Unit 2b Christianty

Formation of Christianity

Emerged as a subset of Judaism, with Classical (Greek/Roman) influences

Jews were desperate for a leader, a Messiah, to throw off Roman rule and lead them to independence as God's chosen people. 'Messiah' (annointed one) refers to a policial leader, not a religious one.

Judaism in 1stC Judea

Multiple Choice

In 1st C Judea, the Messiah Jews were hoping for was NOT:

• A warrior

• A King

• A spiritual savior

• A leader to defeat Rome

• Part of the fulfillment of god's promise to his chosen people

Multiple Select

A Covenant is:
(check ALL that apply)

• A contract

• A promise

• A guarantee

• A possibility

• A hope

Remember Judaism is strictly monotheistic. Any hint of another god, or god on earth, ot god as more than one person would be blasphemy, the one unbreakable law

Monotheism

Jews also had a covenant with god. They were promised salvation by their covenant with god based on the faith of Abraham. To suggest Jews need salvation is to suggest god is a promise-breaker.

Covenant

-Josephus (about 100) mentions a teacher called Yeshua
-Seutonius, ca. 110, mentions a disturbance by followers of Chrestus.
That's it. Nothing that directly refers to the life, activities, death or resurrection of Jesus. And nothing DURING his life.

Very little of Jesus in history

Many of the popular religions at the time had a sun go who was born mortal to atone for the sins of the people (Oriris, Mithras, Adonis, Dumuzzi, etc.)

These deities were sacrificed, went to the underworld of Hell to combat evil, and were resurrected three days later., and always in the spring, when life returns to the earth

Dying/rising gods

Jesus looks like them

Early art of Jesus shows a strong classical influence, and shows a young, beardless man, crowned by the sun (halo), holding a lamb or staff, or in a chariot, just like Apollo or Sol Invictus

Sun gods born mortal

One of many sun gods born on earth in human form, to a virgin, in the middle of winter (Dec 21st, roughly) to bring back the light.
All historical evidence suggests Jesus' birth during the census would have been in Spring however...

Sol Invictus,
'unconquered sun'

Can you tell
who's who?

Can you tell
who's who?

Can you tell
who's who?

Can you tell
who's who?

Multiple Choice

Christians celebrate Jesus' birthday in December because:

• That's when he was born

• That's when Constantine was born

• That's when Abraham was born

• That's when Sol Invictus (among others) was born

A bit about the New Testament

Multiple Choice

Tne New Testament was written in:

• Hebrew

• English

• Greek

• Greek and Aramaic

• Hebrew and Greek

The earliest of the Christian biblical texts. Letters written, mostly by Paul, to various early (and in some cases, likely hypothetical) communities advising them on the specifics of the faith.

Letters

Stories of the life and teaching of jesus of Nazareth, composed several generations after his death. First three largely agree, John has a very different vision

Gospels

Multiple Choice

Which part of the Christian New Testament were written FIRST?

• Letters of Jesus

• Letters of Paul

• Gospels

• Revelation

First three gospels share similar source text, have roughly the same narrative, though there are some glaring differences

Synoptics

Very abstract, mystical, theological works, not even really narrative in form, though John shows tension & violnece between jews and Christians common in the author's time in the early 2nd C.

John, Revelation

The earliest gospel, completed about 70 CE, few gaps, never finished, relies on earlier text known as Q

​​Mark

90-95 CE, intended for a non-Jewish audience, strong Greek influence, shares a lot with Mark & Q

Luke

Written about 100-110 CE, strongly Jewish in nature, shows Jesus as a rabbi, has geneologies

Matthew

About 100-125 CE, not really a narrative, lot of mystical influence reflects conflict between jews and Christian in ITS time

John

Multiple Choice

Referring to the Christian gospels, the term 'synoptic' most closely means:

• Factual

• Accurate

• Distinct

• Similar

• Fanciful

Multiple Choice

Which of the Gospels is considered markedly different from the rest?

• Matthew

• Mark

• Luke

• John

Some differences in the Gospels

Year of his birth:
Matthew says during reign of Herod, who died in 4BCE, while Luke says he was born under Gov. Quirinius, who took office in 6CE
When he died: The synoptics say it was on Passover, John says the day before
His geneology:
Matthew and Luke report entirely different series of names, and not even the same number of generations (both explicitly say it is Joseph's ancestry - odd if they believed Jesus was not actually Joseph's son.)
There are loads more:
How Judas died, what happened at the tomb, what Jesus did or didn't say at his trial, who discovered the tomb, what he claimed about who he was, etc.

