H.+Rachel

http://www.australiansuficentre.org/article_paradoxself.htm

Type Two //[|The Helper]//** The caring, interpersonal type. Twos are empathetic, sincere, and warm-hearted. They are friendly, generous, and self-sacrificing, but can also be sentimental, flattering, and people-pleasing. They are well-meaning and driven to be close to others, but can slip into doing things for others in order to be needed. They typically have problems with possessiveness and with acknowledging their own needs. **At their Best:** unselfish and altruistic, they have unconditional love for others.

//[|The Peacemaker]//** The easy-going, self-effacing type. Nines are accepting, trusting, and stable. They are usually grounded, supportive, and often creative, but can also be too willing to go along with others to keep the peace. They want everything to go smoothly and be without conflict, but they can also tend to be complacent and emotionally distant, simplifying problems and ignoring anything upsetting. They typically have problems with inertia and stubbornness. **At their Best**: indomitable and all- embracing, they are able to bring people together and heal conflicts.
 * Type Nine

The Sufi Way’s approach to spiritual growth encourages both contemplative practice and the living of a full, balanced life that is present to both the joys and the suffering of the world. To these ends we facilitate inner school and service training programs, practice and study circles, meditation retreats, healing and worship services, cross-cultural pilgrimages, rites-of-passage, and individual spiritual guidance. The Sufi Way is known particularly for the creation of musical meditations which evoke a sense of inner peace and communion, and for the inclusive use of teachings and practices from diverse sources. Also characteristic of the Sufi Way is an on-going search for ways to inspire change, both in individuals and in the world. An example of this is the sponsoring of interfaith “bearing witness” pilgrimages to the Middle East and Asia as a means of citizen-to-citizen diplomacy across borders. Public programs are sponsored regularly in Britain, Europe, and the United States, and an annual summer school is held in July-August, usually in Britain or Europe.

//** Outline the contribution of Paul to the development and expression of Christianity (10 marks) **// Christianity today remains the most dominant religion in the world with over 2.1 billion adherents following its monotheistic belief structure which has progressed since the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. However, Christ was a Jew which signifies the beginnings of Christianity to revolve around the adaptation of the strict guidelines of Judaism and focus of loving human relationships. This meant that Christianity fell into a small sector of Judaism and the message of Jesus remained confined to only Jewish adherents. It was the influence and the contribution of **Paul of Tarsus** to the development of Christianity through his establishment of the doctrine that turned Christianity into a small sect of Judaism into a worldwide faith that was open to all. Through the close study and analysis of Paul's life, journeys and letters in the bible the significant impact of such a man on Christianity is notable as the development of Christianity through the eruption of Christian communities around the roman Empire and laying foundations in ideology.

Paul, born in Tarsus (Turkey) as Saul, worked as a tent-maker and well educated in his Jewish faith. Paul however was a Jewish Pharisee, which enabled him to persecute those “followers of Jesus” or Christians. As he writes in Phillppians 3.4-6, “…following the law of the Pharisees, in my zeal a persecutor of the church.” Paul continued to persecute Christians in many different cities, mostly Damascus until he was converted to Christianity after a supernatural event. During one of Paul’s journeys to Damascus he experienced a vision which influenced is conversion which significantly symbolised a turning point in the development of Christianity. As written in by Paul in Acts 22.6, “I fell to the ground and heard a voice say, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me...I am Jesus of Nazareth.” Paul was blinded and lead to Damascus, where he became certain that his vision of Jesus symbolized his calling to spread the Gospel. A disciple called Ananuas restored Paul’s vision and he was then baptized as a follower of Jesus. This conversion or metanoia that Paul experienced enabled him to believe that he had been given a divine mission in his epiphany to go to preach the word of God and the salvation brought by faith in Jesus Christ.

Paul argued that salvation was for all and challenged the Jewish notion of being “God’s chosen ones.” This saw a dramatic shift from Rabbinic Judaism as he began to convert gentiles to followers of Jesus. Christian communities were established around the Roman Empire and it was Paul’s determination and enthusiasm that allowed him to travel extensively and preach persuasively, also teamed with his establishment as a Jew and Roman citizenship. These elements and characteristics allowed Paul to be great influence in spreading the word in both Roman cities and Jewish synagogues. During 44, 48 and 55 CE Paul underwent three extensive journeys which allowed the growth of Christianity to spread across the massive Roman Empire followers of Jesus strengthened. Peter, who established a small community in Jerusalem did not believe in converting gentiles, which went against the belief of Paul. This disagreement resulted in a confrontation describes in one of Paul’s sources “I opposed him to his face, because h stood condemned…he was eating with the Gentiles; but when they came back he dres back and separated himself, fearing the circumcision party”. Galatians 2.11-14. After his third journey Paul was accused of teaching against Jewish law in Rome and was physically attacked and imprisoned by the Romans, and it is generally agreed upon that he was martyred around 65 CE.

Pauls Writings make up over a quarter of the New Testament. Paul composed many letters throughout his life to churches and individuals who he had succeeded in converting during his journeys. Paul composed 13 letters that depict the foundation of Christian beliefs and practices that are today still used as guidelines for modern adherents today. Paul entwines his most important theme of “agape” within his writings which can be identified in one of his earliest writings; his first letter to the Corinthians, 13, “Love is patient and kind…Love is eternal…”. Paul’s most important message is “without his outlook on life and love, humanity is without essence and goodness”. Paul’s writings influence followers of Jesus to continue to spread the message of peace ad love in various Christian communities across the world.

