Please read through the selections on Christianity in the Novak anthology (pp. 225-264). What do you see here that hints at the potential for Christianity to become a "world" religion?
Jesus and his Message What are those core teachings that would make Christianity a world religion? In Novak’s whirlwind tour of Jesus’s life, one can see a theme developing. The report of the confrontation in the temple shows a young man with a calling/vocation even just before puberty. As we have seen in some of the other religions e.g. with Buddha and Confucius, these leaders seemed to be called for something more than this world. A present day Methodist pastor and writer, Adam Hamilton, says, “Man is wired for God.” This wiring of Jesus seems to be a more sensitive one. Further, the responses to Satan in the account of the temptations in the wilderness seem to introduce us to a man who is very aware of his special connection to the Divinity with the words, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” This young prophet has great physiological command of presence too as a healer. The greatest of physicians today know sometimes it is the commiseration and personality of the doctor that can heal the most. Jesus’s command of presence and self assuredness helps him declare, ”Friend, your sins are forgiven.” and, “Your faith has made you well.” Suffering and resurrection also appeal to man’s great fear of dying and death, as a final extinguishing. In Jesus’s era the poor were legion and many in the Roman world felt more Hindu towards them than Jewish. Jesus recognized this as well when he stated, “The poor will always be with you.” I think it is here that this tiny branch of Judaism broke off, keeping all those grand ideas of caring for the poor, letting justice roll, and finding the good of creation of the mother religion and then connecting those fine qualities to a missionary fervor helped spread the good news. The prevailing Greek and Roman culture was also so surprised of this group—“See how they love each other!” Some were curious enough to investigate it. The very astute/incredibly insightful/politically correct, whatever we want to call this revelation, that circumcision was not necessary for converts; I am certain help lots too. Jesus was into humor too. Can you imagine a camel trying to get into the city of Jerusalem by the “Eye of the Needle,” a gate to the city that was only big enough for a man to squeeze through sideways?
The readings make you realize that in Christianity one must believe. It is believing and your faith that is the saving grace. This idea is the one that makes the religion portable and international. I can believe anywhere. I don't have to be in a church. I can be in the car, on a walk or sitting watching TV and I can still have the one component which makes this religion work.
A messiah had been greatly longed for by the Jewish people for quite some time, so it is easy to see how they would be very willing to accept Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus taught “turning the other cheek” instead of taking revenge. The story of how Jesus forgave the adulterer instead of following the tradition of stoning her demonstrates forgiveness. Forgiveness and not seeking revenge probably appeal to people because they realize that no one is always good. The reading displayed Christianity as a religion full of love, forgiveness, and strong belief. These elements lead to its success as a world religion. Love and forgiveness are truths that people can see will bring good to the world, and the strong belief and passion of this religion are convincing to those whom they are teaching.
Early Christianity may have been enticing because it has a nice story that promised something after death. The Greeks and Romans of that time and place were already familiar with the concept of gods having human offspring so the concept of Jesus wasn’t something new – the but to the Jews this was a radical idea. But the story of redemption would still be popular to a lot of people.
I think one thing that laid the ground work for Christianity becoming a world religion is that it is personal. It was probably one of the first religions that emphasized having a personal relationship with God. And having a God who cared about you on a personal level. I also think that the presence of miracles in the scriptures had an effect on this as well.
I wish I wasn't posting what I'm about to because... It'll quickly label me as a cynic. Something I'm not ashamed of but not something I wear around as a badge of honor either. It puts me far (although not as far as it used to) outside societal norms.
Anyways, let me get on with it. All I had to do was read the headings of each passage and it quickly became clear to me the power of Christianity. Miracle, miracle, miracle. Jesus turned water to wine, he walked on water, he healed the sick, he made the blind see, he had a conversation with the devil then told him to leave, he exorcised demons, he made the lame walk, and lets not forget the most central Christian belief, he rose from the dead to walk again in full flesh.
I've always said that if I ha a time machine there is NOOOOO question where I would go, Jerusalem circa 20-25 AD. I tip my hat, applaud, and respect anyone who truly believes in all these miracles, but I've never been a man of faith. I was born in Missouri, so your going to have to show me.
