Unit 4 Christianity Test Review - Past Paper PDF

Unit 4: Christianity Test Review Thursday, December 12, 2024 Focus Areas: Introduction to Christianity Jesus’ Ministry ​ Jesus drew large crowds with his healings and teachings. ​ He chose 12 apostles for a special mission to proclaim the kingdom of God....

Unit 4: Christianity Test Review Thursday, December 12, 2024 Focus Areas: Introduction to Christianity Jesus’ Ministry ​ Jesus drew large crowds with his healings and teachings. ​ He chose 12 apostles for a special mission to proclaim the kingdom of God. ​ The apostles were imperfect, often impulsive, competitive, and jealous, and didn't always understand Jesus' teachings or mission. Jesus’ Death and Resurrection ​ Jesus' message angered Jewish religious leaders and made Roman authorities uneasy. ​ He was tried for heresy and crucified in 30 CE, devastating his followers. ​ On the third day after his death, followers found his tomb empty; Jesus appeared to them, indicating his resurrection. Jesus’ Resurrection ​ According to Gospel accounts, Jesus appeared to his disciples over several days before ascending to heaven. ​ The disciples realize Jesus was God and the Messiah, spreading this message and founding Christianity. ​ Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit, which descended upon them at Pentecost, marking the beginning of the Church. ​ Christianity spread around the Mediterranean and within the Roman Empire. ​ Passion: the stations of the cross, being brought before Pontious Pilate and paying for his sins St. Paul- background, Damascus Road conversion ​ The work of Jesus Christ and the impact of His death and resurrection would not have made any lasting impact on the world if not for the missionary work of Paul. ​ Before his conversion, Paul was a Pharisee, known as Saul, who had been violently opposed to the Christian faith. ​ Saul experienced a dramatic conversion, known as the Damascus Road conversion. ​ He found himself filled with the Holy Spirit and immediately began preaching the Christian Gospel. Early church ​ Tension arose between Jews who believed Jesus was the Messiah and those who did not. ​ As Christianity spread, it attracted many Gentile converts unfamiliar with the Law of Moses. ​ Jewish Christians insisted Gentiles must follow Mosaic law to be fully Christian. ​ A synod in 49 CE decided Gentile converts did not have to keep most of the Mosaic laws. (Ex. rules concerning circumcision of males or to follow the dietary laws) Persecution of early Christians ​ The Romans had a polytheistic belief (worshipping multiple gods) ​ Romans persecuted Christians for refusing to worship the emperor and conform to Roman lifestyle. ​ Christians were accused of cannibalism for claiming to eat "the body of Christ." ​ Peter and Paul helped establish the Christian community in Rome. ​ Emperor Nero was the first to allow the persecutions of Christians as he blamed them for setting Rome on fire (he actually did it by accident) ​ They were put to death for refusing to renounce their faith ​ St. Peter was crucified upside down and St. Paul was decapitated  ​ The Christian persecution continued for several hundred years all over Rome ​ Romans burned, crucified and fed the Christians to the lions in the Coliseums, a place of entertainment ​ Despite the persecutions, Christianity still grew, with the death of martyrs (one who dies for their faith, martyros Greek for “witness”) that persuaded others to convert Emperor Constantine ​ Roman soldier Constantine became emperor and attributed his victory to the Christian God, converting to Christianity. ​ Christianity gained legal status in the Roman Empire. ​ To define the faith and address the Arian controversy, Constantine called the First Council of Nicea in 325 CE, which formulated and codified faith Edict of Milan ​ Constantine wrote the Edict of Milan which removed all laws forbidding Christians from practicing their beliefs. ​ This Edict made Christianity official religion of the Roman Empire First Council of Nicea ​ The Council of Nicea held in 325 CE and was called by Emperor Constantine. ​ It gave rise to the Nicene Creed which Christians still pray today and affirmed the divine nature of Jesus and the doctrine of the Holy Trinity (God is the Father, Son and Holy Spirit). Church in the Middle Ages- its role, four ways the Church was maintained By 330 