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David & Solomon’s Israel Early Christian and Eastern Religions Five major faiths developed in the Middle East during and after the collapse of the Roman Empire : Judaism Islam Christianity Mithraism Gnosticism Early Christian and Eastern Religions These faiths all shared several things in common: Claimed Exclusive Path to Paradise (heaven) Claimed they were the Only True Faith Placed Emphasis on Prophecy and Spiritually Revealed Truth Offered hope of salvation to those who believed their truth Honored a chief Prophet or Messiah Believed that there was a struggle between good and evil for man’s soul Practiced ritual purification or initiation with water Believed that members should seek out new converts for their faith (except Judaism) Early Christian and Eastern Religions Only 3 of these 5 have survived although each one had periods of great success: Christianity, Islam and Judaism are the great survivors. Mithraism almost became the official religion of the Roman Empire – only Constantine’s victory changed that Gnosticism was a variant of Christianity that survived into the 1200s in France where it was eventually wiped out by Papal Christianity in a series of Crusades and the creation of the Inquisition. Judaism 2000 BCE – Abraham is called from Ur in Mesopotamia to Canaan by Yahweh 1600 BCE – Hebrews leave Canaan for Egypt 1250 BCE – Moses and Hebrews leave Egypt (Exodus) and return to Canaan 1000 BCE – Israelites establish a monarchy under Saul – the 1st Hebrew King 1000 – 961 BCE – David is King 961 – 922 BCE – Solomon is King 922 BCE – Kingdom splits into 2 – Israel and Judah 722 BCE – Israel falls to the Assyrians 600 BCE – Hebrew Torah and other Holy writings are compiled into their final form 587 BCE – Judah falls to Chaldaeans under Nebuchadnezzar II and the Hebrews are enslaved and taken to Babylon (Babylonian Captivity) Judaism/Christianity 539 BCE – Persians conquer Chaldaeans and return Hebrews to homeland 4 BCE – Birth of Jesus Christ 26-29 CE – Public career of Jesus Christ 29 CE – Crucifixion of Christ under Pontius Pilate 34 CE – Stephen is the first Christian martyr – stoned to death 200 CE – Rome becomes the center of the Christian faith Christianity 307 – 337 CE – Reign of Constantine the Great 313 CE – Edict of Milan is issued by Constantine legalizing Christianity 325 CE – Council of Nicea establishes Nicene Creed and Orthodox Christianity – all other forms of Christianity are made heresies. 376 CE – Western Roman Empire is invaded by the Huns under Attila 395 CE – The Edict of Theodosius is issued making Christianity the only legal religion in the Roman Empire - Roman Empire splits into east and west at Theodosius’ death 395 CE – The beginning of the reliquary trade Synagogue Interior Wall paintings of Old Testament scenes from Dura Europos, Syria ca. 245-256 tempera on plaster Similar in style to Roman work Ark of the Covenant in the Temple of Dagon Synagogue Interior Wall paintings of Old Testament scenes from Dura Europos, Syria ca. 245-256 tempera on plaster Judaic Art Judaica Isaiah Scroll (Dead Sea Scrolls) 1st century BCE Qumran, Israel This early version of the Book of Isaiah is exactly the same as modern ones Jewish. Masada, the fortress of King Herod on the Dead Sea. Late first century CE. Jewish. Model of the Second Temple of Jerusalem. . 326-335 CE A History of the Jewish People The Jewish sense of history begins with the stories recounted in the Hebrew Bible or Tanakh Jews hold the “five books of Moses” as the most sacred part of the scriptures – The Torah The theme of exile reappears continually in the Hebrew Bible, and in later Jewish history the people are rendered homeless again and again Biblical History Begins with the creation of the world by a supreme deity, or God Progresses through: the patriarchs and matriarchs Moses who spoke with God and led the people according to God’s commandments the prophets who heard God’s warnings to those who strayed from the commandments Biblical History After the Tanakh: After the holy center of Judaism, the Temple of Jerusalem, was captured and destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE, Jewish history is that of a dispersed people, finding unity in their evolving teachings and traditional practices, which were eventually codified in the great compendium of Jewish law and lore, the Talmud. Biblical Stories From creation to the God of Abraham Hebrew scriptures begin with an account of the creation of heaven and earth by God in six days Covenant A unique belief introduced into Jewish theology was the idea of a special covenantal relationship between the Jewish people and God Early Monotheism Scholars disagree on whether pure monotheism was practiced by the early patriarchs