Paul of Tarsus provided an immense andtable contribution to the growth and development of Christianity through his missions and writings. Through his journeys he spread the word of the Christian faith, establishing churches and Christian communities which shifted Christianity from a sect of Judaism to one of the most dominant religions we see today. His most famous works throughout his letters are today still used by modern adherents as guidelines for the way of life as the message of peace and love continues to spread throughout the world. Paul of Tarsus is largely responsible for the expansion and progress of Christianity and is considered Christianity’s second founder. He remains an important figure for all denominations of Christianity and his contribution remains sustained on the development and establishment of Christian faith today. His writings continue to be used by modern day adherents in education of faith and Christian guidelines for activities in daily lives. Paul’s work notable shines through the importance of Christian belief in salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Today, the most significant contribution of Paul was his establishment of the written tradition of Christianity.
 * Analyse the impact of Paul upon Christianity (15 marks) **

The impact of Paul upon Christianity can be seen through his explanation to early Christians the message and mission of Jesus Christ. Throughout his various journey’s Paul preached the word of the lord, educating those who eventually converted to Christian faith. Paul spread the message of Christianity in the Graeco-Roman world, establishing Christain communities there and in surrounding areas. Paul’s approach portrayed the concept of the universal Church open to all, which grew from the sect of Judaism. ‘Gentile of Jew, servant or free’ (Galataians 3:28), Paul describes in his writings that Christianity accepts all kinds and does not discriminate, therefore the Christian faith being universal. “Interpretatons of Paul’s teachings through history have seen different understandings of how that belief is expressed. What began as a means by which Gentiles could access salvation has led to divisions that have serpared expressions of Christianity up to today.**” (class textbook)**

Paul allowed the translation of the message of Christianity from its Palestianian origins to the urban environment of the Graeco-Roman world. He created the faith understandable by all cultures and religions and enabled Christianity to remain significant to a range of situations different from Jesus. Christian communities formed in house churches which provided a house for adherents of the Christian faith to meet and share a meal over discussion. “Membership of the Hellenic Christian church was different and included tradespeople as well as nobility or the wealthy, such as the cloth merchant Lydia (Acts 16:11-15, 40)” (**class textbook**)

Paul’s writings were composed of ideas and teachings about the nature of Jesus himself, as human and divine. His letters were the earliest Christian writings and influenced the authors of the Gospels and His epistles were written to give guidance to early Christian communities. Paul wrote about the theology of Jesus Christ and the church in various letters to Church communities. It was in 325 CE that The Council of Nicaea debated the nature of Jesus and established the doctrine of the trinity, which wiped Paul’s already defined clarity. Paul’s sources provide guidleines for adherents about how to live their lives through Christian faith, offering guidance in ethics. Paul also warned Christians to live a life that is worthy, “we are God’s work of art” (Ephesians 2) Through his behaviour and writings, Paul exemplified the way a Christian should live their life, providing inspiration for new followers that it is possible to undergo a “metanoiac” experience and repent previous actions. The clear fact that Paul not only changed his beliefs but also his behaviour is at the essence of religious adherence and has retained its importance in the life of contemporary Christians.

Paul’s writings had influenced the authors of the Gospels and theologians such as Saint Augustine and Martian Luther who appreciated the work of Paul and the messages portrayed within his sources. Paul is considered to be Christianity’s second founder, the great interpreter of Jesus mission. In his writings Paul provides directions for the Christian adherent as his epistles or letters offer a guidance in Christian ethics. These ethics were those such as community-membership of the body of Christ and what is involved, religious practice and how to pay homage to the Last Supper and to remember the reason of Christs sacrifice (1 Corinthians 11:24). An example of how Paul had a major impact on Christianity was in his letter to Ephesians 5:29 – 33 which portrays the idea of how the ceremony of marriage expresses Christian beliefs. His writings are also used at marriage and funeral ceremonies, as well as by some feminist in feminist theology.

Paul’s teachings have impacted on the development of Christianity significantly and continue to have an extraordinarily large impact today. The change his teachings brought and the effect they have had upon the course of Christianity remain significant today within the Christian faith as adherents continue to appreciate and be educated by his writings. His role in Christianity as a missionary had provided support for the biblical churches. Still today the different expressions of Christianity look to Paul for guidance and direction in understanding the role of women and sexuality. Modern adherents today continue to refer to the works of Paul as guidelines and teachings on how to live a happy and fulfilled life.

=**Significant Person: Paul of Tarsus.**= = = =**Activity 1:**= · // Read the following references. // > · // What do they tell us about Paul? // > >

Paul's Early Life
= =

He is a jew and from Tarsus Cilicia. He wants to speak to the people.

Paul shows that he is a roman citizen
>

>

=**Activity 2:**= ** Paul's First Missionary Journey ** (Acts 13:1 - 28:31) > > // It was during Paul's first missionary activity that a turning point was marked in early Church history. // > > · What is this turning point? > · Who were Paul's companions? >

> Read the account of Paul's first sermon in Antioch in Pisidia. > (Acts 13:14-50) > · What key events of salvation history does he mention? > · What promises, made by God, does he review? > · What does he preach about Jesus Christ? >

> Read Acts 13:42-49. > · What was the response of many of the Jewish communities to Paul's message? > · Who accepted Paul's message with open arms? > > · Where did Paul's first missionary journey take him?
 * 1) ** Students are to write an essay on Jewish Marriage analysing the significance of Marriage for both the individual and community. **
 * 1) ** Students are to write an essay on Jewish Marriage analysing the significance of Marriage for both the individual and community. **

Within the Judaism religion, Marriage is identified as an important holy ceremony holding with it great significance for both the individual aswell as the surrounding Jewish community. Judaism marriage is a sacred ritual within a Jewish adherent’s life, as it not only allows them to create a physical/spiritual union with another but with the Jewish community of past and present generations. The sacred marriage ritual is linked with various sacred texts of the Jewish religion which is why the marriage tradition of Judaism is significant for both the adherent and the community. Marriage is identified as an important aspect for Jewish adherents as Judaism considers marriage to be humanity’s ideal state of existence-any person without a spouse is not considered to be complete. However, marriage is just as significant for the individual as it is for the community. Marriage is a means of strengthening the community as it brings people in the community together, maintaining traditions which is a vital part of Judaism itself. This Jewish view has a biblical and Talmudic foundation which explains high marriage rates within the Jewish religion. All aspects of the build up to the marriage and the marriage itself and the process of divorce, has been developed through tradition and is explained in the Talmud. Marriage is seen as a way in which a Jewish man and woman will contribute to the ongoing growth and success of the community, as with marriage comes the production of Jewish children, therefor increasing the Jewish community.