CE the Roman Empire began to change: ​ The Roman capital moved to Constantinople, making it the center of the eastern empire and Eastern Christianity. ​ The Western Roman Empire declined, with Rome being invaded and destroyed by the Visigoths in 410 CE. ​ In the seventh century, Islam developed and the southern Mediterranean came under Islamic control. ​ The common bond of Christianity helped prevent the total breakdown of Europe: 1. The Structure of the Church ​ Before the Roman Empire collapsed, the Church had already adopted an organizational structure. ​ Each bishop was the head of a local church. The bishop of Rome, who was a successor to St. Peter, was recognized as leader of all bishops, giving him the title “Pope.” ​ The local churches with their bishops remained even after the fall of Rome. This became a source of continuity and stability. 2. The Role of the Scriptures ​ The Bible helped Europeans cope during these difficult times and unifying communities bridging long distances. ​ Christians made many copies of the Bible along with commentaries by theologian bishops which circulated extensively. 3. The Theology of St. Augustine ​ Born into a wealthy North African family, Augustine (354–430 CE) embraced Christian life and became one of the most prolific writers in the history of the Church. His famous book, Confessions, tells the story of his life. ​ In his book The City of God, he outlines his vision of God, the Church and how Christianity could continue without the protection and customs of the Roman Empire 4. Monasteries in the West ​ Monastery: a place where a community of monks or nuns live in prayer, learning and work. ​ Influenced how Christians see holiness and spirituality as they were the places where a rigorous form of Christianity flourished. ​ Many monasteries became wealthy because monks shared labour and possessions. In times of instability, monasteries were centres of stability and dedication to the Gospel. All Introduction to Christianity Questions (Statistics, key terms and textbook questions) Catholicism Role of Catholic Church in Canada ​ French Catholics were among first European settlers to come to Canada over 400 years ago -​ Samuel de Champlain led an expedition to the New World in 1605 -​ He built the first permanent settlements in Nova Scotia ​ French Catholics spread east and north into Québec, eastern Ontario, and northern Ontario -​ The majority of French Catholics settled in Québec, so the Catholic Church became very influential ​ The Catholic Church was present in everyday life: -​ It set up first social services, feeding the hungry, serving the poor, taking care of orphans and elderly people, built the first hospitals, and set up schools to support the settlers -​ Catholic communities formed across the land, made up of Indigenous peoples, Irish and Scottish people, and later Italians, Ukrainians, Portuguese, Filipinos, and other Catholics from many countries Catholic rituals Liturgy/Mass ​ The Church believes all rituals have their source in Jesus Christ and make Jesus present through the work of the Holy Spirit ​ The most important liturgy for Catholics is Mass. Mass is from the Latin word Missa meaning “sent”, as Catholics are sent out into the world at the end of the liturgy ​ Assembly: All baptized Christians gather together for worship in the name of Jesus, also known as “Church” or “congregation” Baptism ​ Baptism involves a priest or deacon pouring water over the infant/person’s head and saying “I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” ​ Through these actions and words, the baptized person receives a new identity and new life in God Confirmation ​ The sacrament of confirmation is celebrated through the laying on of hands and the anointing with perfumed holy oil or chrismated Eucharist ​ Initiation is completed and continued in Sunday Mass ​ Mass or the Eucharist is “the source and summit” of Christian life ​ It has two parts: the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Eucharist ​ The highlight of participation is Communion, in which people eat and drink the Body and Blood of Christ ​ Through the Eucharistic prayer, the whole Church prays that the Holy Spirit will unite all people in one body and one spirit and heal all divisions among people  Reconciliation ​ Catholics believe that when they do something to another person or to themselves it breaks their relationship with God. ​ These sins can be forgiven by the power of God’s love in the sacrament of Reconciliation ​ Catholics are encouraged to take part when they repent of their sins Seven Sacraments 1.