According to the gospels, Jesus would have been a Torah-observant Jew; he studied with rabbis, he was circumcised, he wore a prayer shawl (talit), etc.

Also, he wasn't white, as he is shown here....

Jesus was Jewish.

'The synoptics would have had cold shivers." -Geva Vermes, biblical scholar.

Hard to picture a Jew (or his Jewish followers) claiming divinity.
Why?

We are accustomed to seeing Jesus protrayed like this:

He was a Middle Eastern Jew!
Today, some people would
try to deport him.

Why do you think he is
shown as white, blond,
and blue-eyed?

Think about it...

(Yes, it really is that simple...)

(P.S. This has had some...
amusing consequences...)

Because this is a thing that happened:

Because this is a thing that happened:

...and so is this:

Almost immediately, the movement splinters

Multiple Choice

True or False:
Christianity has always been the same idea and
the same message, since its first appearance

• True

• False

SInce it begins in Judaism, the first problem is whether a person needs to follow Torah law to be Christian. Jesus said "not one letter of the law will pass away," so that means....?

Do you have to be Jewish?

Multiple Choice

In the very beginning, was it necessary to be Jewish (follow Torah law) in order to be a Christian?

• Yes, one had to be Jewish and to follow ALL Torah laws.

• Yes, one had to be Jewish, but needed only follow some Torah Law.

• No, one did not have to be Jewish, following a few specific laws was enough.

• No, Christians believed that the death of Christ replaced the covenant with Israel.

One word: circumcision. This is a non-starter for anyone not already Jewish. Tell people to give up bacon, that's one thing. But cutting off....that?...nope.

Not all differences are solved so easily, however.

​

​This one resovles pretty easily. Why?

Multiple Choice

Is it necessary NOW to be Jewish (follow Torah law) in order to be a Christian?

• Yes, one must be Jewish and follow ALL Torah laws.

• Yes one must be Jewish, but one need only follow some Torah Law.

• No, one does not have to be Jewish, following a few specific Torah laws is enough.

• No, most Christians believe that the death of Christ replaces the covenant with Israel.

What is the exact mechanism of salvation? Who is and isn't saved, how, and how do we know?

Soteriology

What is the exact nature of Christ, his divinity/humanity, and his relation to god?

​​Christology

What happens at the end times, or end of the world? When we die?

​​Eschatology

Who has the authority to answer these questions? How do we live in the world as Christians?

​​Praxis

What is the exact mechanism of salvation? Who is and isn't saved, how, and how do we know?

Salvation

What is the exact nature of Christ, his divinity/humanity, and his relation to god?

Christ's Nature

What happens at the end times, or end of the world? When we die?

End Times

Who has the authority to answer these questions? How do we live in the world as Christians?

​​Authority

Multiple Choice

Which of these is universally agreed on by all Christians everywhere?

• Jesus is believed to be the son of god.

• One must be baptized in order to be saved.

• ONLY a trained priest or pastor can help you resolve questions about how to be a Christian.

• One is saved by belief alone, good works are not necessary.

• None of these

Multiple Choice

This term refers to the exact mechanism of salvation,
how it works, who is or isn't saved, and how one knows:

• Christology

• Eschatology

• Soteriology

• Praxis

Constantine tries
to unify the faith-
and an empire.

He hoped Christianity would unify his crumbling empire. But it could not really do that if it is in pieces.

Council of Nicea (35 CE)
Constantine tries to unite Christianity and resolve its many theological disagreements.

The big debate is the Trinity
But other things were decided at that council, like:
- Which books should (or should not) be in the bible (Not all Christians use the same ones!)
- When to celebrate the birth of Jesus (in December, to conincide with Sol Invictus) and when to celebrate Easter

Jesus is a divinely CREATED being, far elevated above mankind, but not equal to or part of god. (It makes sense, given the Germanic gods, who were larger than life figures, like the Greeks')

​​Arian Christianity

Jesus and God are one but different, as is the Holy Spirit. Each one IS god, but they are not each other. Many people found this too confusing.

(Also, the trinity and the holy spirit as a divine being are never mentioned in the bible.)

