World Religion Assignment

Christianity

Modern Christianity and Practices

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Introduction

All religions had to deal with the challenges of modern science, thought, and industry. This problem was particularly acute with Christianity, as many of the scientific challenges challenged some of the most basic arguments of the Church. Higher Criticism made many question what was God’s word and what was not. Perhaps the most significant challenge was the Theory of Evolution, which argued that humanity had risen from a lesser state—not fallen. Some groups sought to accommodate themselves to modernity, some rejected it entirely, and others found an at-times uneasy compromise.

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Heliocentric Universe “And the world is set firm, it cannot be moved.” Psalm 93.

It seemed obvious to all that the Earth was the center of the universe. After all, the supreme objects of God’s love- humanity—lived there. But the theory did not match up with scientific observations. Copernicus proposed in the 1500s that the sun was the center of the solar system. Galileo was forced to recant his assertion, backed up by astronomical observations, that the Sun was the center of the universe. But by the 1650s it was clear to all that the Church was wrong—the sun was the center of the Universe.

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Newton In 1687, Newton set out the laws of gravity and motion, and showed that the universe operated according to natural laws not mentioned in scripture. Presumably, God had written the rules and made the Universe, but the Bible seemed unnecessary to understanding the Universe.

The Universe was believed to function like a complicated machine—a “clockwork universe.” God, having made the rules and created the Universe, needed to do little. Deists believed he was Creator, but otherwise did little.

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Reason and Unitarians

The Enlightenment flowed out of and overlapped the Scientific Revolution described above. In the Enlightenment, people believed in the power of Reason. They wanted a more “reasonable” religion, one that was more rational and had less “superstition”. They rejected much of Christianity beyond the belief of God. His existence was implied by the orderliness of nature, and ethics such as kindness. Many Protestants, especially in New England, became Unitarians. Unitarians rejected the Trinity and Christ's’ divinity.

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Liberalism and Christianity

Liberals believed that humans were basically good, and that an ideal society could be created if people were free. It was hard for liberals to reconcile Christian beliefs about the sinfulness of human nature with the liberal belief of how good humans were. And liberals began to believe and implement secularization, the idea that religion should have a minimal amount of influence on the operation of the State. For example, though these lines are not in the Constitution (but are from a letter by Jefferson), Americans believe in Separation of Church and State. The last established church—a church partly or wholly paid for from government revenues—ended about 1830 in the US.

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The Great Awakenings

About the same time as the Enlightenment and the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars were the Great Awakenings. These were Protestant revivals. Their theology was functionally Arminian, but they did retain a role for the Calvinist Majesty of God. Basically, they argued that if a person put himself into a position of sincere repentance, God would save him, even if he was not predestined to be saved. God would do this of His own free will, but would invariably do it.

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Evolution

Darwin in the Origin of Species (1859) and Descent of Man (1871) disputed the Biblical account of Creation: First—the world was much older than @ 6000 years. Many were willing to accept that, but not all. Second—All species, including humans, had evolved from prior, simpler versions. Third—Humans and apes were related, and descended from a common ancestor. Why would this disturb Christians?

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Survival of the Fittest

According to the doctrine of Original Sin, “In Adam’s Fall, sinned we all.” Humans were supposed to have fallen from a prior near perfect state of closeness to God. But in evolution, humans had risen from animals. Humans were risen, not fallen. And the method of evolution seemed almost Satanic—Species improving as the inferior members were killed, eaten, or starved, and the superior members surviving and passing on their good genes. What of the stone that was neglected becoming the cornerstone? Would a loving God really create a cruel universe of “nature red in tooth and claw?” Many were unable to accept evolution as it conflicted with the Bible, and because of reasons like this.