Marriage serves the purpose of //“Propagation of the human species”.// The first command of the Torah, "//Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth”// Genesis (1:27-28), expresses that men and woman must marry and have children. There are 613 Mitzvot that refer to marriage- around permissible and taboo sexual relationships, duties and obligations of husband and wife and the responsibility to bear children.

The Jewish religion has various teachings about marriage. The Talmudic Law expresses: //the requirement to be fruitful and multiply is fulfilled when a man has fathered at least one son and one daughter- (t//hereafterr orthodox Jews allow contraception). Judaism considers that marriage makes it possible for woman and man to develop their personalities as complete individuals as they both contribute qualities of each other to the marriage. Judaism also condemns homosexuality in the Torah (Leviticus 18:22;20;13) which defines that same gender marriages are not allowed.

There is no Jewish equivalent of an engagement; in Orthodox communities there is an announcement of marriage which is followed up with formal negotiations and agreements about time, place and nature of the wedding ceremony. This is then followed by the seven days of celebrations, involving the community and indicating its significance. During Shabbat before the wedding, the Chatan (groom) is called to read the Torah within the synagogue and in reform congregations the Kallah (bride) may also be called to do so. The Kallah is authorised by the Torah to immerse in the Mikvah (ritual bath) before the marriage.

A Ketubah is the marriage contract which is used mostly in Orthodox marriages. Conservative marriages instead use a certificate of marriage. The Ketubah portrays obligations for the Chatan(groom) to provide food, clothing and sexual satisfaction to his Kallah(bride) and is signed by two witnesses before the marriage who agree to the promises made by the couple. The Ketubah is important for two reasons: 1 )It provides a link for the Chatan and Kallah from every generation who have been married according to the Jewish law. 2) It reminds the Chatan and Kallah to protect each other in the way those couples of past generations did so. The ketubah is publicly read and witnessed by members of the community and is traditionally written in Aramaic. It is specified in the Talmud, reinforcing marriage as a covenant and contractual ritual

On the day of the ceremony, the couple must fast which is similar to Yom Kippur (day of atonement), allowing the couple to cleanse and seek forgiveness for sins of the past. The marriage is allowed to take place on any day of the week, except Shabbat or any High Holy Day. The ceremony can be within a synagogue or outdoors as long as it remains underneath a canopy called a Huppah, which symbolises the house or home they will both make together. They do not have to be married by a Rabbi but often a Rabbi does preside.

The ceremondy is divided into two parts; the //Kiddushin// (betrothal) and the //Nissuin// (marriage). The //Kiddushin// begins with two blessings. The first is over wine. The second one states that the couple are for each other, forbidding them to have relationships with others. It then proceeds to the ring ceremony, where the //Chatan// places a ring on the //Kallah's// hand, formalizing the marriage as he recites; “//Behold you are consecrated to me with this ring according to the Law of Moses and Israel”//. Physical acceptance of ring shows that she publicly accepts the contractual arrangement of the marriage and begins the life they will start together.

The //Nissun// ceremony is the most important part of the marriage and involves the recitation of the //Sheva Berakhot//, or the seven blessings. These include themes on the creation of human beings and survival of Jewish people. The most important part of the wedding is the breaking of the glass by the Chatan, after wine has been consumed by the couple. After it has ended the couple spend time in //Yihud// (seclusion) before proceeding to the wedding feast. At the feast the Sheva Berakhot are recited again, and every night for the following week while the family and community hold feasts. This ritual shows the communities involvement in the marriage it’s significance.

Judaism compares marriage to God’s eternal covenant within Israel. They determine it to be life-long and divorce is always regarded with sadness. Adherents believe that sex is not just a way to make children but to express and deepen love. Monogomay, along with faithfulness and loyalty, is expected in a marriage as the Jewish religion believes sex creates a bond between man and woman in order for them to pursue a happy marriage.

Marrying out of faith is marriage between Jews and Non Jews and is opposed by Jewish law and teachings. It is felt that through marrying out faith it may result in children that are not Jewish, as the mother must be Jewish in order of conceiving a Jewish adherent. The central role of the family is to raise a Jewish family. However, Orthodox adherents believe this can only be accessible through two committed Jewish partners. Non-Jewish adherents may not be married in a synagogue as Rabbis cannot participate in a non-Jewish ceremony. By marrying out of faith, it also affects the community by not reproducing Jewish adherents, signifying its significance. The Torah also portrays a list of more prohibited relations within Judaism, such as close relatives, people not validly divorced from previous marriages, ex-wives of blood relatives, or sisters of ex-wives of blood relatives.

