...Theology Understand the Sacraments as “means of Grace” By Melissa Robinson Saint Leo University REL 123 Christian Spiritual Vision Dr. Richard H. Cobble The Sacraments are between the most evident forms of obvious outward show in Christianity coming as they do with major differences, both in number and in practice. I will explain the theological and historical background, and their significance in the continuing life of the church. The focus will be on two main sacraments as practiced in Protestant Christianity, verse Baptism and Holy Communion “means of grace”. The early church acknowledged many practices which in some way expressed the “mystery’ (Greek: mysterion) of the Christian belief. (McGrath). Albl, points out from the beginning, a union was between the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion and the mystery of God’s saving work in Christ (Albl 56-100). Translated the Greek term to into Latin, by using sacramentum, a worked which in a worldly sense meant an oath of commitment, for example the kind that a soldier might make to his commander in charge. Augustine a 4th century theologian of Hippo defined a sacrament as an “outward and visible sign of an inward and invisible grace. (McGrath) In spite of this definition, there was no solid agreement as to the number of rites that could properly be called sacraments. During the 12th century, based the work of Peter (1100-1160), that the sacraments were systemized and the total number as seven. These were Baptism...
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...The Eastern Church vs. the Western Church In the year 1054, due to political, cultural and religious reasons, the Great Schism divided Christianity into the Eastern Church (the Orthodox Church) and the Western Church (the Catholic Church). As a result of the Schism, differences increased between the two. The primary differences are the Papal claims of authority and the insertion of the filioque clause into the Nicene Creed (Ware, 1963). Since the two were one prior to the Schism, there are similarities; for example, both celebrate the seven Sacraments, partake of Holy Communion, have Apostolic origins, have a hierarchical priesthood and celebrate Easter; however, even within these similarities are differences. The primary difference between the Eastern Church and the Western Church is in regards to the title and role of the head of the Church. The Pope is the head of the Western Church; whereas, the Patriarch is the leader of the Eastern Church. In the Catholic Church, the Pope is infallible. He can contradict lower ranking Church leaders. On the other hand, in the Orthodox Church, the Patriarch of Constantinople, also known as the Ecumenical Patriarch, is not infallible and does not have supreme authority. Sitting at the head of a council of Orthodox bishops, he is considered a "first among equals" (Brown, 2013). In addition to the difference between the Pope and Patriarch, is the insertion of the filioque clause into the Nicene Creed. Originally the Nicene Creed...
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...THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS In the subject of religion, each one has a set of symbols and signs. In Christianity, these are known as sacraments that serve as a communication tool from God to humans, from humans to God, and among humans in a community. These sacraments help cultivate a strong and healthy relationship with our creator and make it easier for us to reach salvation. Most Christian churches celebrate the sacraments, but there is a wide spectrum of understandings in the number and meaning of the sacraments (Mueller 182). There are seven sacraments and each one of these sacraments are not only mandated by God, but also are granted by God. They allow us to achieve a sense of grace in not only our live but more importantly our afterlife. Grace is a gift of God offered through the Son and in the Spirit sacraments (Mueller 182). However, the grace granted through these sacraments is not to be taken likely. It requires a relationship that emerges from affirms, and returns to the mystery and if the divine-human encounter. The first sacrament is the sacrament of Baptism. It is the symbolic plunging/washing of a person in water that incorporates the person into the mystery of the Lord Jesus Christ and the Church. It signifies the forgiveness of sin because by forgiveness, Christ and his church accept a person through a ritual whereby sin loses its power sacraments (Mueller 183). The exact dates of when it was actually founded aren’t quite known. However we do know it has been...
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...Jacob Jefferson Theology II Mr. G Period Understanding the three Wonders, studying of Last Things and becoming active in the seven sacraments should successfully put the Christian on the correct path in determining whether Beatific Vision is even a possibility. The Wonder of Creation is the first of its kind in the world. It shows the power, intelligence, goodness and love of God. In the book of Genesis, we are shown that God created heaven and earth. The earth was without form and void and darkness was upon the face of the deep. God created and formed man of the dust of ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and he became a living soul. God loves us so much that he created man in his own image and likeness, which was perfect. God’s power is so unexplainable and one way he shows us this is by not allowing us to have control of our own existence. He decides if we take our next breath. The Wonder of Salvation is the deliverance from sin and accepting Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. No one is without sin but there are those who repeatedly forget to ask God for forgiveness. The Wonder of Incarnation represents that the Son of God took on a human body and nature and became both man and God. He opened himself up by voluntarily taking on our humanity and dwelling amongst us all. God shares in our personal joys and even our sufferings. Eschatology is the study of the Last Things, which encompasses death, resurrection, judgment, heaven...
