An Overview of Christianity

Question 1

What divisions arose within Christianity concerning the nature of Jesus, and what are the two most widespread views

Answer 1

Divisions within Christianity arose based on differing views of Jesus—whether he was a prophet, a semi-divine being, or God in human form. The most widespread views are termed ‘orthodox’ (right belief) and ‘catholic’ (universal).

Question 1

What is the central belief of Christianity, and who is the central figure?

Answer 1

Revolves around Jesus Christ, who delivered a message to humanity in First Century Palestine.

Question 2

How did Christianity originate, and what is the geographical and political context?

Answer 2

Christianity originated with Jews in Roman-controlled areas around the Mediterranean Sea

Question 3

What major changes occurred in Christianity after sporadic persecution, and how did it adapt to the political system?

Answer 3

Christianity was legalized in 313, and Emperor Constantine took control, convening councils, constructing churches, and establishing a system based on the Roman political structure. This gave rise to ‘church’ Christianity, characterized by a close church-state relationship.

Question 4

How did the forms of Christianity evolve over time, leading to Biblical Christianity and Mystical Christianity?

Answer 4

A reaction against the entanglement of church and state led to the emergence of Biblical Christianity, emphasizing scripture above the State. Mystical Christianity, rejecting the world as much as possible, had already developed earlier, stressing a mystical relationship between internal faith and God.

Question 5

What concept distinguishes the three divisions of Christianity—Church Christianity, Biblical Christianity, and Mystical Christianity?

Answer 5

The concept of the Trinity:

1. God as the creator or father of all existence
2. Jesus Christ, God in human form sent to communicate truth to humanity
3. God as Spirit who remained to guide humanity after Jesus died and then ascended back into the creator/father

Question 6

How does Church Christianity emphasize the hierarchical system, and what are its two aspects?

Answer 6

It emphasizes a hierarchical system where holiness and authority flow from God to Jesus and then to an organized church structure

2 aspects are:
1. Sacerdotalism (authority held by priests and bishops)
2. Sacramentalism (administering sacraments through sacred objects).

Question 7

What significant shift occurred in 1517, and what form of Christianity emerged with Martin Luther?

Answer 7

He initiated a shift with the teachings that individual Christians relate to God through the Bible and a direct, personal relationship. This form merged into Church Christianity but also gave rise to more fully ‘Biblical’ denominations like the Baptists, Mennonites, Amish, and ‘Bible Churches’.

Question 8

What characterizes Mystical Christianity, and where are Mystical Christians found?

Answer 8

It emphasizes a non-material relationship with God through prayer, meditation, and asceticism. They are found in both Church Christianity (as monks and nuns) and in the modern world, represented by denominations like the Quakers.

Question 9

What is the focus of Outward Christianity, and where is it most evident?

Answer 9

Outward Christianity emphasizes the outward practice of faith and is most evident in Church Christianity.

Question 10

In Church Christianity, what is the standard form of communal worship, and who typically leads it?

Answer 10

Communal worship usually takes place in a church building and is led by a priest, minister, pastor, or even ordinary people.

Question 11

What are the main branches of Church Christianity, and how do they differ in their approach to physical objects?

Answer 11

The main branches are Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant.

Catholics and Orthodox use physical objects imbued with holiness, while Protestants eliminate or reject the special significance of such objects.

Question 12

What is the standard practice for Sunday worship in Church Christianity?

Answer 12

Sunday worship as a community engaging in communal worship in a building.

Question 13

Name a Biblical Christian church

Answer 13

Baptist & Congregationalist

Question 14

How do Church Christians balance private and communal prayer?

Answer 14

They allow and encourage private prayer, but communal prayer is the standard in Church Christianity.

Question 15

Where can Inward Christianity be found, and why is it called ‘inward’?

Answer 15

It can be found in both Church and Biblical Christianity or separate denominations. It is called ‘inward’ because it involves a direct relationship between a person and God.

Question 16

Who played a significant role in both Inward and Church Christianity and what was his initial experience?

Answer 16

Paul, the author of much of the New Testament. He began his life as a Christian through a mystical experience.

Question 17

How did the monastic movement contribute to the development of Inward Christianity?

Answer 17

The monastic movement aimed to reduce physical needs to elevate spirituality.

Individuals would live in inhospitable locations like the desert near Egypt.

Question 18

Why did Catholics and Protestants try to crush mystical Christian denominations?

Answer 18

Groups such as the Amish, Baptists, and Mennonites rejected the union of church and state which was common to both Protestants and Catholics.

Question 19

Can an individual Christian be both an outward Christian and an inward at the same time?

Answer 19

In numerous Christian traditions, being an “outward Christian” involves displaying faith through actions like church attendance and ethical adherence. Conversely, an “inward Christian” focuses on personal beliefs, spiritual growth, and a relationship with God. I believe that in an ideal Christian life, there is an emphasis on the integration of both outward and inward aspects. A person can strive to be both an outward Christian by actively participating in their faith community and demonstrating their beliefs through actions, as well as an inward Christian by cultivating a personal relationship with God and living out their faith in their thoughts and attitudes

Question 20

How does a mystical church affect the society where it is located?

Answer 20

The most individualistic denomination is the Quakers.
They gather as a community but there are no rituals, no ritual objects other than the building where they meet. Anyone can speak at any time or no one may say anything. Yet they are famous for their charitable work in the broader community.