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Intro to World Reigions and Belief Systems

Module 1

Human life may have produced hundreds of religions and belief systems. The table below enumerates the different kinds
of worldviews or belief systems.

Kinds of Belief Systems

Monism - It refers to a no real distinction between god and the universe.
Monotheism- It is the doctrine or belief in one god.
Polytheism- It is the belief and worship of many gods.
Agnostic- It means that god can exist there is no religion
Atheism- It is a disbelief in or denial of the existence of personal god

Theism, often used as a synonym to monotheism, is defined as “a belief in the existence of one god viewed as the
creative source of the human race and the world who transcends yet is immanent in the world.

Module 2

Religion may be defined as “an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of
gods”. The Latin word religio refers to “something done with overanxious or scrupulous attention to detail”. This term may
have probably been derived from the Latin word religare which means “to tie together, to bind fast”.

Various definitions forwarded by several social scientists on the nature of religion.

Edward Burnett Taylor (1832-1917) - he is founding figure of the Science of Social Anthropology. He believes in spiritual
being.
James George Frazer (1854-1941) - he one of the founding figures of modern anthropology. He believes in a propitiation
or conciliation of the powers superior to man which are believed to control and direct the course of nature and of human
life
Bronislaw Kasper Malinowski (1884-1942) - He is an eminent 20th-century Polish anthropologist. He believes in a body
of self- contained acts being themselves the fulfillment of their purpose; an affair of all, in which one takes an active and
equivalent part.
David Emile Durkheim (1858-1917) - he is the father of sociology. He believes that religion is a unified system of beliefs
and practices relative to sacred things.

Basic Concepts in Studying Religion

Theology - It involves the systematic study of the existence and nature of the divine.
Philosophy of Religion - It deals primarily with issues concerning religion, which includes analysis on the existence of a
divine being or on sacred text.
Spirituality - It is something an individual can have without being implicated in the ambivert complexity of human
societies and institutions. It can be described as one’s integrative view of life and involves a quest for the meaning and the
ultimate value of life as opposed to an instrumental or materialistic attitude to life.

Spirituality is derived from the Latin words spiritus, its verb root is spirare which means “to breathe literally”. There is an
impression that people are surrounded by a “divine reality as pervasive, intimate, necessary, invisible as the air we
breathe”.
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Module 3

Summarizes the different theories on the origin of religion and the major proponents of these theories.

Animistic Theories -
Edward Burnett Taylor (1832-1917) - Primitive people believe in souls or anima found in people (seen in dreams) and in
all nature. Since spirits could be helpful or harmful to human beings, early people had to pray to these spirits and offer
sacrifices.
Robert Henry Codrington (1830- 1922) - In his investigation, he found out that the Melanesian people believed in mana, a
mysterious force that inhabited all of nature. All early people began their religion in cognizance of such force.
Nature Worship Theory -
Human beings first developed their religions from their observations of the forces of nature. Early people became
aware of the regularity of the seasons, the tides and the phases of the moon, and began personalizing them by giving
them names, describing their activities with tales that transformed into mythology. Primitive people identified the forces in
nature, personified them, created myths, and developed religions around them.
Theory of Original Monotheism -
Wilhelm Schmidt (1868-1954) - In Australia and Africa, basic cultures held a common belief in a distant high god, that
originally there had been one great god above all others, and that he may have been the creator of the world or the father
of the many lesser deities. This high god went away and had little contact with the world that resulted in the majority of
attention and worship to local deities. Primitive societies were originally monotheistic, but because it was difficult to
worship just one god, religion was corrupted to polytheism.
Magic Theory -
James George Frazer (1854-1941) - People had gone three phases of development concerning the spirit world: (1)
primitive magic (wherein people attempted to control nature in the hope that nature will cooperate if rituals are done
properly); (2) religion (wherein people implored nature to cooperate since they have realized that nature cannot be
coerced); and (3) science (wherein a rational understanding of nature is operative).
Wish Fulfilment Theory -
James George Frazer (1854-1941) - There were no gods and that belief in gods was simply wish fulfillment. Troubled
people who could not cope with the difficulties in life projected their wishes and developed gods and religions.
Karl Heinrich Marx (1818-1883) - Religions were developed by the few as a means to control the masses and
suppress revolution as a result of the continuing struggle between classes. Rulers and allied priests wished to control all
wealth so they had to create a scheme of gods, heavens, and hell. Masses were persuaded to accept poverty and be
obedient to inherit bliss in another life.
Sigmund Freud (1856-1939) - Religion originated from the guilt that individuals supposedly feel in hating their
fathers. All males possess a similar tendency to desire our mothers and hate our fathers. As a result of this subconscious
hatred and ensuing guilt, a great father image was projected in the sky called God. A healthy mature person can face
problems without the need for gods or religions.