//Jewish law does not count the fetus as an actual human, therefor Jewish law does not approve, nor disapprove- and in some cases requires abortion. Jewish authorities argumentitively discuss abortion to situations where the pregnancy or birth is psychologically but not physically dangerous. Those authorities that allow abortion in the Jewish religion allow so for reason such as incest or rape, of if the fetus is already affected by a terminal disease. Some authorities may even extend permission of abortion for those wo may be affected mentally by the birth of a child or for genetic defects. The fetus is thought to not be as "valuable" as a life in human existence. The Talmud states "If the fetus threatens human life of the mother, you cut it up within the body and remove it limb by limb". Finally, once the life has left the human body and is welcomed into human life it cannot be killed, even to safe the life as the mother as you cannot choose between one life or another.// //The Talmud states " A dying person, is considered no different to any other human being". This means the Talmud believes that anyone who kills, or speeds up the death of, ahuman person is considered to be a murderer like any other and is prhibited by Jewish law. This includes suice, as the Jewish religion believes that human life is precious and its preservation takes precedence over every other situation.// > > Ecumenism is a recent philosophical approach in the life of the church, with Australia supporting ecumenical ideas. Ecumenism is so much supported in Australia it is seen as survival as it proves necessary in a multi/faith nation. The ecumenical movement is the coming together of Christian denominations in unity, making large impacts through cooperation on social and political issues and times of crisis and tragedy. > The ecumenical movement saw the establishment on the Uniting Church in 1977 after the merger of the Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregational churches. > The ecumenical movement has established such organisations as the National Council of Churches (NCCA), who are an organisation that unite Australian Christian Churches through special projects. More specifically, the NCCA are currently working with Indonesia who have recently been affected by an earthquake killing up to 1 thousand people, with many still unaccounted for buried beneath rubble and thousands more remain homeless. > The NCCA are offering assistance with rebuilding communities, schools and medical centres and also providing shelter, clothing, food and clean drinking water. > Partners of the NCCA, Act for Peace, are communicating with Indonesian churches in order of immediately meeting the needs of the affected communities and have set up an Indonesian Earthquake appeal encouraging gifts for the long term rehabilitation of the disaster. By doing so the NCCA, through the Christian ecumenical movement, are helping neighbouring countries during times of need and disaster, enriching the lives of many and deeply impacting for the better those affected. The NSW ecumenical Council is a group containing 16 churches from NSW and the ACT who believe in the unity of the church through ecumenism, much like the NCCA. The NSW ecumenical council work together by expressing common concerns about important issues in society. They have been known to; provide resources to aid local churches, support local inter-church groups and untie them and most importantly they encourage occasions for interfaith dialogue. Specifically, the NSW ecumenical council annually hold the Christmas Bowl Appeal. For the past 60 years Australian Churches have been working together to fund programs in 22 countries in Africa, the Middle East, Asia, the Pacific and Australia. Interfaith dialogue allows this organisation to work with other partnerships assisting in emergencies, addressing poverty and combating injustice, for example the awareness of AIDS in the pacific. > > > > The Ecumenical movement is the foundation of interfaith dialogue in Australia. Interfaith dialogue refers to the cooperative and positive interaction between people of different religious traditions. This becomes a necessity of the Australia lifestyle due to the multi/faith and multicultural society we live in which is evident through census data. Interfaith dialogue impacts the lives of everyday Australians, regardless of their religion. In 1989 the Religious and Peace conference in Melbourne supported and pushed the move to inter-faith dialogue, with the NCCA and the Federation of Islamic Councils initiating inter-faith appeals for peace. In 1995, Jewish, Islamic and Christian bodies issued their first joint press release on a foreign affair issue calling for strong action on the political situation in Bosnia. In Wollonging, where Vesak celebrations were held at the Nan Tien Buddhist Temple, verses of the Qu'ran were chanted. Such tragedies as the 1996 Thredbo land slide created a perfect opportunity for inter-faith dialogue. The Australian National Dialogue of Christians, Muslims and Jews was officially established in March 2003. The Muslim, Jewish and Christian communities discussed aspects of belief or behaviours that may create misunderstandings between religious groups. For example Muslims discussed Jihad, the Jewish community discussed political aspects of Zionism and Christian community considered how the concept of the Trinity may confuse those believing in one God. Objectives of such organisations are seen as a way to build understanding and a sense of community between different religions, to explore and learn about different faiths and most importantly for Australia to be a model for other countries and to display how different faiths can live in harmony and peace. However it is taken into account that interfaith dialogue can not take back the violence of war which has been sparked through religion, it does however create understanding between religious adherents, which structures peace within Australia. > > Immigration has shaped Australia's religious landscape from mono-cultural to multicultural. > Due to a great influx of migration following World War 2 and the disintergration of the "White Australia Policy", Australia has increased its religious diversity. Migration from Italy and Malta, Greece and eastern Europe allowed an increase in Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Significant increases of Buddhists, Muslims, Hindu's and Jews due to populations created a larger range of religious diversity within Australia. Denominational switching is known as the switching between denominations or groups of the same religious traditions. It is most common in Protestant churches and the majority of Pentecostals have moved from another protestant denomination to join the Pentecostal group. However, many leave again after 2 years which is labelled as the "revolving door syndrome". Denominational switching accounts for Pentecostalism being the fastest growing Christian group. Denominational switching accounts for the religious landscape continually shifting as adherents switch faiths and Pentecostalism continues to grow. Census figures display dissatisfaction between traditional religious groups as well as a strong longing for a spiritual dimension to life. The New Age religions refer to a range of alternative religious groups, characterised by their adoption of Eastern religions and their traditional western views. New Age religions are based upon centred spirituality. Some examples are yoga, tai chi and astrology. Most followers of New Age religions keep traditional religious beliefs and practices, however supplement them with new age elements. New Age religions continue to be accounted for on the census data as the number of adherents increase, shifting the religious landscape of Australia and growth of New Age Religions. Secularism is the belief that religion should not interfere with or be integrated with the public affairs of a society. Recent census data has shown increasing responses of "No Religion" and "Not stated" and a decline in Christian adherents. In 2001, 50 thousand people stated agnostics, atheists, humanists or rationalists making them secular. These figures are due to the increase in materialism and pluralism of society as well as individualism and dissatisfaction with traditional religions. This has allowed Australia's religious landscape to partly move into a non religious society where traditions and faiths are being forgotten. > Australia's religious landscape today is identified as multicultural and accountable for all religions and faiths. It does not discriminate and practices inter-faith dialogue to create awareness of all religious traditions. Today, Christianity is the major religious tradition, with leading denominations of Catholic, Anglican and the Uniting Church. However, Australia is progressively moving into a society where religion is being forgotten, due to materialism and individuality which is identified through secularism. > > Rachel Hampton. > > > > **Sura 17 in the Qu'ran**
 * 1) **Define** ethics : //motivation based on ideas of right and wrong//
 * 2) **Define** bioethics : //the branch of ethics that studies moral values in the biomedical sciences//
 * 3) **Identify** the main teachings and their sources (eg. Torah, Talmud etc...) that are applied to these issues.
 * 4) **Describe** the Jewish teachings that specifically relate to the issue of Abortion within Judaism.
 * 1) **Define** bioethics : //the branch of ethics that studies moral values in the biomedical sciences//
 * 2) **Identify** the main teachings and their sources (eg. Torah, Talmud etc...) that are applied to these issues.
 * 3) **Describe** the Jewish teachings that specifically relate to the issue of Abortion within Judaism.
 * 1) **Describe** the Jewish teachings that specifically relate to the issue of Euthanasia within Judaism.
 * 1) In 1945, Australia was a mono-cultural/faith country. However due to a changed pattern in the religious landscape of Australia influenced through migration and religious diversity, Australia today is seen as a multicultural/faith country. 1945 was the post war period that saw an increase of immigration into Australia, thus creating a rapid influx of religious diversity and variants into the country. Because of the push for migration into Australia, such laws as the "White Australia Policy" were disintegrated and forgotten, therefore creating a greater number of non-white people in Australia. 1945 was also the beginning of new age religions which today are identified as tai chi, yoga and astrology. Jewish migration from Russia, Israel and South Africa after the world war 2, increased the Jewish community as well as a wide spread of the Israel community into Australia following the civil war in Lebanon. Results from the 1996 census data shows Christianity and Non Religious as the two leading adherents, with Christianity covering over 70.28% of the population. The census data recorded 1947-2001, shows a decline in variants of Anglican and other religions whilst showing an increase in non believers. Changes in the last 60 years include the increase in Orthodox Christians from less that 1% to 2.8% and for Pentecostals to 1%. A significant decline in the number of Christians attending regular religious services is most common in the Anglican, Presbyterian and Uniting Churches. This is in conjunction to the increase in those writing "No Religion" or "Not Stated". The Roman Catholics continue to be on the uprise and have taken over Anglicans as the largest denomination in Australia. Buddhist is now the largest religion other than Christianity, whilst Hinduism, Muslims and Judaism maintain steady growth.
 * 1) In 1945, Australia was a mono-cultural/faith country. However due to a changed pattern in the religious landscape of Australia influenced through migration and religious diversity, Australia today is seen as a multicultural/faith country. 1945 was the post war period that saw an increase of immigration into Australia, thus creating a rapid influx of religious diversity and variants into the country. Because of the push for migration into Australia, such laws as the "White Australia Policy" were disintegrated and forgotten, therefore creating a greater number of non-white people in Australia. 1945 was also the beginning of new age religions which today are identified as tai chi, yoga and astrology. Jewish migration from Russia, Israel and South Africa after the world war 2, increased the Jewish community as well as a wide spread of the Israel community into Australia following the civil war in Lebanon. Results from the 1996 census data shows Christianity and Non Religious as the two leading adherents, with Christianity covering over 70.28% of the population. The census data recorded 1947-2001, shows a decline in variants of Anglican and other religions whilst showing an increase in non believers. Changes in the last 60 years include the increase in Orthodox Christians from less that 1% to 2.8% and for Pentecostals to 1%. A significant decline in the number of Christians attending regular religious services is most common in the Anglican, Presbyterian and Uniting Churches. This is in conjunction to the increase in those writing "No Religion" or "Not Stated". The Roman Catholics continue to be on the uprise and have taken over Anglicans as the largest denomination in Australia. Buddhist is now the largest religion other than Christianity, whilst Hinduism, Muslims and Judaism maintain steady growth.
 * The lord to be worshippped, only by him (therefor defines the monotheistic belief of religion) and to also be kind to thy parents (do not rebel against them, say word of content, and honour them through respect.)
 * The lord himself knows the best of what is in your heart and he will forgive you for your sins. (connections to other religions e.g christianity)
 * Those who are eveil or do eveil things, are ungrateful to thy lord.
 * do not commit adultery
 * do not commit suicide unless for sacrifice of others.
 * Moses said, "Thou knowest well that these things have been sent down by none but the Lord of the heavens and the earth as eye-opening evidence: and I consider thee indeed, O Pharaoh, to be one doomed to destruction!"
 * And We said thereafter to the Children of Israel, "Dwell securely in the land (of promise)": but when the second of the warnings came to pass, We gathered you together in a mingled crowd.
 * Say: "Praise be to Allah, who begets no son, and has no partner in (His) dominion: Nor (needs) He any to protect Him from humiliation: yea, magnify Him for His greatness and glory!"

