Religion Midterm Review PDF

Penelope Travers Monday, January 6th, 2024 Block B CE 11 Midterm Exam Outline 2024-2025 A. Possible Topics & Concepts: BIG IDEAS...

Penelope Travers Monday, January 6th, 2024 Block B CE 11 Midterm Exam Outline 2024-2025 A. Possible Topics & Concepts: BIG IDEAS 1.​ Influence of Greek & Roman World: Influenced Western civilization through law, art, philosophy, and government. Greek culture shaped thought, while Roman governance, law, and engineering (like roads) left a lasting impact on political systems and infrastructure. Roman and Greek philosophers thought that the world and society could be known, described, and understood. God made the universe so we can understand it, and because of this, we can understand God. If the creation is logical, the creator must be logical. The Romans made the world interconnected by building roads. This made for smoother travelling and trading. Faster movement. 2.​ The Incarnation: The Incarnation is when God became man in Jesus Christ. But when he became man he was 100% man and 100% God. It is the central mystery of Christianity. 3.​ Rule of St. Benedict: Set of guidelines for monastic life that emphasizes prayer, work, and community living. While also promoting obedience, humility, and balance, aiming to create an ordered and peaceful society that allows monks to grow spiritually and serve others. (“Ora et labora”=” prayer and work”) 4.​ Pentecost: Christian holiday that celebrates when the Holy Spirit comes to Jesus’ disciples 50 days after Easter. Marking the beginning of the Church as the disciples were encouraged to share Jesus’ message with the world. It is also the “birth of the Church” because before Pentecost, the Apostles were too scared to leave their room because they were afraid of being killed for their faith, and after Pentecost, the Apostles went out and spread their faith (...which ended up in more Catholics…) 5.​ Vox Populi: This is a Latin phrase that means “Voice of the people”. Referring to the collective opinion or will of the general public that is often used to be evidence of how important public decision-making is or governance. This was the reason for Romans killing all the Christians because everything was “their fault”. Basically, it means to kill all the Christians. 6.​ Evangelization: Announcing Jesus Christ’s gospel and inviting others to develop personal relationships with Jesus. Its main goal is to share God’s transformative love with others and invite them into a faithful community. This can include teaching, personal experience, acts of service, and participating in conversations about faith. Spreading of faith. Inviting others to have a relationship with Christ by sharing the gospel and your own faith experience. 7.​ The Papacy: The office of the Pope (the “job”) of the Catholic Church’s leader who is the spiritual successor to Saint Peter). The Papacy guides the Church in its faith, and unity, and plays a crucial role in Catholic doctrine and belief. The papacy is the Pope’s  Penelope Travers Monday, January 6th, 2024 Block B office. It’s the office and system of government of the Roman Catholic Church, led by the pope. 8.​ Judaism: Monotheistic (“belief in one god”) religion that holds the belief of one God. Judaism follows the Torah’s teachings (the Old Testament). Ethical lifestyle, the covenant between the Jewish people and God, and the community are all highlighted in this religion. (Islam and Christianity are also monotheistic) The Jews were waiting for the Messiah and missed him. 9.​ Monasticism: A way of life where those who are involved dedicate themselves to prayer, and growing spiritually, they often live in communities or alone and apart from worldly distractions. Talking about the Monks. Monks followed the rule of St. Benedict and “Ora et labora” (work and prayer). The Greek idea of work is that work is suffering but the Roman idea of work is that work is a good thing. Monks believe that if you do work with a good enough attitude you can turn work into prayer. That work is dedicated to God. If one works and sacrifices willingly, then the work becomes prayer due to sacrificial love. If you have to do a job, do it and do it well and offer it to God, and this becomes a kind of prayer. 10.​Age of Heresies: A period in early Church history (mostly the 1st-5 centuries) when incorrect teachings such as Arianism and Gnosticism questioned core beliefs. This caused Church councils to clear up and defend the doctrine. What is a heresy? -​ A false understanding/teaching of church doctrine. X43 Why is it a big deal? -​ The whole goal of the Church is to help people in the pursuit of heaven and teach them how to achieve it. The only way that the Church knows how to reach heaven is through the faith instituted by Christ, who is God. The reason that a heresy is such a big deal is that they lead people away from the path that Jesus wants us on and endanger the people's pursuit of heaven by leading them down a path that the Church is unaware will lead them to their salvation. 