ORIGINS OF CHRISTIANITY
Outline the Historical and Cultural Context
Historical and Cultural Context
Key Notes:
- Semitic Origin: Christianity began as a sect within Judaism in 1st century
Palestine, a region of deep Jewish religious traditions and expectations.
- Roman Rule: Palestine was under Roman rule, causing political tension,
oppression, and a strong desire among Jews for freedom and a saviour
(Messiah). Broke social norms by associating with outcasts
- Jewish Messianic Expectations: Many Jews were awaiting a Messiah to
deliver them politically and spiritually, but Jesus did not meet their expectations of
a military or legalistic leader.
- Religious Diversity: The Jewish community was divided into sects (Pharisees,
Sadducees, Zealots, Essenes), each with different beliefs about the Messiah and
the Law.
- Sadducees = Did not view Jesus as Messiah as his teachings
contradicted the Torah. No belief in Resurrection. Jewish leaders.
- Pharisees = Very strict Jews who wanted a Messiah that followed every
rule; they thought Jesus was too relaxed with the law.
- Zealots = Jews who wanted a fighter to defeat the Romans; they didn’t
accept Jesus because he preached peace.
- Economic Hardship:
There was a large gap
between rich and poor, with
heavy Roman taxes and
temple sacrifices creating
pressure and longing for
justice.
- Greek Influence: Greek
(Hellenistic) culture,
language, and philosophy
influenced daily life and
communication, helping the
spread of new ideas like
Christianity.
- Jesus' Teachings: Jesus taught about love, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of
God, which encouraged many but also challenged existing religious and social
systems. He broke social norms challenging the religious leaders’ authority,
which is why some wanted him dead.
WHAT: Christianity began as a sect within Judaism during the 1st century in
Roman-occupied Palestine, where people were waiting for a Messiah (saviour).
WHY:
- Jews were oppressed under Roman rule and hoped for freedom.
- People wanted spiritual peace and justice.
- Many believed the time was right for the Messiah to come.
- Jesus' message of love, forgiveness, and the Kingdom of God attracted
followers.
HOW:
- Jesus preached across towns and villages, mainly to ordinary people.
- He challenged religious leaders, healed the sick, and taught in parables.
- His followers (the Apostles) spread his teachings even after his crucifixion.
- Christianity spread quickly through the Greco-Roman world using Greek
language and roads built by the Romans.
Examine the principal events of Jesus’ life
Principal Events:
The Annunciation (6 BC): The angel Gabriel told Mary she would give birth to Jesus,
the Son of God — marking the beginning of God’s plan for salvation.
The Birth of Jesus ( 6–4 BC): Jesus was born in Bethlehem to the Virgin Mary —
fulfilling Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah.
Circumcision: Jesus was 8 days old and on the eighth day of creation he was
circumcised according to jewish custom in order to fulfill the covenant.
Jesus in the Temple (age 12): Jesus amazed the temple teachers with his wisdom and
understanding, showing awareness of his potential divine mission.
Baptism by John the Baptist (26 AD): Jesus was baptised in the River Jordan,
marking the start of his public ministry and showing humility.
Public Ministry Begins: Jesus preached the Kingdom of God, healed the sick, taught
in parables, and called 12 disciples.
Miracles and Good deeds: Jesus performed miracles such as healing, raising the
dead, walking on water, communicating with outcasts and feeding thousands,
demonstrating divine authority through the inspired word of god.
Sermon on the Mount:Jesus taught core values like love, mercy, humility, and justice;
foundation of Christian ethics which are the 10 Commandments.
The Last Supper: Jesus shares bread and wine with his disciples, instituting the
Eucharist, and foretold his betrayal.
Arrest and Trial: Jesus was betrayed by Judas, arrested, and put on trial by Jewish
and Roman authorities. He broke social norms which challenged the religious leaders’
authority, which is why some wanted him dead.
Crucifixion (Good Friday): Jesus was crucified and Christians believe his death was
substituted for humanity’s sins.