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Missionaries

As Europe explored and conquered, this permitted the spread of Christianity far beyond its fundamentally European homeland. The conquest of Latin America coincided with the Protestant Reformation. Many Catholics felt that God had opened a new continent to the True Faith to replace those lost to the Protestant heresy. The Americas south of the Rio Grande became overwhelmingly Catholic. The faith was spread as far as Japan, but it was crushed there in the 1600s. Protestants , especially the British, also spread Christianity to Africans and Asians and Pacific Islanders. Where Protestants and Catholics competed, many locals preferred the colorful ceremonies of Catholicism to the more restrained ceremonies of Protestantism. Mormons have also been very missionary. Much of sub-Saharan Africa is Christian, or Christian and animist. The Christian message was very popular in Korea (especially the Protestant variety) and about 30 % of the population is Christian. Even where conversions were disappointingly low, such as India or China, Christian missions provided much material assistance to the world’s poor. Not all the conversions were a hundred percent voluntary, and many viewed it as a form of civilizing “lesser breeds without the law” as Kipling, a poet, put it.

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Catholicism in the modern world

Secularization was a major problem for the Catholic Church. Many in the Enlightenment believed the Church was a source of bigotry and intolerance. In the French Revolution, they attempted to de-Christianize France, even creating a Cult of the Supreme Being (to the right) and Cult of Reason, and seizing church property and attempting to take over the Church. The Church became for a long time an enemy of democracy, liberalism, and similar ideologies. Similar things happened in Germany, and the loyalty to Rome that many German Catholics—especially those who belonged to the Polish minority-- had enraged Bismarck, who declared a “struggle for civilization” or kulturkampf, against them. Catholics were seen as trying to turn back and reverse progress. In America, Catholics set up a separate school system, fearing that the public system created non-Catholics.

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The Syllabus of Errors (1864) Catholics turned to their popes for decisive leadership. In Pius IX 1864 Syllabus of Errors, Catholics were urged to reject what the Church saw as modern evils, such as civil marriage, separation of church and state, public education, and Marxism. In 1869-70, the First Vatican Council proclaimed that the Pope was infallible (on doctrinal or moral matters).

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Vatican II and Contemporary Catholicism Many thought the Church was unnecessarily hidebound by the past.

At the Vatican II Council (1962-65), many changes were made. 1. More openness to non-Catholics was

urged, as well as a high regard for other religions.

2. Masses were now celebrated in people’s languages, instead of Latin (though a small group insists on the old Latin mass),

3. More equality was emphasized between priests and laity.

The Church has held fast to certain doctrines, such as an all-male priesthood, and opposition to abortion and contraception.

Some, especially in the West, have urged female priests and allowing priests to marry.

Many, especially from Africa, oppose such measures. As Europe has become increasingly secular, the non-Western world has become increasingly important in the Catholic Church and that trend will probably continue.

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Mormonism

According to the Mormons, in Palmyra, NY, a town greatly affected by the Second Great Awakening, a young man named Joseph Smith while walking in woods near his home saw two personages, the Father and the Son. They told him that all the religions were wrong and that they wanted him to restore the True Church. The angel Moroni eventually directed him to a nearby hill where Mormons believe Smith found Golden Tablets on which the Book of Mormon was written. Smith translated it, and learned of ancient Hebrews living in America, eventually being destroyed. Before that happened , Jesus visited the Hebrew colony and basically repeated the Sermon on the Mount.

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Mormonism 2

Mormons are Christians—though not all Christians agree. There are many doctrinal differences that take Mormons outside the three main groupings. For example, they reject the Trinity doctrine as espoused in the Nicene Creed, believe humans can become practically gods themselves and rule worlds, and that there is a constant process of revelation. They have temples where important ceremonies are performed, and where marriages are sealed for eternity. Formerly, they practiced polygamy, but ended that in the 1880s. (Fundamentalist Mormons outside the main church still practice it). After Joseph Smith was murdered by a mob in 1844, most of the Mormons went to Utah, led by Brigham Young, and established a powerful church-state which eventually gave way to a territorial government in Utah. Some did not accept Young’s leadership of the Church of Latter Day Saints, and reorganized the Church under Smith’s son as prophet.

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MODERN PROTESTANTISM

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Liberal Christianity • The word liberal in liberal Christianity originally denoted a willingness to

interpret scripture according to modern philosophic perspectives (hence, it is sometimes called modernism) and modern scientific assumptions, while attempting to achieve the Enlightenment ideal of objective point of view, without preconceived notions of the authority of scripture or the correctness of Church dogma.

