CHC203 Midterm PDF

Week 2: The Old Testament and the Formation of Jewish Identity Historical Timeline and Key Events 1. Creation and Early Stories: ○ Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah’s Flood, and the Tower of Babel as foundational narratives. 2. Patriarchal Period (c. 2000 BC): ○ Cal...

Week 2: The Old Testament and the Formation of Jewish Identity Historical Timeline and Key Events 1. Creation and Early Stories: ○ Creation, Adam and Eve, Noah’s Flood, and the Tower of Babel as foundational narratives. 2. Patriarchal Period (c. 2000 BC): ○ Call of Abraham as the father of faith, stories of Isaac, Jacob (Israel), and Joseph in Egypt. 3. Exodus and Settlement (13th century BC): ○ Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, receiving the Law at Sinai, and the conquest of Canaan. 4. Monarchy (10th century BC): ○ Establishment of the Kingdom under Saul, expansion under David, and the building of the Temple by Solomon. 5. Exile and Return (586–538 BC): ○ Babylonian exile, destruction of the First Temple, and return to rebuild under Persian rule. Formation of Jewish Identity 1. Key Elements: ○ Land: The Promised Land as a divine inheritance. ○ King: Davidic Covenant as a symbol of divine authority. ○ Temple: Spiritual and national center. ○ Tanakh (Hebrew Bible): Sacred text shaping beliefs and practices. ○ Yahweh: Central monotheistic belief distinguishing Jewish identity. 2. Earliest References: ○ Merneptah Stele (c. 1316 BC): First non-biblical reference to Israel, noting its existence as a distinct group. Structure and Content of the Old Testament 1. The Tanakh: ○ Torah (Pentateuch): Genesis to Deuteronomy, outlining creation, laws, and the covenant. ○ Nevi’im (Prophets): Books of history and prophecy (e.g., Joshua, Isaiah, Jeremiah). ○ Ketuvim (Writings): Wisdom and poetic texts (e.g., Psalms, Job, Proverbs). 2. Additional Texts: ○ Septuagint: Greek translation widely used in early Christianity. ○ Apocrypha/Deuterocanonical Books: Included in Catholic and Orthodox canons (e.g., Tobit, 1–2 Maccabees). Meaning of the Hebrew Scriptures 1. For Jews: ○ Foundation for religious law, worship, and identity. 2. For Christians: ○ Viewed as prophecy fulfilled in Christ (e.g., Isaiah 53 as the Suffering Servant). Week 3: Jesus and the New Testament Historical Context of Jesus’ Time 1. Roman Occupation: ○ Palestine under Roman governance, with Herod as a puppet king. ○ Widespread discontent fueling messianic expectations. 2. Jewish Sects: ○ Sadducees: Priestly elite focused on the Temple; rejected resurrection. ○ Pharisees: Middle-class legal scholars; embraced resurrection and oral traditions. ○ Essenes: Apocalyptic, monastic sect likely tied to the Dead Sea Scrolls. ○ Zealots: Revolutionary group resisting Roman rule. Jesus’ Life and Ministry 1. Background and Key Events: ○ Born in Bethlehem (c. 4 BC), raised in Nazareth. ○ Ministry marked by teachings, miracles, and parables, culminating in his crucifixion (30–33 AD). 2. Significance of Titles: ○ Son of Man: Divine Messiah with authority. ○ Son of God: Indicates a unique, divine relationship with God. ○ Lord: Acknowledges Christ’s divinity and universal kingship. Structure of the New Testament 1. Canonical Gospels: ○ Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke): Focus on Jesus’ life and ministry. ○ John: Emphasizes Jesus’ divinity and spiritual themes. 2. Epistles and Apocalypse: ○ Letters addressing theology and practice (Pauline and Catholic epistles). ○ Revelation: Apocalyptic vision of Christ’s return. Criteria for Canonicity  Apostolic origin, orthodoxy, antiquity, and universal acceptance ensured inclusion in the New Testament canon. Week 4: The Apostolic Age Paul’s Ministry and Theology 1. Ministry Highlights: ○ Conversion on the road to Damascus (c. 33 AD). ○ Three missionary journeys covering Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. ○ Final imprisonment and martyrdom in Rome (c. 62–64 AD). 2. Paul’s Theology (Shared with Other Christians): ○ Kerygma (Proclamation of Core Beliefs): Jesus fulfilled Old Testament promises. Performed miracles, preached the Kingdom of God. Died on the cross for humanity's sins. Raised from the dead, made Lord and Christ. Called for repentance, baptism in Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. ○ Parousia: Emphasis on the Second Coming of Christ and the ultimate culmination of salvation history. 3. Paul’s Theological Innovations: ○ Jesus as Cosmic Redeemer: Christ’s significance extends universally; he is Lord over all creation. ○ Justification by Grace Through Faith: Salvation is not earned by works but granted by God’s grace. ○ Reinterpretation of Jewish Salvation History: Christ’s death and resurrection fulfill God’s covenant, redefining the role of the Law. ○ Christian Freedom: Believers are spiritually equal in Christ (Galatians 3:28); however, this freedom does not equate to social or political egalitarianism. Council of Jerusalem (c. 50 AD): Affirmed that Gentiles need not follow Jewish laws like circumcision, symbolizing inclusivity within the faith. Week 5: Christianity Becomes a Religion The Most Important Event That Did NOT Happen in the Apostolic Age: The Parousia (Second Coming):  ○ Early Christians expected Christ’s imminent return, shaping their urgency in mission. ○ Its delay necessitated institutional structures for long-term stability. Heterodox Movements: 1. Gnosticism: ○ Beliefs: Salvation through secret knowledge (e.g., Nag Hammadi Gospels). ○ Rejected: Jewish doctrine of creation (believed material world is evil). Physicality of Christ (advocated docetism – Christ only appeared human). Value of martyrdom and bodily suffering. 