Resurrection (Easter Sunday): Jesus rose from the dead which provides the central
belief of Christianity, showing victory over sin and death.
Ascension: Forty days after the resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven — marking
the completion of his mission.
What is Jesus for an Atheist?
- Atheist = Someone who does not believe in a supernatural dimension therefore
a religion.
- The historical evidence of Jesus is both long established and widespread.
- Historical Texts often mention Jesus and his existence is widely accepted
amongst nations in the world.
What is Jesus for another Abrahamic Faith?
- Judaism: Jesus is seen as a historical figure but not as the Messiah or divine,
instead he is acknowledged as a role of a teacher
- Islam: Jesus(Isa) is considered one of God’s prophets. He is seen as the born of
Virgin Mary yet Islam denies its resurrection and crucifixion.
Explain why Jesus is the model for Christian life
Aspects and Impact of the model of christian life:
Prayer: Shows the importance of personal relationship with God and dependence on
him. Personal prayer which is communicated to god. He aims to link Christians to form a
relationship with him and teaching people about values, principals through prayers such
as “Our Father”
- Luke 5:16 – “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.”
Effect: Encourages believers to develop a strong prayer life for guidance and strength.
Service: Demonstrates humility and putting others before oneself. Helping the sick,
marginalised, and poor. Jesus’ selflessness demonstrated how christians should serve
in daily lives. Beatitudes and Parables also demonstrate how one should act with
Charity, today we see this generosity and service through St Vincent De Paul charity.
- John 13:14-15 – Jesus washes disciples’ feet.
Effect: Inspires Christians to serve others humbly in everyday life. Ultimately living out
the commandments set by God and not in just words but to continually act in good
deeds.
Love: Shows love as the foundation of all relationships. Unconditional love and
forgiveness drives the mission of Jesus Christ. Compassion for the Poor showing care
for the marginalized and encouraging social justice. Teaching forgiveness is essential
for healing and reconciliation. Jesus encourages forgiving others in order to receive
forgiveness from God.
- Universal forgiveness = Salvation
- Forgiveness of Sins = Confession
- Sacrament of Reconciliation = Catholicism
- Holy Confession = Orthodox
- Matthew 22:39 – “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Effect: Motivates believers to act with compassion and kindness to everyone.
Faithfulness in Suffering: Strengthens believers to remain faithful and hopeful in
difficult times, trusting God’s greater purpose.
- Luke 22:42 – “Not my will, but yours be done.”
Describe the early development of Christian communities
after the death of Jesus
Gospel Writers: The Gospel writers (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) authored Jesus’ life,
teachings, death, and [Link] gospels and the acts of the apostles tell how
Jesus chose 12 apostles. Their writings shaped the theology and practices of
Christian life. The term church (ekklesia) only appears twice in Matthew, showing Jesus
is focused more on community, than formal structure.
- Peter = Leader of 12 Apostles
- James = Leader in jerusalem (When peter left jerusalem to become leader of
catholic church in Rome)
What: The Gospel writers documented Jesus’ life, teachings, death, and resurrection.
How: They wrote their accounts based on eyewitnesses and oral tradition, helping
preserve and spread Jesus’ message.
Why: Their writings became the foundation of Christian belief, guiding moral
teaching, worship, and understanding of Jesus as the Son of God.
Paul Of Tarsus: Paul(formerly saul) was a former persecutor of Christians who
converted after an encounter with Jesus. Became the leading missionary of early
Christianity, spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. Wrote letters that form a major part of
the New Testament.
- Significant figure and contributed to the spread of early christianity.
Due to his intellect and commitment to faith, he became the most important missionary
for christianity spreading the word of god to a number of foreign communities.
What: Paul was a former persecutor of Christians who converted and became
Christianity’s greatest missionary.
How: After encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus, Paul travelled widely,
spreading the Gospel and writing letters to Christian communities.
Why: Paul’s work expanded Christianity beyond Judaism, making it a global religion
for all people.