Module 4

THE PATRIARCH ABRAHAM

The prophet and patriarch Abraham played a major role in the establishment of the three monotheistic religions: namely,
Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, these organized religions are collectively known as Abrahamic religions. The Jewish
people regard Abraham as the ancestor of the Israelites, through his descendants Isaac and Jacob. The Muslims
consider Abraham’s son Ishmael as the ancestor of the Arabs. The Christians view Abraham as ‘father in faith’ as
narrated in the Bible and the ancestor of Jesus Christ.
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Prophets and apostles play major roles in these religions. Judaism has 48 prophets and seven prophetesses.
In Christianity, the 12 apostles were the primary disciples of Jesus Christ, some of whom wrote parts of the New
Testament. For the Muslims, they believe that Muhammad is the final prophet or the “Seal of the Prophets.”

THE INDIAN MOSAIC

Four great religions originated in India – Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism.
Hinduism perfectly reflects Indian heterogeneity with its eclectic, diversified, and assorted ways of religious expressions
that are quite confusing to outsiders. It has no specific founder, no one sacred book, and with innumerable gods and
goddesses that any Hindu can venerate. As such, Hinduism can be considered as a ‘museum of religions’ (Israel and
Grewal 1989). Through Siddharta Gautama, Buddhism was established. Through his meditations, he was able to
identify ways on how to avoid human suffering.

THE WAY OF THE DAO

Chinese civilization is one of the world’s oldest, dating back almost 4,000 years ago. China adopted Kung Fu-Tzu's
(Confucius) ideals and ethics as the nation developed meritocracy as a basis for government officials. Confucius is
regarded as China’s greatest philosopher and teacher who lived at the same time as Siddhartha Gautama in India
(Perry 1988). Mysteries abound the birth and personal life of Laozi (Lao-tzu) who may have written Dao De Jing (Tao Te
Ching or The Book of the Way and its Power) around the 6th century B.C.E.

Shintoism is a loosely organized local belief of Japan, somewhat an ardent religious form of Japanese patriotism (Hopfe
1893). Its mythology highlights the superiority of Japan over other lands. Shrines celebrate great heroes and important
events in Japan’s history. The term ‘Shinto’ was coined around the sixteenth century C.E. to distinguish native belief. The
term actually originated from the Chinese words shen and tao roughly translated as the ‘way of the gods’.

Module 5

The Western Frontier

Mountains play significant roles in many religious beliefs as these landforms provide ideal settings where gods live or
where gods and mortals meet. The Temple Mount is one of the most sacred sites in the world revered by the Jews,
Christians, and Muslims. Three structures are found in the present site that include the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of
the Rock, and the Dome of the Chain. The Jewish people consider the Temple Mount as their holiest shrine.

Sacred Mountains in the Judeo- Christian tradition.

Mount Ararat - Traditional landing place of Noah’s Ark as narrated in the book of Genesis
Mount Sinai - The peak where Moses received the Ten Commandments
Mount Zion/ Mount Moirah - Known as the city of David and Temple Mount
Mount Tabor - Site of transfiguration of Jesus Christ

Mount Moriah is also believed to be the site of the sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham. Located at the Temple Mount, the
Islamic Dome of the Rock is the most recognizable structure in Jerusalem. It is believed that the rock is the spot from
which Muhammad ascended to heaven. Another Islamic structure at the Temple Mount is the Al-Aqsa Mosque
associated with the “night journey” undertaken by Muhammad.
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The Indian Subcontinent

More than 4000 years ago, a civilization emerged along the Indus River that developed a unique and exceptional culture
long before the dawn of the Christian era. Hindus revere the sun (Surya) and fire (Agni). Likewise, water also plays a
major role in the Indian psyche as evidenced by Hindus venerating a god of water and celestial oceans
(Varuna). Siddhartha Gautama gave his first sermon about the principles of Buddhism at Varanasi. It is presently marked
by the Dhamek Stupa shrine. The Buddha also met his first disciples at this place which is now commemorated by
the Chaukhandi Stupa monument.

