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RST1501 Summary notes on study unit 4
- Institution
- University Of South Africa (Unisa)
Summary notes on the academic study of Christianity
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The Academic study of ChristianityThe different variables which shape and continue to shape the study of Christianity:
Historical consciousness - marked between beliefs and phenomena.
Regional consciousness - epitomizes location and demographics
Global consciousness - the impact on Christianity from global world forces
Basic beliefs in Christianity
BELIEF IN ONE GOD
Christians practice monotheism
God is seen as the creator of heaven and earth and the source of all life
Believe in the existence of one God in the form of the Father, the Son, and the holy Spirit
(Ghost)
This concept of God is known as the Trinity and is said to lie beyond the limits of human
comprehension, therefore regarded as a divine mystery
The Father is seen as all powerful, holy, eternal and unchangeable, and merciful and
gracious
The son, Jesus Christ, is regarded as the central figure and corner stone of Christianity.
Jesus was conceived through a virgin birth, possessed a physical body that grew and had
normal physical needs
Virgin birth - Jesus was conceived in the womb of his mother Mary by the Holy Spirit, while
Mary remained a virgin
, Jesus was crucified on a cross, arose the 3rd day after his death, and ascended to heaven to
be with the Father.
The Holy Spirit is said to have descended from heaven and lives in the adherents of
Christianity and convicts them of sin
The Holy Spirit also serves to empower the individual believer with supernatural power to
engage with spiritual confrontation with evil forces
To a Christian the idea of trinity signifies three distinct beings that are yet fully one God
DOCTRINE OF INCARNATION
Epitomizes that in Jesus, God assumed a human body (incarnation); however, he was not
merely a prophet or teacher, but rather the only begotten Son of God.
Christians believe that Jesus was at the same time human but also legitimately divine
They also believe that Jesus will return to judge every person, dead or alive, and establish his
eternal kingdom
Christians believes that Jesus is the promised messiah that the Jews were anticipating
DOCTRINE OF RECONCILIATION OR ATONEMENT
Christians firmly believe in the doctrine of reconciliation or atonement,
In Christian tradition, Adam is seen as the father of humanity. However, due to his fall,
humanity fell into a state of sin and was separated from God
With the death of Jesus, humanity is atoned for their original sin
The resurrection of Jesus is seen as proof of universal atonement, and those who believe in
Jesus are no longer alienated from God
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