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...Alyandry vielma Islam and Christianity Many say that Islam and Christianity are similar, by making the assumption that they worship the same God. These two religions may have similar things, but it does not mean that because some beliefs might be similar that they are the same. Islam and Christianity differ in many areas like, their source of authority, the nature of God, and their essential practices. There are many areas in which they differ, but the ones mentioned are the basic structure of each religion. Since they are more different then they are similar, this would be the best way of knowing their differences. There are many things by which authority is needed. We also are subject to authority in all things. Christianity and Islam are more different then similar in the source of authority. In Christianity, the founder is Jesus, human and divine. Christianity follows the bible, which is the collection of sacred writings of the religion and includes the Old and New Testament. Under Christianity there are the Catholics and the Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Catholics follow the pope, which differs from the Eastern Orthodox as mentioned in The Council of Constantinople “And in the Spirit, the holy, the lordly and life-giving one, proceeding forth from the father, the one who spoke through the prophets.” On the other hand the Eastern Orthodox follows Christ, and does not accept of what the Council of Constantinople states, saying in the 3rd Council of Toledo, “Directs...
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...Vilma Laureano REL 2300; 2407 Professor Sinclair 10 December 2011 Christianity Three relevant Notions Religion is something that virtually all humans have in common. People wonder about the meaning of life, and how to make the best of it. People wonder what happens afterwards, and if there is anyone or anything”out there. During my study of Christianity, the largest religion in the world, I have found that the Roman Catholic Faith has many sacraments that help sustain answers to many of the previously stated questions. There are seven rituals in total instituted by Christ and given to the Church to administer. They are considered necessary for salvation. The sacraments are the vehicles of grace, which they convey. They are validly administered by the carrying out of the sign with the proper intention. Not all are equally qualified to administer all the sacraments. One notion regarding Christianity that I found to be of most interest is Baptism. The significance of the ritual itself is the introduction into the body of Christ, the Christian faith. Baptism is a ritual, which brings an individual from a life of sin to a life of service through God, and welcomes individuals to the faith. Its importance described by Thomas J. Needles as “It pictures the historical event in the life of Christ that brought to fruition the purpose of his reincarnation, namely, to give his life as ransom for many.” ("Baptism as a Symbol of Christ’s Saving Work.” Understanding Four...
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...Bogachan Demirci STM 322C-170 Sacraments & Symbols Research Paper September 9, 2012 The History, Theology, Ritual/Liturgy, Pastoral Issues of Confirmation as a Sacrament “Sacraments are actions, and they function as rituals: they repeat gestures and words that are meaningful to those who perceive them. Sacraments affect more than the thoughts and feelings of participants because they have to be understood psychologically and theologically. There are seven sacraments in Catholicism: Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, The Eucharist, Penance, Anointing the Sick and Holy Orders. People learn and remember and they remember from practice of prayer and of the involvement and preparation of the sacraments. (Martos 2009). These sacraments help people work together in the Catholic Community and celebrate God every day. Mt 25 34-46. Confirmation is one of three Catholic sacraments of initiation, it connects the recipient and reveals communion with God and his grace. “Confirmation is regarded as the perfection of Baptism, because, as the introduction to the Rite of Confirmation states: by the sacrament of Confirmation, [the baptized] are more perfectly bound to the Church and are enriched with a special strength of the Holy Spirit. They are, as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.” In the Eastern Catholic churches, Confirmation is known as Christmation and confers a, “sacramental character that cannot be...
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...human body must grow through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Catholics believe that the Sacrament of Confirmation is the supernatural equivalent of the growth process on the natural level. It builds on what was begun in Baptism and what was nourished in Holy Eucharist. It also completes the process of initiation into the Christian community, and it matures the soul for the work ahead. Confirmation is a sacrament of initiation which completes baptism through sealing in Holy Spirit and granting the recipient the strengthening of faith, an increase of sanctifying grace, and a lasting character on the soul. Confirmation is one of the three sacraments of initiation and through it the Holy Spirit is given to those who have been already baptized, in order to make them strong and perfect Christians and soldiers of Christ. When Jesus calls upon us to follow him he does not mean that we should make our way to Heaven alone, but commands us to bring others with us along the same path. The only way we can do this successfully is through a special share in the anointing of Jesus through the priest. Confirmation strengthens the supernatural life we receive in Baptism. Confirmation transforms us into adults in the catholic faith. Additionally, Confirmation increases our sanctifying grace in every way. The matter and form of the rite of Confirmation is important because this sacrament imparts to the recipient an increase in sanctifying grace, and this encourages us all to be...
