ESSENTIAL TEACHINGS OF CHRISTIANITY

Top five teachings Trinity Incarnation Paschal Mystery Church Eschatology

Trinity We believe that God is three-in-one

One true God in three persons Father, Son, and Holy Spirit God is an eternal communion of love.

Incarnation The second person of the trinity became

human in the person of Jesus The Word of God is eternal The Word became flesh in Jesus Jesus is fully God and fully Human “God is with us” - Emmanuel

Paschal Mystery The Life, Suffering, Death, Resurrection,

and Ascension of Jesus Means by which humanity is saved This is what we celebrate in all the

Sacraments Central point in salvation history

All else leads up to this and then flows from it.

Church ??????? The first three are common to all

Christian denominations (with some differences in how each of these is understood)

This is vastly different in how it is understood by different denominations.

Eschaton Eschaton - The end of time when Jesus

will return and restore all of creation. Final judgment of humanity Resurrection of the dead and life ever

lasting

What is Church? Describe in your own words what the

church is.   What are some characteristics of

Church?   What is the importance of Church in your

life?   At least a ¾ page journal entry. Read article 1 in text when finished.

Church – the basics Term Church comes from the Greek word ekklesia “An assembly of people whom God calls

together to be in special relationship.” Three levels

Universal – encompasses entire world Local (diocese) – particular geographic

location Parish - when assembled for liturgy

Planned from the beginning of time, established by Christ.

History of Salvation God’s loving reaching out and

interacting with all of creation Five main points:

Creation, Israel, Jesus, Church, Eschaton Public Revelation has ceased (Bible is

complete)Private Revelation continues – God still speaks

Importance of Scripture & Tradition

Make a list of 6-8 events that you think are important in salvation history.