​ Baptism 2.​ Confirmation 3.​ Eucharist 4.​ Reconciliation 5.​ Anointing of the Sick 6.​ Marriage 7.​ Holy Orders ​ Catholics receive sanctifying grace and see the sacraments as necessary for salvation ​ All Christians accept baptism, but not all the other sacraments Liturgical year- sacred (Advent and Lent) vs. ordinary time ​ Church's detailed calendar of seasons, feasts, festivals, holy days, and saints' days. ​ Provides a sacred structure to the year centered on the story of Jesus. ​ Sacred Time: -​ Advent: Starts on the first Sunday nearest November 30. (Liturgical calendar starts then) -​ Lent: 40-day preparation period beginning on Ash Wednesday, leading up to Easter. (Penitential TIme) ​ Ordinary Time: Time outside the major liturgical seasons. ​ First Feast: Birth of Jesus on December 25th. ​ Catholics remember major events in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection throughout the calendar year. Importance of Sunday ​ “Sunday is the day of the Resurrection, it is the day of Christians, it is our day” St. Jerome ​ Jews celebrate the Sabbath on Saturday, the day when the Lord rested ​ Jesus “rested” in the tomb on Saturday and resurrected on Sunday ​ For Christians, Sunday is the day for celebration, renewal and hope in Jesus’ resurrection ​ Easter Sunday is the Sunday of all Sundays, “the feast of feasts” Rituals: Easter, Christmas and Epiphany What it When Sacred Steps of Ritual Sacred Connection celebrates Articles Easter - The celebration - In Western - Paschal -It begins with Mass at the church - The term “Paschal” of the Paschal Churches, Easter candle on Holy Thursday evening and comes from the Mystery (the is celebrated on ends with evening prayer on Easter Jewish Passover, passion, death, the first Sunday Sunday called the Triduum. when God passed and resurrection after the full - The most solemn liturgy takes over the Hebrew of Jesus). moon in Spring place on Holy Saturday night, firstborns, just as (March or April) known as the Easter Vigil. Jesus passed over - Easter season death and lasts 50 days, resurrected.  ending with the - This liturgy begins with the feast of celebrant lighting of the Paschal Pentecost, when candle. Jesus sent the - New members of the Church are gift of the Holy Baptized, Confirmed, and admitted Spirit to the Eucharist (RCIA). - On Easter Sunday, Catholics greet each other with “Christ is Risen”. Christmas - The birth of - Western N/A N/A - The most popular Jesus Churches of the Christian celebrate feasts, often December 25 celebrated with - Eastern family and Churches gift-giving. celebrate on January 7th (using the Julian calendar) Epiphany - The arrival of - Celebrated on N/A N/A - Marks the the Magi to pay the first Sunday acknowledgment of homage to baby in January Jesus by the Magi Jesus (usually January 6th) Feast of Mary and the saints- who they are/why they are honoured ​ Mary's Role: -​ God's call for Mary to be the mother of Jesus connected her closely to Jesus' ministry. -​ The Church celebrates numerous feast days to honor her. ​ Martyrs and Saints: -​ The Church remembers martyrs and saints who lived like Christ. -​ Catholics pray to saints to intercede with God. ​ Canadian Saints: -​ Canadian Martyrs -​ St. Marguerite d’Youville -​ St. Marguerite Bourgeoys -​ Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha -​ Blessed François de Laval Creed- what it is, why it is important ​ The Creed: -​ Means “I believe,” summarizing the Bible’s story of God. -​ Recited by Catholics each Sunday after the homily. ​ The Our Father (Lord’s Prayer): -​ Taught by Jesus to his disciples. -​ Most important prayer for Catholics, prayed at every Mass. Morality  ​ Teaching Through Mass: -​ Mass teaches morality through scripture. ​ Catholic Moral Teaching: -​ Based on philosophy (the “love of wisdom”) and theology (the “study of God”). ​ Focuses on: -​ God’s love for humans and the world. -​ Gratitude for the gift of love as expressed in the Sermon on the Mount (which contains the Golden Rule). Justice ​ Justice is a key moral value for Catholics. ​ It involves giving others what is due to them: adequate food, shelter, security, and dignity. ​ These