approximately 17 guidelines. These guidelines are much like the "commandments" of other religions, for example christianity and the mitzvot of the jewish religion found in the torah.

similarities

"Thou shall not commit adultery" Thou shall not kill" "Thou shall honor thy mother and thy father"


 * YUSUFALI:** O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is (he who is) the most righteous of you. And Allah has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).


 * Islam video, wednesday double period 12/8/09


 * Baghdad was the centre of the Islamic world.
 * The centre was known as “Mecca” and was where Islam's journeyed to pray. Mecca was the place were muhammed and his family worked, therefor it became the sacred place of the Islam religion.
 * It was expected that a Muslim would visit Mecca at least once in there lifetime, no matter of age, wealth or geographical location.
 * - 622-633 saw Muhammad and his followers flee to Yathrib, which is now identified as medina, to escape religious persecution the neutrality and factual accuracy of this article are disputed.
 * Muslims took over Spain then expanding to the outskirts of India.
 * 638-661 Muslim armies begin conquering areas of the old Byzantine and Persian empires. In 661, civil war erupts among Muslims after the assassination.
 * Pope Urban 2nd tried to wipe to wipe out the Muslims by joining religion and his army to regain the holy land from the Muslims, they were known as the crusades
 * these crusades murdered thousands of Muslims in the holy city of Jerusalem in an attempt to wipe out the religion as they thought they had taken over “their land” this caught the muslims off guard therefor becoming a victory for pop urban.
 * mongolians invaded Baghdad burning down libraries and mosques. ironically after they ended up converting to Islam.

