REL212 World View Chart: This Chart Contains All ✓ Solved

REL212 WORLD VIEW CHART This chart contains all the

Provide your response in this column. · State the name of the Religion being addressed in this chart. · Please address ONLY ONE (1) religion per chart. Christianity

ORIGIN OF ALL THINGS Provide your response in this column. · State the creation story that this religion uses to explain the creation of the universe. If you cannot identify a creation story for this religion, offer a suggestion as to why this religion may not have one. · Back up your statement with explanation and/or example. · You should have a minimum of 3 complete sentences when this is complete.

NATURE OF GOD/CREATOR Provide your response in this column. · State the nature of the god(s) worshiped by this religion. If you cannot identify a god (or gods) for this religion, offer a suggestion as to why this religion may not have one. · Back up your statement with explanation and/or example. · You should have a minimum of 3 complete sentences when this is complete.

VIEW OF HUMAN NATURE Provide your response in this column. · State how this religion views human beings. · How are human beings viewed with regard to their characteristics and their place in the universe? If you cannot identify how this religion defines human beings, offer a suggestion as to why it doesn't. · Back up your statement with explanation and/or example. · You should have a minimum of 3 complete sentences when this is complete.

VIEW OF GOOD & EVIL Provide your response in this column. · State how this religion defines the concept of good and evil. · Most religions encourage their adherents to be good and to shun evil. How does this religion define these terms for those who practice this religion? If you cannot identify how this religion defines good and evil, offer a suggestion as to why it doesn't. · Back up your statement with explanation and/or example. · You should have a minimum of 3 complete sentences when this is complete.

VIEW OF SALVATION Provide your response in this column. · All religions suggest that human beings are faced with a “problem” that needs to be overcome. What is the “problem” this religion identifies, and how does it suggest that we can overcome it? If you cannot identify how this religion defines the “problem”, or how to overcome it, offer a suggestion as to why it doesn't. · Back up your statement with explanation and/or example. · You should have a minimum of 3 complete sentences when this is complete.

VIEW OF AFTERLIFE Provide your response in this column. · What does this religion teach about “what comes next” after all is said and done? For Eastern religions that teach reincarnation, this question is about what happens after moksha is attained. For Western religions, this question is about what happens when we die. If you cannot identify how this religion defines the afterlife, offer a suggestion as to why it doesn't. · Back up your statement with explanation and/or example. · You should have a minimum of 3 complete sentences when this is complete.

PRACTICES AND RITUALS Provide your response in this column. · How do members of this religion “practice” their “faith?” · What ceremonies, or rituals, do they use to help pass this religion on to the next generation? If you cannot identify how this religion is practiced, offer a suggestion as to why it doesn't have any rituals or practices. · Back up your statement with explanation and/or example. · You should have a minimum of 3 complete sentences when this is complete.

CELEBRATIONS AND FESTIVALS Provide your response in this column. · Identify one or two celebrations and/or festivals that members of this religion use to express their beliefs in public, or in private. · Name the festival(s) and give a short explanation of how it is observed. If you cannot identify any celebrations or festivals for this religion, offer a suggestion as to why it doesn't have any. · Back up your statement with explanation and/or example. · You should have a minimum of 3 complete sentences when this is complete.

Paper For Above Instructions

Christianity, one of the world's major religions, has a rich tapestry of beliefs and practices. The following sections delve into various aspects of Christianity's worldview, including its understanding of the origins of existence, the nature of God, human nature, moral values, salvation, afterlife beliefs, practices, and festivals.

Origin of All Things

Christianity teaches that God created the universe out of nothing (ex nihilo), as captured in the Genesis creation narrative. According to this account, God spoke the world into existence over six days, culminating in the creation of humanity in His own image (Genesis 1:26-27). This narrative emphasizes God's sovereign power and serves to affirm that creation is fundamentally good, as God repeatedly declares His creation "good" throughout the account (Genesis 1:31). The creation story provides a foundational understanding of human dignity and purpose, suggesting that humans are created with intention and value.