acts are known as the Corporal Works of Mercy. ​ The Church speaks out against unjust practices. ​ All people deserve respect and good treatment because they are created by God. Respect for Life ​ Life is sacred from conception to natural death (Catechism of the Catholic Church). ​ All life, including the unborn, those with disabilities, the terminally ill, and criminals, is sacred to God. ​ Jesus taught that caring for "the least of these" is equivalent to caring for him (Matthew 25:34-40). Family life- Marriage ​ Catholic faith is centered on the parish, where key rituals occur (baptism, Eucharist, weddings, funerals). ​ Family and home are crucial in living out faith. ​ Catholic parents are encouraged to teach children to live, love, pray, and participate in Church life. ​ Marriage: is a sacrament where a Catholic couple in their life together and with their family are to show both the faithfulness of Christ. Catholic home and education- importance ​ A Catholic home may display crosses, crucifixes, palm branches, icons, shrines, statues of Mary or saints, and rosaries. ​ Celebrations include painted eggs for Easter and nativity scenes for Christmas. ​ Families often pray before meals and at bedtime to strengthen family bonds and their relationship with God. ​ Religion is a public act that influences all life and learning. ​ Catholic schools, available in many countries and some Canadian provinces, contribute to society by educating children in faith. All Catholic Textbook Questions Foundations of Early Christianity ​ Know all four and describe The Great Schism Four differences between the eastern and western church leading up to the split ​ Language: Latin vs. Greek ​ Leadership: The Roman pope the patriarch Constantinople ​ Art: Cultural differences reflected in the art with the use of icons (sacred images used in worship). The West believed this was a form of idolatry, whereas the East defended this by saying God became  human in the form of Jesus so should also be allowed to be depicted. The controversy was settled in favour of icons and confirmed by the Second Council of Nicaea in 787 CE. The West still felt they went too far. ​ Conflict: The East felt the threat of Muslims and the Crusaders attacking Constantinople Council of Chalcedon ​ With all this mounting tension, they decided to meet and come to an agreement. ​ The council established that there were now 2 major centres of Christianity ○​ East - Constantinople, Antioch, Alexandria and Jerusalem ○​ West - Rome ​ They decided that each centre would be autonomous (self-governing) and led by a patriarch (leaders). Three factors that causes of the Great Schism- know and describe (including the Filioque clause), date 1.​ Church Expansion ​ Emperor Constantine established a new political centre in the east - Constantinople (modern day Istanbul in Turkey) ​ This move created two two centres: -​ The Latin speaking church in the west (Rome) -​ The Greek speaking church in the east (Constantinople) ​ This move established a political and cultural competition between the two centres which not only impacted the governing of the Empire, but the operation of the Church as well. 2.​ Papal Authority ​ Various tribes invaded and overtook the Western Empire while the East continued to thrive- Constantinople was being called the “new Rome”. ​ Despite the West’s decline, the bishop (pope) of Rome battled for supremacy over the patriarchs in the east. ​ The Eastern patriarchs agreed the patriarch (pope) of Rome should be given respect, but should not have total power over them. ​ This differing view on papal authority would add to existing tensions between the two sides. 3.​ Theological Differences The Filioque clause: ​ The Western bishops added a line to the Nicene Creed without consulting the Eastern patriarchs. ​ The Roman pope added the expression “and the Son” to the end of the following statement from the original creed - “And we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father...and the Son.” ​ The Western Church believed that both the Father and Son sent forth the Holy Spirit, the Eastern Church believed that the power of the Holy Spirit came only from God the Father. The Great Schism of 1054 ​ As a result of their differences, in 1054, the patriarchs of Rome and Constantinople excommunicated (expelled) one another. ​ A schism, or break, occurred as the Church