Did Jesus Found the Church?

• It explores whether Jesus founded the Church

Arguments for a Founding by Jesus

• The Church exists not only historically, but continues through the Spirit of Jesus
• The teachings about the Kingdom of God and the Church are closely related
• His life, teachings, and community with disciples lay the foundation
• Jesus expected his followers to spread his message after his death, displaying traits of Church institutions
• Assumes aspects of his works, especially forgiveness of sins, after his death and resurrection

Arguments against a Founding by Jesus

• There was a historical gap between Jesus and the Church because the Church developed after his death and resurrection
• Jesus called disciples but did not establish an institution because his goal was proclaiming God's Kingdom and not establishing a fixed organization
• Jesus' radical lifestyle contradicts institutional structures, because his wandering lifestyle without possessions or fixed bonds is contrary to an organized church
• The time of the Church followed after the time of Jesus, with a community forming with firmer structures after his death

Biblical Texts

• Mark 1:14-15 describes the proclamation of God's Kingdom as central message, and a foundation of the Church
• Mark 1:16-17 mentions the calling of disciples as element of discipleship and missionary work
• Mark 3:13-15 describes the appointment of the Twelve, from which spiritual leadership structures emerge
• Mark 2:13-15 discusses community with tax collectors and sinners, as inclusion is a characteristic of the Church
• Matthew 26:26-28 establishes the Lord's Supper as the basis of a central church ritual
• Matthew 16:18-19 says, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church," justifying institutionalization and the papacy

Martyria - Proclamation of the Good News

• Martyria refers to bearing witness to the Christian faith, which involves and spreading the Gospel through words and actions
• Mission involves committing to the Christian message, especially through missionary work and personal witness
• Christian communities advocate for justice, peace, and human dignity
• Secularization is a challenge for passing on the faith, requiring new evangelization methods

Diakonia - The Church as an Option for the Disadvantaged

• Diakonia includes the Church's service to people in need and the practiced neighborly love
• It expresses the social responsibility of Christianity and appears in the form of solidarity and help for the poor, sick, and oppressed
• Jesus set an example through his actions like healing the sick
• Diaconal engagement includes soup kitchens, hospitals, and aid organizations, as well as educational opportunities, homeless assistance, and integration efforts for marginalized groups
• The Church has the task institutionally and politically to stand up against injustice

Liturgia - The Celebration of Faith

• Liturgy is the communal celebration of faith and worship as a central form of expression of holy communion
• It combines the activity of the Holy Spirit and worship of God
• "Worship" is ambiguous because it refers to both the service of humans to God (praise, prayer, and adoration) and God's service to humans (the sacraments as signs of God's sanctifying presence)
• The sacraments symbolize becoming part of the Christian community and new life in Christ
• Eucharist makes Jesus's sacrifice present and strengthens the community of believers
• Prerequisites for liturgy include a consecrated space, liturgical components (e.g., altar, chalice), and the assembled community celebrating together