• While many Liberal Christians are Protestants, Catholics and Orthodox have been known to have a Liberal attitude.

• Some varieties of Judaism consider themselves liberal in this aspect. • The term should not be confused with political liberalism, though many

Liberal Christians are also politically liberal.

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Biblical (Higher) Criticism

The theology of liberal Christianity was prominent in the Biblical criticism of the 19th and 20th centuries. The style of Bible interpretation is often characterized as non-propositional.

This means that the Bible is not considered a collection of factual statements, but instead an anthology that documents the human authors' beliefs and feelings about God at the time of its writing—within a historical or cultural context.

Liberal Christianity looks upon the Bible as a collection of narratives that explain, epitomize, or symbolize the essence and significance of Christian understanding.

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Liberal Christianity and Miracles • In the 19th century, liberal Christians sought to elevate Jesus‘ teachings into a

standard for a world civilization freed from what they called “cultic traditions” and traces of “pagan” belief in the supernatural. As a result, liberal Christians placed less emphasis on the miracles associated with Jesus and more on his teachings.

• Attempts by Liberal Christians to account for miracles through scientific or rational explanation were mocked by more conservative Christians. For example, a belief in the authenticity of miracles was one of the tests established in 1910 by the Presbyterian Church to distinguish true believers from “false professors of faith” such as "educated, 'liberal' Christians."

• Many liberals prefer to read Jesus' miracles as metaphorical narratives for understanding the power of God. Not all theologians with liberal inclinations reject the possibility of miracles, but many reject the argumentation that denial or affirmation entails.

• Therefore, liberal Christian theologians often reject traditional Christian teaching on subjects such as the Virgin Birth, the Resurrection, and the authority of Scripture.

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The Social Gospel

Liberal Christianity in the United States was most influential with “mainline” Protestant churches in the early 20th century, when proponents believed the changes it would bring would be the future of the Christian church.

Its greatest and most influential manifestation was the Christian Social Gospel, whose most influential spokesman was the American Baptist Walther Rauschenbusch. Rauschenbusch identified four institutionalized spiritual evils in American culture (which he identified as traits of "supra-personal entities", organizations capable of having moral agency): Individualism Capitalism Nationalism Militarism Would someone who believed that some or all of the above were evils be a political liberal or political conservative?

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Mainline Churches

In the United States, many mainline churches are Liberal. These churches are often among the most influential and richest, but in recent years have lost much membership. Dean M. Kelley, a liberal sociologist, in the early 1970s identified the reason for the decline of the liberal churches: excessive politicization of the Gospel, and especially their direct identification of the Gospel with Left-Democrat political causes. The term probably comes from Philadelphia’s Main Line, a railroad. Included in the term are churches such as: Episcopalians United Methodist Church Presbyterian Church USA Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Disciples of Christ Quakers and other groups are often included as members.

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Mainline Churches II • Mainline denominations generally teach that the Bible is God's Word in

function, but that it must be interpreted both through the lens of the cultures in which it was originally written, and examined using God-given reason.

• A 2008 survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that only 22 percent of the 7,500 mainline Christians surveyed said the Bible is God's Word and is to be interpreted as literally true, word for word. Thirty-eight percent thought that the Bible is God's Word but is not to be taken literally, word for word. Twenty-eight percent said the Bible was not the Word of God but was of human origin.

• The mainline denominations emphasize the biblical concept of justice, stressing the need for Christians to work for social justice, which usually involve politically liberal approaches to social and economic problems. Early in the 20th century, they actively supported the Social Gospel.

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Social Activism

Embracing the liberal idea that the essential goodness of human beings makes progress toward a better world possible, they have advocated social activism based on the teachings of Jesus as a way of making the Kingdom of God a reality. Liberal Protestants have played an important role in the civil rights and antiwar movements and struggled to open the Church to greater participation by women, homosexuals, and other groups. For example, Hilary Clinton was very active in Methodist Youth activities, and her youth minister was greatly concerned with questions of social justice.

