...Jesus of Nazareth was not the messiah. In a time that Judea was under the remorseless Roman rule. Jesus was a man born in Bethlehem to parents Mary and Joseph, who would raise him in Judea’s backwater province of Galilee, in the city of Nazareth, practicing strict Jewish traditions. Later in his life he would claim to be the son of God and travel Judea preaching peace and translating God’s word for anyone that would listen. He would gain a following and be praised and worshipped as the messiah. He would be crucified as a threat to Rome and the Jewish officials, and then supposedly rise from the dead. News of his execution would cause outrage against Rome and spark the Jews to rebel against the Romans. Despite how Christianity has identified...
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...darkness brought on by poor choices and lack of a moral compass. Though I was in this pit, I could see a sliver of light that began to shine through as I stepped into a life of faith. With this one little step and some help from two Christ like individuals, I began to understand what it truly meant a follower of God. In our lecture about Jesus of Nazareth versus Christ of Faith we began a discussion of who Jesus is to us. As we looked closer into the topic, we quickly realized that who Jesus was for some was different from who Jesus was to others. Through that discussion we were all able to come up with a list of the many different characteristics of who jesus was to us. From this list we broke it down into the two main categories: Jesus of Nazareth and Christ of Faith. Jesus of Nazareth is who Jesus was as a human being here on earth; and Christ of Faith was who Jesus was as the Messiah. Some of the characteristics of Jesus of Nazareth is that he was a Jew, a teacher, a carpenter, a man, and brother. On the contrast, the attributes held by the Christ of Faith were ones such as strength, Savior, Father, Prince of Peace, and hope. Just as Jesus had two sides as a man on Earth and a man of faith, we as...
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...Below is a free essay on "Principal Beliefs Of Christianity" from Anti Essays, your source for free research papers, essays, and term paper examples. Referring to their importance, examine the principal beliefs of Christianity. Christianity is a monotheistic religion whose adherents are followers of Jesus of Nazareth. Christianity reformed out of Judaism in the first century CE and originated in Palestine. Christians preached their faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Jewish Messiah, who is saviour of all peoples through his death and resurrection. The principal beliefs of Christianity are highlighted in the Ten Commandments, the Nicene Creed, the Beatitudes and the Golden Rule. The principal beliefs of Christianity are influenced by Judaism. As a monotheistic religion, adherents believe there is strictly only one God, originating from the Jewish YHWH. Christians believe that God is the Trinity, meaning one being of three co-equal persons – the Father who is the creator and sustainer of all life, the Son who is the redeemer, and the Holy Spirit which is the sanctifier. Christians believe that God created the world and all that is in it. It is believed that humanity is created in the image of God, and that God gave people free will therefore there is good and evil in the world. The Ten Commandments are guidelines received by Moses from God on how adherents can lead good lives. They should not be avoided in fear of punishment, but embraced as a way to be saved from The Fall...
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...attitudes and views towards it since its existence, making it one of the most debated and controversial topic in the Christian world. Even after extensive scientific research has been conducted on it, the inevitable question of whether the image on the shroud belonged to Jesus Christ remains unresolved. The Shroud itself is an ivory linen cloth with a herringbone weave. Measuring 14 feet 3 inches long by 3 feet seven inches wide, the cloth itself features a faint shadow-like image of the front as well as the back of a man with a beard and long hair with his hands laid in front of him. Blood stains are also apparent in several areas of the shroud and the material is also disfigured by stains and fire damage caused by its exposure to fire in 1953. The Shroud has also been at hazard from fire in at least two other occasion and was sent to the Poor Clare Nuns for repairs. The earliest known origins of the shroud was in 1357, in the town of Lirey, where it was believed to be housed in the local Church. The canons of this church, proclaimed it to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ. Upon hearing these claims, the neighbouring Bishop D’Acris stated in his letters to Pope Clement VII of Avignon how the cloth was, “cunningly painted” and that the canons were, “falsely declaring” and “pretending” that it was Jesus Christs’ Shroud. The rise of fake religious relics as a consequence of the widespread famine and plague across Europe, may have influenced D’Acris opposed view towards...