The Eastern End

Chinese culture practically influenced all other countries at its outskirts, including Japan and Korea. The location of China
proper in the valleys of two great bodies of water, the Huang He and Yangtze, is quite favorable because of the support
these streams provide to the Chinese people that made historic China the center of culture. Three great religions emerged
in China namely: Confucianism, Daoism, and Shintoism. Confucianism paved the way for Chinese society to attain a
lasting social order. The three kingdoms from Korea namely: Goguryeo, Silla, and Baekje adopted this religion along
with Buddhism. Daoism, on the other hand, was introduced by Lao Tze. This served as the guiding principle to abandon
and withdraw from the disorder brought about by incessant struggle for power, wealth, and prestige. Japan embraced the
ideals of Confucianism but between the 4th to 8th century it experienced a cultural change. Shinto was introduced to
differentiate Japan’s native belief (which is the belief in Kami) and the foreign religions.

Module 6

The Cultural Milieu

World religions can be regarded along the lines of their exclusivity or non-exclusivity. Exclusive religions are oftentimes
monotheistic with Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as examples. Meanwhile, non-exclusive religions are often
polytheistic in nature. Examples of non-exclusive religions are Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, and
Shintoism.

On Monotheism and Universality

Monotheism or the belief in one God is an ancient idea that predated the establishment of Abrahamic religions. It
characterizes the traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, and elements of the belief are discernible in numerous
other religions. Judaism and Islam affirm the presence of one god, while Christianity acknowledges one God in three
persons: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The principles of the Muslim faith are reflected in the “Five Pillars
of Islam”.
Both Christianity and Islam are considered universalizing religions because they attempt to operate on a global scale
and are not inextricably linked to any nation, ethnicity, or place as opposed to ethnic religions that attract one group of
people residing in one locality. On the other hand, Judaism can be considered an ethnic religion because it draws
members from a specific group of people from a definite locality with most of its practices and rituals performed
continuously throughout generations.

On the Concept of Dharma

Dharmic religions are the religions that originated in the Indian subcontinent: namely Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism,
and Sikhism. Dharmic religions do not compel their adherents to profess their devotion to be a believer or a practitioner.
For the followers of dharmic religions, meditation and yoga rituals lead to right behavior and ultimate understanding of the
universe. The final spiritual truth is beyond all delusions of the physical world where pain and sufferings exist because of
extreme attachment to people and material things.
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On Nature and Ancestors

Chinese religions give emphasis to moral order, people’s significant roles to play in the society, and gives emphasis on
family relations which is being practiced in Confucianism as well as having harmonious relationship between humankind
and nature in which Daoism teaches. On the other hand, Shintoism is closely linked to nature and natural forces. For
example, Japan has four mountains namely Mount Fuji, Mount Tate, Mount Aino, and Mount Haku in which they
consider sacred as it serves as an abode of Japanese gods.

Module 7

POSITIVE EFFECTS OF RELIGION

Promotes Social Harmony - Religion provides divine authority to ethical and moral principles of the people and it
promotes unity among themselves.
Provides Moral Values - Religion provides a systematic model of the universe that determines organized human
behavior. By providing moral values, one is able to distinguish right from wrong, good from evil. It also provides a system
of reward and punishment that administers and standardizes people’s behavior in society. Some people believe that it is
sometimes more effective than the laws implemented by the state, since most people give more importance to the reward
and punishment in the afterlife.
Religion Provides Social Change - It has the potential to institute social change especially in the issues concerning:
poverty, reproductive health, gender equality, religious discrimination
Religion Reduces Fear of the Unknown - It provides people with answers to the unknown such as the origin of life and
the concept of afterlife.
Religion Gives Positive Goals in Life - People were inspired by the stories of different prophets from their own religious
affiliations. And gives people a sense of meaning in life; that they are not placed in this world without a purpose; that each
and everyone has a mission to fulfill and it is up to them to fathom what their missions in life are.
Religion Gives People a Sense of Belonging - It provides people with personal identity as part of a group with similar
worldviews, beliefs, values, practices, and lifestyles. It provides communities with prospects to recognize and offer vital
action and service to provide the needs of the larger community. It also provides a sense of security because other people
who belong to the same group will tend to support and help each other in times of crisis. Members of the religious
community can have the assurance that they can rely on other people’s help in times of need, and expect to have other
people rejoice with them in times of success.