2. Marcionism: ○ Founder: Marcion of Sinope (2nd century). ○ Key Beliefs: Rejected the Old Testament and its depiction of God. Adopted an abridged Gospel of Luke and Paul’s letters. Influenced by Gnostic and docetic ideas. Why Institutionalizing?: Surviving Persecutions: ○ Christianity faced sporadic but severe persecutions, requiring structure to endure. ○ Canon, creeds, and hierarchical leadership emerged to preserve unity and orthodoxy. Week 6: The Life of the Early Church From Persecution to Toleration: 1. Key Emperors and Events: ○ Trajan (r. 98–117 AD): Limited persecutions; Christians punished for refusal to worship Roman gods. ○ Septimius Severus (r. 193–211 AD): Intensified persecutions, targeting conversions. ○ Decius (r. 249–251 AD): Mandated empire-wide sacrifices to Roman gods. ○ Diocletian (r. 284–305 AD): Most severe persecutions (Great Persecution). ○ Constantine (r. 305–337 AD): Conversion (312 AD): Turning point for Christianity. Edict of Milan (313 AD): Legalized Christianity, ending persecutions. Baptism (337 AD): Solidified his Christian identity. Practices of the Early Patristic Church:  1. Sacraments: ○ Baptism and Eucharist as central rites. ○ Liturgy of the Hours (Divine Office) structured daily prayer. 2. Asceticism and Martyrdom: ○ Consecrated virginity and white martyrdom (ascetic lifestyle as a substitute for physical martyrdom). 3. Reconciliation: ○ Addressed lapses in faith during persecutions. ○ Developed the Order of Penitents for reintegration into the Church. 4. Cult of Saints: ○ Practices included veneration of relics, intercessory prayers, and pilgrimages to shrines. Week 7: The Imperial Church Constantine’s Legacy: 1. Protection and Patronage: ○ Granted privileges to Christians and funded church-building projects. 2. Caesaro-Papism: ○ Close relationship between Church and State, with emperors influencing religious affairs. The Mitre and the Crown: Symbiotic Relationship: ○ Church legitimized the State; the State enforced orthodoxy. ○ Tensions arose when emperors exiled bishops or when bishops challenged imperial authority. Ecumenical Councils and Theological Controversies: 1. Council of Nicea (325 AD): ○ Arian Controversy: Resolved by defining the Trinity as one substance in three persons. 2. Council of Constantinople (381 AD): ○ Clarified the Holy Spirit’s role in the Trinity. 3. Council of Ephesus (431 AD): ○ Addressed Nestorianism; declared Mary as Theotokos (God-bearer). 4. Council of Chalcedon (451 AD): ○ Affirmed Christ as one person with two natures (divine and human). Week 8: The Great Fathers Plato’s Ghost and the Christian Soul: 1. Neoplatonism: ○ Emphasized the soul’s ascent to God and influenced early Christian mysticism and theology. 2. Influence on Life and Theology: ○ Inspired the contemplative focus on divine union and the immaterial nature of God. Key Figures: 1. Origen: ○ Developed Christian hermeneutics with fourfold scriptural senses (literal, moral, allegorical, anagogical). 2. St. Augustine: ○ Opposed heresies like Manichaeism, Donatism, and Pelagianism. ○ Formulated doctrines on original sin, grace, and the sacraments. Week 9: Monasticism Rise of Monasticism: 1. Motivations: ○ Reaction against Christianity’s integration into Roman society. ○ Pursuit of a pure, ascetic life as a form of “white martyrdom.” 2. Eastern Monasticism: ○ Examples: St. Anthony (anchoritic) and Pachomius (cenobitic). 3. Western Monasticism: ○ Benedictine monasteries focused on community prayer, labor, and learning. Influential Figures: Martin of Tours: Established monastic communities; known for miracles and missionary work. St. Jerome: Scholar who translated the Bible into Latin (Vulgate). John Cassian: Brought Eastern monastic traditions to the West. Week 10: Byzantine Christianity Second Council of Nicaea (787 AD):  Resolved the Iconoclasm controversy, affirming the veneration of icons as conduits to the divine. Features of Orthodox Spirituality: Hesychasm (inner stillness), Jesus Prayer, and theosis (deification). Week 11: Christianity Beyond the Roman Empire Church of the East: 1. Features: ○ Theology emphasized Christ’s two natures (Dyophysitism). ○ Rooted in East Syriac traditions; spread through Persia, India, and China. 2. Expansion: ○ Missionary work led to notable establishments like the Mar Thoma Church in India. Miaphysite Christianity: Focused on Christ’s single divine-human nature. Influenced regions like Egypt (Coptic Church) and Ethiopia. Week 12: Christianity and Islam Rise and Spread of Islam: Early Christian interpretations: Viewed Islam as a heretical offshoot. Christians within the Caliphate: 1. Challenges: ○ Legal protections under Dhimma status, but with restrictions (e.g., taxes, limited worship). 