Five Faiths Project
CHRISTIANITY
Further Research and Points for Discussion
- The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, as well as The Acts of the Apostles are the primary sources for stories of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. These books are found in the Bible. There are many standard versions of the Bible. Students may wish to find copies of the Bible in several of these versions: King James Version, Good News Version, Jerusalem Bible, Revised Standard Version and others. Focusing on a particular passage, for example, the first chapter of the Gospel of John, compare the language used in each. What advantages and disadvantages can students identify in having multiple versions of a given text?
- The Infancy Narratives are found in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew. Compare these accounts of the birth of Jesus with the opening chapters of the other two gospels.
- The cross is a widely accepted symbol for Christianity. However, there are several variations on the theme to be found in each of the traditions of Christianity. Students may wish to research the various shapes and dimensions of the crosses. In doing so, they may discover additional branches of Christianity. Ask students to research one or more of these differing traditions.
- Using a public library, the Internet or local churches as resources, students may wish to find additional stories of Christian saints. Many churches are named for a particular saint. Ask students to find the stories behind the names of local churches.
- In the Christian tradition, there are many organizational structures within various denominations. Ask students to research the structure of the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox tradition and one or more Protestant denominations. How are the larger groups organized? Is there a central governing body or individual? How much autonomy do individual churches have?
- It is often said that America is a “Christian Nation.” Invite students to consider the ramifications of this idea. Ask students to research the history of America, its founders and their beliefs. What evidence supports the idea that this is a Christian nation? What aspects of the founding of this country do not support this notion? The class may wish to discuss whether they perceive America to be Christian. Why? Why not? How does the separation of church and state influence their understanding?
- Christian art allows for innovation in visual expressions of faith, believers, God, Jesus and the saints. Ask students to find Christian images from other parts of the world. Can they identify changes in the imagery based on the country in which it was made? Even within this country, different churches represent Jesus in different ways. Some churches have icons, crosses, statues and stained glass windows. Others do not. Ask students to consider the benefits of having highly decorated worship spaces. Ask them to consider the benefits of sparsely decorated worship spaces.
- On the Christianity Poster, the Bible is quoted: “Love must not be a matter of theory or talk; it must be true love which shows itself in action.” Ask students to consider ways in which love can be made manifest in works of charity and devotion. Students may wish to research outreach and service projects within local churches.
Contemporary Research Options
- How many different sects and denominations within the Christian tradition are present in your community? In your state? In this country? What examples of differing beliefs can students identify? What unifying beliefs?
- There is on-going debate in America with regard to the posting of the Ten Commandments and the motto: “In God We Trust” within public schools and government buildings. Ask students to find recent articles in newspapers and periodicals. Consider the pros and cons of this debate. If students could post a saying in schools and government buildings what saying might they select and why?
