12

INTRODUCTION
TO WORLD
RELIGIONS
& BELIEF SYSTEMS
1st Quarter: Module 5

Mary Ann C. Doctor

Rogelio DG. Burce
Module Writers

Department of Education • Republic of the Philippines

Content Standards:

The learner demonstrates understanding of the elements of Christianity;

a. Founder: Jesus Christ (c. 7 BC-30 A.D.)

b. Sacred texts: Bible (Old Testament and New Testament)
c. Doctrines: Trinity, Virgin Birth, Deity of Christ, Resurrection, Last Judgement
d: God: Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit)
e. Sects: Roman Catholic, Greek/Eastern Orthodox, Protestantism, etc.
f. Issues: Ecumenism, Sexuality issues (e.g., contraception, homosexuality,
ordination of women.

Performance Standard:

The learner interviews a Christian parent or couple on why they are Christians
and what beliefs and practices they adhere to.

Most Essential Learning (Week 5)

Examine the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and
related issues of Christianity.

Learning Competency

 Recite the Apostle‘s Creed, The Lord‘s Prayer or the Beatitudes.

 Explain: The core teaching of Christianity.
 Interpret the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

EXPECTATION

 The lessons included in your module teaches you the basic concepts on the
beliefs and practices of Christianity.
 It also helps you to identify the founder of Christianity and how this belief
started.
 In addition, it will help you to understand the concept of monotheism as one of
the greatest influences of Judaism to Christianity.
 Moreover, it helps you to analyze the related issues concerning to the beliefs of
Christianity.

Let‘s get started……tune up!!!!

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 2

 PRE-TEST

Multiple Choice: Read the questions carefully. Write the letter of your correct answer
on the space provided.
1.________ The following belongs to Abrahamic religion except;
a. Hinduism b. Christianity c. Islam d. Judaism
2.________For Christians, they considered Him as messiah and the son of God.
a. Moses b. Abraham c. Jesus Christ d. Isaac
3.________It is the largest among the world‘s major religions with over two billion
followers.
a. Hinduism b. Christianity c. Islam d. Judaism
4._______It is the sacred space or the house of worship for Christians.
a. Mosque b. Synagogue c. Temple d. Church
5._______ The following are the major beliefs and principles of Christianity except;
a. Jesus Christ as the Messiah b. Virgin Birth of Jesus
c. Salvation d. Belief in Sabbath
6._______ What is the sacred text or scripture of Christianity?
a. Quran b. Tripitaka c. Bible d. Torah
7._______Which of the following does not belong to the sects of Christianity?
a. Judaism b. Roman Catholic c. Protestantism d. Iglesia ni Cristo
8._______She was considered as blessed, virgin and chosen to be the mother of the son
of god.
a. Elizabeth b. Mary c. Ana d. Magdalene
9. _______This prayer of Christianity sometimes called as ―Symbol of the Apostles‖, it is
the oldest creed and lies as the basis of most others.
a. Our Father b. Hail Mary c. Beatitudes d. Apostles Creed
10._____ Which of the following does not belong to the issues concerned to
Christianity?
a. Ecumenism b. Zionism c. Sexuality d. Euthanasia

LOOKING BACK

Fill in the blanks: Choose your answer from the boxes below and write it on the
space provided.
1. ____________It is the oldest among Abrahamic religion.
2. ____________It is the sacred writings of Judaism.
3. ____________What is the most important holidays for Jewish?
4. ____________In what region in Asia Judaism was started?
5. ____________He was considered as the Father of Abrahamic religion.

Abraham Islam Judaism Southwest Sabbath Torah Bible

INTRODUCTION OF THE LESSON

Let’s Ponder!!

Describe what you see in the picture? How would you

interpret the picture? In what religion does this symbol commonly
use?

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 3

 https://www.google.com/search?q=christianity+beliefs&safe=active&rlz=1C1RLNS

What Is It

Christianity is the most widely practiced religion in the world, with more than
two billion followers. It started with a small group of adherents, many historians
regard the spread and adoption of Christianity throughout the world as one of the
most successful spiritual missions in human history. It is rooted in Judaism, as Jesus
Christ was a Jew, as were His twelve disciples (the Apostles). Christianity developed in
Palestine around 100 CE.
Today, Christianity is divided into three major sects- Roman Catholicism,
Greek Orthodox Church and Protestantism. Christianity is very familiar to Filipino
because the Philippines has become pre-dominantly Catholic because of the influence
of Spaniards as their colonizer.
The Christian faith centers on beliefs regarding the birth, life, death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Who was Jesus?

