Christianity

The contribution of Paul of Tarsus to Christianity

Background of St Paul Paul was a Pharisee who was born in Tarsus, which is north of Israel He was roughly 10 years younger than Jesus Could speak all known languages (Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic) Became a follower of Jesus after having an extraordinary experience of Jesus which changed his life Spent 3 years after his conversion in Arabia to understand what occurred First Christian theologian (someone who studies the word of God), interpreter and writer Executed in Rome between 62 and 67 CE

The contribution of Paul to the development and expression of Christianity Established Christian communities throughout the Mediterranean area Wrote 14 letters and takes up over 50% of the New Testament Opened Christianity to Gentiles Fashioned foundational Christian beliefs Went on missions to spread Christianity

The effect/impact of Paul on Christianity Immediate impact Established many churches very quickly because of his belief that the end of the world was imminent. This energized and consolidated the churches Relied on his knowledge of the Hebrew Scriptures to answer any questions that people had at the time He laid down foundational beliefs of Christianity such as: Gods grace is for all, the church is the body of Christ and justification of faith

Long term impact Letters attributed to him are included in the bible Teachings influenced future generations on how to behave and live Teachings have infused every aspect of Christian teachings Letters are used in catholic liturgies and other prayer services Paul continued Jesus view that women are important and is to be respected because they are part of Gods kingdom.

Bioethics
Describe and explain Christian bioethical teachings Catholic Church of England Abortion: the Abortion is not allowed in Abortion is not allowed killing of an any circumstances unless unless the mothers live is unborn baby the mothers live is in grave in grave danger. Humans either as an danger. The belief comes dont have the right to embryo or from the scriptures: determine who lives and foetus Genesis 1:26 God created dies all life in his image and Psalm 139: before a likeness person is born God loved Jeremiah 1:5 Before we them were born God gave us life Jehovahs Witness Abortion is not allowed; life begins at conception and is sacred to Jehovah. The interpretation of the scriptures is the role of the governing body

Organ Donation: an operation in which the patient s own organ is replaced by an organ from a different individual

View organ donations as an act of love and charity, it helps people live and recover without altering life Nothing in the ten commandments and scriptures prevent the giving of blood to save another

Also believe that organ donations are acceptable and an act of love and charity

Organ donations are prohibited including in the case of an emergency. Genesis 9:3 and Acts 15:29 state blood means life in Gods eyes and blood is sacred to God. It is not permissible to sustain life with transfused blood

Capital Punishment: the legalised killing of an individual by the state

The death penalty is only permissible in rare circumstances. Recognises that traditionally the catholic church used capital punishment. Matthew 7:2 Whatever measure you deal out to others will be dealt back to you", though this is unspecific as to whether it is God who is doing the dealing, or the state.

The death penalty accepted as part of life in rare circumstances Genesis 9:6 Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed

Baptism
Describe one significant practice: Baptism Baptism is an initiation and ritual that a person must go through to become part of the church Christians have been baptising since the time of Jesus, because it was a direct command to the Apostles All Christians baptise but the way in which they baptise differs Water: cleansing, original sins are washed away and a sign of new life Oil: symbolises strengthening for the struggles ahead Candle: the light of the world, seeing all things through the life of Jesus White: purity and innocence, sign of new life Orthodox The baby is anointed with oil, than immersed fully into the water three times. Baptists Baptists baptise adults because they believe that you need to understand what you are committing yourself too. The adult is fully submersed in water

Catholics Water is poured on the babys head three times in the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit.

How baptism expresses the beliefs of Christianity The belief of the trinity: The father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The baby is placed in water three times and oil is placed on the forehead, chest and hands of the baby. This is done three times to express belief in the trinity Jesus died for humanity (salvation): the words from the gospel are repeated. go and baptise all people in the name of the father, the son and the holy spirit Jesus as saviour of the world: Catholics- children are given a lit candle to symbolise receiving the light of Christ

The significance of Baptism for the individual and Christian community When a person is baptised they are saying to the Christian community that they want to be a follower of that religion. As a follower of that religion they promise to believe in and follow all the teachings of that religion Basic moral laws are found in the ten commandments and these laws teach Christians to behave in a certain way People are cleansed from sins (1 Cor 6:11)