Biblical Stories Israel’s Birth in Struggle The story in which a human being struggles and finally is reborn at a higher level of spirituality has been taken as a metaphor for the spiritual evolution of the people of Israel Egypt: Bondage and Exodus According to the scriptural Book of Exodus, Moses was chosen by God to defy the pharaoh and lead the people out of bondage, out of Egypt Biblical Stories From the Wilderness to Canaan Acceptance of the laws given to Moses at Mount Sinai brought a new dimension to the covenant between God and Israel Carrying the ark representing this covenant, the Israelites had to wander for forty years through the desert before they could re-enter the promised land, fertile Canaan, which at that time belonged to other peoples Biblical Stories The First Temple of Jerusalem David, the second king of Israel, is remembered as Israel’s greatest king Under the reign of King Solomon (son of David), a great temple was built in Jerusalem The temple became the central place for sacrifice in Judaism In 586 BCE the great walls of Jerusalem were battered down and its buildings put to the torch by the Babylonians Return to Jerusalem • • • After fifty years of exile in Babylon, a small group of devoted Jews returned to their holy city and land, now called Judaea. King Cyrus authorized the rebuilding of the Temple of Jerusalem, which was completed in 515 BCE. The second temple became the central symbol to a scattered Jewish nation. Three Sects Under the Hasmonean kings, three sects of Jews formed in Judaea: Sadducees: priests and wealthy businesspeople, conservatives intent on preserving the letter of the law Pharisees: more liberal citizens from all classes who sought to study the applications of the Torah to everyday life A third general movement was uncompromising in its piety and its disgust with what it considered a corrupted priesthood Revolts Spurred by anti-Roman militias called Zealots, some Jews rose up in armed rebellion against Rome in 66 CE The rebellion was suppressed, and the Jewish defenders were slaughtered in the holy walled city of Jerusalem In 70 CE A second ultimately disastrous revolt followed in 132 CE Judaea was renamed Palestine after the ancient Philistines. Judaism no longer had a physical heart or a geographic center Rabbinic Judaism Rabbis and the messianic movement survived the destruction of Judaea Rabbis: inheritors of the Pharisee tradition founders of rabbinic Judaism, which has defined the major forms of Jewish practice over the last 2,000 years teachers, religious decision-makers, and creators of liturgical prayer The messianic movement : there were many until one formed around Jesus of Nazareth, later known as Christianity Rabbis’ Work The rabbis: • • • thoroughly interpret Hebrew scriptures apply the biblical teachings to their contemporary lives, in very different cultural circumstances from those of the ancients interpret scripture in ways acceptable to contemporary values Torah Jewish teachings are known as the Torah The one God Love for God The sacredness of human life Law Suffering and Faith Sacred Practices scriptural study remembering God in all aspects of life ritual circumcision what one eats is of cosmic significance giving thanks continually the Sabbath Bar Mitzvah Holy Days Judaism follows an ancient lunar calendar of annual holidays and memorials linked to special events in history: Rosh Hashanah Yom Kippur Sukkot Hanukkah Purim Passover Holocaust Remembrance Day Shavuot CENTRAL BELIEFS With the many historical forms of Judaism, they all share similar characteristics. The most essential characteristic is the belief in one God who created the universe and continues to rule it. The God who created the world revealed himself to the Israelites at Mount Sinai. The content of that revelation makes up the Torah, God's will for humankind stated in his commandments. A second major concept in Judaism is that of the covenant, or agreement, between God and the Jewish people. The Jews would acknowledge God, agreeing to obey his laws. God, in turn, would acknowledge Israel as his chosen people. The Bible is the word of God CENTRAL BELIEFS Jewish People believe that goodness and obedience will be rewarded and sin punished by God’s judgment after death. Then at the end of times, God will send his Messiah to redeem the Jews and deliver them to their Promised Land. Although all forms of Judaism come from the Hebrew bible, Judaism is mainly derived from the rabbinic movement during the first centuries of the Christian era. At the turn of the 3rd century, the rabbis, or Jewish sages, produced the Mishnah, the earliest document of rabbinic literature. Some for fun Not to indulge in familiarities with relatives, such as kissing, embracing, winking, skipping, which may lead