Christians to a radically personal relationship with God and a discipleship that involves sacrifice and suffering (as represented through the symbolism of the cross). The portraits of Jesus in the sacred text the Bible provides the framework for the beliefs, rituals and behaviour of all followers ~ Sermon on the Mount (the Beatitudes): a body of moral teaching characterized by an emphasis on sincere devotion to God, and a corresponding heartfelt benevolence toward others. The emphasis is on the heart and, therefore, it is to the heart that Jesus directs his teaching: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God (Matthew 1:39-41) ~ Parable: Jesus tried to convey God's absolute love for every single human being and for everything God has created: If a man owns a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders away, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go to look for the one that wandered off? And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he is happier about that one sheep than about the ninety-nine that did not wander off. In the same way your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish (Matthew 18:12-14) ~ Eucharist: commemorating the Last Supper, in which bread and wine are consecrated and consumed ~ Resurrection: the rising of Christ from the dead ~ Salvation: deliverance from sin and its consequences, believed by Christians to be brought about by faith in Christ ~ Jesus as divine and human: the single person of Jesus he has both a human and divine nature, God (through the Word) and man (in flesh) ~ The Golden Rule: Do to others as you would have them do to you (Luke 6:31)
Background - Born in 1098 and died near Bingen 1179 - As a child she was weak and often sick, therefore received little education - At 8 years of age, she was sent to a convent where she led an ascetic reclusive life sent in prayer and contemplation under the care of well- known religious woman: Jutta - She became at nun at 15 years and at 38 years she was made Mother Superior of the small nunnery - Since childhood, she had received visions, believed to have come from God who encouraged her to publish them when she was 40 years
Medicine and Healing
Contribution Hildegard promoted natural, holistic herbal medicines, highlighting the natural healing power of nature in accordance with Christian biblical teachings: the leaves of the tree [were] for the healing of the nations (Revelation 22:2) This notion is evidenced in her book: Physica where Hildegard claims that the green of the leaves in plants represent power and strength and, therefore, the healing characteristics of plants can be transferred to the people
Impact LRT: Significantly influenced the widespread use of herbs for medicinal purposes. Example: 21 st century complementary and alternative health care approaches (naturopathy), which effectively becomes an everyday reminder that through the healing power of nature, alongside Christian faith, man is often able to cure himself of illness
Theology and the role of women
Contribution Hildegard wrote a novel Scivias which contained 25 vosions from God and included the idea that both men and women were spiritually significant in the eyes of God and that gender made no difference Quote: Man cannot be called man without woman; just as woman cannot be called woman without man
Impact Significantly improved the role of women in the church LRT: the Christian variant, Anglicanism, has women priests Although was not a feminists, she influenced feminism and modern day movements towards increasing gender equality LRT: womens liberation movements are ongoing in countries, such a Burma, still today
Plays and Art
Contribution
The Seer: portrays images which evokes an integration of art, justice and ecumenism (Christian unity) Man and the Universe: a painting which portrays man and his clear interconnectedness with the universe Order of the Virtues: a morality play that helped to provide spiritual guidance
Impact Made religious education, including assistance in lifes search for meaning and adding structure to everyday life, more accessible to the poor, women and the illiterate Man and the universe shows the connectivity of man with the rest of the universe, which highlights mans role to be stewards of the earth. The asexual figure represents her belief that God is neither man nor woman, again, highlighting her belief in equality which led to the empowering of women through womens liberation movements centuries onwards after her death
Environmental ethics: the quality of life of nature, how they live and exist, and how humanity interacts with them
There are two main approaches to environmental ethics in Christianity, both which are solely influenced by the Christian Biblical teachings
