Studies of Religion 1 Unit

Preliminary Notes

The Nature of Religion

religion as a worldview that:

acknowledges the supernatural dimension
has a belief in a divine being or powers beyond the human and/or dwelling within the
individual

Divine - Pertaining (Relating) to a god, especially the supreme being.

A particular worldview that contributes to the lives of individuals.
- Religion is a source of meaning that both transcends and contains our life and
our world.
- Religion experiences, images, beliefs, texts, symbols and institutions by which
communities, identify, express and live out most fundamental relationships.
- Religion binds or connects human beings back to what is most central, essential
and meaningful in their relationship which transcends human existence.
- Religion offers believers specific beliefs and practices.
- Religion uses sacred texts, ethical systems and rituals to guide believers in
living their lives.
- Religion binds believers to their God/gods, their beliefs and to their religious
community.
Immanent dimension (Ultimate Goal) - A world view that recognises a divine
being or powers as a constant reality - an active and continuing process
presence among believers and in this world.
The Immanent dimension is the emphasis of the presence of God or gods within
human existence, in the day-to-day, concrete, ordinary concerns of life.
Corresponds to the world view held by Hinduism and Buddhism.
Gods, goddesses or divine spirits live within nature and that the universe was
created by these spirits and is maintained by their power.
Transcendent dimension (One God) - The belief in a divine being or powers
whose existence 'goes beyond' human limitations. It is often opposed to the term
'Immanent'.
The transcendent dimension of religion enables humans to surpass the limits of
their creaturely existence and earthly concerns to focus on heavenly or spiritual
concerns.
Corresponds to the world view held by Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

The followers of these religious traditions believe in the One God (Monotheism)
who exists beyond the human and yet guides humanity throughout its everyday
existence.
Polytheism and Monotheism are the two principal types.

define the supernatural dimension

Supernatural Dimension The dimension implies a foundation on some sort of divine revelation or revealed
faith.
This revelation exceeds the power and capacity of human nature and any
created natural reality.
The supernatural dimension of religion cannot be explained according to natural
laws or occurrences.
This dimension exceeds the ordinary limits of human existence and is sometimes
described as abnormal, even miraculous.
Natural Dimension This dimension is usually contrasted to the supernatural or revealed dimension.
The natural dimension refers to religious thought and practice that emerges from
unaided human reason.
It is 'natural' in the sense that it makes no reference to divinities or to divine
revelation from a god or gods.

discuss a transcendent religious worldview which has a belief in a divine power and/or powers
beyond the human

Christianity is a transcendent religious tradition that has a belief in one,

omnipotent God.

discuss an immanent religious worldview which has a belief in a divine being or powers
dwelling within the individual

Buddhism is an example of a religion that inherits the immanent worldview. It is

important to not look for a Buddhist equivalent or 'God' but for an ultimate goal
or principle, such as nirvana or dhamma that gives Buddhist lives a sense of
ultimate meaning.

define the characteristics of religion

The Characteristics of Religion is the way an individual has to respond to and

explain the sense of mystery, the holy, the sacred, the transcendent, or the
ultimate reality.

characteristics of religion:
beliefs and believers
sacred texts and writings
ethics
rituals and ceremonies

A LIVING RELIGION
- Dynamic (Living, Energy, Active)
- New Ideas - Interpretation of Sacred Scriptures.
- Practical achievement - Establishment of new programs for the poor.
- Powerful force
- Renew itself constantly
- Avoid ruts (Predictable, Conservative)
- FULL OF LIFE
Ninian Smart; founder of the 8 Characteristics of Religions.
Beliefs, Sacred Stories, Sacred Texts, Rituals, Sacred Symbols, Social Structures,
Religious Ethics and Experience.
Beliefs & Believers: All religions are sustained by beliefs and believers.
For example, central beliefs in Christianity include that Jesus of Nazareth was the
Son of God.
The notion of believers varies from tradition (religion) to tradition.
It includes the living adherents of each tradition.
Sacred Texts/Stories and Writings: All religions have a centre oral and/or
written sacred texts, writings or other types of stories.
The notion of text has a wide meaning that takes in more than just written
material, texts are taken to be artistic representations.
Contains the stories and historical narratives of a tradition as well as symbolic
and instructive myths.
For example, in Buddhism they have Tripitaka or Pali Canon as well as a large
collection of sutras (threads of teachings).
Characteristics of Religion are all interconnected.
Ethics: Ethics can be understood as the explicit, philosophical and/or religion
reflection on moral beliefs within a tradition.
Central to any religion.

Their purpose is to clarify what is right and wrong, and what the followers of a
religion should freely do, or refrain from doing.
For example, significant ethical teachings in Hinduism include the individual life
duty of dharma. Dharma is determined by the caste into which one is born. The
ultimate goal of life is moksha or liberation from the cycle of birth and rebirth of
souls (samsara).
Rituals and Ceremonies: Enactments or system of actions/beliefs that each
have a beginning, middle and end.
They are directly linked to superhuman beings or forces.
For example, rituals and ceremonies in Judaism include male circumcision and
Bar Mitzvah, as well as significant rituals for marriage, divorce and death.