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Progressive Christianity

Characterized by a willingness to question tradition, acceptance of human diversity, a strong emphasis on social justice and care for the poor and the oppressed, and environmentalism. Progressive Christians deeply believe that the heart of Jesus’ teachings is the instruction to “love one another” (John 15:17). This leads to a focus on promoting values such as compassion, justice, mercy, tolerance, often through political activism. Though the terms Progressive Christianity and Liberal Christianity are often used synonymously, the two movements are distinct, despite much overlap.

Progressive Christians tend to focus on issues of social justice and inclusion, rather than on proselytizing.

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Progressive Christianity II PCs place emphasis on caring for the poor. One thing that separates them from Liberal Christianity is that they often believe in traditional doctrines such as sin, salvation, Christ’s divinity, etc, while many LCs often reject them. Prominent PCs include Karen Armstrong, William Sloane Coffin, and President Jimmy Carter.

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1. FUNDAMENTALISM 2. EVANGELICALISM 3. PENTECOSTALISM

Conservative Protestant Movements

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Fundamentalism • Fundamentalism arose in the late nineteenth—

early twentieth century as a reaction against liberal theology, evolution theory, academic study of the Bible, secularism, and other elements of modern life. The movement has several sources:

• 1. Evangelicalism • 2. Dispensationalism • 3. Princeton Theology [Biblical Inerrancy] • 4. The Fundamentals

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Dispensationalism

Dispensationalism divided all of time into seven different stages, called "dispensations", which were seen as stages of God’s revelation. At the end of each stage, God punished humanity for having been found wanting in God's testing. In the 1920s, secularism, liberalism and the immorality of a time full of gangsters, illegal liquor, petting parties and sex in cars were believed to be signs that humanity had again failed God's testing. Dispensationalists believed that the world was on the verge of the last stage, where a final battle will take place at Armageddon, followed by the return of Christ and his 1000 year reign.

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Biblical Inerrancy [Princeton Theology] Developed from 1840s to 1920s in response to higher criticism of the Bible. Developed at Princeton Theological Seminary. It stated the Bible was divinely inspired, authoritative religiously, and without error. The Bible should be read differently from ordinary historical documents. Liberal Christianity, it argued, led people to Hell.

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The Fundamentals Fundamentalism coalesced around the 12 volume The Fundamentals: A Testimony to the Truth. This work stressed 1. Biblical inerrancy 2. Literal nature of miracles 3. Virgin Birth 4. Resurrection and return of Jesus 5. Substitutionary atonement of

Jesus on the cross

Fundamentalism reflected opposition among evangelicals to higher criticism and modernism.

Militant opposition to modernism, according to the historian George Marsden, was a major cause of fundamentalism

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The Monkey Trial While anti-evolutionists actually won the 1925 trial, they were made to look ridiculous, and many dismissed them as anti-intellectuals. By the 1970s, their fortunes improved, as Jerry Falwell and others made Fundamentalists an important element in American politics. Above: Clarence Darrow, to the left, supported evolution, and William Jennings Bryan, 3 time presidential candidate and former Secretary of State, was anti-evolution. Bryan died shortly after the trial, held in sweltering summer heat, concluded.

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Evangelicalism

Fundamentalism was an outgrowth of Evangelicalism, which is rooted in the Great Awakenings. Evangelicals believe that the essence of the Gospel is the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus‘s atonement. The “born again” conversion experience is very important to salvation. The Bible is authoritative and God’s revelation to humanity. Evangelicals believe in spreading the message of Christianity.

The born again experience leads to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Many are Biblical inerrants, and believe in active preaching and social action. The movement is growing fast worldwide. One fourth of the US population may be Evangelical. They are often, but not always, politically conservative.

Billy Graham was for many years a leading Evangelical preacher.

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Pentecostalism Pentecostalists try to recreate the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles at Pentecost and have an ecstatic experience of God—this experience is believed to lie at the center of Christian life. The conversion experience must be followed by a baptism in the Spirit.