Some of the historians believe that Jesus was a real person who was born
between 2 B.C. and 7 B.C. Most of the facts that scholars know about Jesus comes
from the New Testament of the Christian Bible.
Jesus was born to a young Jewish virgin named Mary in the town of Bethlehem,
south of Jerusalem in modern-day Palestine. Christians believe the conception was a
supernatural event, with God impregnating Mary via the Holy Spirit.
Scriptures reveal that he grew up in Nazareth, he and his family fled
persecution from King Herod and moved to Egypt, and his ―earthly‖ father, Joseph,
was a carpenter because very little is known about Jesus‘s childhood.
Jesus was raised Jewish, and according to most scholars, he aimed to
reform Judaism—not create a new religion. When he was around 30 years old, Jesus
started his public ministry after being baptized in the Jordan River by the prophet
known as John the Baptist.
For about three years, Jesus traveled with 12 appointed disciples (also known
as the 12 apostles), teaching large groups of people and performing what witnesses
described as miracles. Some of the most well-known miraculous events included
raising a dead man named Lazarus from the grave, walking on water and curing the
blind.
Jesus used parables—short stories with hidden messages—in his teachings.
Some of the main themes that Jesus taught, which Christians later embraced,
include:
 Love God.

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 4

  Love your neighbor as yourself.
 Forgive others who have wronged you.
 Love your enemies.
 Ask God for forgiveness of your sins.
 Jesus is the Messiah and was given the authority to forgive others.
 Repentance of sins is essential.
 Don‘t be hypocritical.
 Don‘t judge others.
 The Kingdom of God is near. It‘s not the rich and powerful—but the weak and
poor—who will inherit this kingdom.

In one of Jesus‘s most famous speeches, which became known as the Sermon on
the Mount, he summarized many of his moral instructions for his followers.
Some of the scholars believe Jesus died between 30 A.D. and 33 A.D., the exact date
is debated among theologians.
According to the Bible, Jesus was arrested, tried and condemned to death.
Roman governor Pontius Pilate issued the order to kill Jesus after being pressured by
Jewish leaders who alleged that Jesus was guilty of a variety of crimes, including
blasphemy.
Jesus was crucified by Roman soldiers in Jerusalem, and his body was laid in a
tomb. According to scripture, three days after his crucifixion, Jesus‘s body was
missing.
In the days after Jesus‘s death, some people reported sightings and encounters with
him. Authors in the Bible say the resurrected Jesus ascended into Heaven.
(https://www.history.com/topics/religion/history-of-christianity)

Symbols of Christianity

Cross is the principal symbol of the Christian religion, recalling the

crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Ichthus – This is one of the most widely recognized symbols of

Christianity. In Greek, the first letters of the words, ―Jesus Christ, Son of
God, Savior‖ spell Ichthus, meaning ―fish.‖ When the early Christians
were persecuted, they used the Ichthus as a secret sign to identify
themselves to each other.
Descending Dove – The Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descended upon
Jesus at His baptism in the river Jordan. In Christian art, doves are used
to symbolize purity, peace, and reconciliation.

Chi-Rho - a Christian monogram and symbol formed from the first two letters
X and P of the Greek word for Christ. — called also Christogram. Symbol for
Christ within symbol for eternity (circle), signifying the eternal existence of our
Lord.
(https://www.google.com/search?q=what+is+the+meaning+of+the+chi+rho+symbol&rlz=1C1RLNS)

The Christian Bible

The Christian Bible is a collection of 66 books written by various authors. It‘s

divided into two parts: The Old Testament and the New Testament.
The Old Testament which is composed of 39 books. It was arranged into three
parts: The first five books Genesis-Deuteronomy are considered as the ―Torah or Law‖
which refer to guidance or instruction. Later it was called as ―Pentateauch‖ which