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...The ritual of marriage is significant in Hinduism and Christianity (Catholic). Hinduism is based on achieving liberation from rebirth as an ongoing struggle by fulfilling one's dharma according to the class in the caste system which one belongs to. In contrast, Christianity (Catholic) is based on the interpretation of the Word of God in the form of tradition. Through shared elements in weddings such as the importance of marriage, the involvement of the witness, the significance of the groom clasping the bride's hand, the exchange of vows and the underlying meaning of the symbol of marriage, one can argue that the theology of Hinduism and Catholicism are revealed. In the Hindu and Catholic traditions there are different perspectives concerning the importance of marriage. Hindu marriages are greatly rooted in the nature of man. Vasudha Narayanan states, "A man has an obligation in life to marry, raise children, and fulfill his debts to his community" (90). Thus, marriage becomes a responsibility, as producing sons in order to preserve the family line and culture, is highly regarded in Hinduism. In order for a male to fulfill his dharma and escape suffering from rebirth, he should attain the three major religious paths which are karma-marga, jnana-marga, and bhakti-marga (Bhogal: Hinduism II). Through performing rituals, priestly teachings, gaining knowledge from the Upanishads and expressing devotion to a god, the aim is moksha, liberation from suffering. Through marriage a man...
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...1BSA2 THE SEVEN SACRAMENTS OF THE CHURCH Baptism is a Sacrament which cleanses us from original sin, makes us Christians, children of God, and heirs of heaven. Baptism is necessary to salvation, because without it we cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven. The priest is the ordinary minister of Baptism; but in case of necessity anyone who has the use of reason may baptize. Whoever baptizes should pour water on the head of the person to be baptized, and say, while pouring the water: I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. There are three kinds of Baptism: Baptism of water, of desire, and of blood. Baptism of water is that which is given by pouring water on the head of the person to be baptized, and saying at the same time: I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Baptism of desire is an ardent wish to receive Baptism, and to do all that God has ordained for our salvation. Baptism of blood is the shedding of one´s blood for the faith of Christ, such as in the cases of martyrdom. Baptism of desire or of blood is sufficient to produce the effects of the Baptism of water, if it is impossible to receive the Baptism of water. Biblical references: Acts 2:38-39; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21; John 3:5; Matt 19:14; Luke 18:15-16; Col 2:11-12; Rom 6:13; Acts 16:15; Acts 16:33; 1 Cor 1:16; Mark 16:16; Rom 5:18-19; Mark 10:14; Jos 24:15; Matt 8:5ff; Matt 15:21ff Confirmation is a Sacrament through which...
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...EDLINE JASON A. DE JESUS BSBAMG-1B SACRAMENTS | MEANING | EFFECTS | MATTER, SIGNS, MANAGEMENT | MINISTER | BAPTISM | For Catholics, the Sacrament of Baptism is the first step in a lifelong journey of commitment and discipleship. Whether we are baptized as infants or adults, Baptism is the Church's way of celebrating and enacting the embrace of God. | The Remission of All Sin, Original and Actual.Remission of Temporal Punishment. Infusion of Supernatural Grace, Gifts, and Virtues. Conferral of the Right to Special Graces.Impression of a Character on the Soul. | Matter of BaptismThe pouring of water.Form of Baptism"I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." | Ordinary MinisterExtraordinary Minister. | Eucharist | Catholics believe the Eucharist, or Communion, is both a sacrifice and a meal. We believe in the real presence of Jesus, who died for our sins. As we receive Christ's Body and Blood, we also are nourished spiritually and brought closer to God. | The Union With Christ by Love. The Spiritual Repast of the Soul. Forgiveness of Venial Sin and Preservation from Mortal Sin. The Pledge of Our Resurrection. | Matter of The Eucharist:Bread and wine.Form of the Eucharist:"This is my body...This is the cup of my blood..." | Is used to denote someone who assists the priest in administering the bread and wine. | Reconciliation | The Catholic Sacrament of Reconciliation (also known as Penance, or Penance and Reconciliation) has three...