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Baptism in the Spirit

Baptism in the Spirit is made evident by the ability to speak in tongues, and at least one other spiritual gift, such as the gift of healing, prophecy, words of wisdom, etc. They are gifts given by the Spirit. At a service, enthusiastic worshippers raise their arms in praise, speak in tongues, dance or weep, fall backwards as the Spirit hits them, etc. Pentecostalism has spread around the world, and is very popular in Latin America, Africa, Asia. American denominations include the Assembly of God, the Church of God, and the Church of the Foursquare Gospel. Many Christian musicians are Pentecostal.

To the right—”stricken by the Spirit” at a Pentecostal service.

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Contemporary Christian Music CCM is rock, pop, country, and on occasion rap, where the lyrics discuss God, Jesus, salvation, and related topics. CCM musicians often consider their music to be a ministry. CCM concerts often resemble Pentecostal services.

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Some CCM artists

DC Talk Jars of Clay

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Gay Christians

Christianity has struggled with the question of homosexuality. Some condemn it as prohibited by the Bible, while Liberal and Progressive Christians are far more accepting of homosexuals and homosexuality. Some gays condemn Christianity as fundamentally homophobic, while others seek to find or found churches that will accept them.

Jennifer Knapp was a top-selling CCM artist who shocked the CCM world when she announced in 2010 that she was gay, and had been in a lesbian relationship since 2002. She still makes music, but is no longer marketed as a Christian musician. Knapp says that she not only still holds to her Christian faith, but feels that by being honest about her sexuality that her faith is actually enhanced. In 2011, Knapp launched an advocacy organization for LGBT people of faith.

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Modern Orthodox Christianity

After the Byzantine Empire was destroyed, the Church was brought under the control of the Ottoman Empire. As various Orthodox peoples broke away from Ottoman control, they established independent national churches, such as the Greek Orthodox Church. Russia also had its own church. In 1917 Marxism struck them hard. The Russian Church was stripped of much of its influence in Eastern Europe, priests and monks were imprisoned, seminaries closed, property seized. The end of Communism resulted in more religious freedom and a revival of Russian Orthodoxy.

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Women in Christianity

Christianity developed in mainly patriarchal cultures. There is some evidence that women had a strong role in the early church, but were soon reduced to secondary roles. Many women were distinguished theologians and leaders of religious orders, however. In the nineteenth and twentieth century, women in some denominations became pastors, and even founded denominations. Aimee Semple McPherson, founded the Foursquare Gospel Church, and Ellen G. White, founder of the Seventh Day Adventists, or Mary Baker Eddy, who founded Christian Science. However, Catholics and Orthodox will not yet permit them to be priests. Some Protestant groups also do not believe women should be pastors.

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Liberation Theology

Beginning with Gutierrez’s A Theology of Liberation, 1971, Liberation Theology called for radical action to correct the various social, political, and economic injustices perpetrated against Latin Americans. The Church, it was argued, should work to ensure basic necessities. These ideas were used in other parts of the world, and are essential to Black Liberation Theology. According to James Cone,, the leading Black Liberation advocate, “the idea of Heaven is irrelevant for Black Theology. The Christian cannot waste time contemplating the next word…Jesus’ work is essentially one of liberation.”

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CHRISTIAN PRACTICES, HOLIDAYS, AND LIFE CYCLE EVENTS

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Christian Worship

The first Christians were Jews, so not surprisingly they patterned their worship on the Jewish synagogue service. Services consisted of readings from scripture, prayer, and a sermon. To this was added the Eucharist, a commemoration of the Last Supper. The Eucharist consists of eating bread and wine, though the significance differs between denominations. A liturgy was created—a liturgy of the word, and a liturgy of the Eucharist. Catholics call it the Mass, from the dismissal of the Congregation. Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches are highly liturgical, with much ceremony. Protestant churches emphasize readings from scripture and preaching over ritual.

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Protestant Service • The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against

us, and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

The main day of worship is Sunday, the day of Christ’s resurrection. Protestants have a hymn followed by an invocation, opening prayer, scripture readings, more hymns, then a sermon. The sermon is often followed by a hymn or psalm, announcements, and a collection. Recitation of the Lord ’s Prayer (to the right) follows. This is from Matthew and Luke, and is a simple prayer that Jesus suggested be used rather than more elaborate prayers.