Nature of God/Creator

In Christian theology, God is understood as a singular and omnipotent being, characterized by attributes such as omniscience, omnipresence, and benevolence. This conception rests on the monotheistic belief that while God is one, He exists in three persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit (the Trinity). This triune nature is significant as it underscores the relational aspect of God; Christians believe that God desires a personal relationship with humanity, reflecting a loving and engaged Creator (Matthew 28:19).

View of Human Nature

Christianity posits that humans are created in the image of God (Imago Dei), which bestows inherent worth and dignity upon every individual. However, the fall of humanity (Genesis 3) introduced sin into the world, creating a separation between God and humanity. This condition of sinfulness affects human nature, making individuals prone to moral failing while still possessing the capacity for goodness through God's grace. The dualistic view in Christianity highlights both the potential for greatness and the reality of moral failure, leading to a universal need for redemption.

View of Good & Evil

In Christianity, good and evil are defined based on God's character and commandments. Good is understood as aligning with God's will, promoting love, justice, and truth, whereas evil is associated with rebellion against God's law and a rejection of His holiness. The moral law, as encapsulated in both the Old and New Testaments, guides adherents in discerning right from wrong (Exodus 20:1-17; Matthew 22:37-40). Christians are encouraged to pursue good actively and to avoid evil, providing a framework for ethical behavior that transcends cultural norms.

View of Salvation

The central problem identified in Christianity is sin, which separates humanity from God. The pathway to overcoming this problem is through faith in Jesus Christ, whose death and resurrection provided the atonement for sin (John 3:16). Salvation is understood as a gift of grace, not based on human merit but rather on acceptance of Christ's sacrifice and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. This belief emphasizes God's desire for redemption and restoration, offering hope to believers.

View of Afterlife

Christianity teaches that after death, individuals face judgment that determines their eternal destinies: heaven or hell (Hebrews 9:27). Heaven is portrayed as eternal communion with God, characterized by joy, peace, and fulfillment (Revelation 21:4), while hell represents separation from God's presence and is often described using images of sorrow and darkness (Matthew 25:41). This dichotomy underscores the importance of moral choices made in this life, as they have eternal ramifications.

Practices and Rituals

Christian practices are diverse, often including corporate worship, prayer, and sacraments such as baptism and communion. These rituals serve to strengthen the faith community and connect believers with their spirituality and tradition. Baptism, symbolizing a believer’s association with Christ’s death and resurrection, is typically performed once in a person's life, while communion is an ongoing practice that commemorates Christ's sacrifice (Matthew 26:26-28). These practices nurture faith and are vital in passing on beliefs to subsequent generations.

Celebrations and Festivals

Christians celebrate several key festivals that reflect their beliefs, most notably Easter and Christmas. Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, emphasizing victory over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). This celebration often includes special services and traditions such as Easter eggs, symbolizing new life. Christmas, which marks the birth of Jesus, is celebrated with various customs and often includes giving gifts, symbolizing the gift of Christ to the world (John 3:16). These celebrations not only foster community and joy among believers but also serve to articulate core tenets of the faith.

Conclusion

The Christian worldview encompasses a rich understanding of existence, morality, and the divine. From its creation narrative and the nature of God to its teachings on human purpose and the afterlife, Christianity offers profound insights into the human condition, addressing fundamental questions of life and existence.

References

  • The Holy Bible, New International Version.
  • McGrath, A. E. (2012). Christianity: An Introduction. Wiley-Blackwell.
  • Packer, J. I. (1993). Knowing God. InterVarsity Press.
  • Lewis, C. S. (1980). Mere Christianity. HarperOne.
  • Keller, T. (2016). Making Sense of God: An Invitation to the Skeptical. Viking.
  • Sproul, R. C. (1986). The Holiness of God. Tyndale House Publishers.
  • Stott, J. R. W. (2006). Basic Christianity.IVP Books.
  • Wright, N. T. (2012). Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters. HarperOne.
  • Hort, F. J. A. (1881). The Christian Ecclesia. Cambridge University Press.
  • Owen, J. (2002). The Death of Death in the Death of Christ. Banner of Truth Trust.

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