To piggyback on Scott's comment, what hit me the thing Christianity had going for it was the Power(miracles). Defeating Satan and healing people are what you want a God to be able to do. Even in more modern stories, we like it when good defeats evil.
The message of forgiveness shown in the "those without sin, cast the first stone" story is also huge. As mentioned in class, you can be a sinner and you can still be saved.
Along those same lines, I believe the parables such as Vineyard Laborers & Prodigal Son are key to show that you can be saved/forgiven later in life. You don't have to lead a perfect life in order to be saved. I think this is a huge reason for its success as a world religion.
Believing in something unseen requires much faith. Many people want something tangible-something they can hold in their hand. To believe in God and feeling in your heart that he is truly there and listening to you means you are trusting in him. I believe this aspect of Christianity is appealing as a world religion because Jesus welcomes everyone with open arms. The great thing about faith is that your prayers don't have to be perfect. Jesus just wants them to be sincere. They also can be prayed anywhere. I believe it means more to God when you pray in private then to be seen by many praying because then you are not doing it in a boastful manner. I think there is a saying that goes something like this "The true mark of character is what you do when no one is looking."
Perhaps one of the best elements of Christianity that has helped it rise to the status of a world relgion is its inclusiveness.
On pg. 231, Novak says, "...Jesus healed many. In so doing he challenged traditional notions of ill people as unclean or outcast, and he signaled the depths of God's love."
and also on pg. 241, on important facts of life that Jesus spoke about "God's overwhelming love for humanity, and the need for people to accept that love and let it flow through them to others."
In Galatians chapter 2, we see Paul arguing that it would be a sin not to include the Gentiles, as the new covenant through Jesus was to spread the faith, and include everyone. They were no longer to look down on the Gentiles as sinners, lest they sin themselves.
Going back to Isaiah 49:6 ~ And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
and
56:6-7 ~ Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; (7)Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
This is all prime evidence that Christianity, and even Judaism, aren't just for the Hebrews, but for everyone. Everyone is invited to God's kingdom! With this in mind, it's no wonder why Christianity became a world religion. One size fits all.
The easiest place to find a reason for Christianity's becoming a world religion is in The Beatitudes (Matthew 5.1-11). They are scripture that reaches right into the hearts of the multitude rather than the few. It basically says, "Don't worry if you have it rough here on earth, if you lead a good life then you will obtain your rewards in Heaven." However, there is the evidence that Jesus is not only a great man, but one imbued with God's power, if not God manifested. Jesus goes around performing miracles, not just for the believers, but also for any who need it. He goes against the grain of society by hanging out with the so-called "dregs of humanity." In Luke 7.36-50 we read: "And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace." He is saying that no matter how great the sins are, if you are truly repentant and promise to live a life as Jesus commands, then you will be forgiven.
Like stated in responses- the headings labeled in this chapter tend to give reason for Christianity to become a world religion. One that spoke to me was "Come to Me, who are weary . . ."
Everyone experiences hardships, and with the majority of the people (poor or not) working under oppression for very little, they can turn to Christianity to help them realize the work, understanding, and trust put in Jesus will help them gain an ultimate reward.
Even before Jesus' death, a throng of followers had already amassed (sp?), giving reason for Christianity to become a world religion. Many people living in Judea put their faith in Jesus already, so a following was already started, possibly alerting the governing Romans and Hebrew officials with ties to the Romans as well.
I think the future of Christianity as a world religion is blatantly evident in the portion of scripture Novak calls --- 28. The Mission --- when Jesus says (post Resurrection) to his disciples, "All the authority in Heaven and on Earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time." (pg 253).
Jesus and his Message
ReplyDeleteWhat are those core teachings that would make Christianity a world religion?
In Novak’s whirlwind tour of Jesus’s life, one can see a theme developing. The report of the confrontation in the temple shows a young man with a calling/vocation even just before puberty. As we have seen in some of the other religions e.g. with Buddha and Confucius, these leaders seemed to be called for something more than this world. A present day Methodist pastor and writer, Adam Hamilton, says, “Man is wired for God.” This wiring of Jesus seems to be a more sensitive one.