Sacred Symbols Symbols that are used to represent the beliefs of a faith or to portray a different
way of worshipping a higher power.
Used as a visual image to portray an image with a deep spiritual meaning. That
is linked to a Religion's customs/beliefs/ethics/experiences.
Material offerings symbolise the basic offering of the believers themselves - their
lives; their words; thoughts and actions - to the source of their devotion.
Social Structures The division of citizens of a society due to wealth, power, land etc.
Calendar for important events, places that are associated with the religion.
The hierarchy or powers in different classes/levels for a religion.
Experience An encounter or event that shapes one's ethics, values, morals or beliefs.
An event, action or procedure to live an experience that grants the believer the
spiritual connection to the Divine power.

explore the ways in which these characteristics interact to create a dynamic, living religion

The 4 key characteristics in a Religion creates a dynamic, living religion.

A dynamic religion is one characterised by energy, ambition, new ideas and
practical achievements.
It develops into a powerful force that refreshes itself constantly.
A living religion is one that is full of life not dead or decaying.

It is practical, real and immersed in-not removed from or afraid of-everyday

human existence.
For example, Christianity, Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism; any religion is likely to
fall apart if they do not constantly refresh the 4 key characteristics.
When these characteristics of religion interact creatively, they help nurture a
religion that is alive, dynamic and active in the lives of its adherents, society and
culture.
A good example of this creative interaction is the interpretation of sacred texts
and writings in all traditions.
The way in which the religious community reads and understands a text affects
their beliefs, lives understanding of other texts, ethics and morality.
Overall, the creative interaction the interpretation of sacred texts affect every
other characteristic of religion, and helps in turn to create a dynamic, living
religion.
Key characteristics of a religion turn into a dynamic religion when morals are
lived out, lessons are learnt and practiced from sacred texts and writings.
It becomes a dynamic religion when the believer begins to love, act and breathe
their faith according to their ethics, scriptures and rituals.
A dynamic religion requires unity of believers, a communal belief and thorough
methods of worships.
Any religion will not continue or will deteriorate when its believers do not
revitalise or practice its core beliefs.
Religion also contributes to individuals, society and culture by adhering to the
key characteristics.
These characteristics enable religion to become practical and concrete.
They change over time and impact society and culture in which that change
takes place.
A dynamic, living society in which the particular religion exists is formed.

the contribution of religion

appreciate the contribution of religion to:
individuals
society and culture

Contribution of religion to society and culture:

- Studying religion provides an understanding because there is fear of the
unknown of the people's cultures.
- Provides an opportunity for Australians to appreciate the cultural diversity and
also to understand the similarities between cultures.

- Clothing, Judeo-Christian Ethics Laws, Art, Food, Architecture, Media, Religion

based Festivals and Literature are all aspects of culture which have been
influenced by the presence of Religion.
Contribution of religion to the individual:
- Awareness of inner dimension is the spirit.
- Spirit is creative in us and in its search for meaning, soars above the ordinary to
a power greater than ourselves or to a wisdom through ourselves in religions.
- Religion acts to remember the presence of spiritual life that underpins and
empowers the material world.
- Practice of religions provides guidelines and rules through which one can live
one's life to the spiritual betterment of oneself and to the cultural benefit of
others.
- Quest for meaning that motivates religion.

Aboriginal Spirituality

nature of the Dreaming

Dreaming is the centre of Aboriginal religion and life; it is the closest translation
of the Aboriginal concept of how the world works.
Dreaming is the past, present and future.
Dreaming is the beginning of all things. It is when all the things we know in the
world today were formed.
Dreaming refers to the events and places, rather than what Westerners would
call time. The Aboriginal sacred stories are stories about events of the Dreaming
and how Ancestral (Spirit) Beings formed the land, and founded life on the land.
Dreaming is the unseen spirit world. This spirit world is not obscure and in the
past. It is what gives life and reality to the visible world.
Dreaming affects all of life. The performance of ceremonies that were first
performed by Ancestors in the Dreaming brings to life the power of the
Dreaming.
Dreaming is experienced in the songs, stories, rituals and symbols.
Dreaming is both personal and communal.
Dreaming may include a story about a form of life with which 'I' am connected.
Dreaming would be depicted in the sacred art and objects used in the rituals
about it.

Dreaming is reflected in a special way to the land. The whole environment is

related and linked by the Dreaming.
Dreaming is ongoing.

outline the nature of the Dreaming in relation to:

origins of the universe
sacred sites
stories of the Dreaming
symbolism and art

Origins of the Universe:

- Aboriginal tradition states that the world order comes from all those events in
which the Ancestral Beings travel from and transform themselves into sites.
- No sense of creation or of a first creator.
Sacred Sites:
- Sacred Sites are a fundamental part of the Aboriginal relationship to the land.
- They may be natural or modified features of the landscape such as outcropping
rocks, trees, waterholes or salt-pans and so on.
- Their sacredness may be associated with an object or feature itself or as a
function of its position relative to other objects or within the landscape as a
whole.
Stories of the Dreaming:
- The Aboriginal sacred stories are stories about events of the Dreaming and how
Ancestral Beings formed the land and founded life on the land.
Symbolism and art:
- Aboriginal art and its symbolism communicate the intimate relationship
between the Ancestral Beings and the Law, values, customs, ceremonies and
obligations of aboriginal people.
- They enable the passage of Knowledge within Aboriginal society and in limited
ways, to the outside world.
- All Aboriginal art has a religious theme, or a secret, sacred significance.

discuss the diversity of the Dreaming for Aboriginal peoples

There are ~900 Aboriginal nations within Australia and subsequently there is an
enormous diversity in the way the Dreaming is expressed.
Each Aboriginal group has their own spiritual beliefs, laws and explanations for
how their environment was created and these were passed down through
storytelling and ceremony in what is generally referred to as the Dreaming.
Each Aboriginal nation has its own dialect, since language is esoteric; each
nation's understanding of Aboriginal spirituality will vary.
Language is critical for the Dreaming to be learnt and understood authentically.