5 Heresies Gnosticism The Gnostics were around before Christianity and believed that the only way to achieve salvation was to be awakened to the “secret knowledge” that certain people have been enlightened to (what was the secret knowledge? Haha sucks for you I know it and you don’t and that makes me special. Gnostics like to feel special about themselves). What they got right is that knowledge and the pursuit of knowledge are good. What they got wrong was that salvation was achieved only through knowledge. Salvation was actually achieved through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. This was fought by St Irenaeus. Arianism  Penelope Travers Monday, January 6th, 2024 Block B Arianism preached that because there is God the Father and Jesus is the Son, God the Father must have come before God the Son and therefore Jesus was created (and because Jesus was created, he is less than the Father). What the heresy got right is that they were trying to protect the divinity of God, what they got wrong was the divinity and nature of Christ. Constantine helped call the Council of Nicaea in order to deal with the growing problem of Arianism. At the council of Nicaea St Athanasius debated and helped solidify the teaching that Jesus was true God and True man and equal to the Father. This is the council where we get the Nicene Creed. Pay attention to the phase in the begotten from the Father before all ages, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made; consubstantial (“the same substance”) the Father. You might also see the word homoousios. Donatism Donatism taught that sacraments that were performed by priests who had sinned were invalid. This means that a priest who sins can’t give confession, marriage, the eucharist, baptism…(think if that were true there would be no more priests because all humans other than Jesus or Mary have not been perfect). What they were trying to protect was the duty, especially that of a priest, to try to remain virtuous and holy. However, what they got wrong is that the sacrament came from the priest, the priest is an instrument through which God performs the miracle present in the sacrament. And because the sacrament is done by God they cannot be invalid. This heresy was fought by St Augustine of Hippo Pelagianism Founded by Pelagius, this group denied the existence of original sin and that humans could achieve salvation on our own through our will and good deeds, we only needed Jesus as an example, not to actually save us. What they got right is that humans are naturally good and free will is an important factor in our salvation; We can choose to accept God’s grace and strive for salvation or not. What they got wrong was that even though man is good we are in a broken fallen state because of the existence of original sin and that it is through Christ’s sacrifice and God’s grace which we can choose to accept that we can strive for salvation. This Heresy was fought by St Augustine of Hippo. Manachanism Founded by Mani, this group believed that God is the source of all that is good and Satan is the source of all evil and that they are two opposing but equal forces. What they got right is that God is good and Satan is evil, however, God is greater than Satan, there is nothing equal to or greater than God. This Heresy was fought by St Augustine of Hippo. St Augustine of Hippo St Augustine is one of the Church Fathers and a Doctor of the Church. A Church Father is someone who during the early days of the church helped to develop the catholic understanding of the faith as the Church was still trying to figure everything out. A “Doctor of the Church” is a title that is given by the Church to someone who has contributed incredibly to the theology and understanding of the faith, it is the highest honour that the church gives out. He wrote a book called “The Confessions” which was about his conversion to Christianity.  Penelope Travers Monday, January 6th, 2024 Block B 11.​Nicene Creed: Statement of Christian faith where there is a firm belief of only one God, Jesus Christ. Jesus is fully human and also fully God, the Holy Spirit, and the Church’s role in salvation. This was created at the Council of Nicea called by Emperor Constantine in 330 AD to fight Christian heresies and unite the Christian doctrine. Creed = summary of beliefs. Nicene = the creed was created in Nicea at the “Council of Nicea” 12.