Module 8

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF RELIGION

Religion Affirms Social Hierarchy - some religions affirm social hierarchy often favoring men and as a result, perpetuate
the notions of class or gender discrimination and oppression.
Religion Causes Discrimination - when people do not tolerate religious ideologies different from the one they follow.
Religious fanaticism can lead to feelings of hatred, which could lead to racism, and eventually violence. Religion can also
be a source of discrimination, or the prejudicial treatment of different categories of people or things, especially on the
basis of race, religion, age, or sex.
Religion Triggers Conflicts and Fights – Religion also has some aspects which make it susceptible to be a source of
conflict and war. History witnessed numerous lives sacrificed and lost in the name of religion.
Religion As An Economic Tool for Exploiting the Masses - – According to German philosopher Karl Marx, “religion is
the opium of the masses.” It maintains social inequality by propagating a worldview that justifies oppression.
Religion Impedes Scientific Success and Development –It has often been said that the Catholic Church teaches that
the world is flat and warns people against going to faraway places if they do not wish to fall off the edge of the earth.
Another example was the claim that the earth is the center of the solar system known as Ptolemaic theory. Some of the
moral teachings of other religions are deemed by secular communities to be detrimental to development.
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Religion Obstructs the Use of Reason – The ancient practice of boring holes in the human skull, a surgical procedure
performed on epileptics and mentally ill, with the belief that through the hole the evil spirit will leave the person. During
that time, they regard it as an attempt at exorcism, but at present the procedure is just unthinkable.

Module 9

HISTORICAL EVENTS CAUSED BY RELIGION

SELF-IMMOLATION OF A BUDDHIST MONK IN VIETNAM

Self-immolation, or the killing of oneself as a form of sacrifice, originally referred to as the act of setting oneself on fire. It is
used as a form of political protest or martyrdom.
WIDOW BURNING AMONG THE HINDUS IN INDIA
Sati, or the practice of self-immolation of a widow on her husband’s funeral pyre, is said to have originated 700 years ago
in India.
THE INQUISITION
Inquisition refers to the Roman Catholic Church groups charged with subduing heresy from around 1184, which includes
the Episcopal Inquisition (11841230s) and the Papal Inquisition (1230s). The Inquisition was a response to large popular
movements in Europe considered heretical or profane to Christianity.
THE GODHRA TRAIN INCIDENT IN 2002
In February 2002, a train was set on fire in which 59 people, including 25 women and 15 children, were killed. Hindus
accuse the Muslims of demolishing a previous Hindu temple on the site to create the Babri mosque, which was destroyed
by radical Hindu activists during a political rally that turned into a riot on December 6, 1992. The Godhra train incident in
2002 was seen as a Muslim retaliation for the demolition of the Babri mosque in 1992.

Module 10

Historical Background of Judaism

Judaism is the oldest of the monotheistic religions, whose origin dated back 1500BCE. Jewish tradition traces its
development to the ancient patriarch Abraham, and his descendants Isaac and Jacob. It is believed that Judaism was
instituted with the covenant between God and the Israelites in Mt. Sinai. The origin of the Jewish people and the
beginning of Judaism are recorded in the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, the Pentateuch. As a religion and
culture, Judaism has three notable founding figures or patriarchs, namely, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Module 11

BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES IN JUDAISM

SACRED SCRIPTURES
The sacred text of the Hebrews is called the Tanakh (Written Torah), a collection of 24 books which is divided into 3
parts: The Torah (Teaching) which contains the early history of Judaism and is composed of the first five books called the
Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy). Nev’im (Prophets) wherein prophets served as
spokespersons who criticize the hypocritical practices of Jewish rituals. And the last one, Ketuvim (writings) that
contains works on poetry, temple ritual, private prayer, and philosophical explorations. On the other hand, Judaism also
have their Oral Torah which is known as the Talmud that means “study”. It contains the materials of law and moral
code, thus it is considered as a fountain of religious thoughts and inspirations for the Jews.
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BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES

Jews believe that there is only one god who created everything and that God can communicate to the human beings
through revelation while as for the humans, they can communicate to Him through prayers and meditation. Jews also
have their creeds as well as set of rules to follow. God appeared to Moses in Mt. Sinai, introduced Himself as Yahweh and
gave the commandments to Moses. These are set of absolute law which shall govern every Israelite.

Jewish Principles of Faith

1. God exists.
2. God is one and unique.
3. God is incorporeal.
4. God is eternal.
5. Prayer is to be directed to God alone and to no other.
6. The words of the prophets are true.
7. Moses’ prophecies are true, and Moses was the greatest of the prophets.
8. The Written Torah and the Oral Torah were given to Moses.
9. There will be no other Torah.
10. God knows the thoughts and deeds of men.
11. God will reward the good and punish the wicked.
12. The Messiah will come.
13. The dead will be resurrected

The 10 Commandments
1. You shall have no other Gods before me.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven images.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day and keep it Holy.
5. Honor your father and mother.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8. Thou shalt not steal.
9. Thou shall not bear false witness.
10. You shall not covet.

WORSHIP AND OBSERVANCES

The Jewish people consider Sabbath as their most important day. They end their Sabbath through a ceremony called
Havdalah which means “separation”. The Jewish community observed to commemorate important Jewish events and
other special days. These include Yom Kippur (Day Of Atonement) which is considered as the most sacred and solemn
day in the Jewish calendar that brings the period of repentance to its conclusion.

Module 12

SUBDIVISIONS AND RELATED ISSUES IN JUDAISM

Judaism cannot only be considered as a singular religion but a number of religions which are differentiated in their culture.
These different Judaism can be classified according to their observances.

1. Orthodox Judaism
-they strictly follow the traditional beliefs and practices of Judaism.
2. Reform Judaism, also known as Liberal or Progressive Judaism
- they are considered as the most liberal expression of Judaism as they aim to modernize Judaism.
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3. Conservative Judaism
-this denomination tries to reconcile the practices of both Orthodox and Reform Judaism.

RELATED ISSUES

Women in Judaism
Women in Judaism were given privileges but are the same time they experience discrimination. Privileges in a way that
they can be consulted on matters of marriage as they perform their roles as mothers and wives. But at some point, they
have been discriminated in a way that they cannot perform most of the duties in synagogues unlike that of the men
because of their given traditional domestic roles.
Jewish Diaspora and Zionist Movement
Zionism is a movement of the Jewish people that espouses the re-establishment of and support for a Jewish state in the
territory defined as the historic Land of Israel. Zionists believed that the Jews are the chosen people of God thus they
have to go back to their homeland. The dispersion of the Jewish communities outside Israel is called diaspora.
Holocaust
A lot of Jews were killed and was considered as one of the major events of World War II during the reign of Adolf Hitler.
The term ‘holocaust’ refers to death by fire in reference to the way that people were executed during the event. It was
believed that the Jews are the major threat to the German community that lead to their extermination.
Anti-Semitism
It is one of the causes that lead to the event of holocaust. Anti- Semitism pertains to the discrimination of the Jewish
people. The Jewish people were often blamed as the cause of societal problems in Europe. Anti-Semitism also led to the
persecution and massacre of lot of Jews.

Module 13

Historical Background of Christianity

Christianity developed in Judea, the mountainous southern part of Palestine around 100 C.E. During that time, Judaism
was the dominant religion in Palestine and it was considered by the Jews as land promised to them by God. However,
historical development in the region showed successive powers that dominated Mesopotamia and the nearby territories,
including Palestine which was considered to have a desirable location.
It was founded by Jesus, a Jew, considered to be the Son of God and Messiah or Savior. Regarded as an offshoot of
Judaism. Christianity has survived and even surpassed Judaism and other religions in terms of number of followers.
The first Christian communities had close ties to Judaism but as the Apostles continued in their ministry, Christianity took
on its own unique characteristics.

