christianity: terminology christ (founder) christians (followers) christianity (religion)

Christianity: Terminology

Christ (founder)

Christians (followers)

Christianity (religion)

Christianity: Religion

ChristianityRoman Catholic Eastern Orthodoxy

(West East Roman Empire)

Roman Catholic

Protestant (M. Luther)

Catholic

All are Christians

New Curriculum

Emphasis ??Existing HKCEE Curriculum (NT & OT)Now on Jesus Christ (founder)

Historical Approach (objective, verifiable) (vs. religious or personal)

= 3 Perspectives (past, present, future)Heritage of Jesus ChristLife of Jesus ChristPerception of Jesus Christ

I) Heritage of Jesus Christ

= Background1) Historical Background

1) =Old Testament (≠Jewish Bible in itself)2) Its themes serve as heritage of the new rel.

2) Socio-political Context (within Palestine)1) Under Roman governorship 2) Under Greek Culture3) Striving for Independence (Maccabees)4) Political Groups: Herodians, Zealots, Sadducees5) Religious Groups: Pharisees, Essenes

II) Life of Jesus Christ

= The Origin of Christianity

A) Deeds (The 4 Gospels, esp. Mark)Includes: Birth, Ministry,Miracles, Passion, Resurrection and Ascension

II) Life of Jesus Christ

B) Words (teachings) 1) Kingdom of God

Its presenceIts entranceIts future: New Element: Eschatology (Mark 13) +

2Peter 3:9 … 2) Will of God (Ethics)

About discipleshipParables (means)Law

III) Perception of Jesus Christ

=The Continuation of Jesus’ Ministry A) Jesus’ Identity

teacher, prophet, Messiah, Son of man, Son of God, etc.

As perceived by his surrounding people B) Development of the Early Church

Ascension – Pentecost – Persecution –Spreading to Gentiles – Jerusalem Council - Rome

III) Perception of Jesus Christ

C) Development of Basic Christian Belief 1) Faith and Salvation

Paul’s concept of salvation (diff. emphases): Justification by faith (Forensic, separation of the R. of

God)Change of Sovereignty (Slave of Evil or God)Unity with God (Baptism metaphor, Rom6)

James’ complement to Paul’s Justification

2) New Commandment (Distinctive of X’ty)Love one another (Love neighbors as one self)