these are big, life-altering efforts on behalf
of the poor, like selling all your possessions.
Wealth No matter how it seems, Luke's Jesus isn't just a belligerent rich-guy hater.
He's more interested in what chasing after wealth does to people. Money
makes people want things, and according to Luke, it dictates their actions,
closes them to certain realities, and leaves them short-changed at the end of

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Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018

their lives. How are we supposed to reconcile these concepts in a world


where everything is market-this and economy-that? Man, the Bible can be
one tough nut to crack.
Sin and Luke's Jesus is serious about sin and the need for people to turn their lives
forgiveness around. But he doesn't seem judgmental. In fact, he makes friends with the
"sinners," eating, drinking and, well, partying with them. Plus, he gets a lot
of heat for doing so. Think you're safe from the sinner club? You're wrong,
says Jesus. People who consider themselves immune to sin are actually
part of the club. Better to be self-aware and understand your sinful
tendencies.
Luke suggests to liberate yourself from sin through baptism, confession in
prayer to God, commitment to repentance, and Jesus's own bestowal of
forgiveness.
Fate and One of Luke's major concerns is to show that the work, passion,
free will crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus are the fulfillment of the Jewish
scriptures (i.e., Moses, the prophets, and the Psalms). This is Luke's main
way of coming to terms with the fact that Jesus—the Messiah, for crying
out loud—gets crucified. God's will has been accomplished precisely
through and in spite of all of those acts of opposition, betrayal, and
rejection.
It's a pretty hefty concept of divine fate, necessity, determination, or even
destiny. And the pesky conundrum arises: are the people who betrayed,
rejected, and condemned Jesus responsible for their actions? One thing's
certain. Within Luke's text they are held responsible and their punishment
is expected (Judas is a case in point; see 22:22). But it's a tough line. Work
through the texts for yourself and see if you can toe it.
Gospel of Luke: The Outline and Structure
The Gospel of Luke is organized into eight primary sections that describe the life, ministry and
miracles of Jesus Christ. This Gospel is filled with details about history and surrounding events of
the times. It is careful to include details about the political culture and the families surrounding
Jesus during His earthly life. The first section begins with an introduction that explains the
purpose of this Gospel from the writer. The second section, beginning in the fifth verse of
Chapter One, describes the events surrounding the coming of Jesus Christ and John the Baptist.
This section describes the birth of Jesus and some events of His childhood. The first quote of
Jesus in the Gospel of Luke appears in the second chapter, verse 49. The third section details the
events leading to the public ministry of Jesus, including His baptism (Luke 3:21, 22) and His
temptation (Luke 4:1-13). The next four chapters comprise the fourth section of Luke's Gospel,
including the beginning of Christ's ministry, choosing His 12 Apostles (Luke 6:12-16), and
performing miracles (Luke 4:35; 4:39; 5:13). Throughout these chapters, Jesus displayed many
powers that validated His authority given to Him by God, including the authority to forgive sins
(Luke 5:20; 7:48), the authority to know our thoughts (Luke 5:22), the authority to heal people
(Luke 6:8), the authority to bring peace to people (Luke 7:50), and the authority over nature by
calming a storm (Luke 8:24). This section also describes many lessons and teachings of Jesus that
are principles for living according to God's way of life.
The fifth section of Luke's Gospel begins with Chapter 9, verse 10, where Jesus performs the
miracle of feeding five thousand people with five loafs of bread and two fish (Luke 9:10-17). The
Apostle Peter confesses that Jesus is the Christ (also known as the Messiah) (Luke 9:20). In

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verses 9:28-34, the transfiguration is described in detail. The beginning of the sixth section
outlines the ministry of Jesus in Judea starting in Chapter 9, verse 51. Jesus gives His followers
instructions on how to help others through discipleship (Luke 10:1-17); Jesus teaches us how to
pray effectively to God (Luke 11:2-4); Jesus warns people how not to act, including being
hypocritical and judgmental (Luke 11:37-52); Jesus tells His followers not to worry about
common concerns in life, but to trust God (Luke 12:22-34); and Jesus gives people a stern
warning that we must repent (change from sinful ways) or perish (Luke 13:1-5). The seventh
section of the Gospel of Luke runs from Chapter 13:22 through Chapter 19:22 and describes
many teachings and miracles of Jesus. Jesus almost exclusively uses parables to give lessons
about living. The eighth and last section of this Gospel describes the important details about the
trial, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus again shows His authority by knowing
everything around Him (Luke 19:30). Jesus gives many final instructions about how to live (Luke
21:19, 34) and how to rely on God (Luke 22:40, 46). He again confirms His authority as the Son
of God (Luke 22:70). Finally, Chapter 24 details the resurrection of Jesus and His ascension to
heaven.
Gospel of Luke: What is the Significance?
The Gospel of Luke presents many important facts and significant lessons about Jesus Christ.
First, the Gospel clearly establishes that Jesus Christ is the Messiah that was prophesied
throughout the Old Testament. Second, it proves that Jesus is the Son of God as He claims.
Third, it confirms that Jesus has complete authority over everything in the world, including
overcoming evil (Luke 4:12, 35; 9:38; 11:14), controlling nature (Luke 8:22-25; 9:12-17; 5:4-
11), overcoming death (Luke 8:41-42; 7:11-15), healing people (Luke 5:12-13; 7:1-10; 4:38-
35; 5:18-25; 6:6-10; 18:35-43), the power to forgive sins (Luke 5:24; 7:48), the power to
bless people (Luke 6:20-22), and the authority to give people eternal life in heaven (Luke
23:43). Jesus displayed the miracle of overcoming death through His own resurrection after
being crucified on a Roman cross. The Gospel of Luke provides a first hand account of the
events of Christ's life from the Apostles and other witnesses. The Gospel has absolutely
survived the historical, geographical and archaeological scrutiny of the last 2,000 years. Of
course, a summary of Luke's Gospel can only provide highlights to the actual text and cannot
replace it. You are encouraged to read the Gospel of Luke to learn more about Jesus Christ
and the miracles that He can do in your life!

Definitions
Synoptic - the first three Gospels Matthew, Mark, and Luke, from their similarity in content, order, and statement
Gospels – meaning “good news” it includes the four books of the bible that describe Jesus’ life, death and
resurrection.
Ecumenism - the principle or aim of promoting unity among the world's Christian Churches.

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