​Papal States: A group of territories in central Italy that were managed by and given to the Pope from the 8th century until 1870. The Pope used the taxes from these states to pay soldiers to protect him against barbarian invaders. The papacy governed them and gave them political and territorial power in addition to religious authority. 13.​Roman Persecutions: Times of violence against Christians who were in the Roman Empire. This was because of their refusal to worship Roman Gods. Persecutions were really bad under the Roman emperors Nero, Decius, and Diocletian. This lasted until 313 AD when Emperor Constantine made Christianity legal. -​ Nero: Wanted a new palace so he blamed Christians for a fire and took their land. Blamed the Fire of Rome on the Christians and he either started it or used it to blame the Christians. -​ Decius: Made people carry a certificate saying that you recently made a sacrifice to a Roman God. -​ Diocletian: Made it illegal to be Christian in the entire empire. (...and killed you if you were Christian) Nero-Decius-Diocletian the persecution (mistreatment) progressively got worse. 14.​Sacraments: Sacred rituals in the Christian religion where believers get God’s grace in return. Baptism, Eucharist, Confirmation, Penance, Anointing of The Sick, Marriage, and Holy Orders are the Catholic sacraments. These sacraments are crucial for spiritual life and growth in the Church. Ways that you receive grace from God. There are 7. 15.​Feudalism: Medieval system when the land was traded for service and loyalty, resulting in the creation of a hierarchy consisting of kings, nobles, knights, and peasants. Kings and nobles “owned” the land, and peasants had to stay and do all of the farming work for them. 16.​Church Councils (3, so far!): a.​ Council of Nicea (325 AD): Created the Nicene Creed, confirming Jesus’ divinity and fighting Arianism. b.​ Council of Constantinople (381 AD): Added more information to the Nicene Creed, declaring the divinity of the Holy Spirit and acknowledging various heresies. c.​ Council of Jerusalem (48-50 AD): Gentiles (non-Jews) can become Christians without following Jewish law. d.​ Council of Ephesus (431 AD): Confirmed the hypostasis. Jesus is one person, with two natures (human and divine). Also declared Mary as the mother of God  Penelope Travers Monday, January 6th, 2024 Block B 17.​The Gospel Message: The good news of God’s love, salvation, and forgiveness through Jesus. Its main teaching is that through the resurrection, life, and death of Jesus, people can be reconciled to God as well as receive eternal life by faith. St. Paul was the first guy to travel around and advertise Christianity and wrote a lot of the New Testament (“Epistles”). 18.​Barbarian Invasions: A group of attacks and attacks by various groups (Visigoths, Vandals, and Huns) that contributed to the Roman Empire’s fall in the 5th century. Due to these invasions, the empire weakened and collapsed. Western empire in Rome fell in 476 due to Barbarian invasions - because of this, the Church became the sole stable institution in the West. West ruled by Barbarians; allowed Italians to practice catholicism. Barbarians are less sophisticated, educated, and advanced than Romans → less focus on law and philosophy. 19.​Lay Investiture: A practice where instead of the church, kings and nobles appointed bishops and other officials of the church. This led to conflicts over church authority. 20.​Simony: An act of purchasing church roles or offices that was considered an abuse of power in medieval Christianity. Random dudes paid money to become bishops (in charge of dioceses) and abbots (in charge of a monastery) → not a good thing because they had the intention of getting money and not doing good things. 21.​Nepotism: When relatives or family members are favoured when it comes to jobs or positions. Often regardless of merit. 22.​Iconoclasm: When religious images or structures are destroyed, especially in the Byzantine Empire during the 8th and 9th centuries. This was typically due to debates over their use in worship. 23.​Church & State: The church may influence political matters and political matters may influence the church. Depending on the time and place, there can be varying levels of cooperation or separation depending on the time or place. 24.​Islam: A monotheistic religion where they believe in one God, Allah, and the prophet Muhhamed’s teachings. The Quran is its sacred text and its followers are called Muslims and they practice 5 pillars (faith, prayer, charity, fasting, and pilgrimage). Began in the early 600’S by Muhammad, who said the angel Gabriel asked him to be a prophet - Quran literal Word of God - Religious leader, head of military // required Muslims to spread faith; took control of Mediterranean / Middle East / N. Africa Evangelization - Muslims were told to spread the faith, and took control of areas like the Middle East and the mediterranean. - They required Christians to pay a special tax  Penelope Travers Monday, January 6th, 2024 Block B - The Dome of the Rock built in Jerusalem in 684 // Was a temple on the site of the old Jewish temple Charlemagne - Crowned Holy Emperor in 800 AD by the Pope // East became mad → First emperor in West since 476, Pope given secular authority. - Emphasized Kingdom / Conquests / Education / Arts /// dies in 814; leaders follow. Empire declines → West now unable to fight off even more invaders 25.