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 5

attributed to Moses. The second part is called ―The Prophets”, which divided into two
parts, the ―former prophets” which considered as historical and the ―latter prophets”
contains sayings and stories of the prophets. The third part is called ―The Writings‖
which include the Psalms (song, prayers and worship liturgies), Proverbs (wise
sayings), Job (a drama that explore the nature of sufferings) and the five scrolls
(Megiloth) which were grouped together for their associations with a particular
religious festivals.
The New Testament composed of 27 books, was written after Jesus‘s death. The
first four books—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John—are known as the ―Gospels,” which
means ―good news.‖ These texts, composed sometime between 70 A.D. and 100 A.D.,
provide accounts of the life and death of Jesus.
Letters was the second part, written by early Christian leaders, which are also
known as ―epistles,‖ make up a large part of the New Testament. These letters offer
instructions for how the church should operate.
The Acts of the Apostles is a book in the New Testament that gives an account of the
apostles‘ ministry after Jesus‘s death. The author of Acts is the same author as one of
the Gospels—it is effectively ―part two‖ to the Gospels, what happened after Jesus‘s
death and resurrection.
The final book in the New Testament, Revelation, describes a vision and
prophecies that will occur at the end of the world, as well as metaphors to describe the
state of the world.

(https://www.history.com/topics/religion/history-of-christianity)

Major Beliefs and Principles of Christianity

(Doctrines of Christianity)
1. Jesus Christ as the Messiah
Christians recognize Jesus as the Son of God who was sent to save mankind
from death and sin. Jesus Christ taught that he was Son of God. His teachings
can be summarized, briefly as the love of God and love of one's neighbour.
Jesus said that he had come to fulfil God's law rather than teach it. Christian
believes that Jesus is the anointed one who will save the world and that His
presence on earth was the fulfillment of the prophecies made in the old
testament who will save the mankind from their sins.

2. Virgin Birth of Jesus

The virgin birth of Jesus is the doctrine that Jesus was conceived and
born by his mother Mary through the power of the Holy Spirit and without sexual
intercourse with her husband Joseph. It is attested in the gospels
of Matthew and Luke and affirmed in both the Apostles' Creed (c. 2nd century) and
the Nicene Creed (381 AD), and the Orthodox, Catholic and Protestant churches all
accept it as either authoritative for faith or an explanation of the mixture of the
human and divine natures of Jesus.

This Christian belief has later projected Virgin Mary having a unique status of
being the Mother of God and being honored by Catholic Christians.

Muslims accept the Quranic story of Mary, including the virgin birth of Jesus,
which most interpreters take literally but Muslims reject the divinity of Jesus, which
explicitly rejected in the Quran.

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 6

3. Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ

This is the anchor of Christian Faith. The resurrection of Jesus, or anastasis, is

the Christian belief that God raised Jesus on third day after his crucifixion at
Calvary as first of the dead, starting his exalted his exalted life as Christ and Lord.
Through Jesus resurrection and ascension to heaven, Christians consider it as the
most important doctrine of their faith. This is because Jesus shows his omnipotence
over death that for Christians this the most convincing evidence that He is truly the
son of God.

4. Deity of Christ
The deity of Jesus is considered an essential doctrine and is a central non-
negotiable belief within Christianity. Also known as the "divinity of Christ,"
this doctrine asserts that Jesus Christ was and is the Son of God.
Christians believe in one God; therefore, Christianity is a monotheistic religion. God is
seen as the creator of the universe as well as maintainer. God believed to be as
omnipotent (all-powerful), omniscient (all-knowing), omnipresent (all-present), and
omnibenevolent (all-god).
God also is sacred, moral, unchangeable, compassionate, graceful and timeless.

5. Last Judgment

Christians holds the belief the second coming of Christ or the Judgement Day
to fulfill the rest of the Old Testament-to judge the living and the dead and establish
God‘s kingdom in the new earth in heaven.
6. Salvation
Christians believes that salvation is freedom from eternal damnation and
receiving eternal life in the new heaven and new earth. This can only achieve through
accepting Jesus Christ as savior and be baptized in his name. For Catholics, it is not
only enough to believe but it should be coupled with faith accompanied by good words.
7. Trinity/Trinitarian Doctrine

The traditional Christian doctrine of the Trinity is commonly expressed as the

statement that the one God exists as or in three equally divine ―persons‖, the Father,
the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Christian doctrine of the Trinity holds that God is
one God, but three co-eternal consubstantial persons - the Father, the Son (Jesus
Christ), and the Holy Spirit—as "one God in three Divine persons". The three persons
are distinct, yet are one "substance, essence or nature".