Each Aboriginal nation has its own boundaries, thus different Dreaming stories,
which are applicable to those boundaries.
Groups which are geographically close to each other will share some common
elements.
The belief in notion of the Dreaming is the overriding commonality, which binds
different Aboriginal nations together.

recognise the importance of the Dreaming for the life of Aboriginal peoples

The Dreaming has different meanings for different Aboriginal people.

It is a complex network of knowledge, faith and practices that derive from stories
of creation, which dominates all physical and spiritual aspects of Aboriginal Life.
The Dreaming sets out the structures of society, the rules for social behaviour
and the ceremonies performed in order to maintain the life of the land.
Governs the way people live and how they should behave.
The core of Aboriginal Law has to do with the knowledge and ritual pertaining to
sacred sites.
These places underpin Aboriginal life are best cared for and preserved by the
ceremony for them.
Dreaming underlies every aspect of the universe, it defines the framework of
human action and links people and place.
Aboriginal spirituality, the natural and the supernatural are extremely closely
linked.
Their spirituality is lived in their day to day lives and their supernatural deities
are active in their activities.
TOTEM ANCESTORS:
- Totems are respected but they are not worshipped.
- Ceremony places the people in direct contact with their ancestor spirit.
LIFE:
- Aboriginal spirituality is celebrated through devotional practices (signs,
symbols etc.)
- Life was initiated in the Dreaming and so life is very much connected
with eternity.
- Life is taken as Sacred; it is a miracle.
DEATH:
- Death is seen as a necessary part of life.

- All beings participate in this cycle of life.

- Rituals for the dead ensure the departed spirit returns to the spirit world.

RESPONSIBILITY:
- Aboriginal Law is based on the belief that everything that exists is
connected and part of a living system.
- For all of life to be preserved; relationships between all living things must
be preserved.
- None are superior or inferior.
- Aboriginal people live WITH the land based on this understanding. They
do not exploit the land.

investigate the inextricable connection of the Dreaming, the land and identity

The land contains the Dreaming and is the medium through which the Dreaming
is lived and communicated.
The land is where the Dreaming and its stories take place and subsequently,
forms the resting place for their ancestral spirit beings.
These sites are regarded as being of sacred significance and carry with them
ritual responsibilities.
The identity of an Aboriginal person can be said to be inextricably linked to the
land.
Land and Dreaming:
- For Aboriginals, the LAND is extremely important.
- It is the physical link to the invisible, eternal, spiritual world.
- The Dreaming sets the moral and social bonds, and also the unbreakable link
between humans, ancestral beings and the spiritual world.
- The land is a sacred place; The Dreaming occurs on the Land.
- The land has a story to tell. Land features are the result of the Dreaming.
- Aboriginal people follow 'songlines', or the paths of their Ancestors. Because of
this, they know the land well and it is sacred to them.
People:
- People must cooperate with the natural cycle of life so that the land will
continue its own life cycle.

- Aboriginal people must care for the land in order to live in it.
Identity:
- Aboriginal speaks of the land as part of their Identity: "I am the land".
- They are a part of the living environment, not superior to it.
- A formal kinship exists between Aboriginal people and their area of land,
including non-human inhabitants. This is because they all came from the same
ancestral spirit.
- The human body is made up of the physical body and some spiritual elements.
- Aboriginal Law states that people must show each other respect because they
are all bonded in body, soul and spirit.
- All physical action must take into consideration the spiritual effects.
- The people must conform to the spiritual patterns of their clan.
- For Aboriginals, all aspects of life are celebrated, the bad with the good.
Totem/ism - They are the embodiment of each individual in his/her primordial
state and hence represents an individual's contact with the Dreaming.

Christianity

describe the early development of Christian communities after the death of Jesus

- The death of Jesus marks the beginning of the Jesus movement/New Testament
Period. ( 30 - 60 CE).
- 'Jesus Movement' describes a period where the infant Christian community saw
itself as a sect which existed within the Jewish tradition.
- These earlier communities were characterised by their gender inclusive nature
and eschatological vision (Belief that the end of the world and the day of
judgement is near) [Parousia].
- The first 40 years after Jesus' death the Churches were scattered in different
areas and existed without a centralised doctrine or order of Christian behaviour
and practice.
Paul.
- Christians followed Jesus through the preaching's of Paul.
- When Jesus set down the foundational message of Christianity concerning the
Reign of God, Paul helped to set up the structure and confirm the status of
Christianity.
- Paul recognised that Jesus' message was not intended solely for people of the
Jewish faith and consequently he utilised the Hellenistic philosophy to help
communicate many of Jesus' ideas.
- Introduction of the Pauline theology of salvation, justification and law into
Christian life and belief.
- Letters of Paul.
- Paul was a Roman Citizen, well educated Jew.
- First opposed the Christians.
- The letters of Paul and the teachings of the early apostles have been the basis
of Christian theology and practice.
- The Church had to meet secretly first, but became an influential movement in
the three centuries following the times of Jesus, eventually becoming the official
religion of the Roman Empire.
Divisions in the early Church.
- The existence of a varied community which contained Jewish Christians of
Palestinian background, Jewish Christians of Hellenistic background and Gentile
Christians.
- Period of the early Church was a source of disagreement and conflict.