split into two branches - the Eastern Orthodox, centered on the patriarch in Constantinople (east), and the Western Church, focused on the pope in Rome (west). The Orthodox Church ​ Through centuries of separation and cultural differences, Eastern Christianity developed its own structure of churches along with rich liturgical traditions and other customs. ​ Eastern Christians refer to themselves as Greek Orthodox, Serbian Orthodox, Russian Orthodox etc.  with their theology and beliefs being the same. ​ The Eastern Church does not have a leader in a position similar to that of the pope in the Catholic Church, instead function as self-governing churches Three differences between western (Catholic) and eastern (Orthodox) church 1.​ The use of leavened bread in the east and unleavened bread in the west for the Eucharist. -​ The west believed in following Jewish tradition of unleavened bread as used in the Passover and by Jesus at the Last Supper. ​ The ordination of married men as priests in the east. (Once a man became a priest he was not permitted to marry). In the west, priests cannot marry at all. ​ Christmas and Lenten observances All Great Schism Textbook Key Terms and Questions The Protestant Reformation What did the Protestant Reformation create? ​ The Schism of 1054 saw the division of the Western (Roman Catholic) and the Eastern (Orthodox) Church. ​ The Reformation is the division of the Western branch which created the 3rd branch of Christianity - known as Protestantism. Conflicts within the Western Church- name all four problems and describe ​ In the 1500s, the Church had become sinful and did not live up to Christian expectations. ​ Problems within the Church: ​ Selling of Indulgences: The Church allowed people to purchase forgiveness to raise money for St. Peter’s Basilica. ​ Church Power: Many felt the Church had too much power and wanted it to focus more on spiritual matters, leading to the separation of Church and State. ​ Loss of the Sacred: There was too much focus on saints and relics, and the Mass lost its spiritual and sacred sense. ​ Corrupt Clergy: Clergy were accused of simony (bribes), nepotism (hiring relatives), and having concubines (mistresses). ​ Discontent led to attempts to reform the Church, but reformers faced trouble and had to leave, forming their own Christian communities based on their beliefs. Martin Luther ​ Martin Luther was a priest who had a lot of problems with the Catholic Church. ​ On October 31, 1517, he posted his 95 Theses (problems) on the door of the Church in Wittenberg, Germany. ​ Some of his issues were: 1.​ He thought human beings should be saved by faith alone and not by the good works they do. 2.​ Thought the Church’s sale of indulgences was wrong. 3.​ Infallibility of the Pope - thought the pope had too much authority. 4.​ Scripture is more important than tradition 5.​ Thought priests should be allowed to marry. ​ In May of 1521, Luther was excommunicated from the Catholic Church at the Diet of Worms.  ​ People who follow Luther today are called, “Lutherancs.” ​ The name “Protestant” refers to the protests made by the princes who sided with Luther John Calvin ​ Founder of the Presbyterian denomination - also referred to as “Calvinism.” ​ John Calvin, after his conversion in 1533, became a leader among Geneva’s Protestants. ​ Liturgies are free of ritual, focusing on preaching and hymn singing. ​ The Lord’s Supper is celebrated symbolically; baptism is the only other sacrament ​ Calvin’s Protestant faith emphasized the following: 1. Predestination: Those who will be saved have been chosen before the creation of the world—not because of what good or evil they had done in life, but only out of God’s mercy. Only those who are elected by God are saved. Others are damned. Calvin denies that human beings are capable of free will, summed up in what is known as “Calvin’s Five Points.” 2. Scripture: Scriptures are to be taken literally. 