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...Purpose Statement The purpose of this paper is to educate our readers about the two largest religions in the world: Christianity and Islam. Religion has served in many societies as a mean of structure or social control, with rules that govern how people interact socially. We will be looking at the origin, similarities, differences, beliefs and festivals of each religion. Invariably, our aim is to ascertain through research data and interviews why Christianity is the world’s most popular religion, but more so why it is deemed most superior. Statement of Qualification. Our group strongly believes in the fundamental teachings of Christianity, having been exposed to its teachings from early childhood. We are respecters of all religions hence our research topic, to bring about a greater level of understanding of both, while identifying the beliefs and values these two great religion is built on. Based on our own individual experiences and personal realization of nature and how things are interconnected, we conclude that there is definitely a higher power that oversees everyone and everything, and it’s faith in this higher power that brought birth to Christianity. Review of Literature Religion is a controversial topic that has been debated with great enthusiasm by sociologists, theologians, and even students; some argue that the belief in religion is for closed minded individuals. One sociologist aimed to defend the fact that religion...
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...Interaction………………………… ………………………………..……………...…1-2 Conclusion…………...……………………………………………….…………………………2-3 Bibliography………………………………………………………………………………………4 Introduction The paper of James D. Dvorak deals with the debates of the comparison between John and the synoptic gospels. Its provides information of the relationship of John to the synoptic gospels that has been a recurring problem, not only for two centuries of modern critical scholarship, but for Christian theology and exegesis over a much longer period. Brief Summary In the paper of James Dvorak he uses three (3) theories to discuss the relationship of John to synoptic gospels. Literary Dependence that is discussed to make claims that John was literarily dependent upon one or more of the synoptic. Literary Independence contends that John was not dependent on the Synoptics but that the similarities between the two are due to use of a common tradition. And there is Mediating View in which some scholars believe that there is a possibility fourth gospel can be adequately explained without primary or fundamental reference to the Synoptic gospels, but also without denying the fourth evangelist’s awareness of them. Critical Interaction I recognized that James D. Dvorakdid a throuogh research on proving the relationship between John and the synoptic gopels. The first position claims to find evidence for a literary dependence of the...
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...Jesus and Muhammad Paper Instructor: Pablo Cuadra Axia College Still alive today are the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and Jesus of Nazareth. Many lives across the world have been affected and inspired by the life and death of the Prophet Muhammad and Jesus. In their religion, both Jesus and Muhammad were considered to be the greatest prophets. Many who followed and practiced their faith still consider both of these men as leaders of their times. What is now called the Common Era, Jesus is believed to be born in Bethlehem a few years before. Mary gave birth to a miraculous son named Jesus, which is told by the New Testament. As, in the New Testament a carpenter named Joseph is said to believe that he is the father of Jesus. It was also said that Jesus followed in his footsteps and was a carpenter himself. During Jesus younger years, there is not much said about them in the New Testament. There is more said about Jesus in the New Testament when he was approximately thirty years old. Jesus had done many travels. Through his traveling Jesus started preaching to small groups of people. He also gathered many disciples and followers that listened to what he was preaching. Many people would follow him just to hear what he was preaching. Faith, forgiveness and humility are what Jesus would preach throughout his travels. He also preached about great mercy and God’s forgiveness. Through Jesus travels, while preaching the word, he also performed many miracles. He is a few of the...
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...Liberty Theological Seminary John Dickson Book Critique Humilitas: A Lost Key to Life, Love, AND Leadership A paper Submitted to Dr. Donald Hicks In Partial Fulfillment Of the Requirements for the Course Preventing Ministry Failure Lead 625 By Dwight Chavis February 22, 2014 Table of Contents Summary…………..……………..……………………………………………………page 1 Critique …………...…………………………………………………………………...page 2 Evaluation……………………………………………………………………………...page 4 Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………..........page 4 Bibliography ……………………………………………………………………….......page 5 SUMMARY Author John Dickson has written a book on a word that is often misunderstood and misused. In his book Humilitas: A Lost Key to Life, Love, AND Leadership, He takes a multi-dimensional look at the subject of humility. He is very aware that writing a book on this subject can give the appearance that he himself has been able to achieve the goal of being known as a humble person. However, the opposite is true, Dickson writes, “Humility stands alone among the virtues in that as soon as you think that you have, you probably don’t.” This statement shows that in no way he thinks that he has been able to achieve this lofty goal. Dickson means for this book to be a practical one and hopes to achieve his thesis statement in which he writes, “My thesis is simple: The most influential and inspiring people are often marked by humility.” With that in mind, he sets the reader on a chapter by chapter tour with...