to incest (Lev. 18:6) Not to commit sodomy with one's father (Lev. 18:7) Not to have intercourse with a woman, in her menstrual period (Lev. 18:19) "When a woman has a discharge of blood, which is her regular discharge from her body, she shall be in her impurity for seven days, and whoever touches her shall be unclean until evening." -Leviticus 15:19-20 Not to castrate the male of any species; neither a man, nor a domestic or wild beast, nor a fowl (Lev. 22:24) Of them you may eat: the locust according to its kind." -- Leviticus 11:22 "When men fight with one another, and the wife of the one draws near to rescue her husband from the hand of him who is beating him, and puts out her hand and seizes him by the private parts, then you shall cut off her hand." -- Deuteronomy 25:11-12 Some more for fun Not to eat flesh with milk (Ex. 34:26) Not to eat the flesh of an ox that was condemned to be stoned (Ex. 21:28) Not to compel the Hebrew servant to do the work of a slave (Lev. 25:39) To keep the Canaanite slave forever (Lev. 25:46) That the violator (of an unbetrothed virgin) shall marry her (Deut. 22:28-29) Not to wear garments made of wool and linen mixed together (Deut. 22:11) That a man, having a running issue, defiles (Lev. 15:1-15) To exterminate the seven Canaanite nations from the land of Israel (Deut. 20:17) Stoned 2 Stoning to death punishment for disobedient sons. 21.21 And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones, so that he die. So shalt thou put evil away from among you, and all Israel shall hear and fear. Stoning to death punishment for non virgin women. 22.20 But if this thing be true, and the tokens of virginity be not found for the damsel, (unmarried women) 22.21 then they shall bring out the damsel to the door of her father’s house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones that she die, because she hath wrought folly in Israel, to play the whore in her father’s house; so shalt thou put evil away from among you. Death punishment for adultery. 22.22 “If a man be found lying with a woman married to a husband, then they shall both of them die, both the man that lay with the woman and the woman; so shalt thou put away evil from Israel. Stoning to death punishment for virgin women for adultery. 22.23 If a damsel who is a virgin be betrothed unto a husband, and a man find her in the city and lie with her, 22.24 then ye shall bring them both out unto the gate of that city, and ye shall stone them with stones, that they die — the damsel, because she cried not, being in the city, and the man,because he hath humbled his neighbor’s wife; so thou shalt put away evil from among you. Early Middle Ages - Eastern Religious Art Mithras Slaying the Sacred Bull 150 – 200 Rome, Italy The Mithraic cult focused on the sun, good vs. evil and Mithras – a god who was killed and rose again 3 days later and was born on December 25 Mithraic. Mithraic relief. Greco-Eyptian. Isis Lactans, Isis giving the breast to the infant Horus, from Antinoe, Egypt. Early third century CE. Height: 35". CHRISTIANITY 6-4 BC – BIRTH OF JESUS (COULD BE AS EARLY AS 10 BC) 15-26 AD – VALERIUS GRATUS IS PREFECT OF JUDEA, UNDER TIBERIUS 18-37 AD – CAIAPHAS IS APPOINTED HIGH PRIEST OF THE SANHEDRIN BY VALERIUS GRATUS 24-26 AD – PUBLIC MINISTRY OF JESUS 26-36 AD – PONTIUS PILATE IS PREFECT OF JUDEA, UNDER TIBERIAS 27-29 AD – CRUCIFIXION OF JESUS FOR SEDITION 27-29 AD – PENTECOST OCCURS AND THE CHURCH BEGINS 34 AD – PHILIP CONVERTS FIRST PERSON, AN ETHIOPIAN JEW IN GAZA 35 AD - SAUL OF TARSUS CONVERTS TO CHRISTIANITY, BECOMES PAUL 39 AD – PETER PREACHES TO THE GENTILES FOR FIRST TIME CHRISTIANITY 42 – Mark goes to Egypt 44 – James, the brother of Jesus, is stoned to death by the Jews for blasphemy 49 - Jerusalem Council held on admitting Gentiles into the Church 51-52 – First written accounts of Christianity – Paul’s letters to the Thessalonians 52 - Apostle Thomas arrives in India and founds church that subsequently becomes Indian Orthodox Church (and its various descendants). 59-62 - Paul journeys to Rome and is imprisoned 60 – Andrew martyred in Greece by crucifixion under Romans for sedition; possible date for Gospels of Mark, Luke and Matthew 64 – Nero begins persecution of Christians for fire in Rome 68 – Paul and Peter are killed under Nero Christianity 70 – Jerusalem and Judea invaded and destroyed by the Romans under Titus 72 - Traditional date of the Apostle Thomas' martyrdom in India 90-95 – John exiled to the island of Patmos (Gospel of John is written) 95 – The Book of Revelations is written 95-120 – All other new testament books and gospels are written 202 – Christians persecuted under Septimus Severus 211 – Christians tolerated under Caracalla 222 – Christians favored under Alevander Severus 230 – Origen defends Christianity with his books 235 – Christians persecuted again under Maximum the Thracian 238 – Christians tolerated under Gordian III Christianity 244 – Christians favored under Philip the Arab 251 – Cyprian writes On the Unity of the Catholic Church 303 - Diocletian begins the Great Persecution – kills Christians, priests, bishops, popes and even churches and structures are destroyed. 