​Holy Roman Empire: Medieval European empire whose goal was to unite Western Europe under an emperor. This lasted from 800 AD until its mistake in 1806 (Emperor Francis II dissolved the Holy Roman Empire, ending a 1000-year-old institution due to Napoleon's influence). Was not holy and was not Roman (it was German) and was not an Empire. 26.​The Trinity: Christian belief that there is one God in three persons. God the Father, God the son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. Three unique but fully united in their essence and purpose. B. Important People: 1.​ St. Augustine (354-430 CE): A Christian philosopher, theologian, and Hippo’s bishop. Some of his works included The Confessions and The City of God. They formed Western Christianity and explored themes like sin, grace, and free will. Augustine became one of Christianity’s most important scholars after turning from unbelief. 2.​ Nero (37-68 CE): Roman emperor known for his cruelty, extravagance, and violence toward Christians. He ruled from 54-68 CE and is known for accusing Christians of being involved in the Great Fire of Rome. 3.​ Arius (256-336 CE): Christian priest who taught, resulting in Arian controversy. Arius argued that Jesus was created by God rather than co-eternal with him. He challenged the doctrine of the Trinity. He was banished after his beliefs were criticized at the Council of Nicea (325 CE) which led to his exile. 4.​ St. Benedict (480-547 CE): An Italian monk who was known as the Father of Western Monasticism. He was the founder of The Benedictine Order and wrote the rule of St Benedict (monastic life guide that highlights work, life, and prayer). 5.​ St. Athanasius (296-373 AD): Christian theologian and bishop who protected the doctrine of the trinity against Arianism. He was known as the “Father of Orthodoxy” and played an important role in the Council of Nicea as well as writing powerful works such as on the Incarnation.  Penelope Travers Monday, January 6th, 2024 Block B 6.​ Muhammed (570-632 CE): Founder of Islam and its final prophet. He was born in Mecca and received disclosure from Allah which became the Quran. His teachings brought together Arabia under Islam and shaped one of the world’s major religions. 7.​ Constantine (272-337 CE): A Roman Emperor who made Christianity legal with the Edict of Milan (313 CE), becoming its first Christian Emperor. He discovered Constantinople as well as played an important role in molding the Roman Empire’s future in Christianity. Had a vision of the Chiro and had his soldiers put that image on their shields, resulting in their winning as the result of God’s help. The following year (313), Constantine wrote the Edict (law) of Milan, making Christianity legal. 8.​ The Apostles: 12 Followers who were close to Jesus Christ and were chosen to spread his teachings. They played an important role in Christianity, performing miracles, and preaching, as well as founding Jesus’ resurrection (except Judas, who betrayed Jesus and killed himself). 9.​ Sts. Peter & Paul: Important leaders of Christianity. Peter, whose original name was Simon (was renamed by Jesus) (The name Peter means “rock” because he was the “rock” that Jesus built His Church on) was one of Jesus’ apostles and was the first pope, and he holds the keys to Heaven. As the Pope, Peter was the “physical” leader of the Church (Jesus is the actual leader.) Paul was a former persecutor of Christians and became a missionary who wrote much of the New Testament and spread Christianity to non-Jews. This happened because Paul was converted to Christianity through God’s intervention. Paul’s hobby before his conversion was killing Christians (he was Jewish and thought he was doing a good thing). Peter and Paul were martyred in Rome. 10.​St. Ignatius of Antioch (35-107 CE): Early Christian Bishop and martyr. He was known for his letters which emphasized how important the unity of the church is, the authority of bishops, and Christ’s real presence in the Eucharist. He was martyred for his faith in Rome. 11.​Charlemagne (747-814 CE): Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and King of the Franks. He brought together a bunch of Western Europe and encouraged education and culture during the Carolingian Renaissance. His reign set the stage for medieval European civilization. 