Principal events in Muhammad's life.** Friday period 4 7/8/09 - Muhammad was born around 570 CE - Half a century after the death of Christ - Christianity was still developing. - The tribe he belonged too was responsible for looking after an ancient shrine in mecca - Muslims face mecca as Muhammed as a young boy looked after mecca with family - Orphaned at an early each, uncle claimed responsibility. - Commandment "always look after orphans" - Abandoned and sent to wet nurse in the hills outside the city. fed Muhammad with own breast milk. - Mother died before he was six. father died before he was born. - His guardian grandfather died when he was 8. - Cared for by his Uncle Abu Talib, leader of the Hashin clan of the Quarysh tribe (looked after mecca) - Became familiar with caravan trade and business being a merchant. Mecca trading place. - met and married khadijah, a widowed enrepreneur. She was 40 and he was 25. - Together they had 2 or 3 sons and 4 daughters. - All the sons died in childhood and only Fatima survived. - Fatima have Muhammad two grandsons; Hasam and Husayn. - Muhammad had two more wives after Khadijah. - Muhammad moved after Mecca became corrupt. - Muhammad decided to meditate over Mecca becoming corrupt. - Goes to Mt Hira, an angel appears and dictates the words of God to muhammad. - Muhammads first revelation occured when he was 40 years old in 610 CE - He was visited by the Angel Gabriel - First to believe his revelations were khadijah, his cousin Ali and an older man, Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr becomes leader of Islam after the death of Muhammad. - Islam = submission Qu'ran = recitation ( books of recitals. ) - Muhammad continued to receive divine revelations over the next 22 years and these messages became the Qu'ran. - Four key themes of Muhammads teachings a) the coming of judgement day b) the unity of God c) denouncing dishonest practices of merchants d) denouncing the abandonment if widows and orphans. - Early life influenced the key teachings. - Structured around early life and Qu'ran

1.
 * Define Monotheism as it exists in Judaism.**

The first commandment of the Mitzvot: “ To know that G-d exists (Ex. 20:2; Deut. 5:6)”

This commandment states that there is only one existing God in the Jewish Religion. By understanding the first commandment, it is recognizable that Judaism is a monotheistic religion.

2, 3.
 * Define the concept of Moral Law, as it exists in Judaism.**

Define the central concept of Covenant, as it exists in Judaism. The Covenant is the central theme of Judaism, between the Jews and God. Abraham was the establisher of the Covenant, then renewed by Son Isaac and grandson Jacob. The most important part of the Covenant is the Ten Commandments, which is the way in wish Jews are taught to live their lives. These laws were given to Moses. “The covenant involves that the Jews are a chosen people, giving them certain rights as well as responsibilities.” __[]__ “His revelation carries ethical standards which his people must uphold in order to understand his ways” Spotlight: Studies of Religion textbook page 164. Identify and describe the attributes of Yahweh, as revered by the Jewish people. Go is viewed as a creator, In Isaiah (62:15) God says “I dwell in the high and holy place, and with him also that is of a humble and contrite spirit.” Both remote and personal He exceeds beyond standard creation of the universe and remains close with it. Jews believe “ at sometimes creation appears stern and demanding; at other times, it is a kind and bountiful land of “milk and honey”, God of this world and a messiah.

Shabbat. Shabbat is a religious ceremony celebrated by the Jews. The Sabbath is the commandment given by God that the 7th is a day for rest and worship. Best clothes on Shabbat, eat off best dishes and best table. From sunset to sunset. Orthodox jews have many restrictions such as: cooking turning light switches on and off (use candles or sensor lights) driving operating heavy machinery writing handling money doing business other weekday activities. these, and many other aspects are prohibited on their day of rest. They take part in: praying spending time with family Shabbat begins at sunset on Friday, and ends on sunset on Saturday evening. The table is set with two candles that represent the two commandments 1. Zachor (remember) 2. Shamor ( observe) 18 minutes before sunset, the women of the house lights the candle. The family begins Shabbat by attending the Synagogue for the evening service. They are engaging in Kabbalat Shabbat (welcoming of the Shabbat). When arriving home the husband blesses the wife, then the children by reciting the Kiddush (prayer) over a cup of wine. The Challot (special bread). The Shabbot meal is usually a Cholet or a form of stew. At the concluion of the meal, a special prayer is said the birkat-ha-mazon. Saturday there is more worship at the synogogue, more meals and visiting of friends and family. The Havdalah(shabbat prayer) ceases Shabbat. Havdalah involves, a blessing over wine, a blessing over spices, a blessing over 2 twisted candles.

PART A

Christians believe in the Divinity and humanity of Jesus Christ. These characteristics of God are described in the Christian doctrine of the Incarnation, stating that Jesus was God yet became a full human. This act of incarnation of Jesus as a human was an act of God for humanity which portrays the interrelatedness between God and humans. All Christians believe they are created in the image of Jesus, who attains the archetype for human behaviour. //“Jesus had a divine will and a human will. In his earthly life the one God humanly willed all that he had divinely decided with the Father and the Holy Spirit for our salvation. The human will of Christ follows without opposition or reluctance the divine will or, in other words was subject to it.” (Catechism 91.)// The tradition of Christianity is based on the historical life,death and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus attained 'radical' views that weren't shared by the Romans and some Jews and consequently to this experienced a horrific death by crucifixion, the death penalty applied by Romans for crimes of insurrection and sedition. His boy was laid to rest in a tomb, however after three days he rose from the dead in full humanity. He remained for 40 days, his body and soul then ascending to heaven. His resurrection gave proof of his divine authority, his Godhood and the hope of life after death. His resurrection provides atonement for adherents. //Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though were dead, yet shall he live. (John 11:25).// Jesus does not belong to either gender and can be determined in either feminine or masculine terms. Jesus is revealed as God and beholds powers and the will to defeat all evil. God is eternal, unchanging, all knowing, all loving and all powerful Creator of the universe. God is defined as transcendent, immanent, personal and impersonal. God is beyond and above the world in his being. //In Matthew 2:2, 14:33) he is worshipped. In Matthew 1: 21 he is spoken as the saviour. In John 5:17-23 he is spoken of as the equal of God.// Jesus Christ is apart of the “Trinity”, which consists of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, portrayed in the Nicene Creed. As Christianity is a monotheistic religion, deprived from the roots of Judaism, these three persons remain as one God and eternal. This “tri-unity” reflects the belief that Jesus was both human and God. The “Trinity” is educated as a mystery never to be understood by human beings. //“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (////Matthew 28:19).// Jesus taught a radical message, which is that people should love God, love each other, and love themselves.