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...Running Head: JESUS 1 Jesus History, Character, Purpose, and Plan Armon Q. Parker English 1300 Composition II National American University August 2012 JESUS 2 Table of Contents Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………………3 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………..4 History……………………………………………………………………………………………..5 Character……………………………………………………………………………………..........5 Purpose…………………………………………………………………………………………….5 Plan………………………………………………………………………………………………..5 Conclusion………………………………………………………………………………………...6 References…...……………………………………………………………………………………7 JESUS 3 Abstract This paper will provide the readers with basic information concerning the history of Jesus, his character, purpose and plan. This paper is not written to sway anyone form any other belief system that they may have. It is only to give information in regards to whom He was and is. This will be done by answering four questions: What is His history, character, purpose and plan? As a result, the answering of following questions will leave the reader more informed about what he/she may not have known regarding the man known as—Jesus. JESUS 4 Jesus History, Character, Purpose, and Plan Jesus has gone down in history as one of the most influential people who has ever walked the earth, and because of whom He claimed to be, churches, movements, and even religions have become established all over the world...
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... The focus of this paper is on a part of a religion that generally does not have a visible tie to a specific religion, not until it is investigated further, The Gospels. My Prior understanding a Gospel Church is one where there is a lot of standing and singing about God – this is a misunderstanding. The church itself is focused on the four Gospels and what the real meaning is. The word “Gospel” for Christians refers to the “good news” that is a result of Jesus Christ’s death and its meaning (Keathly, 2004). Another misconception of a Gospel Church is the Bishop has his own agenda and does not focus on the Gospels themselves. Also, I have always felt that the church has become a place to be seen, not just for the sighting itself but also be dressed up in the best clothes possible. Another misconception of the Gospels and Christianity is they have nothing do with Jewish faith and they are completely different. Misconceptions are easy to confirm or debunk with research and a non-partial attitude towards what is being investigated. With so many religions in the world how can anyone be sure which religion is best for them? Religion is a result of nurture and not nature, humans in general were not born to follow a specific religion it is a path that is made or forced upon them. The best way to understand other religions is to research and study the standard practices of that religion and if possible, use immersion and experience it in person. Research Overview Over 2000...
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...Report Today there are over one billion members of the Catholic Church and that number grows daily. What it means to be catholic is to love Jesus completely and to follow him and his teachings. Catholics try to integrate Jesus into every aspect of their daily lives. They believe Jesus is lord, father, the son and the Holy Ghost, the Holy Trinity. They follow the Ten Commandments, Thou shalt have no other gods before me, Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain, Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy, Honor thy father and thy mother, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor and Thou shalt not covet. The seven sacraments, Penance, Baptism, Holy Eucharist, Confirmation, Holy Matrimony, Anointing of the Sick, and Holy Orders are the heart of the catholic religion. There are actually three different branches so to say of Christianity, Roman Catholic, Protestant and Eastern Orthodox. The Pope is the head of the Roman Catholic Church. They belong to Catholic churches that are known as parishes, where they go and worship no matter where their location in the world. Catholicism can be traced back to Jesus Nazareth. Its members are headed by Bishops, whose roles originated with the disciples of Jesus. (Patheos Library website, n.d.) Vatican City and Peters Basilica stands above the grave of Peter. The pope is actually considered Peters...