2. Contributions: ○ Developed apologetics, theology in Arabic, and engaged in interfaith dialogues. Decline of Eastern Christianity: Factors: Mongol invasions, Crusades, and internal demographic shifts. Biblical Timeline c. 4000 BC: Creation and Birth of Adam. c. 3000 BC: Noah and the Flood. c. 2000 BC: Call of Abraham. 13th Century BC: Exodus. 10th Century BC: Foundation of the Kingdom of Israel. 586 BC: Fall of the Kingdom of Judah; Babylonian Exile begins (c. 586–538 BC). 4–6 BC: Birth of Jesus Christ. 30–33 AD: Death of Jesus Christ; Crucifixion and Resurrection. c. 33 AD: Conversion of Saul (Paul). Christian Church Development Timeline 70 AD: Destruction of the Second Temple. 325 AD: Council of Nicea establishes the Nicene Creed. 380 AD: Emperor Theodosius I declares Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. 451 AD: Council of Chalcedon defines Christ's dual nature. 1054 AD: The Great Schism splits the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches. 1517 AD: Martin Luther's 95 Theses; start of the Protestant Reformation. 1615 AD: Arrival of Portuguese missionaries in India, leading to Catholic influence in the Malabar Coast. Christianity in India Timeline 1st Century AD: According to tradition, St. Thomas the Apostle arrives on the Malabar Coast. 4th Century: Establishment of Christian communities in South India by Syrian Christians. 16th Century: Portuguese missionaries cause divisions among the Syrian Christian community. 18th Century: 'Villages of Refuge' such as Dohnavur are established in Tamil Nadu. Modern Christianity in India Key Movements and Contributions  19th Century: Mass movements toward Christianity in Northeast India; establishment of tribal Christian communities. 1947: Formation of ecumenical organizations, including the National Missionary Society (founded by Vedanayagam Samuel Azariah). Pentecostal Growth 1923: Indian Pentecostal Church of God founded by K. E. Abraham. 20th Century: Expansion of Pentecostalism through independent churches and global connections. Prominent Christian Figures and Institutions Pandita Ramabai (1858–1922): Founded Mukti Mission for women. Sadhu Sundar Singh (1889–1929?): Prominent itinerant preacher; his indigenous Christian teachings resonate across India. Mother Teresa (1910–1997): Focus on serving the poor in Kolkata, symbolizing Christian charity worldwide. Church Unification 1947: Formation of the Church of South India (CSI). 1970: Formation of the Church of North India (CNI). Christian Leaders in India Vedanayagam Samuel Azariah (1874–1945): First Indian bishop in the Anglican Communion. K. E. Abraham (1899–1974): Pioneer Pentecostal leader. Ben Wati (1920–2012): Naga evangelical leader, instrumental in Northeast India. Mary Kovoor (1932–): Prominent female Pentecostal minister. Theodore Williams (1935–2009): Founder of Indian Evangelical Mission (IEM). Global Connections 20th Century Onwards: Indian theological education and missionary efforts gain global influence through institutions such as Focus India Theological College. 21st Century Challenges Growth of Pentecostalism amidst social exclusion and governmental restrictions on religious freedom. Christianity's role in advocating for Dalits, women, and marginalized groups. Questions: I would choose to have coffee with St. Paul because of his profound influence on Christian theology and his ability to bridge the gap between Jewish and Gentile believers. His teachings on salvation by grace through faith and the importance of Christian unity are foundational to much of modern Christianity. His personal transformation from a persecutor of Christians to one of its most passionate advocates makes him a fascinating figure. I would like to hear about his experiences in spreading the gospel, particularly how he faced adversity and persecution, and how he managed to remain focused on his mission despite these challenges. During our conversation, I would ask Paul about his views on the relationship between Jewish law and Christian faith, particularly what he meant by “works of the law” did he mean to disregard the law entirely or just the parts that led to division. I would also like to ask him how he navigated the tension between Jewish and Gentile Christians. And lastly I would like to ask him how he managed to remain focused on his mission despide facing challenges such as persecution? These questions would help me understand him and his teachings in greater depth, and I also believe through a conversation with St.Paul, hearing his love for Jesus, his testimony and challenges would grow my faith. A bonus question I would like to ask is, what would you say to Saul if you had a chance to speak to him? I would ask this question simply because I'm interested in the answer but also because the answer Paul gives might help me personally in spreading the Gospel to those that reject it with hatred like Saul did.