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...Comparison between Orthodoxy, Protestantism & Roman Catholicism: The table below aims to given an outline of some of the key issues in Christian belief and how the three traditions view these issues. I have tried to state what might be called the 'representative' view of each tradition; though there are obviously differing views within each of them e.g. the diverse range of opinions on the presence of Christ in the Eucharist. The links under the More information section should be consulted for the definitive positions. With thanks to Father Gregory Hallam for his assistance. |Topic |Orthodox |Protestant |Roman Catholic | |Apostolic Succession |This is an important part of Orthodox |With the exception of the Anglicans|As in Orthodoxy, this is of vital | | |belief and ensures continuity with the |and some Lutherans, this idea is |importance to the church. There is also | | |church that Christ founded. |rejected. Rather it is important to|some degree of mutual recognition of the | | | |emphasize continuity of teaching |validity of Orthodox ordinations. | | | |with that of the apostles, rather | | | | ...
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...Emily McAlhany HST 6100 Dr. Vice September 27, 2013 Martin Luther’s Theological Stance Martin Luther was a monk but he constantly felt like God was mad at him, he tried everything but he still could not shake that feeling. He disagreed with what the Catholic Church taught in regards to getting into heaven. He, like Erasmus, did not like the selling indulgences to get into heaven. However, unlike Erasmus, Luther openly states ideas against the Pope. As a monk, Luther had to remember passages and recite them, and he admits that one word in a passage confuses him. This passage is in the book of Romans, and the word in righteousness. He said he meditated day and night to try and understand the context of the passage. He re-read the text as it was written and figured out the meaning. …I gave heed to the context of the words, namely, “In it the righteousness of God is revealed as it is written, He who through faith is righteous shall live.” There I began to understand that the righteousness of God is that by which the righteous lives by a gift of God, namely by faith. And this is the meaning: The righteousness or God is revealed by the gospel, namely, the passive righteousness with which merciful God justifies us by faith, as it is written, “He who through faith is righteous shall live.” Later in that same paragraph Luther talks about the things God does in us, like God gives us strength and wisdom. I think Luther is starting to tell us that it is through God’s Grace...
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...Elements of Religious Traditions Beth Maldonado REL/ 133 July 23, 2012 Astrid Fiano Elements of Religious Traditions Religion is the most volatile and controversial word in the world. When people say the word [religion] they are invoking a strong batch of feelings, beliefs, and traditions that people are so connected to it that they are willing to die for it. Religion is a complicated system of beliefs, ideas, doctrines, ethics all proselytized by a complex system of structures and organizations. However, complicated religion may be, there are strong structural similarities between the majority of religions and some that are universal. These similar structures within religions around the world indicate that religion has the same purpose for all those who follow it, regardless of the form of religion that they follow. To show the purpose of religion, this paper will compare and contrast the Catholic Church and Eastern Orthodox Church in particular what their religious tradition says, what their religious tradition practices and how their particular church is organized. A person may be tempted to consider various forms of monotheism to find similar structures within them but Christianity alone has many different forms of practice within it. However many forms of practices in Christianity the ultimate purpose of any religion is to provide an explanation for the unknown like death, space, and the ultimate unknown our origin. Religion tries to provide explanations to these unknowns...
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...Jonas A. Dumangcas Mech – Tech 1A Mr. Terence Maceren RS 111A October 7, 2013 INTRODUCTION (LIFE OF JESUS CHRIST ) It is not a fairy tale or a fable, for the story of Jesus has been documented by not only reliable New Testament writers but by major historians as well. It is a story that can be exciting to you and might possibly change your life. Jesus was born in the year 4 B.C., in the city of David, Bethlehem. He was born of the virgin Mary, fathered in her by the Holy Spirit of God. Angels announced to the world in beautiful song, glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased. One angel in particular announced to them, "Behold I bring you good news of great joy, for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior who is Christ the Lord." Thus the shepherds were invited to pay homage to the new King. Wise men were called from afar by the shining of a glorious star. Later old Simeon and old Anna saw their life's ambition come to pass as they viewed the new child, the Savior, as God had promised them they would before they died. Jesus was raised in the small rural town of Nazareth, where His adoptive father, Joseph, taught him to use the tools of a carpenter. It was hard work, work requiring much manual labor, skill, an eye for construction and body that could bear up to hours of sweating in the hot sun. It produced hands made coarse from touching rough wood. For many years Jesus...
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