Approach: ANTHROPOCENTRIC (human-centered) This is the belief that earth and everything on it was given by God to man to rule over Christians have primarily operated out of an anthropocentric view of the world focused on the primacy and supremacy of humankind in the created order. This notion arose from the biblical command of Genesis 1:28 in reference to the environment: " subdue it: and have dominion over. This quote is seen as a license to freely use the world's resources Hildegard is an example of a well-known Christian leader who taught of the need to respect nature and learn from it. Her writings, music and art all reflect a profound sense of oneness with creation and an immense respect for the work of the creator NCCA has also produced a statement on environmental ethics called "Sustaining Creation" Christianity was also heavily influenced by Greek philosophy which saw the world ordered hierarchically with nature being very low on the hierarchy As a result of these viewpoints, a majority of Christians adopted a very anthropocentric focus and not consider their destruction of the environment as a moral dilemma LRT: Protestant Variants (Evangelical and Pentecostal churches) hold an anthropocentric world view as they still literally interpret the Bible ~ LRT: Sallie McFague from the liberal protestant tradition is a feminist theologian who is setting out to construct a new theology of nature and of God which aims to connect God with the human process rather than distance God from creation need to develop a new metaphor for God which recognises that the world is the physical expression of God not a separate "product" of God LRT: Science was to adopt a very similar position as early science was heavily influenced by Christianity. Environmental dilemmas relating to science and the environment, although not at the same extent as decades ago, still continues today (eg. the use of pesticides on various plants and the effect this can have on the ecosystem, such as frogs)
Approach: BIOCENTRIC (environment at the centre of concern) Even though Jesus did not explicitly address environmental ethics, Creation Theologists, such as Sean MacDonagh, say it was through Jesus actions and parables that he showed his concern for the environment. Human beings have a particular responsibility, known as stewardship, for the created world. Failure to fulfill this responsibility of stewardship will inevitably lead to undesirable consequences for humankind. For example, the world provides resources needed for human life, so negligent use of these resources will lead to environmental degradation and a loss of the capacity of the earth to provide. This understanding is highlighted in Genesis 2:15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. Example: Preaching mostly in natural surroundings, such as the Sermon on the Mount, and the fact that he was baptised in a river Example: Jesus used nature on many occasions as a theme in his parables demonstrating to Christians that Gods creation is important, such as the Sower and the Seeds Hildegard of Bingens writings also reflect a sense of being related to the earth: All nature is at the disposal of humankind. We are to work with it. For without we cannot survive. LRT: Catholic Earthcare Australia, which has full support of the Catholic Church and other denominations of Christianity. Its mission is: to help promote understanding among people that Creation is sacred and endangered, and must be protected and sustained for present and future generations. CE addresses issues such as climate change and the degradation of the Great Barrier Reef and relates these to the teachings of Jesus and the words of Pope Benedict XVI (16 th ): It becomes more and more evident that there is an inseparable link between peace with creation and peace among men. Christians acknowledge the fourth of the Ten Commandments: Remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy (Exodus 20) Regardless of the style of liturgy, the service will generally open with the sign of the cross (representing core beliefs of the tradition the holy trinity - with God the father, god the son as Jesus and god the holy spirit which is believed to be present and surrounding us in our everyday lives) and contains readings from the Bible, hymns or songs, prayers and some message or reflection by an ordained or lay leader Eucharist is considered central feature of the mass because it allows the individual to highlight their relationship with Jesus, the savior of humanity, and to become closer with him and his holiness. It also reminds Christians of the death and resurrection of Jesus and to anticipate his return (Do this in memory of me). Transubstantiation: the Catholic belief that the bread and wine actually become the body and blood of Christ Consubstantiation: in protestant churches, that the bread and wine are symbolic only of the blood and body of Jesus. The worship is usually centered around the altar
3 main types: 1) LITURGY CENTERED WORSHIP: worship is usually centered around the altar and the celebration of the Eucharist (Catholics, Anglicans) 2) PULPIT-CENTERED WORSHIP: emphasise the Bible and preaching (Uniting, Presbyterian, Baptist) 3) SPIRIT-CENTERED WORSHIP: emphasise the role of the Holy Spirit (Salvation Army, Hillsong, Quaker)
LRT: a newly opened Hillsong church opened in Newcastle West and the annual Hillsong convention was in Sydney during July this year where 15,000 people attended
Affirms Christian belief in the sacredness, power and value of Gods Word (the Scriptures) and the Eucharist acknowledges the value of gathering as a faith community, collecting money and other resources for the poor: Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed (Proverbs 19:17) confirming the enduring significance of love, service, compassion and justice (love one another as I have loved you) confirms the Christian belief that all things exist in and through Jesus Christ: Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made (John 1:3) gestures are also used to reflect beliefs and reverence: sign of the cross with holy water when entering the church (the holy trinity), striking of the breast (repentance), sign of peace (Love one another as I have loved you), kneeling, genuflection and bowing (reverence to God), singing hymns (reinforces core beliefs) and the breaking of the bread and pouring of the wine during the Eucharist (the body and blood of Christ)
