Download Religious Teachings for all occasions! Christian

Religious Teachings for all occasions!
Christian
Sanctity of Life “All life is God-given , therefore precious and should not be taken away.” (Don’t forget can just use the first part if
that is all that is needed, i.e. “All life is God-given therefore precious.”)
God has given us stewardship over the earth so we should look after it (including the creatures upon it, others and ourselves)
Creation - God looked at all he had made and said “It is good”. Human beings are made in “God’s image” and in the Noah’s Ark story –
animals saved too!
Jesus’ sayings “Love your neighbour”; “Love your enemies”; “Love one another”
“Your body is God’s temple and if you destroy God’s temple, God will destroy you.”
“Do not judge or you will be judged.”
Some of the Ten Commandments given to Moses by God: Do not use God’s name in vain; Do not commit murder/kill; Do not commit
adultery; Do not steal; Do not desire another man’s things. Some of the Beatitudes given by Jesus: Do not judge others – for God will
judge you in the same way; Do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you, love your enemies; Happy are those who are merciful to
others; Happy are those who work for peace and do for others what you want them to do for you.
God: Christians believe in one God, but in three parts - The Trinity – God the Father (In heaven, the creator and sustainer of life). God
the son (Jesus, God takes human form, redeemer). The Holy Spirit (God on earth at all times to offer guidance, comforter).
Repentance means to be really sorry, then you can be forgiven and achieve salvation (be saved) through Jesus.
Remember Zacchaeus promised to give half his possessions to the poor and if he had cheated anyone he would give them back 4
times the amount. Remember the Rich Young Ruler was told by Jesus to give all his riches to the poor and to follow him. He couldn’t
and went away unhappy and Jesus said ‘It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the
kingdom of heaven.’ Sheep and Goats story means that if you do what Jesus wants you to do (you are the ‘sheep’ n the story) your
reward is heaven e.g. feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit the prisoner.
Buddhist
God: Buddhists do not necessarily believe in God. Buddha did not teach about God, he was more concerned with how we end suffering.
Some Buddhists are atheists.
The Three Marks of Existence Anicca (everything changes/nothing is permanent)
Anatta (People change/no separate self)
Dukkha (suffering)
The Three Refuges (Jewels)
1. “I go to the Buddha for my refuge.”
2. “I go to the teaching (dhamma – Buddha’s teaching) for my refuge.”
3. “I go to the order (sangha – Buddhist community) for my refuge.”
The Four Noble Truths
1. Dukkha (life is unsatisfactory and involves suffering).
2. Tanha (why? we desire and crave things).
3. Niroda (the cure to suffering is to get rid of desire and craving).
4. Magga (to get rid of suffering follow “The Middle Way” known as The Eightfold Path ).
The Eightfold Path
1. Right viewpoint – understanding the meaning of the four noble truths.
2. Right intention – positive thoughts and following the middle way for the right reasons.
3. Right speech – speech should be kind, gentle, truthful and helpful.
4. Right action – follow the five precepts.
5. Right living – people should work to the best of their ability in a useful occupation which
does not kill or hurt others.
6. Right effort – the mind should be trained to avoid things that are negative.
7. Right mindfulness – controlling the mind to be more aware.
8. Right concentration – let go of unwanted thoughts.
The Five Precepts
I undertake to abstain from …
(1) taking life, (2) Taking what
is not freely given, (3) The
misuse of the senses (misusing
sex), (4) Wrong speech (lying),
(5) Taking drugs and alcohol,
which cloud the mind.
The Six Perfections
Buddhists must practise:
Dana – Charitable Giving
Samadhi – Meditation
Virya – Energy (Doing)
Prajna – Wisdom
Sila – Morality
Kshanti - Patience
Nibbana: Eternal state or peace that is beyond suffering.