PART B Examine the importance of the Bible in the development of Christianity with specific reference to the New Testament

Christians believe that the Jewish religion is the foundation for Christianity, giving the reason to accept the Old Testament which is the contents of the Hebrew scriptures that shape the Jewish religion. However, Christians believe the Old Testament isn’t from the viewpoint of Jewish scribes, but that of Christian theologian. Adherents believe many of the prophecies in the Hebrew Bible were fufilled by Jesus. Therefor the Hebrew Bible is labelled as the Old Testament. When placed together with the New testament, composed by followers of Jesus Christ, it's known as the Bible. The New Testament attains the four Gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke and John, telling the story of Jesus and his apostles and describes the formation of the Early Church and the book of Revelation. It also beholds the letters of St Paul. The Bible is importrant to the Christian adherenats as it is a basic source of belief and practice, and it's evolution over time highlights the growth of Christianity.

The first, the Gospel of Mark, was composed six year's after St Paul began preaching the word of Jesus Christ and the composer, wrote for non-Jewish Christians who were suffering persecution at the time. Mark focuses on the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and explains how he was opposed and fustrated by non adherents. Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do people say I am?" They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets." "But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ.Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about him. (Mark 8:27-30) This passage highlights Mark's text of Jesus. The Gospel of Mark is one of the first three Gospel's who is identified as the Synoptic Gospels.

Matthew wrote for Christians and emphasises Jesus as a teacher and details the Kingdom of Heaven. The Gospel of Matthew is an attempt to convert his audience of Jews by explaining the miraccles of Jesus and highlighting the resemblence of the Old Testament relfecting the prophecies of Jesus."If there is a poor man with you, one of your brothers, in any of your towns in your land which the LORD your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart, nor close your hand from your poor brother; but you shall freely open your hand to him, and shall generously lend him sufficient for his need in whatever he lacks."Beware that there is no base thought in your heart, saying, 'The seventh year, the year of remission, is near,' and your eye is hostile toward your poor brother, and you give him nothing; then he may cry to the LORD against you, and it will be a sin in you. "You shall generously give to him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in all your undertakings. "For the poor will never cease to be in the land; therefore I command you, saying, 'You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and poor in your land.' (15:7-11) This Bible passage depicts the idea of Matthew modyfying the stricness of his teaching when the chief apostle, Peter, argued that the Gentiles qualified for God's blessings. The Gospel of Matthew is also a part of the Synoptic Gospels.

Luke wrote acts and was determined to convert wealthy Greek Gentiles to Christianity, and reconciles the writings of Mark and Matthew. Together these three Gospe's are known as the Synoptic Gospels as they each identify Jesus from the same point of view. Luke describes the characteristics of Jesus as compassionate, tender and forgiving. Luke discusses the importrance of Prayer, the Holy Spirit and Mary, mother of Jesus.

The Last Gospel of Luke describes the theological view of Jesus Christ as the divine redeemer who brings light and life to mankind. In him was life; and the life was the light of men.(John 1:4) Luke composed his passages for an audiences of Jews and Gentiles and emphasises Jesus as a messiah who brought salvation.

The Letter's of St Paul can be found in the Epistles along with other letters written by other followers of jesus e.g. Peter, James, Jude and John.

= = =The Bible is a importrant aspect of Christianity as it is thought to have shaped the religion and provides authority and giudelines for the way in a which a Christian is encouraged to live.= = TIMELINE OF THE BIBLE: 4000 BCE (Adam, Eve and garden of Eden) 3000 BCE (Noah and the flood) 2000 BCE Habiru tribes in Mesopotamia 1900 BCE Patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) 1600 BCE Joseph goes to Egypt 1180 BCE Moses and exodus from Egypt Age of judges and semi-independent city-states 1029 BCE Country united under first king – Saul King David moves capital to Jerusalem and expands empire King Solomon builds temple in Jerusalem 930 BCE After Solomon, country splits into Judah (south, King Rehoboam) and Israel (north, King Jeroboam) King Jeroboam sets up separate religion centered in Beth El J book written after 848 in court of king of Judah E book written after J book by priest from Shiloh (Mushite) in north 880 BCE Start of Omride dynasties in Israel 722 BCE Assyrian conquers Israel (722). “10 lost tribes.” Israelites move south 715 BCE Hezekiah becomes king JE book written to merge concepts in both J and E book P book written in response to JE book by Jerusalem (Aaronoid) priest 639 BCE Josiah becomes king – Key figure in creation of Bible 622 BCE D (Deuteronomy) “found” in temple. Written by priest from Shiloh (maybe Jeremiah) Deuteronomist texts (Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Samuel, Kings) written 587 BCE Babylonians conquer Judah (587). Jews exiled to Babylonia. Others flee to Egypt. 538 BCE Persians conquer Babylon and Cyrus allows Jews to return. 517 BCE SECOND temples rebuilt (Passover, 517 BCE) 480 BCE (?) Ezra returns from Babylon with bible. Assumed to be final redactor. 400 BCE End of Historical account according to Hebrew Bible 160 BCE Daniel and Job were last books of bible to be written End of Historical account according to New Testament 100 BCE Hebrew Bible canonized Dead Sea scrolls written around 100 BCE. Essentially no changes since then. 70 CE Second temple destroyed by Romans. End of “Temple Judaism.” Rise of rabbinic Judaism and Christianity. = = = =**WEEK 7 - Wednesday and Thursday Self Directed Learning** You are required to complete the following research using the links below []=