- Controversies in the early Church arose because the original Jewish nature of
the Christian Church was challenged by the conversion of the Gentiles.
- Council of Jerusalem in 49 CE.

Reasons for the formalisation

- Christian Churches became more formalised from 70 CE onwards.
- Result of unforseen events which significantly changed the character of early
Church communities.
- The delay of the Parousia (Second coming of Christ) and the death of the
Apostles meant there was a need to introduce regulated practices.
- Formalisation of the Christian identity meant that Christianity was increasingly
seen as a distinct and separate religion from Judaism.
- During this period the Christian Churches came into great conflict with Judaism.
Conflict with Judaism
- Jews persecuted Christians they were seen as a threat to the purity of Judaism.
THREE MAIN REASONS:
- Christians spoke of and emulated Jesus as God, which made the
Christians sound like they were polytheistic.
- Christians and Jews could not interact as Christians were not seen as
ritually pure due to their association with the Gentiles.
- Christians had refused to support the Jews in their attempts to overthrow
the Roman occupation.
Roman Persecution
- Persecution of Christians by the Romans during the 2nd and 3rd centuries
meant that secret signs and meeting places had to be devised for the protection
of Christians.
- Romans persecuted the Christians because they appeared to be neglectful
citizens in that they were pacifists who refused to join the army and refused to
serve on the judiciary.
- The Christian monotheistic practice also offended Roman beliefs as Romans
worshipped many gods.
- Secretive nature of the Eucharistic celebrations derived from rumours that
Christians were cannibalistic (Eat human flesh).
Constantine

- Prior to 3rd CE, Christians occupied a small, insignificant part of society.

- The efforts of Constantine in the 4th CE meant that Christianity became a
powerful and dominant religion.
- Constantine who is commonly known as the founder of Christendom helped the
religion to gain the privileges, wealth and influence that was not given to
Christians during the time of persecution.

outline the unique features of:

Anglicanism
Catholicism
Orthodoxy
Pentecostalism
Protestantism

Denominati
on

Origins

Head of
Church

Principal
beliefs/Sacra
ment

Role of
Wome
n

Style of
Worship

Role of
Bible

Anglicanism

Stems from
the 16th CE
schism
known as the
Reformation.

The
English
Monarch,
Queen
Elizabeth
II.
Archbishop
of
Canterbury
.

Baptism,
Eucharist are the
2 central
sacraments.
Baptism:
Covenant
between God &
Candidate.
Eucharist: Real
Presence,
Transubstantiatio
n.

Women
can be
ordained
(Internat
ional).

Unique
and
significan
t way.
Merge
both
traditiona
l and
modern
ways.

Catholicism

Continuity of
the first
disciples of
Jesus.

God's teachings
have been
preserved and
safeguarded
through the
guidance of the
Holy Spirit.

------------

---------------

Orthodoxy

Schism;
Eastern/
Western
Orthodox
Churches.

Direct and
unbroken
link from
the Apostle
Peter as
the first
Bishop of
Rome.
Found by
Jesus
Christ/ The
clergy hold
office in a
line of
descent.

Bible
holds
supreme
authority
in the
forming
of
doctrine
s and is
the basis
for
Anglican
worship.
Regard
the Bible
as the
normativ
e text.

"Holy Mysteries".
The 7
Sacraments.

Still a
growing
concept.

Pentecostali
sm
(Lutheran)

1906 Synods
combined to
form the
Lutheran
Church.

No set
pattern of
organisatio
n. Have
Bishops
and
Archbishop
s. Some
elect a
president.

Holy Communion:
Receive the body
(bread) and blood
(wine) of Christ
as a blessing.
Real Presence.
Consubstantiatio
n.
Holy Baptism:
Delivers gift of
new life, birth
and salvation.

Women
are
allowed
to be a
part of
the
ministry
and
decision
making
processe
s.

Inherits
from 1st
CE. Based
to a great
extent on
passages
from
scripture.
Evangelic
al
Worship,
Worship
in Unison,
Worship
regarded
as
treasure,
Music &
Liturgy
heavily

Holy
Scripture
must be
enlighte
ned
within
tradition
.
Consider
old/new
testame
nt to be
the only
divinely
inspired
book. All
teaching
s are
only to
be taken

The spirit is
inseparable from
the water.

Protestantis
m (Hillsong)

Founded in
Australia by
Brian and
Bobbie
Houston.

Congregati
on in
governanc
e, led by
Pastors
who are
seen as
teachers.

Ceremonies &
Ordinances.
Driven by the
power of God.
Direct experience
of God is
revealed through
the gifts of the
Spirit.

Acceptin
g
women
as
pastoral
minister
s&
Preacher
s.

focused.

from the
Bible
only.

Charisma
tic. Gifts
of the
Holy
Spirit
being
manifeste
d during
times of
praise
and
worship.

Correlat
es with
God's
words
and how
they are
'alive'.
Depende
nt on the
Bible to
show
guidanc
e in the
right
direction
.

Principal Beliefs

the divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ

- Known as Hypostatic Union.

