Christianity has organised its principal beliefs into a structured systematic theology in which it draws its sacred writings and traditions from. These principal beliefs include the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ, the death and resurrection, the Trinity, revelation and salvation. Through the ethical and moral teachings of Christianity and characteristics of religions which consist of sacred texts and writings, rituals and ceremonies, beliefs and believers and ethics; these beliefs can be expressed and connected with the life of adherent’s. The divinity and humanity beliefs identify that Jesus Christ was both fully divine and human, and that he is the second being of the trinity. This intended that he was the divine Son of God and recognised as being ‘one with the Father’.
One man named, Jonathan Edwards, took it upon himself to preach to his congregation of sin and hell. In the hope of reviving their many other beliefs in Christianity, scholars refer to this time or even in early American history as “The Great Awakening”. One of Edwards’ sermons was called, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God”. The sermon explains in detail of the wrath God has and what Hell has in store for the non-believers. It is very clear from this document religion was a very important part of people’s lives during colonial
Paul Tillich argues against the literal theologians and the social scientists as well. He says that “religion has rediscovered its true place in man’s spiritual life, namely, in its depth, out of which it gives substance, ultimate meaning, judgment and creative courage to all functions of the human spirit.” (Tillich 9) In my opinion and it may be clouded by my religion, which is Christianity, is that God does exist and one will not
Critically assess with reference to William James the arguments from religious experience. William James, in his book ‘The Varieties of Religious Experience: a study in human nature’ concludes that religious experiences are at the heart of religions whereas religious teachings, practices and attitudes are ‘second hand’ religion, and develop later as individuals reflect on their common experience. The experiences are true religion. William James aims to show that religious experiences are telling of some kind of divine order which transcends normal reality. James analysed a range of religious experiences, though in particular mystical experiences.
In general, there are similar ethical beliefs amongst Christians due to Judaism being the only root of Christian ethics. In general Christian ethics is deontological and authoritarian and what is deemed right or wrong is based on belief in God. The ethics of Christianity is based on the holy bible, which is a library of books that expresses Christian faith. As the bible was written over a long period of time and includes many different teachings and morals, there is no overall biblical morality that can be chosen therefore different denominations choose different parts of the bible to support their beliefs. For instance in Genesis it says that ‘God breathed the breath of man into Adam’s nostrils’ and from this Roman Catholics can argue that as God has given life, only he can take it away so things such as abortion, euthanasia and murder are absolute wrongs.
5) The second core concept is the notion of free grace as opposed to a doctrine of works for the salvation of man, or in other words the earning of salvation. (Puritanism par. 2) The core beliefs of Puritans are illustrated well in the sermon of Jonathan Edwards’s, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” In Jonathan Edwards sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” the reader is bombarded with the concepts and beliefs of the Puritans. The first instance of this has to do with
Vladimir’s dialogue “One of the thieves was saved” introduces one of the central tenets of Christianity that human beings are essentially sinful and have to be saved. Hence, Christ is also referred to as the ‘Saviour’. The souls have to wait for the judgement hour before God passes verdict on all the dead. Hence Vladimir talks about the thief who was saved by Jesus Christ when they were both being crucified. As the play points out, of the four evangelists who witnessed the crucifixion only one speaks of the saving of one of the two thieves who were crucified along with Jesus Christ, whereas the other three only make passing references to the thieves.
He testified on many occasions that his faith in Jesus was the only mechanism by which he could pursue and perform the art of science. Carver became a Christian when he was still a young boy, as he wrote in connection to his conversion in 1931.He was not expected to live past his twenty-first birthday due to failing health. Throughout his career, he always found friendship with other Christians. He relied on them especially when criticized by the scientific community and media regarding his research methodology. Carver viewed faith in Jesus Christ as a means of destroying both barriers of racial disharmony and social stratification.
Being able to give an answer to everyone who asks is known as apologetics, which means to “give an answer.” 1{Hindson, Caner, 28} Paul said in 1 Peter 3:15 “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” (NIV). Peter does not simply suggest that we be prepared, but he compels us to be prepared always. Christianity is under attack not only by those within Christianity, but also by those in cults and other faiths.
Ephesians and Colossians: The epistle to the Ephesians church is a faith treatise on victorious Christian living or said in other words a ‘triumph of faith’ and so does Colossians.However,Colossians the apostle addresses some heretical teachings probably by Gnostics who argued the body was bad or evil and that nothing good can come from the evil body. Some also taught of celestial and constellation worship and philosophies of men. (Tokunboh Adeyemo: 2005:1155: Biblestudies.org). Paul explains how believers’ faith is rooted in Christ and how Christ overcame the devil and triumphed on the cross. Believers in Ephesus are reminded how Christ broke the dividing wall of separation and reconciled man with God.