312 – Constantine defeats Maxentius and becomes sole Roman Empereror 313 – Constantine issues the Edict of Milan – ordering the toleration of all religions (including Christianity) 325 – Council of Nicea is called and the dogma of the Christian faith is voted on by various bishops. Constantine is in charge of the proceedings. Christ’s divinity is voted on, as well as which books to call Gospels , etc. Christianity 336 – Constantine converts to Christianity, then dies becoming first Christian emperor. 381 – First Council of Constantinople – called by Emperor Theodosius – it included a restatement of the Nicene Creed and fully established the concept of the Trinity as one. It outlawed Arianism (Jesus did not exist until his birth) as heresy. 395 – Edict of Theodosius – outlaws all religions except Christianity in the entire Roman Empire 400 – The Bible is translated into Latin from Greek by St. Jerome 418 – Council of Africa – led by Augustine- condemned Donatists (who claimed people who converted under persecution could not be priests) and the Pelagians (who claimed that sin could beavoided and we men were not born with original sin). Original sin becomes an official dogma as does repentance and forgiveness. Christianity 451 – Council of Chalcedon – called by Emperor Anatolius - called to condemn Nestorianism (claimed Christ was part human and part divine), Leads to doctrine that Jesus is 100% God and 100% man at the same time 1054 – Great Schism between Eastern and Western Christianity (Catholic is only kind at this time). First break up of Catholic Church. Over a phrase in the Nicene creed and in clergy marriage. 1122 – Concordat of Worms – separates the Church from local governments 1123 – First Lateran Council - banned clerical marriage 1139 – Second Lateran Council – banned nuns and monks from singing together in church 1160-1180 – Purgatory becomes part of the Christian doctrine (a place between heaven and hell where one waits to be judged) 1179 – Third Lateran Council – banned the Waldensian and Cathar heresy (earthly things are evil including the body). Only cardinals can now elect the Pope. Christianity 1215 – Fourth Lateran Council – created dogma of Transubstantiation (the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Christ) 1517 – Martin Luther nails his 99 Theses to the Church in Wittenburg, Germany – officially begin the Protestant Movement of Christianity. The Catholic Church would no longer be the only kind of Christianity 1534 – Henry VIII creates the Anglican Church (to get divorced) 1536 – John Calvin starts new Christian Church in Switzerland 1517-1600 – Protestant Reformation 1563-1648 – Catholic Counter-Reformation – reaction against Protestantism to return the Catholic Church to prestige; boom in church building and patronage of the arts; Jesuits are created to convert people back Christianity 1609 – The Baptist faith begins under John Smyth 1611 – King James version of the Bible is printed in English 1729 – The Methodist faith begins under John Wesley 1730-1755 – First Great Awakening – Christ’s return is awaited, repent. Mainly occurs in British colonies. Focus on guilt for sin, repentance. Congregationalist and Presbyterian Churches develop alongside Dutch Reformed (Amish). 1790-1840 – Second Great Awakening – Christ’s return is imminent, repent. People can be saved through religious revivals only, not through good works. Beginnings of evangelical Christianity. Mormon religion established by Joseph Smith. Only in the U.S. 1850-1900 – Third Great Awakening – After cleaning up the world, then Christ will come. American Protestant Christians start social programs to reform the US, then the world. Proselytizing and evangelizing the US and the world will bring about Christ’s return. Church of Christ Scientists, Salvation Army, Pentecostals and the Jehovah’s Witnesses begin. Christianity 1854 – The dogma of the Immaculate Conception (Mary was born without original sin, hence so was Jesus) is declared by Pope Pius 1868 – Vatican Council – declaration of Papal Infallibility (Pope is direct link to God and cannot be wring if issuing a Papal Bull) 1960-1980 – Fourth Great Awakening – Jesus is coming and boy is he pissed. Only took place in the U.S. Evangelical and fundamentalist movements push aside the more traditional churches and beliefs to enforce religion on society to bring back an angry Christ to seek