ASCENDING CHRISTIANITY: Human to Divine
- Centres on the historical Jesus and his life and ministry.
DESCENDING CHRISTIANITY: Divine to Human
- Focuses on Jesus as the eternal Word of God which came down to earth, taking
on human flesh and offering salvation.
Ascending and Descending Christianity should act as complements to each other.
Emphasis on either one, to the detriment of the other, gives a distorted picture of
Jesus Christ.
John 5: 17-23 he is spoken of as the equal of God.
Matthew 1L21 He is spoken of as the saviour.
HERESIES:
Arianism: Stated that only the Father is truly God, that Christ the Son was not.
Docetism: Jesus Christ only appeared to be human; a denial of the Incarnation.
Nestorianism: Christ was two persons in one.
Sabellianism: Denied the Trinitarian nature of God.

the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ

The resurrection of Jesus consisted of him dying in human form on the cross and
three days later rising from the dead to live forever.
Transhistorical event - one that occurred beyond the limits of time, space and
human understanding.

The resurrection proves to believers that there is life after death.

Jesus' conquering of death shows his mystical power to bring all his followers to
life after death.
John 11:25 "Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that
believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live."
1 Peter 1:21 "Who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead,
and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God.

the nature of God and the Trinity

The creeds (Statements of faith) developed as part of ritual and worship, or

simply to sum up the beliefs of the religion. Makes strong connections between
God and Jesus.
Apostle's Creed & Nicene's Creed.
At the Council of Nicea in 325 CE, formulated the doctrine of the Holy Trinity.
Enabled them to understand that God is understood as one God, yet within the
Godhead there are three distinct persons- God the Father/God the Son/God the
Holy Spirit or God the Father/Creator/Jesus Christ.
Christians believe that God is One and the Creator of all things.
The Holy Trinity is the central dogma or mystery of the Christian faith.
'Mystery' - Deepest reality.
The Trinity traditionally has been described in relation to three key functions creating; sanctifying; redeeming.
The Trinity has been expressed in terms that state God is one.

Revelation

A revelation is the disclosure of something which could not have been revealed
without the will of God.
The main Christian revelation is that which God revealed through Jesus, which
later took the form of the Gospels.
One can distinguish between general and special revelation.
General - Comes to Christians through the work of God they see evident in
creation and in their conscience.
Special - Understanding that God provided of himself through Jesus and the
sacred writings of Christianity.
Transmission of knowledge from the divine to human.
Includes not only biblical revelation but revelation evident throughout the whole
of humans history.
Revelation is knowledge given by God to human beings about persons, events
and things previously hidden or only partially known.
Christians believe that Revelation is not only God's self-communication to human
beings, but it is also a loving and utterly free invitation to join in friendship with

God.
God calls human beings to respond in faith and action today.
God's fullest revelation takes place through the words, deeds and events
associated with the person of Christ.
Revelation is not simply a past event or a proclamation of God.
Revelation continues to happen as God continues to speak through human
history.

Salvation

Significant meaning behind Jesus' death is that was a ritual sacrifice.

The Testaments make it clear that Jesus knew what was coming. It was his fate to
die.
Salvation in Christianity can mean three different things:
- Deliverance from sin.
- Being resurrected to an afterlife.
- Being healed through the power of the divine and united with God.
Offer individuals the opportunity to repent, therefore be saved from punishment
of their sins.
Christian belief in Christ's resurrection is central to the belief that after death,
resurrection to heaven is possible for those who are forgiven.
Salvation occurs even today; Example: Water obtained from the Church of Our
Lady of Lourdes is believed to have healing properties for Christians.
Jesus' sacrifice promises the same salvation for Christians.
Salvation has a past aspect (forgiveness of sins), a present aspect (living as a
saved person) and a future aspect (looking forward to a life in heaven). A present
reality as much as future deliverance.

Bible

Importance of the Bible

All variants of Christianity view the Bible as the basic source of belief and
practice.
The Bible has an important role in the everyday life of believers.
The Bible teaches Christians about the nature of God and the ministry and
teachings of Jesus.
Christianity is the only religion that reads from the New Testament.
Shows how Jesus is the fulfilment of the Hebrew Bible.
The New Testament retains a strong focus on the last three years of Jesus.
Demonstrates to believers that he was not only a religious revolutionary, which
included political dimensions, but also the incarnation of God on Earth.
Many Christian beliefs are introduced or developed, in the Bible.
Christians use the Bible in their own spiritual development, for their devotional

lives and their understanding of God.

The Bible has a role in guiding Christian behaviour and in the practices of
Christians, such as personal prayer and liturgical worship.

the Ten Commandments

Also known as Decalogue. (Ten words from God).

The Decalogue is the only text understood as being spoken directly by God to the
people of Israel and then written directly by God's hand on two stone tablets.
For Christians observance the Decalogue is based on love not fear.
Should be viewed as life principles to be internalised by the human heart.
Practice of virtue is understood as more important than the listing of sins.
An important basis for structuring and living the Christian life.
These ten short commandments from living are based on God's direct revelation
to Moses on Mount Sinai in Israel.
The first three commandments of the Decalogue refer to the worship of God,
while the rest refer to obligations to one's neighbour and society.
Relates to God and Community.
The Decalogue is introduced by God's own words of freedom.
The Decalogue is an important basis for structuring and living the Christian life.
It calls Christians back to loving God alone and loving their neighbour as
themselves.
The Ten Commandments can be divided into demands about how one should
worship and demands about ethical behaviour.