12.​Roman Emperors: Rulers of Rome. The first ruler was Augustus in 27 BCE. They obtained loads of power and looked over the expansion of the empire, and governance, and frequently influenced religious and cultural life. Julius Caesar, Nero, Constantine,  Penelope Travers Monday, January 6th, 2024 Block B and Diocletian were notable emperors. During their reign, there were crises, civil wars, and stability. Big questions to think about (use to synthesize information and deepen understanding): 1.​ According to the Church, what is the continuing impact and consequence of the Incarnation? (In other words, how does the Incarnation change the way Catholics see their relationship with God and the world?). Explain, using historical events that we have covered so far. ​ ​ The Incarnation invites believers to live in unity with God and assist others, unleashes the intimacy of God, and confirms the holiness of the physical world, all of which change the Catholic view of life. Insists that God is present in things and moves those who are faithful to live with hope, love, and purpose, and influences all facets of Catholic spirituality, ethics, and mission. 2.​ Discuss the continually developing dynamic and relationship between the Church and the government(s) by which the Church was surrounded, in the first 1000 years of the Church’s existence. Torture under the Roman Empire led to collaboration, partnership, as well as dissagreements for power throughout the first 1,000 years of the Church’s connection with governments. In Eastern and Western worlds, the Church became an important organization by changing to moving political environments. The base for medieval Christianity and later fights between Church and state were set up by the Western Church, specifically, the papacy. While the Western Church remained close to the Byzantine Empire, the Western Church, Papacy established their independence. 3.​ “The blood of martyrs is the seed of the Church.” Explain this quotation by explaining events that happened in the early Church. ​ The sacrifices of martyrs strengthened the settlement of other believers and attracted new converts, showing that their blood fed the Church’s growth, and transformed persecution into evidence of faith and hope. 4.​ To what extent did Christianity depend on dialogue and community among its members, especially in its early years? ​ ​ Christianity had a significant dependence on conversation to expand its message and fix challenges and on community to make a united identity and sustain believers. These movements were essential in the faith’s survival and growth in its premature years.  Penelope Travers Monday, January 6th, 2024 Block B 5.​ How did the Church’s actions speak to her role for both the natural and the supernatural? ​ The Church acted as both a natural and supernatural keeper of the Earth’s needs as well as a leader to the supernatural, incorporating Christ’s assignment to change the world while leading people to eternal life. This muli-role showcases her complete approach to the existence of humans. 6.​ Why was it important for the Church to define and define who and what Christ was, against the many heresies that were being spread? To what extent was it the Church living out her mission? ​ ​ Protecting the identity of Christ was essential so that the Church could keep safe the integrity of faith, uphold unity, and complete her mission of leading leaders in the direction of salvation. This work was a critical expression of her godly authority to announce the truth. ​ ___________________________________________________________________________ *Study tip*: Be able to chronologically order events, and in the midst of each of the events, link the important people to them and their role in how things played out. Remember your Socials 9 skills (Historical Significance, Cause & Consequence, Ethical Judgment, etc.)! 1st Century ​ c. 4 BC - 30/33 AD: Life, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ​ Jesus of Nazareth is born, preaches the Kingdom of God, performs miracles, is crucified under Pontius Pilate, and resurrects, forming the foundation of Christian faith. ​ 33 AD: Pentecost and Birth of the Church​ The Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, empowering them to preach the Gospel. Thousands are baptized in Jerusalem, marking the Church’s beginning. ​ c. 35 AD: Conversion of Paul​ Saul of Tarsus, a persecutor of Christians, converts to Christianity after encountering  Penelope Travers Monday, January 6th, 2024 Block B Christ on the road to Damascus. He becomes the Apostle Paul and a key figure in spreading Christianity. ​ c. 49 AD: Council of Jerusalem​ The apostles decide that Gentile converts do not need to follow Jewish law, establishing the universality of the Christian faith. ​ 64 AD: Great Fire of Rome and Persecution under Nero​ Emperor Nero blames Christians for the fire, leading to widespread persecution. Key figures like Peter and Paul are martyred. ​ 70 AD: Destruction of the Second Temple​ The Romans destroyed the Jewish Temple in Jerusalem, further distinguishing Christianity from Judaism. 