3. Structure: Following the early Church recounted in Acts of the Apostles, Calvin organized the church of Geneva into four levels: Pastors, Teachers, Elders and Deacons King Henry VIII ​ Anglicanism includes the original Church, the Anglican Church of Canada, and the Episcopalian Church in the USA. ​ King Henry VIII wanted his marriage to Catherine of Aragon annulled, (made void) so he could marry Anne Boleyn. ​ Pope Clement VII refused as there were no grounds. ​ For this reason, he left the Catholic Church and formed the Church of England. Anglicanism ​ The formation of this Church was entirely political than doctrinal (based on beliefs) ​ The religious climate in England under his successors, was volatile. Catholics were persecuted and there were many English martyrs. ​ Anglicans do not recognize the authority of the pope but of the monarch. ​ Their liturgy is very similar to that of Catholicism. ​ The Book of Common Prayer is their primary liturgical book. St. Thomas More ​ Thomas More was a lawyer, author, and scholar, and was one of Henry VIII’s chief advisors. ​ More was a devout Catholic who became conflicted as Henry broke from Rome. As a Catholic, he refused to sign the Act of Supremacy that made Henry the Supreme Head of the Church of England ​ He was executed for treason in 1535 and canonized as a saint by Pope Pius XI in 1935. Baptists- origins, describe Baptist liturgy and sacrament ​ Modern Baptist churches trace their history to the English Separatist movement in the 17th century, the foundation of the Church of England ​ Baptists believe that becoming a Christian should be a mature and informed decision, and not a birthright. ​ In Baptist Churches, this sacrament calls for the total immersion of adults in water, in the way John the Baptist baptized Jesus.  ​ Baptist liturgy includes the sacrament of communion as well as Bible preaching and hymn singing. Methodism ​ In the 18th century, John Wesley, an Anglican priest in England, founded the movement ​ He sought a deeper assurance of personal salvation through prayer, discussion, and reflection. ​ He developed the following three basic principles for followers: “Do not harm; Do good; Attend to all the ordinances (rules) of God.” ​ They celebrate baptism, and most liturgy is a song-filled preaching service, occasionally concluded by a symbolic Lord’s Supper. ​ The United Church of Canada, formed in 1925, is a product of a merger among the Methodists, Congregationalist, and Presbyterian Churches. Pentecostalism- origins, role of the Bible and Holy Spirit ​ Began with William J. Seymour in Los Angeles in 1906 as a revival movement ​ They accept the Bible as the Word of God without error ​ Holds that believers are to be baptized in the Holy Spirit ​ They believe that the Holy Spirit guides them in how they should live and strengthens them to help them share their faith ​ The signs of the Holy Spirit are seen in the “speaking in tongues”. ​ This movement preaches God’s judgment of the world anticipating the Second Coming of Christ at the end of history ​ It is the largest Protestant denomination in Canada today. Jehovah’s Witness- origins, beliefs ​ This religious group began in the USA in 1868 ​ They obey the call to “witness the faith,” that is to bring it to others, by spreading the good news of the Kingdom of God. ​ Members personally carry out their ministry by delivering their magazine, The Watchtower, door-to-door in their communities. ​ They reject the idea of the Holy Trinity, and interpret the Bible in literal detail. ​ One controversial aspect of this faith is its opposition to blood transfusions, even in life -threatening situations because they believe it is forbidden by God to take the blood of another in one’s body. The Catholic Reformation ​ Because the Catholic Church had received so many challenges, a decision was made to reexamine the Church and its teachings. ​ This period of time is known as the Catholic Reformation and was dealt with at the Council of Trent (1545-1565) called by Pope Paul III. ​ It clarified Catholic teaching on the important issues of the day and addressed how to prevent abuses in the church offices. Council of Trent (1545 -1565) ​ Emphasized the importance of the teaching tradition in the Church as a necessary interpretation of the scriptures. ​ Affirmed the importance of the seven sacraments. ​ Rejected Luther’s notion that faith alone is sufficient, affirming that good works are required for Catholic’s salvation.  ​ Insisted that priests needed improved education to better instruct and serve the faithful. Outcomes of the Catholic Reformation ​ New religious orders were formed to implement these reforms. ​ Ex. The Society of Jesus (Jesuits) was founded in 1534 by Ignatius Loyola, who spread the Catholic faith through education and missionary work. ​ Mysticism emerged in Spain with St. Teresa of Avila and St. John of the Cross From Intolerance to Tolerance- Thirty Years War, influence of the Enlightenment on religion ​ The Reformers did not return ​ The Thirty Years War (1618-1648) broke out among Protestants and Catholics in Europe ​ Only with the Enlightenment in the 18th century, did the idea of religious tolerance begin to become popular. ​ This tolerance was twofold: -​ tolerance between religions -​ tolerance by governments for the different religions practised in their countries ​ However, the Enlightenment also led to a great opposition or hostility toward religion in general. The Second Vatican Council What is the Second Vatican Council? ​ The Second Vatican Council is the 21st ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic Church. ​ It was called by Pope John XXII in order to bring the Church “up to date” (aggiornamento in Italian) with the modern world ​ Held from 1962 to 1965 ​ Although there was no major revisions in Church doctrine (beliefs), there was an updating in the method of delivery and operation Key Points From the Council ​ Language of the Mass changed from Latin to the vernacular (language of the people). ​ Direct participation in the Mass was encouraged: the turning of the altar and the priest to face the congregation, and by expanding the role of lay people, to include being Eucharistic ministers ​ More musical instruments allowed (not just organ). ​ Fasting before communion was cut down from 12 hours to 3 hours Nostra Aetate ​ Nostra Aetate - Latin for “in our time.” ​ This is a declaration passed at Vatican II on the relations of the Church on non-Christian religions ​ This revolutionized the Catholic Church’s approach to other religions Summary of the Declaration ​ All people share a common origin and return to God. ​ The Catholic Church regards Muslims with respect, noting shared beliefs with Christianity and Catholicism, such as the worship of one God and respect for Abraham, Moses, and Jesus as prophets. ​ Jews should not be blamed for the death of Jesus, and all displays of antisemitism are condemned. ​ All people are created in God’s image, and it is against Church teachings to discriminate against, show hatred towards, or harass anyone based on color, race, religion, or condition of life. Key Terms  ​ Ecumenism: The activity of Christians trying to find points of commonality between them and Christians of other denominations ​ Inter-faith Dialogue: The activity of Christians striving to find points of commonality based on truths by other religions Ecumenism: Christianity Today Ecumenism ​ Christianity aims to gather all of humanity to do God's work, necessitating the healing of divisions within the faith. ​ Ecumenism: The movement toward unity among Christian churches. ​ Initially, the Catholic Church refused to participate in the World Council of Churches (WCC). ​ In 1965, during the Second Vatican Council, the Church passed a Decree on Ecumenism, committing to dialogue with other Christians. ​ Currently, the Catholic Church participates in all WCC commissions, despite not being a full member of the WCC. ​ The goal of ecumenism is to unite all Christians (also known as communion) through dialogue. ​ Two things bind all Christian churches together: 1.​ Confession of Jesus Christ 2.​ Baptism ​ The biggest differences are in how the churches confess Jesus Christ, how they view baptism and the Eucharist, and leadership in the Church. What is dialogue? What is needed for full communion for Catholics? ​ Dialogue means living, studying, and working together in solidarity, and overcoming the divisions that separate churches. ​ In the Catholic Church, the fullness of the Church of Christ continues to exist. -​ This is a wounded fullness as long as there is division among Christian churches. -​ Important elements are present in other churches. ​ For Catholics, full communion must have: -​ A consensus on the core doctrines as found in the scriptures and the Creed -​ Acknowledgement of the importance of the sacraments, especially Eucharist -​ The ministry of priests, bishops, and pope ​ Ecumenical dialogue's goal is to clarify what it means to be the church of Jesus Christ. Dialogue with the Eastern Churches ​ During Vatican II, the Catholic Church of the West and the Orthodox Church of the East began to see themselves as “sister