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 7

 Subdivisions of Christianity

Hi st o r y o f Su bdi vi si o n s o f Ch r i st i a n i t y

According to the Bible, the first church organized itself 50 days after Jesus‘s
death on the Day of Pentecost—when the Holy Spirit was said to descend onto
Jesus‘s followers. Most of the first Christians were Jewish converts, and the
church was centered in Jerusalem. Shortly after the creation of the church, many
Gentiles (non-Jews) embraced Christianity. Early Christians considered it their
calling to spread and teach the gospel. One of the most important missionaries was
the apostle Paul, a former persecutor of Christians. Paul‘s conversion to
Christianity after he had a supernatural encounter with Jesus is described in Acts
of the Apostles. Paul preached the gospel and established churches throughout
the Roman Empire, Europe and Africa. Many historians believe Christianity
wouldn‘t be as widespread without the work of Paul. In addition to preaching, Paul
is thought to have written 13 of the 27 books in the New Testamen t.
Early Christians were persecuted for their faith by both Jewish and Roman
leaders. In 64 A.D., Emperor Nero blamed Christians for a fire that broke out in
Rome. Many were brutally tortured and kill ed during this time.
Under Emperor Domitian, Christianity was illegal. If a person confessed to being a
Christian, he or she was executed.
Starting in 303 A.D., Christians faced the most severe persecutions to date
under the co-emperors Diocletian and Gale rius. This became known as the Great
Persecution.
When Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity, religious
tolerance shifted in the Roman Empire.
During this time, there were several groups of Christians with different ideas about
how to interpret scripture and the role of the church.
In 313 A.D., Constantine lifted the ban on Christianity with the Edict of
Milan. He later tried to unify Christianity and resolve issu es that divided the
church by establishing the Nicene Creed. Many scholars believe Constantine‘s
conversion was a turning point in Christian history.
In 380 A.D., Emperor Theodosius I declared Catholicism the state religion of
the Roman Empire. The Pope, or Bishop of Rome, operated as the head of the
Roman Catholic Church.
Catholics expressed a deep devotion for the Virgin Mary, recognized the
seven sacraments, and honored relics and sacred sites.
When the Roman Empire collapsed in 476 A.D., differences eme rged among
Eastern and Western Christians.
In 1054 A.D., the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox church
split into two groups.
Between about 1095 A.D. and 1230 A.D., the Crusades, a series of holy
wars, took place. In these battles, Christians fought against Islamic rulers and
their Muslim soldiers to reclaim holy land in the city of Jerusalem.
The Christians were successful in occ upying Jerusalem during some of the
Crusades, but they were ultimately defeated.
After the Crusades, the Catholic Church‘s power and wealth increased.
In 1517, a German monk named Martin Luther published 95 Theses—a text
that criticized certain acts of the Pope and protested some of the practices and
priorities of the Roman Catholic church.
Later, Luther publicly said that the Bible didn‘t give the Pope the sole right
to read and interpret scripture.
Luther‘s ideas triggered the Reformation—a movement that aimed to reform
the Catholic church. As a result, Protestantism was created, and different
denominations of Christianity eventually began to form.
Christianity is broadly split into three branches: Catholic, Protestant and (Eastern)
Orthodox.
The Catholic branch is governed by the Pope and Catholic bishops around
the world. The Orthodox (or Eastern Orthodox) is split into i ndependent units each
governed by a Holy Synod; there is no central governing structure akin to the Pope.
Although the many sects of Christianity have differing views, uphold separate
traditions and worship in distinct ways, the core of their faith is cent ered around
the life and teachings of Jesus.
(https://www.history.com/topics/religion/history -of-christianity)