New Testament ethics

the Beatitudes
Jesus commandment of love

The Beatitudes
Beatitudes is the name in Christianity given to the nine sayings of Jesus.
He delivers nine Beatitudes that praise people.
Beatitudes also appear in other parts of the Christian Scriptures mainly as words
of praise virtues.
In Luck's version Jesus congratulate his listeners.
One of the foundations of Christian ethics.
Jesus' Beatitudes suggest that one needs meekness, patience and mercy to turn
around the problems of the world.
These ideals are not satisfying in themselves, but lead on towards the kingdom
of heaven.
The Beatitudes are considered as a summary of Jesus' teachings in the Sermon
of the Mount (Mt 5:3-12).
These sentiments reflect others in Hebrew scripture which offer hope and
comfort to those who have little.
Suggest that if one is guided by mercy, driven to be pure and works for peace;

then one will attain both happiness in this life and the chance to enter the
Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus' commandment of Love.
Jesus' command to love does not stand by itself but must be understood in a two
part context.
The first part is the Christian awareness of the mystery of the hidden God of love
who is revealed in the person of Jesus who ministered was crucified, dead and
rose from the dead.
The second part of this context is the way in which Christians understand God as
the holy trinity.
Jesus' commandment to love means that Christians expresses their longing for
God.
"I am giving you these commands so that you may love one another" (Jn 15:17)
Jesus' command to love can only be understood through the insight that God is
love.
Jesus preaches a God who is the source and model of love for Jesus and his
disciples (Mt 5:48).
Jesus' command to love means that the Christian constantly seeks good of their
neighbour.
"No one has greater love than this, to lay down one's life for one's friend" (Jn
15:13).
Jesus' declaration that unselfish love is the ultimate way to connect with God and
the ultimate purpose for each person on Earth.
In the uncertain and politically challenging times in which he lived, Jesus' call for
universal love was bold, brave and exciting.
Jesus' own life and ministery were motivated by love.

Prayer

Personal devotion for Christians revolves around prayer.

Prayer is an essential spiritual discipline to Christians.
Christian prayers take on different forms and embody different purposes.
A prayer can be a request, an offering of praise or an attempt to communicate
with entities beyond the world. (God, Jesus, Mary, Saints and Angels).
Prayer is encouraged in the Bible.
Considered a normal human response in times of need.
Prayer is essentially communication with God.
Different types of prayer
Jesus taught the most significant prayer in Christianity, the Lord's Prayer.

- Praises God and asks for the remission of sins and hopes that the one
praying will be delivered from evil.
The Pater Noster (Our Father) is found in (Mt 6:9-13).
Prayers can be said using a written form or extemporary (Spoken without
preparation).
Extemporary - Those that are said without being written down or memorised.
Prayers from the heart.
Prayer may be spoken or silent.
Prayer may be in the form of meditation, contemplative prayer or simply a
prayer from the heart or mind.
Prayer can include love and devotion to God, thanks for God's care or specific
answers to prayer.
Confession of sin is a common feature, as are requests for things to be d-one.
Intercession - Prayers for others and makes up part of the formal liturgical
worship of many Christian churches.
Prayer brings believers into contact with the mysteries of their faith.
Prayer provides them with tangible ways in which these mysteries can be
brought to life to provide individual and communal meaning.
Each of these prayers strengthens and directs the Christian so that they can
interact in a more Christ-like way with others in the world.
Prayer infuses the life of the Christian because it is understood as an important
way of experiencing life with God.
Vocal - Prayers which uses words that are recited, spoken or sung.
Mental - A process of reflection that involves the mind, the imagination and the
will. Imaging, creative visualisation, journaling and other narrative techniques.
Contemplative - Prayer that is often experienced as a simple prayer of quiet,
where the heart is held still in passive recollection of God, but the mind and the
imagination are free. Focused on a perception of God's living presence.
Meditation - Generally understood as the exercising of one's spiritual memory
based on repetition of words and phrases.
Each of these different prayer practices and styles influences the everyday life of
believers by bringing them into contact with the mysteries of their faith.
Providing them with ways in which these mysteries can be brought to life to
provide individual and communal meaning.
Islam

the articles of faith explained in the Aqida as:

Tawhid
Angels
Books of Allah
Rusul
Akhirah
Fate/predestination

Tawhid
- The first article of faith - belief in the oneness and unity of Allah.
- Implications:

- Muslims should worship Allah alone; no one else is worthy of worshiping.

