THEO 104 Study Guide Week 1-8

STUDY GUIDE Module/Week 1: Introduction to Theology Textbook Readings: Towns: Introduction & Ch. 1 Introduction 1. How did the term “Christian” originate? Christianity is the influence of Jesus Christ. ...

STUDY GUIDE Module/Week 1: Introduction to Theology Textbook Readings: Towns: Introduction & Ch. 1 Introduction 1. How did the term “Christian” originate? Christianity is the influence of Jesus Christ. The word Christian started in Antioch and describes the relationship between Jesus and his followers. To be considered Christian one must be “Christ Like” and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ throughout the gospels of the bible. The term Christian is derived from the word Christ which originated from Jesus, the son of God, who was born to Mary and Joseph of Nazarene. Jesus Christ and his teachings are the heart and soul of the Christian faith (Christianity). Therefore, to be considered Christian one would have to have a relationship with Jesus Christ, the son of God, in their hearts and follow his teachings until death. This presence of Christ in the hearts of Jesus’ followers is what manifested into the religion known as Christianity leading to the followers of Jesus Christ to be called Christians. When the word “Christian” orginated it was initially 2. Who was this book written for? This book was written for anyone who knows something about Christianity, but who is curious and wants to learn know more about Christianity and what it means to be a Christian. 3. Why do some have mistaken ideas about Christianity? Unfortunately, the media [and technology] has really played a role in why many have mistaken ideologies about Christianity. First and foremost, we have what I common refer to as hypocrites, those who may preach one thing, and do the opposite of what they are teaching. Then you have those evangelists who care more about trying to heal people, being rich (gaining money), etc. and they forget that Christianity is about the teachings of Christ, not about making it rich or being popular. These actions often times have those questioning the Christian faith, and as a Christian myself I can say I too have had questions due to the actions of others who claim to be Christ like or that I looked up to as a mentor in my faith and they strayed from the path of righteousness. Jesus Christ is the core to Christianity and without him we would not and do not have the Christian faith. Chapter 1 1. What year was Jesus born? Jesus, who was a Jew, was born to Mary and Joseph in Bethlehem, a small village in southern Palestine, in the year 4 BC 2. When was Christianity made Rome’s national religion? Constantine made Christianity the national religion of Rome in AD 313. 3. What is the Incarnation? Incarnation is a term used to describe God in the flesh. Jesus [the son of God] took on human flesh and lived among us [mankind]. Jesus became the example that others were to follow after his crucifixion and resurrection (Christianity) so that [man] could obtain salvation and spend eternity in the house of the lord, [God]. This incarnation also helps us understand both the divinity and humanity of Christ. Christ was both human and divine. When God sent his son [Jesus] to the earth, he essentially sent a piece of himself [God the father, God the son & God the holy Spirit] from heaven, to be born of a virgin, and walk upon the earth as a man spreading the word about the greatness and love of his father [God]. “no man cometh to the father, but by me” is one of passages that has always resonated with me throughout my childhood. 4. Does the Bible states that Jesus was the creator of the world? Yes. (John 1:3 and Col. 1:16) We have to remember that God was the creator of the world. Jesus is the son of God and the second person of the trinity [God the father, God the son and God the holy spirit] and is considered the savior of the world. God is the father who sent his son to the earth so that mankind can come to him for salvation and the holy spirit is the last part of the trinity who exists on the earth now, that offers us comfort from God as Christians that continue to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. 5. Did Jesus claim to have supernatural origins? Yes. Jesus claimed to be the son of God and that through him mankind would be able to reach out to his father for comfort, for forgiveness, and for love. 6. Who baptized Jesus? Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist at age 30. John the Baptist [Jesus’ cousin] did not want to do the baptism, but Jesus told him it had to be done as it was the will of God, his father. 7. Did Jesus allow people to worship him? Yes, he allowed his disciples to worship him as well as anyone else who wanted to come see the face of God. He [Jesus] allowed those to come and worship [the son of God] and because he often referred to himself as “I AM” or made statements that “anyone who has seen me, has seen the father” [remember they are one in the same].