In short, a Protestant service is basically a few hymns, some scriptural readings, a sermon and final prayers. Some have choirs—many do not.

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Roman Catholic Worship Roman Catholic worship is more elaborate. The clergy formally proceeds toward the altar---a table used in celebrating the Eucharist—as an opening hymn is sung. Then, the congregation confesses sins ritually and asks God’s forgiveness. There are readings from scripture, a short sermon known as a homily, and a recitation of the Nicene Creed. Then the bread and wine is set out and blessed. Then there is a special prayer followed by the singing of the Sanctus- based on Isaiah 6:3 (Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of Hosts!) This verse is also an important part of many Jewish services. Then there is an affirmation of faith and the Lord’s Prayer. Then the bread and wine are consecrated, and then consumed in communion. Many feel God’s presence most closely during this.

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Sacraments

These are special rituals which are central to Christian life. Sacraments are understood as visible symbols of God’s grace. They bring the individual into an experience of the mystery of God’s love. Catholics and Orthodox celebrate seven; Protestants only baptism and the Eucharist.

List of sacraments: 1. Baptism 2. Eucharist 3. Confirmation 4. Holy matrimony 5. Holy Orders 6. Penance 7. Anointing of the Sick

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Sacraments 2 Baptism cleans sin and permits participation in the Eucharist. Confirmation is a Catholic/Orthodox sacrament, given to adolescents who have completed formal instruction in the faith. Many Catholics have First Communion, where young children, often dressed in white, have their first communion. Holy Orders are for priests, and is said to confer a grace that makes them effective leaders in the Church. 46

Protestant Churches Protestant churches are often quite plain. The pulpit, where the sermon is given, is often more prominent than the altar, which is more prominent in Catholic churches. There is usually little decoration, or minimal, usually a cross. The purpose is to create an environment without distractions

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Church Interiors

Catholic Church Interior Orthodox Church Interior

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Steeples Many churches have a tall tower called a “steeple”. This is one of the most distinctive exterior features of a church.

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Prayer Jesus prayed often, and taught his disciples the Lord’s Prayer. Christians pray both formally and privately. Christians usually offer a thanksgiving prayer before meals, on waking up, and before going to bed. They ask God for guidance, forgiveness, and peace, Catholics will deepen their spiritual lives by visiting the Stations of the Cross, usually displayed in their churches somewhere, though outdoor ones are also built. These recreate fourteen incidents from the Passion, or suffering, of Jesus in his final days. They will meditate and pray on each incident. Another method is the rosary, which involves recitation of a series of prayers counted on a string of beads while meditating on the life of Jesus. Orthodox turn to the Philokalia, a collection of mystical texts that contain much wisdom concerning contemplative prayer. Contemplative prayer is a prayer of the heart, where one’s whole being reaches out to God. Its most common form is the Jesus Prayer:

Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me. It is recited constantly.

To the right—an outdoor Stations of the Cross.

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HOLIDAYS

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Christmas

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. Christmas is preceded by the Advent season. Christmas is a great celebration, celebrated with services, caroling, Masses at midnight, and of course, gifts. Many Christians only attend services during this time period, or during Christmas and Easter. Northern countries created a whole mythology around Santa Claus, or Father Christmas, usually associated with Saint Nicholas. Santa brings gifts to the children from his workshop in the North Pole, often on a sleigh pulled by reindeer. In fact, many atheists or non-Christians celebrate the “Winter Festival” aspects of Christmas, such as Santa and Christmas trees, and give gifts as well.

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Christmas in Japan In Japan, Christmas Eve is a major date night, and Santa-san and Christmas trees are prominently displayed—despite the fact that most Japanese are not Christians, and will a few days later on New Years visit a Buddhist/Shinto shrine. For some reason, they also eat Kentucky Fried Chicken at Christmas.

