FINAL Religion Notes 2018 Task 2
FINAL Religion Notes 2018 Task 2
FINAL Religion Notes 2018 Task 2
Early Christianity
1
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.
2
Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018
3
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”
4
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
5
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.
6
Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018
7
Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018
8
Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018
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.
9
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.
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.
10
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.
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
11
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
12
Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018
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
13
Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018
Example:
14
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.
15
Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018
PREFERN FEMALE
CE FOR DISCIPLE
THE SHIP
THEMES IN
COMPASSI LUKES Stewardshi
ON AND GOSPEL p of wealth
FORGIVNE
KINGDOM UNIVERSA
OF L
16
GOD SALVATIO
Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018
Female Discipleship
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
17
Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018
18
Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018
19
Carlos Hasham Religion Notes 2018
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.
20