vengeance on those who did not adhere to their faith 1962- 1965 – Second Vatican Council – declaration that Jews are not accursed people or to be blamed for Christ’s death; claims the Catholic Church is the true church, but there are other Truths to be found outside of it; permission granted to say mass in languages of the country rather than only Latin Early Christian Art Characteristics Decay in style Religious themes are the focus Substance over style Basilica main form of church building The subject matter and story are what’s important not the artist Baptistery from Christian Community House Dura Europos, Syria ca. 240-256 Baptism was done in homes before churches developed Church of the Holy Sepulchre C. 330 CE Constantine the Great One of Holiest spots in Christendom Contains the place of the crucifixion and the tomb of Christ under its domes. Early Christian. Cutaway drawing: the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem, showing site of Christ’s Tomb (line drawing). ca. 300 CE. Basilica of the Nativity – Bethlehem c. 327 Early Christian. Drawing: Traditional Christian Symbols (line drawing). Early Christian and Eastern Religious Art – Old St. Peter’s in Rome Early Christian Art Interior of Old St. Peter’s C. 324 – 400 CE Rome, Italy This drawing was done by Jacopo Grimaldi in 1619 Shows typical Christian basilica style church plan Early Christian Art Interior of Santa Maria Maggiore 430 – 440 CE Rome, Italy The first church built dedicated to Mary Most of the interior is in its original state including the art work Upon entering the eye is immediately drawn to the altar Santa Sabina Rome, Italy ca. 422-432 Typical early Christian basilica style Santa Sabina Rome, Italy ca. 422-432 Interiors still received more detail than exteriors, continuing Roman tradition Santa Costanza Rome, Italy ca. 337-351 Early Christian Art Santa Costanza 350 CE Rome, Italy Although most churches were based on the basilica plan, some were built on circular plans similar to the tombs of the emperors, especially if it contained the relics of an important saint Here the Emperor Constantine’s sister (Santa Costanza) was placed The circular plan would see wider use as baptisteries Longitudinal Section Santa Costanza Rome, Italy ca. 337-351 Plan Santa Costanza vault mosaic Rome, Italy ca. 337-351 tessera mosaic Different Bible and pagan stories mixed Christ as Sol Invictus from the Mausoleum of the Julii Rome, Italy late 3rd century tessera mosaic Christ drives Apollo’s chariot of the sun Early Christian Art Jesus the Good Shepherd 3rd century CE Rome, Italy Large scale sculptures are rare in early Christian art Shows Christ beardless and in Roman garb Early Christian Art Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus 359 CE Rome, Italy Early Christian sculpture focused on Biblical themes as well Note the doll like bodies with large heads Note beardless Christ again, in Greek philosopher pose and garb Christ Entering Jerusalem Christ Enthroned Christ Enthroned ca. 350-375 marble approximately 2 ft. 4 1/2 in. high Jesus sits on an imperial throne in togata Catacomb showing loculi (spots for tombs) Rome 3rd-4th centuries CE Catacombs were also used as early meeting places for Christians before it became legal Early Christian Art Catacomb of Santissimi Pietro e Marcellino Ceiling 4th century CE Rome, Italy All the earliest Christian art can be found in underground catacombs like this one Catacombs were burial places underneath the city – usually on the outskirts Good Shepherd Catacomb of Pietro and Marcellino, Rome, Italy early 4th century fresco Note beardless and in Roman God clothing Orant figure (Praying woman) Catacomb of Priscilla, Rome,Italy 3th century fresco The early Church had female leaders as well Early Christian Art Mausoleum of Galla Placida 425 – 450 CE Ravenna, Italy Named after the Emperor Honorius’ sister who was believed to be buried here Form of building is a Greek cross – even lengths on all arms Early Christian Art Interior of Mausoleum of Galla Placida 425 – 450 CE Ravenna, Italy Interior is full of barrel vaulting Walls are covered in bright mosaics Most tell of St Lawrence’s life – leads many to believe that this was a chapel dedicated to him Early Christian Art Good Shepherd 425-450 Ravenna, Italy Located in the tomb of Galla Placida this mosaic shows us a beardless Christ acting as a shepherd tending his flock (allegory) Halo is used to show importance not for holiness (that came later) Saint Apollinare Nuovo Ravenna, Italy dedicated 504 Bell tower added to cal faithful to service Saint Apollinare Nuovo Ravenna, Italy dedicated 504 All original interior The Three Wise Men (The Magi) Ravenna, Italy dedicated 504 Mosaics became a crucial church decoration Basilica Plan Interior Space This is