2nd Monthly Test (October 5, 2024)

• Christianity


  Centers on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Messiah or Savior of humanity.

  The most popular religion in the world; Monotheistic and Abrahamic.

  1st century CE, during the Roman Empire’s reign in West Asia.

  Most common symbol : Cross. Jesus died to save humanity from their sins.

  Catholicos- Worldwide; Act of the Apostles “The Way”
• Symbols

  The Cross- Christ’s victory over sins when he died for humanity’s redemption and salvation; reminder of his sacrifices

  Ichthys or Ichthus- The Greek word for Fish. This served as a secret code among Christians, for they were threatened by the Romans during that time.

  • Acrostic : Iseous Christos Theou Yios Soter
  • Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.
• Historical Background

  Christianity developed in Palestine, 100 CE.

  Founded by Jesus Himself.

  3 Major Sects : Roman Catholicism, Greek Orthodox Church, and Protestantism.
• Historical Context

  Judea was the home of Christianity

  That time, Judaism was the dominant religion of Palestine, for Jews considered it as the land promised to them by God.

  Historical developments have shown that successive powers have dominated Mesopotamia, including Palestine.

  It was ruled by the Assyrian Empire, Babylonian Empire, Persian Empire, the Greeks, then the Romans.

  When Jesus was born, Palestine was still under Roman rule.
• Jesus as the Founder of Christianity


  He lived and preached teachings which were criticisms of Judaism, although He Himself was a Jew.

  His ministry began in His early 30s.

  Christianity started with a prophecy in the Old Testament.

         ⤷ God sent His only begotten Son to save humanity from eternal damnation.

  Jesus was seen to be the Messiah of his followers.
• What is the basis of the hierarchy in the Catholic Church?

  Canon Law
• Who are the successors of Peter in the Catholic Church?

  The Popes
• What is the role of the Pope in the Catholic Church?

  Head of the Catholic Church and responsible for general supervision
• Where is the headquarters of the Catholic Church located?

  The Vatican
• What type of state is the Vatican?

  An independent state
• What authority does the Pope have regarding church officials?

  Authority to appoint administrative and religious officials
• Who appoints the Cardinals in the Catholic Church?

  The Pope
• What is the role of Cardinals in the Catholic Church?

  Represent the Pope and advise him
• What power do Cardinals have regarding the Pope?

  They can elect a new Pope
• What is the College of Cardinals?

  • A body comprising the cardinals
  • Advises the Pope
  • Elects a new Pope
• What are the main responsibilities of Bishops in the Catholic Church?

  Teachers of doctrine, priests of worship, and ministers of church government
• What is the role of Bishops in a diocese?

  Provide pastoral supervision
• How are Bishops ordained?

  They are ordained to their station like priests
• What is the primary function of Priests in the Catholic Church?

  Administer sacraments
• What sacraments do Priests administer?

  Eucharist, Marriage, Baptism, and Confirmation
• What are some religious orders that Priests may belong to?

  Jesuits, Dominicans, Augustinians
• What is a Transitional Deacon?

  A seminarian studying for priesthood
• What is a Permanent Deacon allowed to do?

  Can get married and serve as the priest’s assistant
• What are the differences between Transitional and Permanent Deacons?

  • Transitional Deacon: Seminarian studying for priesthood
  • Permanent Deacon: Can marry and assist priests
• Deity/God


  Christians believe in one God; Monotheistic.

  God is seen as the creator and maintainer of the universe.

  • Omnipotent (all-powerful)
  • Omniscient (all-knowing)
  • Omnipresent (all-present)
  • Omnibenevolent (all-good)
• The Holy Trinity


  God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.

  Affirmed at the Council of Nicea in 25 CE.

  It was Christianity’s way to end the controversy by Arianism

  ⤷ A teaching by Arius which states that Jesus Christ was not a God.
• Sacred Scriptures


  The Bible

  Apocrypha- Non-canon; excluded from the Bible due to inconsistencies.

