cont....from World Religions (Theology notes)

First Century Arianism - only God the Father is God. The international language was Greek. The language in the middle east was Armenian, Syria and coptic (when think in one religion, translate to own and there is some misinterpretation. When it went West, it became Latin. When Constantine was in power, it was either do it his way or you would be shot. There was no accommodation for language as in the West. One of the things to unify is to have a common religion. So, you come out with the appropriate answer or you are dead. These were the solutions to unify. Four main Schools of law. Islam - five pillars of Islam. Things you do, rather than what you believe. When Mohammed was born in 570, never heard about Roman Catholicism, and racing together you are ready for a fight to the death. Alexander died in 3.24, may say that Mohammed was the answer to Alexander, protector of Christian rules under Muslims greater than the rest. Muslims discouraged Christians from being Muslims (wouldn’t pay taxes anymore). Muslim scholars educated Europe. Culture that was not Jewish. Plato - West. Aristotle came to the West during the crusades (after 15th century). Muslims conquered Spain 711 and ruled Europe til 1763 (for about 10 centuries) Muslims called the shots. Europe/Africa - threat because of the Mediterranean Sea. 1683 - Balance shifted. Today we must not only speak of salvation, but also geography of salvation. Can there be more than one? Religion Imperialism - The crusades began with the Christians which had nothing about faith, but economics in Europe. The crusades lasted over 200 years. Popes used to fight in the army. Seminan - Religion of the people. People of the King. 1961 - Roman Catholicism recognized human rights. Pastoral - left alone. Is the Koran the word of God? Theology is faith seeking understanding. When the context changes, changes the theology. 1945 - after war, balance of people did change. Hindes - with end of colonism, before Vatican Two (1962-65), RC’s (Roman Catholics) used to believe that revelation was to affirm that it was true absolute the world would be saved and if questioned, would be in a little trouble. Preparation for the gospel. Islam - after the birth of Christ - one of the reasons was that revelation ceased with the last apostle. After WW2, began to understand revelation differently. Revelation is the self communication to the world and this communication is not only to the Christian world but to all nations. General revelation is given to anyone. Received through personal encounter. This dimension was emphasized by RC. If this is the truth and this is the faith, “There is no pure faith.” In this concept, it is not the New Testament that is the revelation of Jesus Christ, but Jesus Christ himself. The New Testament admits that Christ does so incompletely. What do Protestants believe in revelation? We don’t know. If it is a revelation from God? This understanding of revelation with a personal encounter. World religion is a setting of world revelation. RC understanding is yes. With this concept can slip in Islam even though after Jesus Christ. Christianity became allied with Western culture, never with the East. Constantine emperor 4th century used to enforce not theology. It was baptism or death. Christians living under Muslim were protected but they were not allowed to try to convert. Christianity falls under Abraham, Sarah, Issac, 12 tribes, Jerusalem and Jesus. Muslims under Hager, Ish meal, 12 tribes, Mecca, Mohammed. Revelation since Vatican11 - self of God (always filtered thru language and culture. God has not left God self without revelation. General and Special - Christians. For RC’s the revelations that they get is salvation. Crusades (Christian wars) last more than 2000 years. This has impacted the relationship of the two cultures. Muslims governed Spain from 711 until defeated in 1683, so for 8 hundred years. (1492 Jesuits, at least 500 years). Vatican 11 - 1962 - 1965 - trying to update the faith. Regarding non Christians states, reject nothing that is good. That enlightens men and women everywhere. Highlights between the two - Muslims and Christians. Higher power - even thought different of God’s oneness. RC believes the possibility everyone has. Vatican 11 recognized the mystery of Islam in salvation. Panel 2 recognized that both Christians and Muslims come from the children of Abraham. Neither does Abraham replace the Koran. Koran is necessary for the Muslim. If Jesus separates us, Mohammed joins us. To be continued…. Next week I want to talk about some seminars I have been to, before continuing with my psychology notes. I will probably tell you about last weeks education regarding marijuana and the developing brain. I am now alternating between Theology and Psychology notes or conferences for psychotherapy. I wish you a wonderful week and thank you for reading my blogs.