SECTION 1: COMMUNITY OF FAITH
1. Community group of people who have something in common e.g. class.
2. Elements of community: co-operation (try to get along), communication (share ideas), sharing (giving something to others)
3. Community breakdown: community collapses due to lack of co-operation, no communication and no sharing
4. Role in a community is the part someone plays eg. Leader
5. Communities of faith group of people that come together because of their religious beliefs eg. Saint Vincent de Paul, Muslim community.
6. Characteristics of communities of faith (religious)
1.service- doing something for others, - like Jesus, respect, hope
2.vision- sees important and central to their work-
3.leadership- guidance given in position of authority
4.commitment- dedicated to something- living the gospel message
7. Saint Vincent de Paul
ü founder Frederic Ozanam 1833 in France who approached the Daughters of Charity (nuns) to introduced him to poor.
ü Called after catholic priest who dedicated to poor Saint Vincent de Paul.
ü 1,100 branches in Ireland, 100 countries globally,
ü Volunteers help poor - soup kitchens, charity shops, pay bills,
ü Vision Matthews gospel – I was hungry and you gave me something to eat
8. Tiocaire
ü means compassion in Irish,
ü set up in 1973 by Irish Catholic Bishops set up to help world’s poor
ü 3 aims raise awareness, aims to help long term overseas projects, relief during emergencies, stop aids, help women.
9. Homeless in Dublin helped by Fr Peter Mc Verry
10. Focus Ireland set up hostel for homeless by Sister Stan Kennedy
11. Pope Francis picked name from St Francis who helped the poor
12. Examples of Community of faith
ü Loreto Order 1609 founder Mary Ward France to set up schools, in Ireland Loreto Order introduced by sister Teresa Ball. 26 schools in Ireland, chaplains, counsellors, social workers, in hospitals, prisons, schools, missions abroad – Sudan, office in United Nations New York
ü Jesuit Order founder Ignatius Loyola education for poor schools, Pope Francis is a Jesuit
ü Church of Ireland (Anglican) reverend Ann Wallace – female priest
13. Denomination – group of a religion Christian denominations – (COPA) Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican (Church of Ireland)
14. Leadership when a leader guides his/her community requires commitment, knowledge, dedication, listen to members, vision, enthusiasm, think past present future, good relationship, train new leaders,
15. Authority official power that the leader possesses
16. Styles of leadership: lead their communities in different ways
ü dictatorship – total control, no freedom, can be wrong eg. Hitler
ü authoritarian: leader tells community members what to do without asking for their opinion
ü democratic: leader encourages community members to decide and vote
ü free reign: leader hands over total control over to members
17. Church of Ireland (Anglican),
ü Leadership is democratic, over 18’s can vote at annual general vestry, parish committee, Diocesan Synod: 3 years elect general synod which consists of house of bishops+ house of representatives( laity)
ü Female priests – Reverand Anne Wallace
ü Archbishop of Armagh (Richard Clake)
ü Archbishop of Dublin (Michael Jackson),
18. Leadership in Roman Catholic Church catholic means universal, leadership democratic+authoritian+hierarchical,
ü Magisterium = teaching authority of Catholic Church to direct and guide church’s beliefs and moral values=Pope +BISHOPS
ü pope – papal infallibility what Pope says is unquestionable
ü cardinals ( chief advisors to Pope) – Sean Brady,
ü Archbishops ( head of dioceses, Archbishop of Dublin Diarmaid Martin),
ü Bishops in charge of diocese. Priests leader of parish, Lay people/ laity
19. CHALLENGES to leadership Catholic Church –
ü Liberation theology: freedom from modern slavery, justice for the poor – Pope Francis
ü feminism – freedom from male domination in Catholic Church
20. Sectarianism: hatred of someone because of their religious beliefs. E.g. Northern Ireland Catholic Nationalists and Protestant Unionists 1969-1998 (Good Friday Agreement) 3000 deaths, Syria between Sunni and Shia Muslims.
21. Religious conflict: when there is a lack of trust and deep hatred towards other religions leads to problems in society that is difficult to heal
22. Religious tolerance – religions get on together - efforts of political, clergy celebrities – John Hume, Fr. Aidan Troy, Bono
23. Example of sectarianism -September 2001 Protestants attack catholic schoolgirls walking to Holy Cross primary school North Belfast. For 12 weeks Fr. Aidan Troy walked with the children to school.
24. Ecumenism: attempts that Christians make to understand and respect each other and grow together in a more unified way. aid to victims of war, poverty,
25. Ecumenical communities
ü Taize France, 1940 founder protestant Brother Roger. community a sign of peace+ reconciliation, prayer, work discussion groups.
ü Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation Wicklow: 1974 hope to build peace, understand conflict, resolve conflict by non violence,
ü World Council of Churches: 1948 by Anglican & Protestant clergy Amsterdam. AIMS to fight racist, help refuges, to solve the arms trade, to combat poverty, to understand climate change, to advance medical technology
ü Dissolving Boundaries schools north and southern Ireland learn through technology - TY Scoil Ui Mhuiri DUnleer Loretto Grammar Omagh
26. Christian denominations/groups: (COPA)
· Catholic started after Pentecost (Holy Spirit), St Peter the first pope
· Orthodox (Greek, Russian, Rominian), schism in 1054 too much power in west, leadership - The Patriarch of Alexandria & All Africa + the chief of the Greek Orthodox Church of Alexandria, Russian Orthodox Church
· Protestant (Church of Ireland, Methodist, Baptist, Quakers, Salvation Army, Presbyterians) 1517: 95 thesis/ complaints Martin Luther protest against corruption in Catholic church – Pope, Nepotism, indulgences
· Anglican – Church of Ireland – Henry 8th and need for a son
27. Christian denominations/groups have in common:
Christians have Jesus, bible, sacraments, ecumenical service – symbolise the unity not division of churches.