- No other being should be associated with Allah.
- Idolatry is worshipping something less than God, is strictly forbidden.
- The sin of Idolatry (Shirk) [attributing Allah's qualities to someone else],
regarded as the worst of all sins.
- Those who believe in the oneness of God should be united together.
- Emphasises the unity of Umma
- There are 99 names attributed to Allah in the Qur'an.
- Many of these names reflect his superlative characteristics.
- Absoluteness of Allah.
- Surrendering to the will of Allah.
Angles (Mala'ika)
- Acceptance of angels and jinn (Local folk spirits of the Arab world).
- Exist and influences believers.
- Submit to His will in everything.
- Allah condemns Jinn as leading humanity astray in Sura 4, verse 128.
- Jinn can be seen as forces that work to make humans impure into evil.
- Angels are created from light to give absolute praise, service and obedience to
God.
- Serve as God's messengers as Angel Jibril (Gabriel) did.
- Angel Jibril is the greatest of all the Islamic Angels as he was the vehicle for
revelation of the Qur'an
- Angel Izra'il (Azreal) (Angel of Death) separate a person's soul from his/her
body at death, Angel Mikai'il (Michael) instructed Muhammad, sound the trumpet
on the Day of Resurrection.
- Each person has two recording or guardian angels who record his/her good and
bad deeds and these angels are acknowledged during daily salat (prayer).
Books of Allah (Kutubu'llah)
- Holy books.
- Belief in the scriptures of prophecy passed down from Allah.
- Islam believes Allah has revealed his truth through the Scrolls of Abraham, the
Law of Moses, the Psalms of David, the Gospel of Jesus and the Reading of
Muhammad (the Qur'an).
- The Qur'an is the only reliable book of Allah, and only in the Arabic text.
- The Qur'an is the last of the revealed books and is the most reliable and
complete source of the revelation of Allah.
Rusula - Belief in prophethood
- A prophet is someone through whom Allah speaks.
- The Qur'an names 25 prophets, tradition says there have been 124 000.
- Rusul describes a prophet who has delivered a holy book.
- These are known as the messengers of Allah.
- Belief in prophethood is closely linked to the Books of Allah.
- Six prophets (Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad) are
considered to be the most important as they received special revelations and

introduced new teachings.

- Muhammad is Allah's last prophet, known as the 'Seal of the Prophets'. -> Surat
33:40.
- Brought the final message that has been preserved intact in the Qur'an.
- Seen as the final and complete message from Allah to humanity.
- Prophecy is regarded as an essential element of Muslim belief.
- Allah becomes revealed to human kind.
al-Akhirah - Life after death.
- Islam sees the real universe in three tiers.
Tier 1. Allah inhabits a Heaven, which is the domain where all believers
will find their eternal happiness. Jannah.
Tier 2. The Present World, which is passing and will eventually come to a
dramatic end.
Tier 3. A place of suffering, the hell called Jahannam. The resting place for
the wicked. Ruled by Ilbis (Satan) and the evil spirits.
- Only those who submit to the will of Allah will find eternal joy in heaven.
- Others will be thrown into hell, the realm of the wicked.
- The only sin that will not eventually be forgiven by Allah is shirk.
- Death marks the beginning of eternal life in Islam, the funeral is highly
significant Qur'an 13.
- After life, is mention in the Qur'an for each soul an intermediate period. (Sura
23:99-100).
- Souls wait suspended between death and resurrection (Qiyamah).
- Jannah - Paradise.
al-Qadr - Fate and Predestination.
- Predetermined or set course for everything in the Universe.
- Nothing happens unless it is the will of Allah.
- Individuals have the free will to act for good or evil; Allah does not force them
to do anything-they have control over their fate.
- Humans are fully responsible for their final happiness or suffering and that
humans are predestined to either heaven or hell.
- Declared as a divine mystery.
- Everything that happens on Earth is believed to be preordained by Allah's will.
- Sura 17:188, Makes the totality of Allah's will complete.

the Quran and Hadith

identify the importance of:
the Quran
the Hadith
examine extracts from the Quran and Hadith which demonstrate the principal beliefs of
Islam

The Qur'an.
- Central sacred reality of Islam.
- Words of the Qur'an are the first and last sounds that a Muslim hears in this life.
- Direct Word of God and the embodiment of God's Will, the Qur'an is considered
the essential guide for the life of Muslims.
- The Universal source of all Islamic doctrines and ethics.
- Both the intellectual aspects of Islam and Islamic Law have their source in the
Qur'an.
- The Qur'an consists of 114 sura (chapters) subdivided into 6000 ayat (general
verses), originally revealed to Muhammad over a period of 23 years.
- The sure are arranged according to length and date of revelation.
- The longer sura, representing the later Madinan revelations, precede (come
before) the shorter earlier Makkan ones.
- Muslims do not speak of Muhammad writing the Qur'an, but of his receiving it
and reciting it.
- Muhammad employed scribes to record the words of revelation placed on his
lips.
- There is only one text of the Qur'an accepted by all schools of Islamic thought
and there are no variants.
- Since Muslims believe that the Qur'an's Arabic language is revealed, all Muslims
regardless of their national language, memorise and recite the Qur'an in Arabic.
- Arabic is the sacred language of Islam because, in a very real sense it is the
language of God.
- The Qur'an is treated with the greatest respect.
- Believed to be the sole miracle of the religion.
- Caliph Uthman finally had the book put together.
- The greatest of the revelation of Allah.
The Hadith. - The sunna of the prophet.
Sunna: All the traditions and practices of Muhammad that have become models
to be followed by Muslims.
- The sunna of Muhammad are recorded as hadith.
- There are two kinds of hadith:
1. Reports of the actions and words of the Prophet
2. Words of God, uttered by Muhammad but are not part of the Qur'an and
are relatively few in number.
- Most Muslims accept 6 collections of hadith as being the most trustworthy. 'The
Accurate Six'.
- Collected within the first three centuries of Islam.
- The two most authoritative books are called sahih (sound).
- Recording of the doings and sayings of the Prophet.