  Deuterocanonical- Canon.
• Old Testament


  Original Hebrew Bible.

  Written around 1200 and 165 BCE.

  39 books; 3 parts

  First 5 books : “The Law” or Torah

  Guidance or instruction.

  • Genesis
  • Exodus
  • Leviticus
  • Numbers
  • Deuteronomy

  Later, they were called Pentateauch, attributed to Moses.

  “The Prophets” : 2 parts

  • Earlier Prophets - Historical
  • Latter Prophets - Sayings and Stories.

  “The Writings”

  • Psalms (Liturgies)
  • Proverbs (Wise Sayings)
  • Job (Drama, nature of suffering)
  • 5 Scrolls (Megiloth)
• New Testament


  Written by Christians around 50 - 100 CE.

  27 Books; 2 sections.

  Gospels : Tell the story of Jesus

  • Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

  Letters (Epistles) : Written by various Christian leaders as a guide for the early Christian community.

  Written to tell the life and teachings of Jesus.
• The 10 Commandments


  — Decalogue.

     — A set of laws given by God to the people of Israel.

     — Mt. Sinai through Moses.
• The 7 Sacraments


  Baptism

  • Remove the guilt and effects of Original Sin.
  • Welcomed to the church.

  Confirmation

  • Administered after Baptism; meant to complete it.
  • Bringing the graces of the Holy Spirit.

  Holy Communion

  • Reception of Christ’s body and blood.
  • Help Christians grow in the likeness of Jesus Christ.

  Confession

  • Reconcile Christians with God by confessing their sins.

  Marriage

  • Union of a man and woman.

  Holy Orders

  • Continuation of Christ’s priesthood.

  Anointing of the Sick

  • Extreme Unction or Last Rites.
  • Administered to those who are on the verge of death/extremely ill.
• Christianity is divided into three major branches: Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Churches, and Protestant churches
• Apostles' Creed


  100 or 200 CE.

     — Influenced by the Nicene Creed; written by the Council of Milan, 390 CE.
• The Assumption of Mary 


  This is all about how God allowed Mary go up to heaven with her body and soul, to be with Jesus again. 

  15th of August every year. 

  Revelations 12:1 

  Mary only slept, she didn’t die.
• The Pentecost


  Birthday of the Church.

  50 days after Easter.

  Descent of the Holy Spirit

  upon the apostles.

  Greek word “Pentekostos” — fifty.

       Jewish holiday celebrated every 50 days from the end of Passover to the next holiday. (Shavuot)

  Recorded in the New Testament.

      - Acts of the Apostles, CH 2

  Christians came together in one place; heard a sound coming from heaven; tongues of fire rested on their heads.

      - They were filled with the Holy Spirit.

      - Spoke different languages;

      - Peter delivered his first sermon.
• Easter


  Centered on the resurrection of Jesus, which is a fundamental belief of Christianity.
• Lent


  Preparation for Easter.

  Ash Wednesday signals the start.

  40 days before Easter.

  Fasting, repentance, moderation, and self-discipline.

  A time to reflect of Christ’s suffering.

  Anglo-Saxon words : “Lencten,” Spring; “Lenctenid,” Springtide & March. 
• Advent


  Season of waiting for the birth of the Messiah.

  4 weeks before Christmas; ending on Christmas Eve.

  Reflect on the significance of the birth of Jesus.

  Latin word : “Adventus,” Coming.

  Purple/Dark blue : Seriousness, repentance, and royalty.

  Pink : Joy.
• Subdivisions


  Christianity was legalized in 313 CE.

     — Edict of Milan : Constantine’s declaration; equality among all religions.

     — 324 CE : Constantine made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire.

     — 330 CE : Roman Empire from Rome > Byzantium (Istanbul) and renamed it Constantinople.
• Emperor Constantine


  Declared himself a Christian in 312 CE.

     — He flourished Christianity in Rome.

  Helena/Helen : Mother of Constantine; Reyna Helena, depicts Helen’s search for the true cross.