28. Interfaith dialogue: communication + understanding between people from different major world religions: Christians, Jews, Muslism, Buddhists,
ü Assisi Italy 1986 – organised by Pope John Paul 2nd,
ü World Peace Day – annually on 21 September
ü World Council of Churches, Interfaith dialogue+ Ecumenism4. 2002 Assisi – response to 9/11 200 leaders from major world religions – ‘violence and terrorism are opposed to all true religious spirit’
ü Council of Christians and Jews 1981 Ireland respect for their religions
29. Tolerance - respect for and communication with one another, dignity
30. Intolerance – lack of respect and lack of communication with one another that leads to problems, ignorance – not educated about world religions.
31. Vocation – a calling to serve God e.g. Christian Brothers founder Ignatius Rice 1762 educate poor boys Waterford
32. Identity – unique characteristics of a person or group – Catholics devotion to Mary, rosary,
33. Amnesty international: (nonreligious organisation/community) 1961 by English lawyer Peter Benenson aim to promote human rights - no death penalty, no political prisoners, torture, disappearance of people(Chile, Northern Ireland) 1977 won peace prize
34. L'Arche (religious organisation/community) (French for "The Ark") began in 1964 when Jean Vanier help people with intellectual disabilities.
SECION B: CHRISTIANITY
Israel
Country called Palestine at time of Jesus, Land of Canaan, Promised Land @ time of Abraham) Holy Land
provinces Palestine
3 provinces Galilee (Nazareth- Jesus grew up), Samaria, Judea ( Jesus was born – Bethlehem, Jesus died -Jerusalem)
River Jordan
Jesus baptised by his cousin John the Baptist,
Galilee Sea
Where Jesus found 12 disciples who were fishermen
Romans
Invaded Palestine (63 BCE- 70 CE) due to money: Palestine trading centre
Roman Tax
10% of earnings given to Romans therefore Palestinians hated the Romans
Jews under Romans
In Palestine under Roman rule Jews were given religious freedom, worship Yahweh/God (monotheistic: belief in one God)
Roman religion
Romans worships many gods( polytheistic) example
Apollo, Neptune, Diana
Messianic expectation
Jews wanted a Messiah, King warrior, Like DAVID free them from Roman invaders
Political structure
Pontius Pilate (26CE) Roman Governor of 2 provinces of Palestine: Samaria, Judea
Religious structure
In Palestine 4 GROUPS were important – Sadducees, Zealots, Pharisees, Essenes,
Sadducees
powerful wealthy temple priests, collected temple taxes, high priest in Jerusalem, did not mind the Romans because they were wealthy
Zealots
group hated the Romans used violence to get rid of them
Pharisees
Holy men religious Jewish leaders of the synagogue not priests
Essenes
Monks/ hermits who lived in remote places – John the Baptist
Sanhedrin
Jewish court name up of group of 70 members, in charge of Temple, Sadducees controlled the Sanhedrin,
Tax collectors
were Jewish collecting taxes for Romans, they were hated – e.g. Zacchaeus
Temple
most sacred building built by Solomon in Jerusalem, destroyed three times, finally in 70CE by the Romans
Gentile
Non Jewish people, did not follow Judaism
Jesus angry
Outside the Temple Jesus overturned the tables of money changers
Scribes
Scholars of the scripture - Tenakh
Tenakh
Jewish sacred book made up of Old Testament and Torah ( 613 laws)
Synagogue
Where Jews celebrated the Sabbath – prayer to God / Yahweh
Yahweh
Jewish name for God, same God as Christians
Sabbath
Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, go to synagogue, eat Sedar meal remember GOD saving the Jews in book of Exodus ( slaves in Egypt)
scrolls
Word of God kept in the Ark ( cupboard) in the synagogue
rabbi
Jewish priest
Menorah
Special candle holder with places for 7 , 8 or 9 candles, in synagogues or Jewish homes
Abraham
First Jew, Father or Patriarch of Judaism, Book of Genesis
Patriarch
Father or founder
Bible
meaning library 72 books Old testament (before Jesus in Hebrew), New Testament (about Jesus and early church in Greek)
Oral tradition
Spoken stories about God
Written tradition
Oral stories spoken finally written down now the Bible by over 40 different writers
Gospel
Good news, New Testament, mainly about the last 3 years of Jesus life Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, main source of evidence about Jesus
prophets
Spoke on behalf of God, warn people to turn towards God, Isaiah, Ezekiel (old testament)
Old testament
Tells the history of the Jewish people, Abraham, Moses, David, prophets
Evangelists
Teller of Good News/ Gospel – Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
Gospels 3 stages
1st – actual events of Jesus
2nd – oral tradition: passed on my mouth – disciples speaking about Jesus
3rd – written tradition - Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
Witness
Person present at time event takes place
Documents of Faith
The gospels are documents of faith because the authors believed that Jesus was the Son of God. Each of the gospels gives witness to the story of Jesus.
Documents of History
The historians Josephus and Tacitus referred to Jesus in their writings. They wrote Documents of history.
Josephus
Historian 93CE, Jewish scholar, described facts details Jesus :wise teacher, wrote about crucifixion by Pontius Pilate, resurrection 3 days later,
Tacitus
Historian 120 CE, Roman did not like Christians, facts details Jesus death
Synoptic gospels
Matthew, Mark, Luke are synoptic as they describe events in the gospels from a similar / same point of view, information sourced from same Q Quelle document
Kingdom of God/ Heaven
A way of living based on Jesus message, explained in parable, miracles, table-fellowship, discipleship.
parable
Short story with meaning, Jesus used to help people understand Kingdom of God, how to live our life, challenge our growth in faith, story with moral and spiritual meaning
Examples of parables
PARABLE of the sower, parables of the mustard seed, God Samaritan, lost sheep, prodigal son, parable of talents, Pharisee and widow
Miracles
An amazing event performed by Jesus that showed the power of God, taught about the Kingdom of God
Examples of
miracles
1. Healing – blind, lepers, sick,
2. Nature – calming storm
3. Exorcisms- remove evil spirits
Evangelists/
symbol
Wrote for group
themes
Matthew 85/90CE
angel
Jewish Christians.
Rabbi
1ST gospel written,
Jesus new Moses, Messiah, Son of David
Mark 65/70CE
lion
Christians in Rome
Friend of Peter, Jesus miracle worker, human, Messiah
Luke 85/90CE
bull
Gentiles Doctor
Healing, caring, forgiving Jesus, Luke Gentile, Mary,
John 95CE
Not synoptic gospel
eagle
Christians in Mediterranean area
Death of Jesus: pain, suffers, No parables, Kingdom of God mentioned once, about Jesus not his actions.
Table fellowship
Jesus choose to share his meals with all to show that the Kingdom of God was for everyone, rich, poor, male, female, sinner, holy, Jew, gentile
Examples of
Tablefellowship
Meal with Zacchaeus Tax collector
Meal with Mary Magdalene – Prostitute
discipleship
Following the call of Jesus in thought word and deed, 12 disciples of Jesus fishermen from Sea of Galilee
Pentecost
Coming of Holy spirit and its gifts – peace, understanding, right judgement etc. After Jesus death and resurrection, before Pentecost disciples were scared and in hiding after preaching the word of God
Apostles
Disciples of Jesus were called apostles after Pentecost
Transformation
Jesus after resurrection and ascension into heaven making him alive in a new way
Appearance after death
Road to Emmaus – Jesus walked with 2 men to the village to Emmaus, talking about Jesus crucifixion but did not recognise him till at the ,meal he broke bread and drank wine ( Eucharist, Passover)
Presence
Jesus presence – existence after the resurrection is an everlasting one
Ascension
40 days after death after appearing to apostles many time and talk about the kingdom of God taken up to heaven
Missionary
Continuing the work of Jesus, apostles after Jesus death
1st Christian community
Preaching about the kingdom of God – a dangerous time persecuted under Romans – (film Gladiator) St Stephen the 1st martyr – STONED TO DEATH feast day after Christmas
St Paul
Called Saul job to persecute the Christians, on road to Damascus – vision from God who said Saul ‘why do you persecute me?’ converted – preached the word of God – greatest preacher – letter from St Paul to the Corinthians , Galatians,
Title
SON of God
JESUS literally the son of god , holy very good – part of the Trinity ( Father Son and Holy Spirit)
Title
Son of man
Jesus came in human form to serve humankind – incarnation – God made man
Title
New creation
Book of genesis God created the world human created and Jesus is New creation without sin
Title
messiah
means anointed one - king REPRESENTING God, expected to set them free from the invaders like King David in the Old Testament, Christ is Greek for messiah
Many reject Jesus as the messiah as he did not free Palestine from the Romans but spiritually
Vocation
Calling from God e.g. religious clergy and laity e.g. parents
Catechumenate
Being a Christian difficult – learn about Jesus, Eucharist, spent time praying, fasting, worship in secret, persecuted
Council of JERUSALEM
49 CE did they need to become Jewish before they converted to Christianity – No. Christianity it’s own faith
· Higher level 4 titles of Jesus Son of Man, Son of God, New Creation, Messiah
Section c: ISLAM
Islam means Peace through Submission, Muslim means one who submits to Allah (God: Monotheistic)
Islamic beliefs – moral codes 5 pillars
1. Shahadah – CREED, one god Allah and Muhammad is his messanger – all beliefs flow from it – no pictures of ALLAH, 99 names ( merciful, all powerful…) diet – halal or lawful food= slaughter in the name of Allah, no blood eaten, no pigs, do not use silver or gold plates, wash and give thanks to Allah before eating
2. Salah – not personal prayer but organised prayer - pray 5 times ( Friday Mosque, wudu (wash), face Mecca, Adhan – call to prayer, Raka – prayer movements, Mosque – no paintings, prayer mat, symbol = star and cresent, quiblah indicates the direction of Mecca to face when praying, Imam= teacher
3. Zakat – charity give to the poor 2.5%, at festivals give meat to poor
4. Ramadan- sawm fasting daylight hours every Muslin over 12 years, no eating drinking, sexual relations in daylight, fasting an act of personal worship, special prayers, reading the Quran, last 28 days celebrates month ( 9th month) Muahmmad received the Quran from Allah, finished with Festival Eid el Fitr pray in Mosque thanksgiving to Allah, special sermon from Imam, presents and sweets, feast
5. Hajj – pilgrimage – obligation once a lifetime Mecca Muhammad lived and received the Quran, peace with Allah, one’s soul, one’s neighbour
a. TAWAF is going around the Kabbah ( in Mecca Great Mosque, Saudi Arabia) 7 times, touch black stone of Kaabah
b. SAY is brisk walking between two small hills called Safa and Marwa as Hagar (Abraham’s wife) did during her desperate search of water for her son Ismael.
c. Mina 8 km from Mecca spend the night
d. Plain of Arafat pray for forgiveness and listen to sermons
e. Sun set Mizdalifah road to Mecca evening prayer
f. Mina throw stones stone pillars to represent rejection of Satan ( devil) and temptations in their lives
Eid el Adha Festival after Hajj – sacrifice goat like Abraham was about to sacrifice his son Ishmael ( Hagar his mother) to show his love for Allah
Ka’bah ( in Mecca Great Mosque, Saudi Arabia) means house of God, first house on earth built by Adam destroyed by Great Flood, Rebuilt by Abraham and his son Ishmael, Abraham given black stone given by angel Gabriel – corner of Ka’bal
Abraham - Muslims claim Abraham a Muslim, Arabs descendants of Abraham, Jews descendent of Issac, 7th century forgot about Allah but forgot used to worship idols
Cultural context: Arabia- Arabia land of Arab nomads, wealthy- route between Africa and Asia, 7th century divided + lawless, Mecca – pilgrimage to city, Arabs polytheistic – 7th century 360 idols
The prophet Muhammad 570 CE, Information about Muhammad (highly praised)
Ø Hadith- collections Muhammads sayings
Ø Sunnah – stories about Muhammad
Ø Biographies of Muhammads life written by Muslim scholars 8 and 9th
Centuries
Muhammad’s life Member Haslim clan – Quraysh tribe, Orphan, adopted by uncle, Ran a camel caravan carrying cargo – business man, Married widow Khadijjah, 6 children, Respect – Al-Amin – the trustworthy ,Troubled by corruption, greed and injustice Mecca
Revelation: The Night of Destiny/Power - Mount Hira 610 CE, Angel Gabriel, Scroll to recite/read, Muhammad illiterate
Muhammad preaching in Mecca: 613 CE, 3 years
• Wife, children best friend Abu Bakr 1st converts
• Beliefs- Allah one God, treat all people as equal, Allah will reward you for your good actions
• Uncle protected him, then died, wife died
• The night journey – Mi’raj 620CE Angel Gabriel took
• Hijrah ( start of Islamic calendar 622AD) Departure from Mecca to Medina persecuted risk of being murdered– in Medina Muhammad accepted converted to Islam, 1st Mosque, n=battle between people from Mecca and Muslims Muhammad and Muslims won, Muhammad went to kaaba and tore down
Quran – sacred text in Arabic, word of Allah, means to read, revealed to Muhammad, cannot be changed, not historical facts, oral to written tradition Muhammad got scribes to write down, chapters are called suras, in schools is learnt by heart, person recite the Quran by heart called Hafiz.
Rites of Passage -
Birth – Adhan whispers call to prayer in baby’s right ear, honey in month for a sweet life, 7 days after Aquiqah – baby named where baby’s hair is shaved, weight of hair in gold given to the poor, sacrifice animal for thanks
Marriage – religious duty to marry and have children, arranged marriages unlawful, dowry ( symbol of who valuable she is ), marriage contract, wedding feast, divorcee last resort- free to remarry but unusual
Death – death approach Shahadah is repeated last words, soul carried buy and angel to Allah where one is judged good and bad deeds, heaven or hell, body prepared – wudu wrapped in white clothes, buried on right side pointing right towards Mecca
Development /Expansion of Islam /Islamic tradition
§ 632AD Muhammad died, Islam in central and southern Arabia
§ Abu Bakr Muhammad’s father in law chosen as Caliph ( deputy of Prophet)
§ Omar successor but assassinated
§ Uthmann successor but murdered
§ war about who would succeed – Ali ( Muhammad’s son in law) or Muawiya ( governor of Syria)
§ Ali followers – Shi’ites
§ Muawiya – Sunnis
§ Christian crusaders attacked and murdered the Muslims 10th century
§ Islam spread under the Ottoman (Turkish)Empire 15th – 18th CE
Higher level – tradition, faith and practice today
2nd largest religion (1200 million approx.) and fast growing religion in the world
Shar’ia law Religious law which is law of the country e.g. Iran Iraq, Pakistan,
Schism – branches of Islam
§ Shi’ites- follow bloodline Ali, only 10% not wealthy, many persecuted in Iraq and Saudi Arabia, one infallible Imam for each generation – e.g. Iran homeland of the Shias – 1979 Ayatollahs – Islamic state, strict religious laws and police, Syria President Assad is Shitie and murdering the Sunnis today
§ Sunnis-orthodox Muslims authority from the Sunnah- words and actions of Muhammad, follow the Caliphs, make up 90% of all Muslims, standardised doctrines of Islam , Saudi Arabia is Sunnai
§ Sufis – person express their love of Allah in their own way – dervish – music and dance
Women in Islam
Quran and Sunnah – women high standing, cannot be forced to marry, role of mother and wife is sacred, dress – loose and respectful - Hijab scarf. Iran– chador, Afghanistan – burqua
Islamic fundamentalism and Islam’s response to terrorism
Islamic Fundamentalism aims to set up a state whose laws and government are based on Islamci /Shar’ia Law e.g. Taliban in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Iran.
Jihad- HolyWar – struggle to follwot he way of Allah
ISLAM DOES NOT PERMIT TERROISM OR SUICIDE – AGAINST WHAT ALLAH SAYS IN THE QURAN
KILLING FORBIDDEN
Islam in Ireland
1950s the first Muslim doctors students study at the college of surgeons
1959 Dublin Islamic Society – build mosque and Islamic centre in Harrington Street Dublin
1983 mosque in South circular road Dublin
1992 1st Muslim TD member of Irish government Dr. Bhamjee elected in Clare
1996 Islamic Cultural Centre Clonskeagh – primary school, halah restaurant, shop library.
2014 mosque in Dundalk , cork ,Belfast, Galway over 30,000 Muslims in Ireland
SECTION D: A question of Faith
Religious belief means the things that we believe to be true about God and the faith we belong to. E.g. Roman Catholic (Christian), Sunni (Muslim).
Characteristics of religious belief-
1. Ritual – express faith public or private through worship, preaching, prayer, important remind of God’s love and recall important events
2. Sacred text, Scripture about founders and morality – way to live life
3. Creed – shared set of beliefs
4. Code – guideline right and wrong
5. Organisation – how community structured and organised
6. Spiritual dimension – something greater than us
Religious practice is how we show these religious beliefs, putting into practice in our lives all that we believe e.g. Mass, Mosque.
Roman Catholic Church
ü St Peter:1st Pope,
ü believe in Papal infallibility,
ü 7 sacraments,
ü Transubstantiation – bread and wine changes into body and blood of Christ
ü ,devotion to Mary Virgin Mother of Jesus
Orthodox (Greece, Russia, America, Ethiopia)
ü 1054 CE schism/split too much power in Rome Pope West
ü Patriarch and centre in Eastern Empire (Constantinople/Istanbul,Turkey))
ü 7 sacraments, priests can marry.
ü church – screen/iconostasis separates priests from people, icons, candles,
ü do not believe in Immaculate conception and creed,
ü celebrate same holy days – name days celebrated
ü 1996 Catholic and Orthodox churches made peace.
Protestant ( Church of Ireland largest protestant group in Ireland )
ü 1517 95 theses or complaints Martin Luther -Protestant Reformation
Political events influenced religious belief/faith
1. World War 2: faith grew stronger especially among Jews.
2. 1989 Berlin Wall: fall of Communism Russia – ommunism no religion
3. 2nd Vatican Council 1962-965 changes in Church Mass in English. Laity involved in Mass readers, singer, Ministers of Eucharist
Modernity/ recent times
ü decline mass attendance – church scandals, church influence, freedom, lifestyles, media,
Vocation priest, nun requires commitment, faith, life changing
ü Drop in vocation: education now free, employment seek high salaries, materialism, no longer honour to have son/daughter in vocation
World Youth Day Catholic MASS. 2011 Pope Benedict Spain
Faith and Practice in life of Adolescent: family, friends, parish, school,media:
Teenagers
ü To search for something is to look closely at what is around you
ü Questioning is looking for meaning, purpose, important or significant to us. Family, friends, music, money, religion
Awe+wonder: admiration=respect for something or someone perhaps after a great event – birth, marriage, death.
Atheism – there is no God,
ü Church atheism (against the scandals of the church)
ü Psychological atheism – negative experience of God
ü Secular practical atheism – no proof that there is God
ü Militant atheism – God’s existence hinders humankind
Agnosticism – don’t know it is impossible to know, no knowledge beyond material world
Humanism: humanist faith is not in God but in man, meanings in how they respect and value life.
Secular means non-religious, non-active membership of a organised religion e.g. atheists. Humanists
Materialism – fulfilment in money and material possessions
Fundamentalism – beliefs, attitudes, values and practices based on the literal belief of a sacred doctrine or doctrine
Positivism – nothing can be known outside science
Apathy – indifference to religious faith – e.g. Ireland Mass attendance declined
Images of God –
ü Creator of universe, ( Atheist universe created by BIG Bang, humans evolution – Charles Darwin evolved from apes)
ü Designer of humans and nature, - stewardship take care of earth
ü Conscience – gave humans a sense of right and wrong
ü Children – like Santa, old man, an artist, a shoulder to cry on
Stages of Faith
1. Child – immature faith –do what mammy and daddy believe is good our of reward or fear of being caught (immature faith)
2. Teenager – question the justice of God, critically exam create their own understanding, may never move onto mature faith
3. Adult – Mature personal faith, own beliefs and values, may develop a strong commitment to their own beliefs, new respect for others,
Christian beliefs about God
Incarnation – God became man – Jesus on earth
Trinity – Father, son and holy Spirit, 3 distinct persons in one God
Gandhi (Hindu Tradition) (higher Level)
ü Indian born 1888,
ü studied to be a lawyer in UK,
ü in South Africa as legal adviser for 20 years
ü satyagraha – non violent resistance
ü In India started non cooperation movement to get English invaders out of India and learn to be self-reliant India
ü 1942 call from independent rule from England
ü Gandhi under arrest and Indian National congress party until end of World War 2
ü 1945 new government came into power in England committed to Indian independence
ü Gandhi tried stop religious intolerance between Hindus and Muslims in Northern India
ü Gandhi tried to break the caste system Hindu - untouchables
ü 15th August 1947 Indian independence
Different kinds of Truths (higher Level)
1. Spiritual and Moral Truth – community of faith, sacred books, teachings of Jesus, Muhammad,
2. Historical truth – facts cannot be changed
3. Scientific truths – based on what we know, conclusions drawn – Big Bang theory, evolution
Creation Scientific verses religious truths (higher Level)
1. Galileo believed earth revolved around sun in conflict what the Church believed - sun revolved around earth. Galileo under house arrest.
2. Charles Darwin theory of Evolution that all live evolved, humans evolve from apes, this is against the Church’s view that God created the world and humans in ‘His image and likeness’ (Book of Genesis).
Relationship between Science and Religion
ü Not opposing each other
ü Not desirable to separate the two – partners in truth in human desire to search for knowledge
ü Science theories enhance faith in God’s act of creation
SECTION E: The Celebration of Faith.
Places of religious significances for Christians: Croagh Patrick (Mayo), Lourdes (France), Lough Derg (Donegal), St peters Drogheda, Killineer Monasterboice ( John Paul 2nd 1979)
Pilgrimage: a journey to sacred place, connection with religion where say special prayers and rituals
Rituals- series of actions performed without variation- e.g. bless, mass,
Why Pilgrimage –closer to God, no distractions, focus, reflection, thanks, intercede, seek guidance,
Croagh Patrick – St Patrick fasted, reflected 40 days, 3 stations – mound stones, creed, 7 Hail Marys, 7 Our Fathers, Reek Sunday - Last Sunday in July special pilgrimage
Lourdes, France 1858, Bernadette Soubirous vision from Mary 6 months, healings
Pilgrimage world religions:
Judaism
Western, Wailing Wall, Jerusalem, Israel, Temple of Jews built by Solomon destroyed by Romans in 70CE
Hinduism
River Ganges, (Varanasi India) Shiva
Buddhism
Bodh Gaya – tree enlightenment, (Mahabodhi, India)
Islam
Hajj – Mecca/Medina Saudi Arabia – 5 pillars
Taize France place of pilgrimage for all Chrsitian denominations/groups – Roman Catholic, Orthodox ( Russian, Greek), Protestant, ecumenism – peace+ pray, 1940 Br Roger Louis Schutz Marsauche,
Church: Altar, Ambo, President’s chair, Tabernacle, Sanctuary lamp, Candles, Stations of the Cross (14),Confessional box (sacrament of reconciliation)
Sacredness – holy people feel closer to God , helps them focus on their spiritual life
liturgical calendar: advent, Christmas, ordinary time, Lent (40 days), Easter,
Holy week: palm Sunday:welcomed Jerusalem as King on a donkey, Spy Wednesday – Judas betrays, Holy Thursday- last supper, Good Friday – crucified, Holy Saturday – tomb, Easter Sunday- resurrection
Easter the most important time in the liturgical calendar RISEN FROM THE DEAD, Advent before ‘the coming’
Advent wreath: 5 candles: 3 purple: prepare, 1 pink: joy, I white: Christmas day
Worship: express our deep love and affection for God, Rituals (Mass, Raka, wudu), communual=community links worshipper and God, thanksgiving, forgiveness.
sacrifice - something give up for the good of something that is more important
Eucharist Last supper – Jewish Passover ( Jews slaves in Egypt), means thanksgiving, Bread wine into body blood = transubstanciation
Order of Mass 1. Introduction – penitential rite, Kyrie: Lord have mercy, Gloria – praise God, opening prayer, 2. Liturgy of word – 1st reading ( old testament), Psalm, 2nd reading ( New Testament) , Gospel, Homily 3. Liturgy Eucharist – offertory, Eucharistic prayer , lord’s prayer, sign of peace, transubstantiation, communion, 4. Conclusion – final blessing
Participation – involved church with dignity and grace: Minister of word, minister of Eucharist, choir, offertory procession, decoration, collection,
Sign action, word, picture that gives a message, written or illustrated
Symbol action, word, picture that gives a special message but is different forma sign as it may have many meanings and the power to affect people.
Religious symbols –
– Cross- God’s love, dead resurrection, hope
– Water – life-giving, baptism,
– paschal candle – risen Lord light of world, crucifixion, alpha omega ( beginning and end), fire in all religions i.e. Hindu Divali, ]
– Oil/chrism – healing qualities, strength,
– White – share resurrection of christ, new creation, new journey
Icons Eastern Orthodox Christians – closer to heaven, Sacred pictures
Sacrament religious ceremony where participants receive the grace of God, communal celebrations, 7 sacraments Roman Catholic. 2 Protestant – baptism, Eucharist, ( Last Supper)
Sacraments of initiation=Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist. Sacraments of healing= Reconciliation –forgiveness, Anointing the sick, Sacraments of vocation=Marriage, Holy Orders
Mystery beyond human knowledge, meaning deep beyond human mind e.g. God
Ultimate concerns of life – important life changing events make people reflect and wonder – birth, accident, marriage, death
People respond to mystery or ultimate concerns in life through worship
Celebration – sacrament of anointing is celebration of Gods love for us – sick, Laying of hands
= Encounter the risen Christ, Heal strength, comfort, peace
Communication through the sacrament – Community united as pray together, blessing,
e.g. Blessing of the throats – feast of St Blaise
Prayer – conversation with God, Types of prayer
1. Penitence- sorry
2. Praise and thanksgiving
3. Petition – asking something for ourselves
4. Intercession – ask for help
Formal prayer – Our Father, Creed verses Informal prayer – talk in head
Ways 0f praying:
1. Personal prayer = person alone
2. Communal prayer – community, Mass
3. Singing – St Augustine pray twice, hymns
4. Meditation – quiet focus on God – Buddhism
5. Contemplation – no words, sit and concentrate on God
Difficulties with prayer
• Unanswered prayers?
• No Concentration
• Distraction
• No time
• God no physical body
Prayer in Spiritual Tradition/ Jesus
Prayer important personal relationship with God
1. Wilderness to pray 40 days
2. Synagogue – Sabbath to pray
3. Performed miracles – prayed to thank God
4. Arrested in Garden of Gethsemane – prayed for deliverance
5. Taught Our Father
Worship as a response to mystery (higher level)
1. Humans are spiritual believe in something greater – Newgrange –Sun
2. Mystery in Old Testament – Yahweh lead out of slavery
3. Mystery in Christianity – creation in Book of Genesis, Eucharist- Christ present,
4. Revelation – god reveals/shows his presence –
a. Experiences that inspire wonder and awe
b. Miracles
c. Prayer
d. Sacred texts
e. Touched by Holy Spirit – dancing, singing, crying during worship
f. Rituals – acts of worship
g. Meditation
St Maximilian Kolbe understood the importance of prayer - Poland 1894, Franciscan monk, devotion Mary, 1941 Nazis in Poland arrested for hiding Jews, Dinner to young prisoners, Words of love – hatred achieves nothing, 57 – forced to work , bad health, tortured, Escapee – 10 prisoners picked to starve to death – Kolbe swapped with on
Religion
Festival
Place of worship
Christianity
Easter, Christmas
Church
Judaism
Yom Kippur—Day of Atonement prayer +fasting
Shabbat weekly sundown Friday night, Sedar Meal
synagogue
Islam
Eid al fitr –end of Ramadan,
Eid al adha –after Hajj
Mosque
Hinduism
DIVALI: beginning new year, victory good over evil, lights, Lakshmi- godess of good fortune
HOLI: spring March/April, fertility, bonfires, holy food, coloured water+powder, God Krishna
Temple
Buddhism
VESAK/WESAK: celebrate birth, enlightenment, death Buddha. Joy – 1st full moon May, temples, release birds, alms to monks, flowers
VASSA: Rains retreat, during rainy season, like lent, prayer, fasting, reflection, end joyous celebration
Temple
Section F: Morality:
Morality: knowing what is right and wrong and making decisions on this basis
Moral: knowing what is right and wrong choosing right human action.
Immoral: knowing what is right and wrong choosing wrong human action.
Influences on moral decisions/decide to do right/moral decision because of
1. fear of punishment if choose wrong,
2. reward for doing good action,
3. follow the crowd –peer pressure,approval of others
4. ignorance/lack of education in understanding the moral options and situation.
5. Obey orders- one must question if orders are morally good.e.g. Hitler’s order to join Nazi party?
Amoral never developed the ability to distinguish right from wrong
When making decisions AFFECTS different kind of relationships:
ü Interpersonal: between individuals/one to one e.g. bullying,
ü communal: community, e.g. stealing,
ü global: world,society e.g. pollution.
Bob Geldof moral vision for Live Aid? Famine Ethopia Christmas song ‘Feed the World’1984, 2005. $40 billion of African debt cancelled.
Human rights- speech, freedom of religious practice, safety, home, health care, education
United Nations – monitor human rights, peace, security, economy all nations
Rights are linked to responsibility as actions result in consequences so we are responsible, duty, cause something good or bad to happen.e.g. Right to education-responsibility to listen+work, litter- right to clean unpolluted world for next generation.
Sources of morality Family, peers, school religion, state-civil law.
The parable of the Prodigal Son is a good example of morality – Father forgives the worng decisions of younger son who spent all money.
Most world religions have a moral vision.
Christian moral vision:
ü Jesus Gospels, parables (stories with meaning),
ü Beattitudes: BLESSED are the peacemakers (Matthew Gospel),
Judaism moral vision:
ü Tenakh (613 laws including the 10 Commandments: Book of Exodus)
A law is a rule that prevents us from doing the wrong thing and making the wrong decision on a particular matter. E.g. 2004 smoking ban in public Ireland
State law/Civil law- law of the land/constitution.