Further, the responses to Satan in the account of the temptations in the wilderness seem to introduce us to a man who is very aware of his special connection to the Divinity with the words, “Do not put the Lord your God to the test.” This young prophet has great physiological command of presence too as a healer. The greatest of physicians today know sometimes it is the commiseration and personality of the doctor that can heal the most. Jesus’s command of presence and self assuredness helps him declare, ”Friend, your sins are forgiven.” and, “Your faith has made you well.”
Suffering and resurrection also appeal to man’s great fear of dying and death, as a final extinguishing. In Jesus’s era the poor were legion and many in the Roman world felt more Hindu towards them than Jewish. Jesus recognized this as well when he stated, “The poor will always be with you.”
I think it is here that this tiny branch of Judaism broke off, keeping all those grand ideas of caring for the poor, letting justice roll, and finding the good of creation of the mother religion and then connecting those fine qualities to a missionary fervor helped spread the good news. The prevailing Greek and Roman culture was also so surprised of this group—“See how they love each other!” Some were curious enough to investigate it.
The very astute/incredibly insightful/politically correct, whatever we want to call this revelation, that circumcision was not necessary for converts; I am certain help lots too. Jesus was into humor too. Can you imagine a camel trying to get into the city of Jerusalem by the “Eye of the Needle,” a gate to the city that was only big enough for a man to squeeze through sideways?
The readings make you realize that in Christianity one must believe. It is believing and your faith that is the saving grace. This idea is the one that makes the religion portable and international. I can believe anywhere. I don't have to be in a church. I can be in the car, on a walk or sitting watching TV and I can still have the one component which makes this religion work.
ReplyDeleteA messiah had been greatly longed for by the Jewish people for quite some time, so it is easy to see how they would be very willing to accept Jesus as the Messiah. Jesus taught “turning the other cheek” instead of taking revenge. The story of how Jesus forgave the adulterer instead of following the tradition of stoning her demonstrates forgiveness. Forgiveness and not seeking revenge probably appeal to people because they realize that no one is always good. The reading displayed Christianity as a religion full of love, forgiveness, and strong belief. These elements lead to its success as a world religion. Love and forgiveness are truths that people can see will bring good to the world, and the strong belief and passion of this religion are convincing to those whom they are teaching.
ReplyDeleteEarly Christianity may have been enticing because it has a nice story that promised something after death. The Greeks and Romans of that time and place were already familiar with the concept of gods having human offspring so the concept of Jesus wasn’t something new – the but to the Jews this was a radical idea. But the story of redemption would still be popular to a lot of people.
ReplyDeleteI think one thing that laid the ground work for Christianity becoming a world religion is that it is personal. It was probably one of the first religions that emphasized having a personal relationship with God. And having a God who cared about you on a personal level. I also think that the presence of miracles in the scriptures had an effect on this as well.
ReplyDeleteI wish I wasn't posting what I'm about to because... It'll quickly label me as a cynic. Something I'm not ashamed of but not something I wear around as a badge of honor either. It puts me far (although not as far as it used to) outside societal norms.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, let me get on with it. All I had to do was read the headings of each passage and it quickly became clear to me the power of Christianity. Miracle, miracle, miracle. Jesus turned water to wine, he walked on water, he healed the sick, he made the blind see, he had a conversation with the devil then told him to leave, he exorcised demons, he made the lame walk, and lets not forget the most central Christian belief, he rose from the dead to walk again in full flesh.
I've always said that if I ha a time machine there is NOOOOO question where I would go, Jerusalem circa 20-25 AD. I tip my hat, applaud, and respect anyone who truly believes in all these miracles, but I've never been a man of faith. I was born in Missouri, so your going to have to show me.
To piggyback on Scott's comment, what hit me the thing Christianity had going for it was the Power(miracles). Defeating Satan and healing people are what you want a God to be able to do. Even in more modern stories, we like it when good defeats evil.
ReplyDeleteThe message of forgiveness shown in the "those without sin, cast the first stone" story is also huge. As mentioned in class, you can be a sinner and you can still be saved.