Symbols
The most common symbols associated with Christianity are the cross and the fish symbol. The cross symbolizes how
Jesus suffered on the mount of Calvary for the sake of humanity. It showed Jesus Christs’ victory over sins and reminds
us of God's eternal love for us. On the other hand, the fish symbol was used by the Christians in meeting other Christians.
It also has the secret meaning ichthys: Iseous Christos Theou Yios Soter, meaning Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.

Module 14

Beliefs and Doctrines of Christianity

Doctrine is something that is taught; a principle presented for acceptance or belief. In scripture, doctrine takes on a
broader meaning. In the Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, doctrine is given: “Christianity is a religion founded on
a message of good news rooted in the significance of the life of Jesus Christ.” In Scripture, doctrine refers to the entire
body of essential theological truths that define and describe that message.
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The message includes historical facts such as those regarding the events of the life of Jesus Christ. Christianity’s
central and major beliefs and doctrines are professed in the Apostles’ Creed and the Nicene Creed. These creeds
are declarations of faith outlined in several statements or confessions of faith rooted in the teachings of the Scriptures.

God the Father

-There is only one God (Isaiah 43:10, John 17:3, Gal. 4:8-9)
-God is omniscient, meaning ‘knows all things” (Acts 15:18; 1 John3:20)
-God is omnipotent, meaning “all powerful” (Psalm 115:3, Revelation 19:6)
-God is omnipresent, meaning “present everywhere” (Jeremiah 23:23-24, Psalm 139)
-God is holy (I Peter 1:15), - God is love (I John 4: 7-8)
-God is true (Romans 3:4, John 14:6)
-God is the creator of everything that exists (Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 44:24)
-God is infinite and eternal. He has always been and will ever be God (Psalm 90:2; Genesis 21:33; Acts 17:24)
-God is immutable. He does not change (Malachi 3:6; Isaiah 46: 9-10)
The Trinity
God is three and one or a Trinity. God the father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 3:16-17, 28:19; John
14:16-17, Acts 2:32-33, Peter 1:2)
Jesus Christ the Son
-Jesus Christ is God (John 1:1, 14; Colossians 2:9; Philippians 2:5-8; Hebrews 1:8)
-Jesus was born of a virgin (Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:26-35)
-Jesus Christ became a man (Philippians 2:1-11)
-Jesus is fully God and fully man (Colossians 2:9; I Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 4:15; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
-Jesus Christ is perfect and sinless (1 Peter 2:22; Hebrews 4:15)
-Jesus is the only way to God the Father (John 14:6; Matthew 11:27; Luke 10:22).
The Holy Spirit
-God is Spirit (John 4:24).
-The Holy Spirit is God (Acts 5:3-4; 1 Corinthians 2:11-12, 2 Corinthians 13:14).
The Bible: The Word of God
-The Bible is the “inspired” or “God-breathed”, word of God (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1;20-21).
-The Bible in its original manuscripts is without error (John 10:35; John 17:17; Hebrews 4;12).
God’s Plan of Salvation
-Humans were created by God and in the image of God (Genesis 1;26- 27)
-All people have sinned (Romans 3;23, 5:12).
-Sin separates us from God (Isaiah 59:2)
-Jesus Christ died for the sins of every person in the World (I John 2: 2;2 Corinthians 5:14; I Peter 2;24)
-The death of Jesus Christ was a substitutionary sacrifice. He died and paid the price for our sins so that we might live
forever with him. (I Peter 2:24; Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45).
-Jesus Christ resurrected from the dead in physical form (John 2:19-21)
-Believers are saved by grace; Salvation cannot be earned by human efforts or good works (Ephesians 2: 8-9).
-Those who accept Jesus Christ will live for eternity with him after they die (John 11:25-26; 2 Corinthians 5:6). And those
who reject Jesus Christ will go to hell forever after they die. (Revelation 20:11-15, 21:8)