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...Mary Baker Eddy Did you know that Mary Baker Eddy had a telephone installed in her coffin so that she could call the church when she was resurrected? (Lectures) Christian Science followers don’t believe in doctors or medicine and they worship Mary Baker Eddy. These are a few of the rumors that have been propagated by ignorant people that never took the time to research what Christian Science is about. I was one of these people prior to this class. In the following pages we will take a look at the truth behind Mary Baker Eddy, her life and how this has affected my spiritual growth. First of all I would like to talk about how I came to pick Mary Baker Eddy as my choice of topics for my final paper. I was first introduced to Christian Science and Mary Baker Eddy when I was around ten years old. My grandmother was involved in the church and I remember attending Sunday school and reading the Bible. The only other thing I remember from that time is that they sung old boring hymns and it was confusing because the Bible they read from had a lot of thee and thou references. There were pictures on the wall of Jesus, a church, and a picture of a lady that turned out to be Mary Baker Eddy. Throughout my life I witnessed my grandmother praying or reading out of the Bible. She never explained to me why she was doing this or I was just to self absorbed in my own life to show any interest. What stands out most to me is when my grandmother found out she had cancer and wouldn’t except any help...
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...Running head: WORLD RELIGIONS REPORT World Religions Report XXXXXXXX Axia College HUM 130 XXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXX World Religions This paper presents research of the beliefs and practices of Roman Catholicism; describes the worship space of the church; summarizes an interview conducted with a believer; and finally, compares Roman Catholicism to Islam. The Roman Catholic Church’s origins come directly from the teachings of Jesus and his disciples, as do all denominations of Christianity. “Jesus sent his disciples into all the world, and Paul had opened the church to the Gentiles. In a sense catholic Christianity was simply a development of Jesus’ plans and Paul’s efforts”. (Shelley, 1995) When Constantine became the first Christian Roman emperor in 313 A.D., Christianity became free from persecution and later even became the official religion of the Roman Empire. This however; marked the unofficial end of the unified church as power plays and politics became as much a part of the church as the gospels themselves. In 1054, the Eastern Orthodox Church split from the unified Church over the principle of supreme authority being held by the Bishop of Rome (better known as the Pope). During this time, the Roman Catholic Church also established its own authority to teach and interpret scripture. “Individual believers are not encouraged to read the Bible and seek its meaning; instead...
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...World Religions Report Jehovah’s Witnesses Stephen Devon Hill Jr. Axia College of the University of Phoenix January 10, 2009 In modern society there are numerous forms of Christianity. Many may be familiar with Catholics, Baptist, or Protestants. One form of Christianity that has created mixed views since its start is that of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Some thoughts that may come to mind when people think of Jehovah’s Witnesses are cult activity, unusual Christian practices, and domineering individuals. This paper will take a look at the life as a Jehovah’s Witness. The paper will cover some of the common practices and beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The paper will also try to clear up some of the misconceptions that others believe about Jehovah’s Witnesses. The author of this paper has taken the time to research the Jehovah Witness religion by visiting a local Kingdom Hall, conducting an in-person interview with an actual Jehovah Witness, and also conducting research on the internet, as well as the library. Background Information The religion of the Jehovah’s Witness began in at the end of the 19th century. The religion was started a small group of Bible students close to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In 1879 the students began publishing what is known as the Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. The group that was formerly known as International Bible Students became Jehovah’s Witnesses in 1931. Membership of religion is marked by baptism. According to the Jehovah’s...
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...LIBERTY UNIVERSITY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY The Life of Michael Servetus A Research Paper A Paper Submitted to Dr. Jerry Sutton In Partial Fulfillments Of The Requirements For The Course CHHI-525 History of The Christian Church II BY Andrea Gearing Cumming, Georgia August 17, 2012 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION--------------------------------------------------------------------------------3 MICHAEL SERVETUS EARLY LIFE-------------------------------------------------------3 BRIEF SUMMARY OF MICHAEL SERVETUS WORKS-------------------------------6 THE TRINITY AND MODERN SCHOLARSHIP-----------------------------------------9 MICHAEL SERVETUS THEOLOGY------------------------------------------------------10 CONCLUSION---------------------------------------------------------------------------------14 BIBLIOGRAPHY------------------------------------------------------------------------------17 INTRODUCTION The first time I was introduced to Michael Servetus, I was a student at Liberty University. I had never heard of this important figure in History. At any rate, I had begun to find ways to learn more about him. It was on a Wednesday night, one week before the night of my church Bible study that I had to submit a discussion board question of Michael Servetus in church history. I arrived at Bible study with Michael Servetus in my spirit. When I arrived at church my pastors opening statement was: "In 1553, Michael Servetus was burned at the stake for what I am going to...
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