Along those same lines, I believe the parables such as Vineyard Laborers & Prodigal Son are key to show that you can be saved/forgiven later in life. You don't have to lead a perfect life in order to be saved. I think this is a huge reason for its success as a world religion.
-John Vogel
Believing in something unseen requires much faith. Many people want something tangible-something they can hold in their hand. To believe in God and feeling in your heart that he is truly there and listening to you means you are trusting in him. I believe this aspect of Christianity is appealing as a world religion because Jesus welcomes everyone with open arms. The great thing about faith is that your prayers don't have to be perfect. Jesus just wants them to be sincere. They also can be prayed anywhere. I believe it means more to God when you pray in private then to be seen by many praying because then you are not doing it in a boastful manner. I think there is a saying that goes something like this "The true mark of character is what you do when no one is looking."
ReplyDeletePerhaps one of the best elements of Christianity that has helped it rise to the status of a world relgion is its inclusiveness.
ReplyDeleteOn pg. 231, Novak says, "...Jesus healed many. In so doing he challenged traditional notions of ill people as unclean or outcast, and he signaled the depths of God's love."
and also on pg. 241, on important facts of life that Jesus spoke about "God's overwhelming love for humanity, and the need for people to accept that love and let it flow through them to others."
In Galatians chapter 2, we see Paul arguing that it would be a sin not to include the Gentiles, as the new covenant through Jesus was to spread the faith, and include everyone. They were no longer to look down on the Gentiles as sinners, lest they sin themselves.
Going back to Isaiah 49:6 ~
And he said, It is a light thing that thou shouldest be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel: I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth.
and
56:6-7 ~ Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant;
(7)Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices [shall be] accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people.
This is all prime evidence that Christianity, and even Judaism, aren't just for the Hebrews, but for everyone. Everyone is invited to God's kingdom! With this in mind, it's no wonder why Christianity became a world religion. One size fits all.
The easiest place to find a reason for Christianity's becoming a world religion is in The Beatitudes (Matthew 5.1-11). They are scripture that reaches right into the hearts of the multitude rather than the few. It basically says, "Don't worry if you have it rough here on earth, if you lead a good life then you will obtain your rewards in Heaven." However, there is the evidence that Jesus is not only a great man, but one imbued with God's power, if not God manifested. Jesus goes around performing miracles, not just for the believers, but also for any who need it. He goes against the grain of society by hanging out with the so-called "dregs of humanity." In Luke 7.36-50 we read: "And one of the Pharisees desired him that he would eat with him. And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to meat. And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment, And stood at his feet behind him weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner. And Jesus answering said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged. And he turned to the woman, and said unto Simon, Seest thou this woman? I entered into thine house, thou gavest me no water for my feet: but she hath washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head. Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet. My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment. Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little. And he said unto her, Thy sins are forgiven. And they that sat at meat with him began to say within themselves, Who is this that forgiveth sins also? And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace." He is saying that no matter how great the sins are, if you are truly repentant and promise to live a life as Jesus commands, then you will be forgiven.
ReplyDeleteLike stated in responses- the headings labeled in this chapter tend to give reason for Christianity to become a world religion. One that spoke to me was "Come to Me, who are weary . . ."
ReplyDeleteEveryone experiences hardships, and with the majority of the people (poor or not) working under oppression for very little, they can turn to Christianity to help them realize the work, understanding, and trust put in Jesus will help them gain an ultimate reward.
Even before Jesus' death, a throng of followers had already amassed (sp?), giving reason for Christianity to become a world religion. Many people living in Judea put their faith in Jesus already, so a following was already started, possibly alerting the governing Romans and Hebrew officials with ties to the Romans as well.
I think the future of Christianity as a world religion is blatantly evident in the portion of scripture Novak calls --- 28. The Mission --- when Jesus says (post Resurrection) to his disciples, "All the authority in Heaven and on Earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, make disciples of all the nations; baptize them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to observe all the commands I gave you. And know that I am with you always; yes, to the end of time." (pg 253).
ReplyDelete