Worship is one way in which people respond to the Creator God who gave them life and continues to sustain their life. Quote: But you are a chosen people Gods special possession you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light (Peter 2:9)
Individual allows the individual to break away from the stresses of everyday life and deepen their focus on thanking the Lord for the life he has given them The congregation members respond to Gods gifts in praise and thanksgiving and confess sins both of commission and omission. The direct communication with God is a spiritually uplifting process which brings joy and peace to the individual. It reaffirms the core belief system of Christianity: Sign of the cross, Eucharist, Reciting the Creed Provides a direct connection to God: Prayers of the faithful, Eucharist Provides spiritual nourishment: evoking a higher being gives a sense of protection (eg. invoking the Holy Spirit through the priest) Links individual with a community of believers sense of belonging: hymns sung together Source of ethical behaviour resulting in increased personal morality: Gospel and the sermon Provides structure to life
Community Encourages group cohesion and companionship: for example hymns and prayers are sung and said together Serves a social justice role: for the congregation going to Church (or Saturday/Sunday worship) give them a chance to help the poor, needy and marginalized (eg. money for the needy passed around the church) Reaffirms core beliefs: The Sign of the Cross (trinity), the Creed (eg. the Nicene creed), the Liturgy and the Eucharist reminds Christians that Jesus died to save us from our sins, and the sins of the world (Do this is memory of me) Allows the community to come together during hardships (eg. natural disasters) and pray for the community at large
A LRT is one that is constantly developing in response to changing social realities (or changes in society) Not removed from everyday life Part of / woven into / permeates the everyday life of the adherent / follower / believer Offers adherents a framework for living their life in a way that upholds the covenant (agreement between God and Man mostly used in Judaism) Helps adherents maintain their relationship with God (sacred texts, ethics, symbols, practices, significant people) = assists them in the search for meaning
Romans 8:18 - I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Mark 10:27 - With God all things are possible Elisabeth Elliot - Faith does not eliminate questions. But faith knows where to take them. Romans 8:28 - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. James 1:22 - Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
Catholicism: hierarchical structure under the authority of the Pope Teachings are drawn from scriptures and religious traditions Eucharist is the focus of worship and they believe in transubstantiation (that the bread and wine physically turn into the body and blood of Jesus Christ) Believe that faith and good deeds are necessary for salvation Strong belief in heaven and hell Strong tradition of monasticism (a mode of life whereby people live in seclusion, take religious vows, and follow a fixed set of rules regulating how they spend their time) in priesthood and convents No women priests (not as well adapted to current trends still embodies patriarchal ideals and values) Protestantism Martin Luther (denounced the corruptions which existed in the catholic church and the supremacy of the pope) and John Calvin were major contributors Bible was the source of authority Believe in the transcendence of God (the idea that he is distant and separate from all else - he is glorified above all creation Emphasises preaching of the word of Jesus Anglicanism Allows for an increased role for women leaders (eg. priesthood) The pope is not central authority Authority is given to the bible and the Archbishop of Canterbury Influenced by the theology of Martin Luther Orthodoxy Heart of celebration is the Eucharist Heavily uses icons(eg. incense for impermanence) Liturgy is often long and wholly sung Emphasises monasticism Only men can become priests, yet they can be married Pentecostalism Christian charismatic churches and seek to restore the Holy Spirit to the church Value healing and prophesy
Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN): a ministry dedicated to the care of God's creation. EEN seeks to equip, inspire, disciple, and mobilize God's people in their effort to care for God's creation. We believe that creation care is truly a matter of life and that pollution harms the vulnerable, especially children and the unborn. We believe the body of Christ should be an example by their work and integrity of what God's people can do in the world to solve some of the great challenges of our time.
David G. Green - We're (Nearly) All Victims Now! - How Political Correctness Is Undermining Our Liberal Culture (Civil Society) - Civitas - Institute For The Study of Civil Society (2006)