churches” after 1000 years of separation. ​ Differences include: -​ Different liturgies and orders. -​ Different theological opinions on the role of the pope as being first among equals. ​ The churches have accepted each other’s Eucharist. ​ The Western Church has gained a new awareness that unity can exist with diversity Dialogue with the Western Churches/Anglicans ​ Dialogue can be between the Catholics and churches of the Protestant Reformation  ​ Dialogue has begun to build unity: -​ In Canada in 1925, the Methodists, Congregationalists, and 70% of the Presbyterians joined to become the United Church of Canada. ​ Catholics and Anglicans have reached a high level of agreement on most questions centered on the Church, such as: -​ the role of the Church in salvation -​ the role of the pope and bishops -​ the meaning of Church and its mission Major Issues that Separate Catholics and Anglicans ​ Major issues that separate Catholics and Anglicans are: -​ the ordination of women and homosexuals -​ ethical issues such as divorce, remarriage, birth control, abortion and in vitro fertilization -​ the Eucharist Why is ecumenism difficult? How is the ecumenical movement difficult? ​ This reconciling and healing is very difficult because: -​ It is difficult for people to let go of their lifelong beliefs -​ Each person’s convictions informs their identity -​ It is hard to listen to other people’s convictions when people feel their own convictions are the truth ​ Sustaining the ecumenical movement has become more difficult because: -​ Most Christians do not understand why the churches separated to begin with. -​ Many feel these battles are not theirs or the issues no longer matter. -​ Christians today focus on issues such as war and peace, poverty, economic justice, and the environment. -​ People can be impatient with the slow pace of arriving at agreements. Five ways Christians can contribute to ecumenism in their everyday life 1)​ Studying the scriptures: which are the foundation of Christian life 2)​ Praying always: especially the Lord’s Prayer and take part in the week of Prayer for Christian Unity 3)​ Bringing people together: never exclude anyone, always be in solidarity with the poor and the oppressed 4)​ Taking part in local ecumenical activities: such as meetings, retreats, or volunteering that involved Catholics and other Christians 5)​ Visiting churches: and talking to people to find out what they believe and how they live Key Terms and all Questions The Cross ​ This is the primary symbol of Christianity ​ It symbolizes the Christian belief that God loves the people of the world so much that he offered His son for the sake of humanity.  ​ Represents Christ’s victory over sin and death through the sacrifice of His own body Crown of Thorns ​ Was placed on the head of Jesus during the events leading up to the crucifixion ​ It was used to cause him pain and to mock His claim of authority ​ Represents the suffering of Jesus Lamb of God ​ Represents Jesus as the perfect, sinless sacrifice offered by God to atone for the sins of humans ​ Jesus is compared to the passover lamb in the Old testament whose blood saved the Israelites from death in Egypt Chi Rho ​ These are the first two letters of the Greek work XPIETOE, which means “Christ” ​ Represents Jesus - looks like a capital letter “P” with an “X” superimposed over it ​ The Chi-Rho invokes the crucifixion of Jesus, as well as symbolizing his status as ‘the Christ” The Ichthus (Fish) ​ Jesus said to his first disciples: “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men,” thus the fish symbol is linked to spreading the Gospel of Jesus ​ The fish was used as a secret sign by Christians to identify themselves to one another during periods of persecution Keys to the Kingdom of ​ The keys were given to St. Peter by Jesus so that he could build the Church and Heaven lead it ​ Catholics believe that this authority has been passed down from Peter, to the bishop of Rome (the Pope), who succeeds him in the role as leader of the Church ​ The keys appear on the official papal symbol Dove ​ Represents the Holy Spirit ​ At Jesus’ baptism, the sky opened up and the Holy Spirit, in the form of a dove, descended upon him INRI ​ The Latin inscription “INRI” appeared on the cross above Jesus' head at his crucifixion ​ It translates to “Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews”