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Papal authority is challenged by Protestants, who generally support a more personal relationship between the individual and the divine.
However, all Christians share several fundamental philosophical beliefs in common, including monotheism; dualism; sin and salvation. These beliefs are expressed through the Christian worldview, concepts of afterlife, and commentary on the major metaphysical problem of human existence: sin.
First, monotheism precludes anyone sympathetic to polytheistic worship from completely embracing Christianity, although Catholic veneration of saints can approximate such an approach to the divine. Second, dualism pervades Christianity and has powerfully influenced the worldview of most persons in Western society. The notions of absolute good and absolute evil are central concepts in Christianity, influencing moral philosophy as well as concepts of afterlife. For instance, the Christian afterlife is divided into Heaven and Hell, both of which are considered to be eternal states of being. Dualism provides a simple means of dividing human acts and even human beings into absolute categories. Dualism also...
Such a dualistic worldview prevents philosophical and moral flexibility, and thus might prevent someone from fully embracing the religion.
Third, the concept of sin is central to Christianity. The notion that all human beings are born essentially flawed (original sin) is more common in Catholicism than in Protestant denominations but Christianity nevertheless focuses firmly on sin in its general teachings. Certain acts are generally considered sinful. This focus on sin might put off those who would prefer to view humanity in a more positive or optimistic light or those who ascribe to moral relativism.
Fourth and closely linked to the concept of sin is the Christian notion of salvation. Salvation can be attained in a number of different ways depending on the denomination. Salvation alleviates the basic human problem of sin through divine assistance and intervention. Salvation may be an appealing concept for some would-be followers, as it allows for grace and divine forgiveness for sinful acts and would also permit a sinner to enter Heaven in spite of past deeds.
Religion has been a potent force in my life, shaping my identity, values, self-concept, and worldview. Beyond the psychological power of faith, religion has primarily served as a social mechanism in my life. I have always struggled with the more esoteric elements of faith and religion including the efficacy of theological concepts. Especially because I have been exposed now to many alternating views of what God is, how the cosmos
Two of the world’s most important and magnificent religions share little in common on the surface. Yet as the Dalai Lama’s recent interfaith dialogues have shown, locating points of intersection between Christianity and Buddhism can be a more fruitful endeavor than focusing only on differences. Buddhism is older than Christianity, but only by about 500 years. From their points of origin, Buddhism and Christianity spread far and wide geographically: Buddhism
For Jesus and the apostles, Christianity was already universal: the reign of God being omnipresent, from “within,” and not dependent on external social or political structures (Lohfink, 2012, p. 50). Known as the entos hymon, the Lutheran translation of Luke 17:21 suggests that the Church is universal, timeless, and independent of geographic or temporal considerations. God embraces all under the rubric of the Church. Practically speaking, though, Jesus understood that the
The display of the various religious artwork effectively served to reinforce the fact that such faith was the governing power in the land, which the church itself reflected merely in its principle usage as a house of worship. The Hagia Sophia served a similar purpose, as it was built during one of the periods of devastation inflicted upon the Hagia Irene and was also viewed as a symbol of
Sharing Jesus William Fay's 1999 spiritual text entitled Share Jesus Without Fear, is an emotional and poignant tale that encourages the followers of Jesus Christ into a harmonious practice of evangelical Christianity. Fay holds a unique position in the evangelical community and presents a self idealized person who can truly understand what it is to be a follower of Christ. This is best summarized when he wrote " but be aware:
I especially appreciate the opportunity to place musical compositions and composers within a historical context. Placing music within a historical context illuminates some of the variables that characterize a piece like "Rite of Spring." Understanding the cultural, political, and military events taking place during the composer's lifetime is essential to understanding the music. Although analyzing classical pieces can prove difficult because of shifting time signatures, counterpoint, and layering of