The Seven Sacraments and the Eight Beatitudes

For the Catholic church, they have seven sacred in which they consider as signs of inner kindness of God to the
humanity. Every Catholics observed these sacraments as part of their lives. These includes Baptism, Confirmation,
Holy Communion, Confession, Matrimony, Holy Orders, and the Anointing of the Sick. On the other hand, the
eights beatitudes as mentioned in the book of Matthew 5-7, these sayings guide the morality and the way of life of every
individual. Jesus teaches the people in way that they can easily understand as these are called the “Sermon on the
Mount”.
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Worship and Observances

Christians also celebrate religious observances to commemorate the important events all throughout the history of
Christianity. These include the three most important events that every Christian observes namely: A) Lent, which refers to
the season observed by Christians in preparation for Easter, a celebration of the resurrection of Christ. This provides
opportunity for each Christian to commemorate the sufferings of Christ for the sake of humanity and how He rose from the
dead to give hope for everyone, B) Advent, which refers to the season of waiting for the birth of the Messiah, hence its
celebration lasts for four weeks, beginning four Sundays before Christmas and ending on Christmas eve, and C)
Pentecost, which is celebrated as a holiday to commemorate the coming of the Holy Spirit to the early Christians.

Module 15

Subdivisions and Related Issues in Christianity

The emergence of various branches of Christianity is often due to differences in doctrine and the interpretation of the
Bible. In other cases, it was caused conflicts regarding church authority and political power.

The Three Major Branches of Christianity

1. Roman Catholicism - Major Doctrines and Beliefs of Roman Catholicism
• Bible and Sacred tradition
• Communion and Mission of the Church
• The church as one, Holy., Catholic and Apostolic Church
• The sacraments and Worship in Liturgical Celebration
OTHER CATHOLIC DOCTRINES AND BELIEF
• Devotion to Mary, the mother of Christ
• The communion of all the faithful
• Belief in Apostolic Succession
• Holy days and celebrations
2. Eastern Orthodox – The word orthodox comes from two Greek words: orthe, which means correct or right, and doxa,
which mean opinion. The Orthodox Church believed that this is the Church that faithfully conforms to the Christian faith as
formulated in the early ecumenical creeds established in Nicaea.
The eastern Orthodox Church considers itself to be the One, Holy, Apostolic, and Catholic Church—the true
Church established by Jesus Christ and placed into the care of the Apostles. Jesus is the recognized head of the
Orthodox Church and the church is considered as part of the body of Christ.
BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES IN EASTERN ORTHODOX
•the Trinity
•The resurrection of Christ
•Holy Tradition
•The Bible
•The Holy Mysteries

3. PROTESTANTISM – emerged in the reformation Period in the 16th century, it was begun by the theologian and
Catholic priest Martin Luther.
MAJOR DOCTRINES AND BELIEFS IN PROTESTANTISM
The fundamental principles of Protestant belief are summarized in five latin phrases known as the “Five Solae”
1. Scripture alone – the Bible is the sole basis of doctrine and faith
2. Faith alone – salvation is through faith alone
3. Christ alone – salvation is made possible by the saving action of Christ
4. Grace alone – salvation is a grace granted only by God
5. Glory to God alone – all praise and worship must be given to God alone
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MAJOR BRANCHES AND DENOMINATIONS

- Adventism - Lutheranism
- Anglicanism - Methodism
- Baptist - Pentecostalism
- Calvinism
OTHER RELATED CHRISTIAN DENOMINATIONS
These faiths have certain doctrines and practices that are distinct from mainstream Christianity such as:
•Jehovah’s Witness •Church of the latter Day Saints – founded by Joseph Smith (1830)

MAJOR ISSUES IN CHRISTIANITY

1. Ecumenism and Interreligious Dialogue – it is a practice of promoting better understanding, and cooperation among
different Christian denominations to achieve oneness and harmonious relationships.
2. The sacredness of life, contraception – The belief in the sanctity of life is a major doctrine that defines the stand of
Christianity regarding contraception.
3. Homosexuality, Same sex Marriage – Due to belief that sex is a procreative union between man and wife,
homosexuality is considered a violation of natural and moral laws.
4. The role of Women in the Church - The issue of ordaining women continues to be a topic of discussion and debate
within the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
5. Capital punishment or death penalty – an act wherein a person is punished by death for his or her capital crime goes
against the Christian belief that life is given by God and should not be taken away by any person.

Compiled by Nisha