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Epiphany The Christmas season ends with Epiphany , January 6. This celebrates Christ’s manifestation of divinity as an infant. It is often called Three King’s Day, as it is the day the Magi were supposed to have recognized Christ's divinity.

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Lent

Many Christian denominations precede Easter with Lent. During Lent, Christians give up eating certain foods for about 40 days, to vicariously participate in Jesus’ suffering. The last day(s) before Lent begins is often celebrated as Mardi Gras or Carnival, where people celebrate before entering the Lenten sacrificial period. It begins on Ash Wednesday, where ashes are spread on people’s heads to remind them of their mortality. One week before Easter, Palm Sunday is celebrated (often with palms), commemorating Jesus’s entry into Jerusalem. Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper, and Good Friday, 2 days before Easter, his death.

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Easter

Easter celebrates Christ’s resurrection. It is greeted with joy, as it signifies Jesus’s victory over death and the promise of eternal life.

In Orthodox countries, the cry resounds “Christ is risen!” with the response “He is Risen Indeed!

As it occurs in spring, many spring customs surround it, such as new clothes, elaborate hats, and of course, Easter egg rolls.

Pentecost follows several weeks later, celebrating the giving of the Holy Spirit.

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The Veneration of Saints

Saints are considered role models. Protestants respect the saints, especially the saints of early Christianity, but Catholics and Orthodox venerate them. Mary, the Theotokis, the Mother of God, is greatly praised for her virtues.

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CHRISTIAN LIFE CYCLE EVENTS

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Baptism

As part of the Great Commission, the Gospels say that Jesus told his disciples to baptize the nations. (Matt 28:19). It has several meanings, depending at least in part on the denomination and whether it is performed on an adult or an infant. Catholics, Orthodox, and many Protestants perform infant baptisms, either by pouring water on the child or by full or partial immersion. Orthodox, Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Mormons all believe it is necessary for salvation. Many Evangelical Protestants disagree on that. Catholics believe it a symbolic death and resurrection, and necessary for removing the taint of Original Sin—hence, it should be performed near birth. It provides entry into the church for many denominations. It is part of the conversion ceremonies for virtually all Christian groups. While there is disagreement as to its meaning and when it should be held, baptism is a fundamental Christian ritual and virtually all Christian groups practice it in one form or another. 59

Adult Baptism

Evangelicals, Baptists, and similar groups practice adult baptism. Baptism is believed to be “an outward testimony of the inward change in a believer’s life”. It is an outward testimony to a believer’s identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. Since infants are incapable of this, Baptists and similar groups believe that one should be baptized as an adult, not an infant. Often a full immersion is used. Children raised in Baptist homes are often baptized around the time of puberty, when they show signs of spiritual maturity. Arguably, in these denominations it functions in a manner similar to a bar mitzvah in Judaism, marking the entry into responsible adulthood. In any event, no matter what age a child, teen, or adult is baptized at in these denominations, they must profess faith in Christ to be baptized.

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Confirmation

During Confirmation, one is sealed with the Gift of the Holy Spirit and strengthened in one’s Christian life. It is the sealing of the covenant created through baptism. Catholics and Orthodox consider it a sacrament. The Holy Spirit is believed to be transferred via the laying on of hands by a church elder or priest, depending on denomination. Often, in Catholicism, it is by the bishop himself. Many evangelicals do not practice confirmation, as they believe it is un-Biblical. However, several passages in Gospels and Acts do refer to laying on of hands. Though originally administered in childhood, it is now usually given during adolescence.

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Marriage Most Christians view marriage (also called Holy Matrimony) as a state instituted and ordained by God for the lifelong relationship between one man and one woman. They consider it the most intimate of human relationships, a gift from God, and a sacred institution. They are split on the question of gay marriage, with Liberal Christians generally more positive than conservative Christians.

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Divorce

As marriage is supposed to be lifelong, divorce is generally either prohibited or discouraged. Where not prohibited, it is strongly discouraged in Christianity.

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Funerals and Burials In general, Protestant services are simpler than Catholic and Orthodox ones. Usually, at the funeral and/or the grave, there are references to Biblical passages which stress immortality and resurrection.

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