1. Christianity: Terminology Christ (founder) Christians (followers) Christianity (religion)

2. Christianity: Religion  Christianity  Roman Catholic  Eastern Orthodoxy  (West East Roman Empire)  Roman Catholic Protestant (M. Luther) Catholic All are Christians

3. 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 Christ  Life of Jesus Christ  Perception of Jesus Christ

4. I)Heritage of Jesus Christ = Background 1) 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 Culture 3) Striving for Independence (Maccabees) 4) Political Groups: Herodians, Zealots, Sadducees 5) Religious Groups: Pharisees, Essenes

5. II)Life of Jesus Christ = The Origin of Christianity A)Deeds (The 4 Gospels, esp. Mark)  Includes:  Birth,  Ministry,  Miracles,  Passion,  Resurrection and Ascension

6. II)Life of Jesus Christ B)Words (teachings)  1) Kingdom of God  Its presence  Its entrance  Its future: New Element: Eschatology (Mark 13) + 2Peter 3:9 …  2) Will of God (Ethics)  About discipleship  Parables (means)  Law

7. 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

8. 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)