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 8

  Similarities and Differences of the Three Sects of Christianity

Roman Catholic Greek Orthodox Protestantism

Definition Catholic- defined Otrho-right, correct, In protest against the

as Universal true Roman Catholic-
church Doxa-to hold an included indulgence,
opinion simony( buying and
*Correct worship, selling church
right belief positions
Established by Martin
Luther
Empire Rome Byzantine Germany

Language Latin Greek Vernacular

Hierarchy of Pope Pope is the The Greek Orthodox Federal

hierarchy CatholicsChurch is a part of Congregational
see in the pope the spiritual union of -Protestants are not
the successor of the fifteen separate open at all to papal
the Apostle Peter, hierarchical churches primacy. According to
the first head of which are recognized the Evangelical view,
their Church, as the Orthodox this dogma
who was Christian Churches. contradicts
appointed by There is no single statements in the
Jesus. head but the Bishop Bible.
is of the highest
ranking but his rank
is less of authority
and more of honour
and is characterized
as ―first among
equals‖.
So there are three
main orders in the
Orthodoxy Bishops,
Presbyters and
Deacons and the two
minor orders are Sub
deacon and Reader.

Concept of Celibate clergy Allow marriage Allow marriage

Marriage

Icons Allow visual arts Venerate Icons No Icons

and Venerate
Icons
Composition of Agrees with the Accept 39 books of Rejects the
Bible Orthodoxy as to Old Testaments and Deuteroca-nonical as
validity of the 27 books of New not being inspired
bible Testament but also a
scripture and term
- Catholics, on collection of book not
the other hand, found in the original them as Apocrypha
do not base their Hebrew bible, known (Greek: Hidden
beliefs on the as Deuterocanonical Things)
Bible alone. Along (second canon of Luther made clear
with the Holy scriptures) that the Bible is the
Scripture,
Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 they 9
 are additionally "Sola Skriptura,"
bound by the God's only book, in
traditions of the which He provided
Roman Catholic
His revelations to the
Church.
people and which
allows them to enter
in communion with
Him.

Significance of The position is Commonly termed as The Eucharist, like a

Eucharist similar to the the ―Mystic Supper‖ Baptism is only a
Orthodox. The or ―Divine Liturgy‖. symbol of grace. The
Eucharist is also This makes present
sacrificial nature of
known as ―Holy Christ‘s sacrifice and
Sacrifice of the therefore forgiveness the Eucharist is also
Mass‖ of sins is obtained. rejected.
Beliefs to Mother Free from original Do not believe Do not believe
Mary sin
Queen of Heaven Rejected Rejected
Doctrines Belief in Do not believe Do not believe
Purgatory
(https://www.google.com/search?q=difference+between+roman+catholic+and+protestant+and+greek+orthodox&safe=a
ctive&sxsrf=ALeKk01w3Ab_MniilJmyUDjT78_TM-CI)

 WORSHIP AND OBSERVANCE

Christians have certain religious observances in which they commemorate

particular events in the history of Christianity some it was Advent, Lent, and the
Pentecost.

Advent refers to the season of waiting for the birth of Messiah. The celebration last for
four weeks, beginning four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas eve.
Aside from remembering the birth of Messiah which is anticipated but the second
coming of the Savior as well. The word ―advent‖ comes from the Latin word adventus,
which means ―coming or visit.‖ Advent features certain colors such as purple or dark
blue-symbolizes seriousness, repentance and royalty, and pink which signifies joy.

.Lent refers to the season observed by Christians in preparation for Easter, a

celebration of the resurrection of Christ. Ash Wednesday is the start of the season of
Lent, which begins 40 days before Easter. During Easter Christians follow certain
rituals such as fasting, repentance, moderation and self-discipline. This is the time to
reflect on the death of Jesus Christ on the Christ and his resurrection. The word
―Lent‖ comes from Anglo-Saxon words lencten meaning “Spring”, and lenctenid which
means “Springtide” and also the word for ―March‖, the month when Easter is usually
celebrated.