​​Trinitarian Christianity

Trinitarian Doctrine:

the Catholic Faith is this: That we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity; Neither confounding the Persons; nor dividing the Essence. For there is one Person of the Father; another of the Son; and another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, is all one; the Glory equal, the Majesty coeternal. Such as the Father is; such is the Son; and such is the Holy Ghost. The Father uncreated; the Son uncreated; and the Holy Ghost uncreated. The Father unlimited; the Son unlimited; and the Holy Ghost unlimited. The Father eternal; the Son eternal; and the Holy Ghost eternal. And yet they are not three eternals; but one eternal. As also there are not three uncreated; nor three infinites, but one uncreated; and one infinite. So likewise the Father is Almighty; the Son Almighty; and the Holy Ghost Almighty. And yet they are not three Almighties; but one Almighty. So the Father is God; the Son is God; and the Holy Ghost is God. And yet they are not three Gods; but one God. So likewise the Father is Lord; the Son Lord; and the Holy Ghost Lord. And yet not three Lords; but one Lord......

Multiple Choice

Arian Christianity is an example of a division over beliefs about which part of Christianity?

• Salvation
  (Soteriology)

• Praxis
  (Praxis)

• Christ's nature
  (Christology)

• End Times
  (Eschatology)

...believe only those who are martyred (killed for their faith) will go to heaven. Easy to see why that one died out quickly...

Docetists

...believe that there is no Trinity, but that god can change 'modes' and be the father, the son, or the spirit at will

​​Modalists

...believe that Jesus was the son of god by adoption, not that he was literally fathered (begotten) by god.

Adoptionists

...believe that if you live as Jesus commanded, you are saved whether you have ever heard the gospels or not.

Pelagianites

However, Arian Christianity lingered as about 40-50% of the population in the Roman Empire until the 6thC. CE.

One group of guys met and decided the nature of Christianity for the whole world. Think about that...

Trinity won out, and became known as 'Nicene Christianity'

A Bishop is a leader over several churches. Initially no one Bishop had any more importance. Some question who was the first, but eventually the Bishop of Rome became the leader of the rest. Why?

Bishops led local groups

Because Jesus said to Peter "On this rock I will build my church," it was thought that Peter was the first in charge. Peter is buried in Rome, so....the Bishop of Rome became the Pope, leader of all Christians. (Almost.)

'Peterine Theory'

Multiple Choice

Located in Rome, the center of Christianity for over a century is known as:

• The Colesseum

• The Emporium

• The Vatican

• The Oubliette

• The Tower

Multiple Choice

The Bishop of Rome ended up as the de facto leader of the Church because:

• Rome had better baths

• Rome had more Christians

• Jesus was believed to be buried there

• St. Peter was believed to be buried there

• The Bishop of Rome won a contest

Multiple Choice

The Bishop of Rome is more commonly known as:

• The King

• The Pope

• The Cardinal

• The Archbishop

• The Grand Poobah

AKA the last supper or eucharist, believers share in Christ's body and blood, either literally, symbolically, or some mix of the two

Communion

A sort of washing away of sins (much like Jewish Mikveh), that signifies joining he 'body' of the faithful. Can be a dribble or a dunking

​​Baptism

Remember the idea of animal sacrifice? Jesus is referred to as the 'lamb,' meaning he is the new, and final sacrifice. Connects to Judaism and other religions.

Lamb of god

Most of the OT applies, like the 10Cs, but NOT all the dietary and Kosher laws. People pick and choose which ones they want to apply, really.

Most of OT

More things that differ among types of Christianity:

Is salvation by faith or good works? Is the body resurrected or just the spirit? Is divorce allowed? Do I have to go to church to be saved? Does the priest have any power or is he just a guide? Can good people be saved even if they haven't heard of Jesus? Is the bible literally true in every word, or is some of it just a metaphor? Will Jesus come back to earth? Can the bible have mistakes? Was Jesus really human? Was Jesus' mother, Mary, really a virgin, or is that just a way of referring to a young girl? Can a woman be a priest/pastor/minister? Are LGBTQ people saved or sinful? Did Jesus come to earth in any other places or times? Can believers work miracles, or are the ones who claim to just frauds? Is there an unforgivable sin, and if so, what is it? Should people be baptized as babies, or does it only count if you're grown? Is is possible to know for certain you whether or not you are saved? Are some kinds of Christianity 'of the devil?' Is the devil even real? Is there a hell? Is God good? Why is there evil/suffering?