Extracts from the Qur'an and the Hadith which demonstrate the
principal beliefs of Islam.
- Sura 49 (Qur'an) - Lists ethical and moral judgements.
- Hadith 108 - Encouragement against alcohol and for moderation
- Hadith 109 - Contains injunctions against anti-social behaviour
- Sura 5:91 - Among other stresses the need to keep oaths.
Tawhid
- Sura 112 - Belief in Tawhid is the belief in the absolute oneness of Allah.
- Surah 6:103 - Reflects Allah is beyond human comprehension yet at the same
time Allah has complete knowledge of all things.
- Surah 50:16 - Relates to the immanence of Allah and identifies Allah as the
creator of human kind.
Angels (Mala'ika)
- Surah 15:28-31 - Rebellion of Ilbis, Ilbis objects to Allah's command to worship
the human beings.
- Surah 50:17-18 - Two angels record good and bad deeds and thoughts.
- Surah 6:61 - Identifies the role of Izra'il (Angel of Death) one who receives the
soul of a person at the point of their death.
Books of Allah (Kutubu'llah)
- Surah 6:91 - Example of the Qur'ans testimony to the books of Allah.
- Surah 2:4 - Believe the revelation that came before him.
Prophethood (Rusula)
- Surah 42:13 - Allah is revealed through prophets who are given a message to
proclaim.
- Surah 4:125 - History of Prophecy, specifically Ibrahim.
- Surah 2:87 - Musa and Isa who are mentioned as recipients of the revelation of
Allah.
al-Akhirah (Afterlife)
- Surah 35:18 - Indicates a person will have to bear their own burden at this time
and can neither give help to or receive help from another.
- Surah 41:46 - Actions of a person's life will ultimately affect only themselves.
al-Qadr (Fate/Predestination)
- Surah 35:2 - Allah is all knowing and has full and complete knowledge of the
future.
- Surah 10:107 - All things happen according to the will of Allah.

Islamic jurisprudence
the Quran
the Sunna and Hadith
ijma consensus among religious leaders
qiyas comparison with teachings of the Quran or Hadith
outline the principal ethical teachings within Islam

outline the process of Islamic jurisprudence

describe the importance of ethical teachings in determining that which is:

halal
haram

- The ethical teachings of Islam reflect the beliefs and teachings of Islam.
- Places very strong emphasis on right and wrong.
- There is the body of law that governs the behaviour of Muslims towards God.
- Laws about prayers, fasting, almsgiving and pilgrimages.
- The most important of these laws are described in the five pillars of faith.
- Directly regulates the way in which human beings treat one another.
- For Muslims there is no distinction between the sacred and the secular.
- A Muslim's whole life is governed by the Shari'a (Islamic law based on the
Qur'an and the sunna of the Prophet).
- Regulates all aspects of Muslim life.
- For Muslims, their whole life must be one of submission to Allah/
- Muslims should know what is obligatory (religious duties - five pillars of faith),
what actions are halal (permitted or lawful), what actions are haram (Forbidden,
unlawful, sinful).
- The Shari'a encompasses both public and private life.
- Teaches Muslims how Allah wants them to live the whole of their lives.
Islamic Jurisprudence (Quest to discover the best way to live as a
Muslim)

Niyah - Look at intention

Category
Halal - Fard

Definition
Actions that have
to be done

Example
Prayer (salat)

Halal - Mandub

Actions that are

recommended
Actions that may
be done

Helping others

Halal - Makruh

Actions which are

disapproved, but
not forbidden.

Divorce

Haram

Actions that are

forbidden.

Alcohol

Halal - Mubah

Watching a wildlife
program on TV

Explanation
Prayer reminds
every Muslim of
their relationship
to Allah.
Nil.
Doesn't do any
harm; not
particular
beneficial
(spiritually)
Pragmatic.
Recognises not
every marriage
will succeed.
Losing control;
lead to many
harmful
consequences.

outline each of the Five Pillars

Shahada - Declaration of Faith.

- The first duty of a Muslim is to declare his/her faith.
- This declaration is called Kalima (sentence).
- Confession of Faith.
- Statement that stresses the uniqueness of God for Muslims.
Salat - Daily Prayer.
- Salat is obligatory for every Muslim male and female five times each day.
- The distinctive mark of believers and it provides them with opportunities for
direct communication with God five times a day.
- Helps them to avoid too much attachment to non essential things.
- The foremost of the basic conditions for the success of the believers/
- Lessens a Muslims stress and puts the day in perspective.
- Muslim must face towards Mecca.
Zakat - Obligatory (religious) almsgiving
- Charity. (Sadaqa)
- The payment of Zakat is a compulsory welfare contribution by the wealthy
Muslims for the needy.
- Paid once a year.
- Zakat is an act of devotional duty of worship and obedience, and is paid to gain
Allah's favour.
- Wealth belongs to Allah: he is the real owner and Muslims are the trustees of
his wealth.

- The Qur'an encourages Muslims to make voluntary contributions to help the

poor.
- At the end of Ramadan, Muslims are asked to make a small donation to allow
the poor to celebrate the end of fasting.
- The term Zakat means to purify.
- Emphasis on letting go of earthly possessions to focus on Allah.
- Moral aspect as well as a literal significance.
Sawm - Fasting
- Muslim adults are required to fast from dawn to sunset during the month of
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
- The month of Ramadan is significant as it is the revelation of the Qur'an.
-