Principle law one holds to be right- respect- anti bullying
Code – set of guidelines/ rules – e.g.
ü school rules, civil law or law of the land,
ü United Nations Convention on the rights of the child – equality, dignity, freedom of all children
Break =civil law – punished – money fine, points driving, prison
Sacred books outline the codes, what is morally right to do
ü Christianity – 10 commandments, Beatitudes (8 blessed things to do: fight for justice, peace)
ü Judaism- Torah (first 5 books of the Tenakh - moral+legal codes
ü Hinduism- Vedas (Upanishads – teachings on how to live e.g. ahimsa – not harm living thing)
ü Buddhism- Tripitaka/3 baskets, right speech – no gossiping, slander ( Pali Cannon)
ü Islam- Quran ( sacred book of Allah), Sunnah in Hadith (prophet Muhammad’s actions)
1. formal codes: written down, accepted by all, developed over time e.g. Irish constitution
2. informal codes: unofficial, not written down, goodwill of people – youth club
Christina Nobel children foundation 1989 street children in Vietnam, she from Dublin slums
Sr. Stan Kennedy: Nun, sister of Charity, Homeless in Dublin- Focus Point, her vision based Gospels God calls us to love ( John 4:40)
Authority: certain power, highly knowledgeable about certain subject
1. scripture – word of God,
2. religious leaders explain: special authority – Pope infallible
Tradition- process repeated but can change – Fish on Fridays, Christmas
Church traditions guided by scripture+Holy Spirit, change with times sometimes, e.g. Vatican 2 – mass from LATIN TO English/Irish
Moral growth when people gradual from childhood to adulthood can distinguish/ understand the difference between right and wrong and decide what to do.e.g. Saint Ignatius Loyola wealthy Spanish 15 century injuired in battle, reads bible, dedicated to God, set up order to teach young people – e.g. Jesuit school in Ireland: Belvedere College Dublin, Clongowes Woods Kildare – private schools!!!Pope Francis is Jesuit
Stages of Moral Growth:
1. child-reward punishment, self-centred- wants rewards, praise
2. adolescence/teenagers-know right and wrong but peer pressure, fit in, conflict with parents- transitional stage
3. Adulthood should lead to moral maturity: taking into consideration feelings of others and basing morality on what we hold true – good actions not done due to rewards, fear, punishment.
Moral maturity – informed/knowledge, principles respect, honesty, reflects actions, aware responsibility, aware consequences to others
moral immature – do right or moral thing because of reward, punishment, fear, obey
Conscience is to know- inner voice telling you right and wrong using judgement+knowledge
ü Lax conscience – do not listen to their conscience, immune to guilt
ü Informed conscience within moral maturity as person has knowledge of situation-abortion
Moral maturity – informed/knowledge, principles respect, truth, honesty, reflects actions, aware responsibility, aware consequences to others
Moral decision process/steps-
1. Look at facts,
2. define problem,
3. seek information-knowledge to understand,
4. examine your conscience, values,
5. read scriptures/Quran, 6. God prayer,
7. name decision.
ROLE OF STATE, STATE/CIVIL LAW: maintain peace, order, human rights,
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948- after World War 2)
Civil/state Law goes against religious law -
justice+ peace: Christian moral vision, Beatitudes, 10 commandments, Love your neighbour as yourself
ü Gordon Wilson forgave his daughters killing by IRA bomb Enniskillen 1987
Glenncree centre for peace+Justice Wicklow1974) – stop sectarianism (hatred of one group from another due to religious beliefs) Northern Ireland: Nationalists ( MAINLY Catholic) Unionists (MAINLY Protestants), 1969-1998 (Good Friday Agreement) 3000 murdered
Stewardship is rooted in the book of Genesis=care of environment- in all religions
Sin act that breaks religious code. Venial sin- little white lies, mortal sin- murder.
Reconciliation forgiveness for sin, welcome them back into our lives, like Jesus did on the cross to those who crucified him, Prodigal Son,
ü Pope John Paul 2nd forgave man who shot him in 1981, prayer at wailing wall and Auschwitz asking Jews to forgive the Christians that did not help them during World war 2 –Hitler.
SACRAMENT of reconciliation – confession- healing relationship broken
an example of a clash between personal law and Irish state law.
Islam – Quran – Allah is ever-forgiving and most merciful sura 24:22
( higher Level) Clash between personal morality and state/civil law – euthanasia ( assisted suicide due to fatal/ terminal disease – will die), abortion, death penalty ( some states in USA
Pluralism is Belief that groups of different races, religious or political beliefs can live together in peace and harmony – equality Irish Constitution. Believe that state/civil law is separate from religious law,
Opposite Saudi Arabia – theocracy: "God himself is recognized as the head" of the state,
Religious fundamentalism is opposite to pluralism – beliefs, writings of sacred books taken word for word / literally e.g. Islamic Jihadi: suicide booms, 9/11, Chrsitian fundamentalists planting bombs in abortion clinics in USA,
Libertarianism is someone who values freedom of the individual, do not agree with the state having power in civil laws- as limits freedom of individuals but need state laws.