Pentecost -is celebrated as a holiday to commemorate the coming of the Holy Spirit on
the early Christians. It is also celebrated as the birthday of the Church. The word
Pentecost comes from the Greek word pentekostos, which means ―fifty‖ pertaining to
the Jewish holiday celebrated every fifty days from the end of Passover and the
beginning of the next holiday.
It narrates how the first Christians came together in one place when suddenly they
heard a sound coming from heaven and tongues of fire rested on their heads. They
were said filled with the Holy Spirits which enable them to speak in different
languages, after which Peter stood up and delivered his first sermon.

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 10

  Issues
Previously we have discussed how Christian Church was subdivided into different
sects. Aside from it there are some of the issues/conflicts associated with the
Christian teachings;

1. Ecumenism- This refers to the effort of the Catholic Church to sponsor activities
and initiatives to promote mutual understanding and unity among all Christians.
According to Brodd (2003),it can also described as the promotion of worldwide
Christian unity and will be anchored from Vatican‘s II Decree on Ecumenism.
Ecumenism was emphasized and intensely propagated by the Catholic Church
through series of addresses, homilies, and regular audiences with the goal of achieving
unity among all Christians and non-Christians.

2. Sexuality- The issue of sexuality has always been debated for the Catholic
Church. Due to it‘s conservative view of human sexuality, it has often found itself in
conflict with progressive and liberal ideas with regard to certain issues connected to
sexuality such as use of artificial contraception, abortion and homosexuality. In
general sexuality dwells with the sexual orientation, sexual feelings. The Catholic
Church has been very vocal regarding this issue.

3. Family and Divorce- The Catholic Church does not allow divorce since it believes
in the sanctity of marriage which should be lifetime bond between a man and a
woman and is considered a legal bond on earth and spiritual bond in heaven. The
Christian view on marriage is based on Matthew 19-6. As of today, only Philippines do
not have a divorce law.

4. Capital Punishment & Euthanasia- Since Christian advocates the belief that life
is given by God, and He is the only one who can take away that life, Euthanasia or
mercy killing and Capital Punishment is against on the doctrine of Christianity.

Capital Punishment or death penalty is a punishment given for heinious crime

as such as murder, mass murder, cases of rape, child rape, child sexual
abuse, terrorism, treason, espionage, sedition, etc. Euthansia or mercy killing the
painless killing of a patient suffering from an incurable and painful disease or in an
irreversible coma. The practice is illegal in most countries. Euthanasia is used by
many to mean 'mercy killing' but the word (from Greek) literally means 'good death' or
death without suffering.

In Christianity, all humans lives are equally valuable and no one , even the
person himself/herself who wants to end his/her life, has right to assume that his/her
life in no longer valuable.

The Apostle‘s Creed The Lord‘s Prayer

The Apostle‘s Creed, sometimes called The Lord‘s Prayer (also called Our Father or
as Symbol of Apostles, is the oldest Peter Noster) is a venerated Christian
creed, and lies the basis of most prayer that according to the New Testament
or the Bible was taught by Jesus to His
others. The creed had an important
Apostles.
place in the early church when there
Recite with your heart and understand the
was no other creed existing. meaning of the prayer.
Read and Recite the Apostle‘s Creed
below:

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 11

 I believe in God, the Father almighty, The Lord‘s Prayer
creator of heaven and earth.
Our Father, who art in heaven,
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our hallowed be thy Name,
Lord, thy kingdom come,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
thy will be done,
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
on earth as it is in heaven.
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell. Give us this day our daily bread.
The third day he rose again from the And forgive us our trespasses,
dead. as we forgive those
He ascended to heaven who trespass against us.
and is seated at the right hand of God
the Father almighty. And lead us not into temptation,
From there he will come to judge the but deliver us from evil.
living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit, For thine is the kingdom,

the holy catholic* church, and the power, and the glory,
the communion of saints, for ever and ever. Amen.
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen.
(https://www.beliefnet.com/prayers/catholic/childrens-prayers/the-lords-prayer.aspx)

The Beatitudes
The Beatitudes are eight blessings recounted in the Sermon on the Mount in the
Gospel of Matthew. Each is a proverb-like proclamation, without narrative, ‗cryptic‘
precise, and full of meaning. Each one includes a topic that forms a major biblical
themes.
Read and Recite the 8 Beatitudes.

THE EIGHT BEATITUDES OF JESUS

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they who mourn,

for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful,

for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure of heart,

for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they shall be called children of God.

