~ Jesus is the model for all adherents.

He is a teacher of wisdom who calls

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.