a typical basilica /cathedral floor plan. Keep in mind that each structure is different and may depart from this basic plan in some ways.......however, the key elements (labeled below) are pretty much common to most all structures. The APSE is typically the rounded end of the nave, but can also be any rounded appendage springing off the sides of a floor plan. Sometimes, apses take the form of mini-altars to various saints. The NAVE is the long, central aisle that goes down the middle of the structure. The AISLES border each side of the nave, and are usually separated from the nave by a colonnade. The TRANSEPT cuts across between the apse and the nave. (The transept gives the floor plan the shape of the cross.) The CHOIR is the area where the nave and the transept intersect, where (you guessed it) the choir usually sits. The NARTHEX (not labeled) is the entrance area on the opposite side of the front apse.......it's sometimes shaped like the transept, although not as large. Basilica Plan Vienna Genesis Early 6th century tempera, gold, silver on purple vellum 12 1/4 x 9 1/4 in. Best example of early Illuminated Manuscript Genesis chapter 32 Vienna Genesis Early 6th century tempera, gold, silver on purple vellum 12 1/4 x 9 1/4 in. Close up of painting Jacob travels to meet Esau Jacob travels over the Jabbok brook Jacob wrestles with the Angel Jacob blessed by the Angel Jacob’s 11 sons Christianity Christianity is a faith based on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Catholics were the first Christians. Historical Evidence There is very little historical proof of the life of Jesus, but extensive scholarly research has turned up some shreds of evidence While historical evidence of the life of Jesus is very skimpy, more is known about the milieu into which he was born Evidence of the Bible Many Christians feel that the true story of Jesus can be found in the Bible Given the textual complexity of the Bible, some Christians have attempted to clarify what Jesus taught and how he lived, so that people might truly follow him – because of this there are thousands of interpretations Biblical Texts Christian beliefs about the life and teachings of Jesus are especially founded on biblical texts first four books of the New Testament: Matthew John, Mark and Luke written about sixty years after Jesus’ death based on the oral transmission of the stories and discourses, which may have been influenced by the growing split between Christians and Jews There are other Gospels that did not make it into the Bible – they were banned but are available now The Life and Teaching of Jesus The stories of the canonical New Testament are important to Christians as the foundation of their faith Yet there were over 50 gospels, and 127 other books originally in circulation The canon consists of only 4 gospels and 27 books total Many of the stories were contradictory, so the Council of Nicea in 325 CE voted on which books would be included and which would need to be destroyed. Fortunately, many of these books were saved and hidden – although they are not deemed to be part of organized Christianity today, they do shed light on the way of life and historical era of the time. The Life and Teaching of Jesus Birth Jesus is the divine Son of God who “became flesh” by being conceived and born as a human being Preparation According to all four gospels, at the age of about thirty Jesus appeared before John to be baptized After being baptized, Jesus reportedly undertook a forty-day retreat in the desert wilderness, fasting The Life and Teaching of Jesus Ministry Jesus warned his disciples that they would have to leave all their possessions and human attachments to follow Jesus is said to have performed many miracles It was his mission to gather everyone together who could be saved Jesus: preached and lived by radical ethics extended the application of Jewish laws taught love preached that God is forgiving to those who repent The Life and Teaching of Jesus Challenges to the Authorities Herod Antipas may have been concerned that Jesus might be a troublemaker According to the gospels, Jesus was also regarded with suspicion by prominent Jewish groups Jesus seems not to have challenged Mosaic law but, rather, its interpretations in the evolving rabbinic traditions and the hypocrisy of some of those who claimed to be living by the law Jesus is said to have also confronted the commercial interests in the Temple of Jerusalem The Life and Teaching of Jesus Crucifixion The anti-institutional tenor of Jesus’ teachings did not endear him to those in power At the Last Supper, he is said to have given instructions for a ceremony with bread and wine to be performed thenceforth to maintain an ongoing communion with him Jesus was accused of having attributed