2nd Century ​ c. 100 AD: Death of the Apostle John​ The last of the apostles dies, marking the end of the apostolic era. ​ c. 107 AD: Martyrdom of Ignatius of Antioch​ Ignatius, an early Church father, is martyred. His letters emphasize Church unity and the role of bishops. ​ c. 155 AD: Martyrdom of Polycarp​ Bishop Polycarp, a disciple of John, is executed, demonstrating the early Christians' steadfast faith under Roman persecution. ​ c. 180 AD: Irenaeus Writes "Against Heresies"​ Bishop Irenaeus combats Gnosticism, affirming the apostolic tradition and the authority of the Church. 3rd Century ​ 250-311 AD: Roman Persecutions Intensify​ Emperors like Decius, Valerian, and Diocletian launch widespread persecutions, targeting Christians for refusing to worship Roman gods. ​ c. 256 AD: Cyprian of Carthage and the Question of the Lapsed​ Cyprian addresses how to reconcile Christians who renounced their faith during persecution, emphasizing the Church's role in forgiveness. ​ c. 280 AD: Birth of Constantine​ Constantine would later play a pivotal role in Christianity’s history as the first Roman emperor to convert to the faith.  Penelope Travers Monday, January 6th, 2024 Block B 4th Century ​ 313 AD: Edict of Milan​ Emperor Constantine legalizes Christianity, ending centuries of persecution. ​ 325 AD: Council of Nicaea​ The Church's first ecumenical council combats Arianism (which denied Christ’s divinity) and affirms the Nicene Creed, defining Christ as "true God from true God." ​ 330 AD: Founding of Constantinople​ Constantine established Constantinople as the capital of the Roman Empire, which became a center of Christian culture. ​ 381 AD: Council of Constantinople​ This council reaffirms the Nicene Creed and clarifies the divinity of the Holy Spirit, combating heresies like Macedonianism. ​ 390 AD: Theodosius I Declared Christianity the State Religion​ Christianity becomes the official religion of the Roman Empire, and pagan worship is outlawed. 5th Century ​ 431 AD: Council of Ephesus​ The Church condemns Nestorianism (which divided Christ’s divine and human natures) and declares Mary as "Theotokos" (God-bearer). ​ 451 AD: Council of Chalcedon​ This council defines Christ as having two natures, divine and human, in one person, rejecting Monophysitism. ​ 476 AD: Fall of the Western Roman Empire​ The Western Roman Empire collapses, and the Church assumes a key role in preserving knowledge and culture in the West. 6th Century ​ 529 AD: Rule of St. Benedict​ St. Benedict writes his monastic rule, which becomes the foundation of Western monasticism.  Penelope Travers Monday, January 6th, 2024 Block B ​ 597 AD: Mission of St. Augustine of Canterbury​ Sent by Pope Gregory the Great, Augustine converts the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity in England. 7th Century ​ 622 AD: Rise of Islam​ Islam emerged under Muhammad, and by the end of the century, much of the Christian Middle East and North Africa fell under Muslim rule. ​ 681 AD: Third Council of Constantinople​ The Church condemns Monothelitism, affirming Christ’s two wills (divine and human). 8th Century ​ 726-843 AD: Iconoclasm Controversy​ A dispute in the Byzantine Empire over the use of religious images leads to the destruction of icons and theological debates about their role in worship. ​ 732 AD: Battle of Tours​ Charles Martel defeated Muslim forces in France, halting the Islamic advance into Europe. ​ 787 AD: Second Council of Nicaea​ The Church restores the veneration of icons, emphasizing their role in worship as distinct from idolatry. 9th Century ​ 800 AD: Charlemagne Crowned Holy Roman Emperor​ Pope Leo III crowned Charlemagne, symbolizing the alliance between the Church and Western rulers. ​ 869 AD: Fourth Council of Constantinople​ The council addresses divisions between the Eastern and Western Churches, but tensions remain. 10th Century  Penelope Travers Monday, January 6th, 2024 Block B ​ 910 AD: Cluniac Reform Movement​ The Abbey of Cluny leads a reform movement focused on monastic purity and independence from secular interference. 11th Century ​ 1054 AD: The Great Schism​ The Eastern (Orthodox) and Western (Catholic) Churches formally split over theological, political, and cultural differences, particularly regarding papal authority. In the timeline, there is emphasis on key moments in Christianity's evolution, thinking about its growth, theological challenges, and evolving connection with cultures and governments.