Introduction to Christianity World Religions Overview

Sources of Knowledge of Jesus All 4 Gospels shared concept of history as a vehicle for moral ideas 1. Gospel of Mark (65-70AD) – friend of Peter Words of Christ 2. Gospel of Matthew (85-90AD) – disciple Borrows from Mark – inserts miracles by Jesus 3. Gospel of Luke (90-100AD) – Paul’s doctor Borrows from both – tries to convert Gentiles to Christianity (not the Jews) 4. Gospel of John – disciple Not a biography – rather – theological point of view

Role of Jesus Early life Christmas Born in 4AD Born in Bethlehem (see clip from The Bible) Must knows: Immaculate conception Crèche/Nativity Scene Mary’s life after I.C. – more kids?

Role of Jesus Mid life Knew of carpentry Know of zealot uprising – Messiah is coming John the Baptist baptizes him (and many others because Judgment Day was coming) After Baptism (retires to the wilderness for 40 Days) When he returns: Works no longer – live off charity of others Decides against pursuit of political power Rejects each Jewish ‘sect’ for obvious reasons

Jesus’ Ministry Short but famous All of his first followers are fishermen Begins around the Sea of Galilee Miracles: where, when, why, who Miracles not by him, but by their faith Basic Teachings 1.God’s overwhelming love for man 2.Let your love flow out to your neighbors. Jesus said Love is not based on a person’s due, but rather on a person’s need (discuss) Almost totally Torah – just simplified for the masses

Opposition, Trial, Death (Gospel Comparison) The Arrest of Jesus His following grows (both religious and political) Traditional Jewish sects worry that Jesus is threatening their strangle on religious governing AND that this attention may draw the ire of the Romans During Passover (final year) Crowds rush him as he enters Jerusalem Shares a last meal – Last Supper Reveals that “one will betray me.” The kiss of Judas

Opposition, Trial, Death Jesus is turned over to Pontius Pilot He does not deny that he is: 1) king of the Jews 2) the Messiah so …. He is crucified “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”

Crucified, Died, Resurrection

Easter Lent Mardi Gras Ash Wednesday Palm Sunday (Sunday before Easter) Holy Week Good Friday (Trial, crucifixion, death) Easter Sunday (1 st full moon after spring equinox)

Paul’s Ministry

Roman Persecution Christians didn’t recognize Roman gods Christians refused to pay homage to Emperor Treason

Early Development of the Church 303 AD – Diocletian rampage 312 AD – Constantine conversion 325 AD – Council of Nicaea – Bible organized – Nicene Creed 1054 AD– Schism divides Orthodox and Romans