divinity to himself and thus showing a lack of reverence for God, a crime punishable by death according to Jewish law (so he should have been stoned) by the Pharisees Pilate (a Roman governor) turns him over to his military guard for execution by crucifixion, a form of death by torture widely used within the Roman Empire for disobedient slaves and treasonous actions (not for blasphemy) The Life and Teaching of Jesus Resurrection and Ascension It was the belief in the Resurrection that turned defeat into victory for Jesus, and discouragement into hope for his followers The Resurrection became the basis for the Christian hope of salvation through belief in Jesus Some Christians believe that Jesus miraculously ascended bodily into the highest heaven, an invisible realm in the sky where God is sitting with Jesus beside him, as an advocate for his faithful followers Jesus’ Resurrection and Ascension give rise to the Christian belief in life after death for those who believe in God Similarities with old faiths Osiris (Egypt)– died and resurrected 3 days, born December 25, 12 followers, healed the sick, raised El-Azur-Us from the dead, 3 kings visit, star in the East Adonis (Phoenician/Greek) – born in Bethlehem, died and resurrected, forgave sins Tammuz (Sumerian) – died, spent 3 days in hell, and resurrected. Inanna (Ishtar), his wife, went to his tomb to discover it empty, virgin birth Hercules (Greek/Roman) – born of Zeus and human virgin, called “Prince of Peace” Mithras (Persian) – born December 25, virgin birth and Sun god was his father, died and rose 3 days later, crucified on a tree, birth witnessed by shepherds and Magi who brought him gifts, performed many miracles (gave sight, made walk, etc), had a last supper with 12 disciples with bread and wine, sins forgiven Baal (Canaan) – storm god who dies and resurrects with help from his wife Marduk (Assyrian); Attis (Persian); Dionysius (Greek); Melquart (Babylonian); and Eshmun (Philistine) – all were gods who died and resurrected 3 days later Contemporary Trends Evangelicalism Spirit-oriented movements The Great Reversal Liberation theology Feminist theology Creation-centered Christianity Ecumenical movement Major Types of Christianity Roman Catholic Eastern Catholic Byzantine Catholic Greek Orthodox Russian Orthodox Arianism Catharism Gnostic Lutheran Anglican/Episcopalian Calvinism Quakers Dutch Reform Methodist Baptist Anabaptist Unitarian Mormon Jehovah’s Witnesses Evangelical Pentecostal Seventh Day Adventists Presbyterian Congregationalist Southern Baptists Jesus Movement In the US alone, there are over 33,000 different denominations Basic Tenets of Christianity 1) Belief in one God 2) Belief in the trinitarian nature of God (Father, Son and Holy Spirit) 3) The Bible (Old and New Testaments) is the final revelation of God (except the Mormons who also have the Book of Mormon) 4) The death and resurrection of Jesus are real events 5) The Second Coming (Parousia) of Christ to judge 6) Life after death in either salvation or punishment (heaven or hell) 7) Everyone is born into sin because of Eve and Adam’s Fall 8) Baptism to enter the faith and cleanse of sin Branches of Christianity have 1000s of other tenets but these are the 8 they all share in common Basic Tenets of Catholic Immaculate Conception – both Mary and Jesus were born without original sin Prayer to and adoration of Saints for intercession in heaven The host and wine transubstantiate into the literal body and blood of Christ Baptism at birth to cleanse original sin, re-baptism at age of reason (13-15) to accept the Catholic faith Papal infallibility – if the Pope speaks on matters of the faith, he is never wrong Women cannot become priests Clergy cannot marry Science is good (now) – Evolution is not a conflict with God’s creation, dinosaurs are real, the earth is 6 billion years old, etc. Tenets of Evangelical Christianity Humans are naturally unable to make any effort towards salvation. Humans possess free will to accept or reject salvation. Salvation is possible only by God's grace, which cannot be merited (you can’t earn it). No works of human effort can cause or contribute to salvation - known as predestination (God already picked who he would save). God's election is conditional on faith in the sacrifice and Lordship of Jesus Christ (but you have to believe). Christ's atonement was made on behalf of all people (even those who don’t believe). God allows his grace to be resisted by those who freely reject Christ. Believers are able to resist sin but are not beyond the possibility of falling from grace through persistent, unrepentant sin (that way preachers can sin again and again as long as they are eventually sorry). Science is part of the false teachings of Satan (sorry evolution, round earth, speed