Early Development of Christianity:
Stage 1: Jesus’ death and resurrection is announced to the disciples at Pentecost
considered the birth of Christianity. (Acts 2-4).
Stage 2: The church learns its first lesson about expansion. The first break - the church
and the Gospel message is not tied to Jerusalem. (Acts 6 -9).
Stage 3: The church learns a second valuable lesson. Expansion and disagreement -
you need not be a Jew to be a follower of Jesus.
Stage 4: The church expands through Paul’s missionary journeys.
- Acts 2:1–4 – Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit.
Effect: Seen as the birth of the Church; the Spirit sparked the disciples to preach,
leading to mass gatherings and community formation.
- Followers of Jesus were known as “names of Jesus”
- After Jesus’ death and resurrection, his followers called themselves ‘brethren’,
‘disciples’ and ‘those of the way’
What: Christianity grew from a small Jewish movement to a widespread faith.
How: Through the apostles' preaching, the power of the Holy Spirit, missionary
journeys, and house churches.
Why: This spread established Christianity as a universal religion and created strong,
united communities despite persecution.
Women Significance: Women played vital roles as leaders, missionaries, and
witnesses to the resurrection. Mary Magdalene was the first to see the risen Christ.
Women like Phoebe and Priscilla were praised by Paul for leadership in the Church.
- John 20:17 – Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene and sends her to tell the
disciples.
Effect: Shows that women were trusted with the revelation of the resurrection,
highlighting their leadership and spiritual importance in the early Church.
What: Women were central in the early Church as leaders, missionaries, and the first
witnesses of Jesus’ resurrection.
How: Jesus affirmed women’s value by appearing to Mary Magdalene first; women like
Phoebe and Priscilla worked alongside male leaders.
Why: Their involvement shows the inclusive nature and gender equality of
Christianity and challenges later faiths and traditions that limited women's roles.
Outline the Denominations of Christianity
Key Concepts:
Why Divided?: Often because of political and social reasons but are all derived from
theological reasons.
How divided?: The Great Schism and Protestant Reformation The question of
leadership, expression of the beliefs, and the role of scriptures and tradition is what
separates them. Denominations differ in worship style, leadership, and interpretation of
the Bible.
The Great Schism(1054): Tensions between the eastern church(Greek Speaking) and
the western churches(Latin Speaking) come to a disagreement in many elements such
as social structures, language and theory particularly in the text of creed.
Protestant Reformation: When Roman Catholic churches in Europe and Britain were
challenged because of some practices seen as corrupt, and as a result many of these
churches formed their separate versions or christian churches.
All of these variants adhere to specific beliefs related to Jesus Christ, creation, salvation
and afterlife, and believe that the scriptures are the inspired word of God. More recent
times has seen the birth of various religious movements, mostly from within the
protestant churches.
Anglicanism
- Started in England when the King broke away from the Pope.
- Mixes Catholic traditions (like bishops and sacraments) with Protestant ideas
(like focus on the Bible).
- Doesn’t follow the Pope – their top leader is the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Catholicism
- Led by the Pope in Rome, who they believe continues the role of Peter, Jesus'
apostle.
- Believes in 7 sacraments, especially the Eucharist (bread becomes Jesus'
body).
- Teaches that you need faith and good actions to be saved.
Orthodoxy:
- Split from the Catholic Church in 1054(Great Schism) over differences in
leadership and beliefs.
- Uses icons (holy images) and very traditional, long worship services.
- Doesn’t follow the Pope as each region has its own leader (Patriarch)
Pentecostalism:
- Focuses on the Holy Spirit, with people often speaking in tongues or claiming
healing powers.
- Worship is loud, energetic, and full of music – very different from traditional
church services.
- Believes in being “born again” and having a personal experience with Jesus.
Protestantism:
- Started in the 1500s when people (like Martin Luther) protested against problems
in the Catholic Church.
- Believes the Bible is the only authority, and faith alone can bring salvation.
- Doesn't follow the Pope and usually has simple services with lots of Bible
reading.