Blessed are they who are persecuted for the sake of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Gospel of Matthew 5:3-10

(https://www.jesuschristsavior.net/Beatitudes.html)

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 12

 The Parable of the Prodigal Son
The story of, The Parable of the Prodigal Son is perhaps one of the most famous and
beloved of all Christ‘s teachings, for it provides a neglected lesson that remains relevant
until today. It is described by the Expositor‘s Bible Commentary as ―perhaps the crown
and flower of all the parables.‖

Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, 'Father,
give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.

"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there
squandered his wealth in wild living. After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in
that whole country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that
country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the
pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and
here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have
sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like
one of your hired men.' So he got up and went to his father.

"But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he
ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

―The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy
to be called your son.'

"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his
finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate.
For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to
celebrate.

"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and
dancing. So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 'Your brother has
come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and
sound.'
"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him.
But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your
orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this
son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened
calf for him!

"'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to
celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is
found'" (Luke 15:11-32).

(https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2015:11-32&version=ESV)

What‘s More (Activity 1)- Footprints in the Sand

From this footprints, write down the traces on how Jesus Christ becomes a
Messiah.

https://www.google.com/search?q=footprints+graphic+organizer&safe=active&rlz=1C1RLNS_)

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 13

Guide Questions:

1. Why do you think Christianity has the most number of believers among religions?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
2. Which among the doctrines of Christianity do you think is appealing to ordinary
people? Explain your answer.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
3. What issue or conflicts about Christianity are you in favor with? Name at least one
and justify your answer.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

Activity 2- Know the Difference. Fill the graphic organizer, the similarities and
differences of Old Testaments to New Testaments. Write at least three statements.

Text Support All statemet 3

are suppoted
by the text.
Placement All the 4
statements in
the circle are
not similar
within the two
outside circle.
No.of Quality Make at least 3
Statement 3-5
statements for
comparison in
each circle.
Total 10pts.

(https://www.template.net/designtemplates/print/blank venn diagram)

What I have learned.

Fill out the table with the basic facts about Christianity.

Founder

God

Sacred Texts

Doctrines

Sects

Issues

Sacred Space

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 14

 CHECKING YOUR UNDERSTANDING

What I Can Do
Definition of Terms. Provide simple definitions of the following terms.

1. Eucharists_______________________________________________________________________

2. Bible_____________________________________________________________________________

3. Virgin Mary______________________________________________________________________

4. Doctrines________________________________________________________________________

5. Beatutides_______________________________________________________________________

6. Prodigal Son_____________________________________________________________________

7. Sects____________________________________________________________________________

8. Apostles Creed____________________________________________________________________

9. Lord‘s Prayer____________________________________________________________________

10. Jerusalem______________________________________________________________________

POST TEST

Write T if the statement is TRUE and F if the statement is FALSE.

1.______Christianity is the world‘s largest religion in terms of adherents.

2.______Only Catholics can be called as Christian.
3.______Divorce in the Philippines is not allowed because we believe in the sanctity of
marriage as one of the core teaching of Christianity.
4.______Priest in Roman Catholics are allowed to be married.
5.______Jesus Christ as to Christianity,Martin Luther as to Protestantism.
6.______Old testaments is the only sacred texts used by the Christians.
7.______ Many historians believe Christianity wouldn‘t be as widespread
without the work of Paul.
8.______Pontius Pilate was the first Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity.
9.______ Lent refers to the season of waiting for the birth of Messiah
10._____ Great Persecution was the last and most severe persecution of Christians in
the Roman Empire.

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 15

 ENRICHMENT

Answer the following questions

1. Interpret the Parable of the Prodigal Son. Write your own story related to this
parable.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________,

2. Read and recite the three prayers of Christians (Lord‘s Prayer, Apostle‘s Creed and
Beatitudes), write your own reflection on what this prayer wants to transpires to us.
____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________.

3. Interview a Christian parent or couple thru Fb messenger. Ask them why they
choose to become Christians and what specific beliefs and practices they adhere to.
Finally, ask them how they live their faith as Christians especially now in times of
pandemic.
____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________.

Intro to World Religion. Qr.1.Wk5 16