of light, etc) Christianity vs Science Christianity taught/teaches the earth was flat Christianity taught/teaches the earth is less than 6000 years old Christianity taught/teaches the stars are very close to us/ or the speed of light is false Christianity taught/teaches the sun goes around the earth Christianity taught/teaches that evolution doesn’t happen Christianity taught/teaches that only the earth supports life Christianity banned Aristotle, Copernicus, Galileo, Kepler, Newton, Voltaire to name a few Christianity banned/bans human dissection Christianity bans stem cell research Some fun http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mII6-IyaT3o - Trinity http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qzf8q9QHfhI&feature=related – Evil http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKM_JlCIMak&feature=channe l – Lucifer http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmHN3JtyUXg&feature=relate d – Origin of Stupidity http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Viw7MpXU4GU&feature=relat ed – How to Be a Good Creationist in 5 Easy Steps http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5_L1coztJ4 – Mormon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U17Qs5nyRo – Joseph Smith http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a3eJC3qAFU – basic Mormon cartoon http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T7EEOMbBIO8 – Scientology cartoon Things to consider - slavery When a man strikes his male or female slave with a rod so hard that the slave dies under his hand, he shall be punished. If, however, the slave survives for a day or two, he is not to be punished, since the slave is his own property. (Exodus 21:20-21) Slaves, obey your earthly masters with deep respect and fear. Serve them sincerely as you would serve Christ. (Ephesians 6:5) Christians who are slaves should give their masters full respect so that the name of God and his teaching will not be shamed. If your master is a Christian, that is no excuse for being disrespectful. You should work all the harder because you are helping another believer by your efforts. Teach these truths, Timothy, and encourage everyone to obey them. (1 Timothy 6:1-2) The servant will be severely punished, for though he knew his duty, he refused to do it. "But people who are not aware that they are doing wrong will be punished only lightly. Much is required from those to whom much is given, and much more is required from those to whom much more is given." (Luke 12:47-48) Things to consider – role of women 1 Tim. 2:9-14 - In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with braided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 1 Cor. 14:34 Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church. Some contradictions God dwells in chosen temples (2 Chron 7:12,16) God dwells not in temples (Acts 7:48) God is seen and heard (Ex 33:23/ Ex 33:11/ Gen 3:9,10/ Gen 32:30/ Is 6:1/Ex 24:9-11) God is invisible and cannot be heard (John 1:18/ John 5:37/ Ex 33:20/ 1 Tim 6:16) Public prayer sanctioned (1 Kings 8:22,54, 9:3 ) Public prayer disapproved (Matt 6:5,6) Man was created after the other animals (Gen 1:25,26,27) Man was created before the other animals (Gen 2:18,19) The father of Joseph, Mary's husband was Jacob (Matt 1:16) The father of Mary's husband was Heli (Luke 3:23) Christ was crucified at the third hour (Mark 15:25) Christ was not crucified until the sixth hour (John 19:14,15) Some contradictions There was but one woman who came to the sepulchre (John 20:1) There were two women who came to the sepulchre (Matt 28:1) There were three women who came to the sepulchre (Mark 16:1) There were more than three women who came to the sepulchre (Luke 24:10) Christ is equal with God John 10:30/ Phil 2:5 Christ is not equal with God John 14:28/ Matt 24:36 The law was superseded by the Christian dispensation Luke 16:16/ Eph 2:15/ Rom 7:6 The law was not superseded by the Christian dispensation Matt 5:17-19 Jesus’ last words My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Matthew 27:46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. Luke 23:46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. It is finished. John 19:30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished: and he bowed his head, and gave up the ghost. Some thoughts And Jesus answered and said to them, "Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you say to this mountain, `Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it will happen. "And all things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive." (Matthew 21:21-22) Think not that I come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. - Matthew 10:34 ... all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. - Matthew 26:52