**[|**Origin of the Name of Jesus**]**
In this article, we shall consider the two words -- "Jesus" and "Christ" -- which compose the Sacred Name. []

**Questions**
1. Explain the origin of the name (a) Jesus and (b) Christ.

The word //Jesus// is the Latin form of the Greek //Iesous//. Means "Jehovah is salvation." The word //Christ//, //Christos//, the Greek equivalent of the //Hebrew Messias//, means "anointed.**
 * Transliteration of the Hebrew //Jeshua//, or //Joshua//, or again //Jehoshua//.

2. Use the scripture quotes in the reading (a) find 5 Scripture passages and write out the whole quote (b) Who was Josephus?
 * 1 To the brethren, the [|Jews] that are throughout [|Egypt]; the brethren, the [|Jews] that are in [|Jerusalem], and in the land of [|Judea], send health and [|good] peace. 2 May [|God] be gracious to you, and remember his covenant that he made with [|Abraham], and [|Isaac], and [|Jacob], his faithful servants: 3 And give you all a heart to worship him, and to do his will with a great heart, and a willing [|mind]. 4 May he open your heart in his law, and in his commandments, and send you peace. 5 May he hear your [|prayers], and be reconciled unto you, and never forsake you in the [|evil] time **

3. Give the Latin name for (a) Jesus and (b) Christ
 * Jesus and Christos.**

4. How did the title 'Christian' develop?
 * Christianity was developed in the Catholic Church alone.**

**[|**The Holy Name of Jesus**]**
We give honour to the Name of Jesus, because it reminds us of all the blessings we receive through our Holy Redeemer. [] Questions 1. Use this reading to outline why the name of Jesus is holy.
 * //His name reminds us of all the blessings we've recieved through our holy reciever.//**

2. What role have the various Popes (Urban IV, John XXIII, Clement XIII and Benedict XIII) played in ensuring the name of Jesus is holy
 * //they speak of his name highly, placed it in prayers.//**

3. Why is IHS significant for Christians? //**The way in which his name was written in the middle ages was found on a gold coin in the eighth century**.//

**[|**Early Historical Documents Concerning Jesus Christ**]**
In this article, we discuss the ancient historical documents -- pagan, Jewish, and Christian -- referring to Christ's life and work. [] Questions 1. Outline what **//pagan//** sources say about Jesus?
 * the pagan sources portray that they are not adherents.**

2. Outline what **__Tacitius__** has to say about Jesus?
 * Tacitius describves Jesus as a deadly superstition, erupted from the Romans.**

3. Describe what Pliny the Younger says about Jesus?

4. Describe Josephus' understanding of Jesus.

5. Outline what Christian sources say about Jesus?
 * Christians love the lord, it is reflected by the bible references.**

**[|**Chronology of the Life of Christ**]**
In this article, we shall endeavour to establish the absolute and relative chronology of our Lord's life [] Questions 1. Construct a Time line of the Chronology of the life of Jesus. Ensure that you attribute a scripture passage to each point on the time line.

In my book !

**[|**The Character of Jesus Christ**]**
Here we consider the character of Jesus as manifested first in His relation to men, then in His relation to God. [] Questions 1. From the section 'Divinity of Jesus' what is your understanding of the Divinity of Jesus? The Divinity of Justice is proved by some writers by an appeal to prophecy and miracle.

**[|**The Mystery of the Incarnation**]**
The Incarnation is the mystery and dogma of the Word made Flesh. [] Questions

1. Outline the Nature of the Incarnation as described in Section II

2. Outline the effects of the incarnation on Christ Himself (Section III)
 * The Monophysites were split up into two parties by this question. Catholics hold that, before the Resurrection, the Body of Christ was subject to all the bodily weaknesses to which human nature unassumed is universally subject; such are hunger, thirst, pain, death.**

3. Define The Incarnation.
 * To die in one form ie, human. Then to return to earth in another form ie a dog**

**[|**The Resurrection of Jesus Christ**]**
Resurrection is the rising again from the dead, the resumption of life. In this article, we shall treat of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, including its characteristics and importance [] Questions 1. Construct a Table of Facts about the Resurrection of Jesus.
 * According to St. Matthew, He appeared to the holy women, and again on a mountain in Galilee; according to St. Mark, He was seen by Mary Magdalen, by the two disciples at Emmaus, and the Eleven before hisAscension into heaven ; according to St. Luke, He walked with the disciples to Emmaus, appeared to Peter and to the assembled disciples inJerusalem; according to St. John, Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalen, to the ten Apostles on Easter Sunday, to the Eleven a week later, and to the seven disciples at theSea of Triberias. St Paul enumerates another series of apparitions of Jesus after His Resurrection; he was seen by Cephas, by the Eleven, by more than 500 brethren, many of whom were still alive at the time of the Apostle's writing, by James, by all the Apostles, and lastly by Paul himself.**

2. List 5 Scripture passages that support the Resurrection of Jesus.

**([|Matthew 28:1-3]; [|Mark 16:1-3]; [|Luke 24:1]; [|John 20:1],[|Matthew 28:2-4] ).**

3. Choose ONE opposing THEORY and outline the central ideas of this theory.

The Imposition theory

 * The disciples, it is said, stole the body of Jesus from the grave, and then proclaimed to men that their Lord had risen. This theory was anticipated by the jewsdisciples came by night, and stole him away when we were asleep".** who "gave a great sum of money to the soldiers, saying: Say you, His

**[|**Devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus**]**
Devotion to the Sacred Heart is but a special form of devotion to Jesus [] Questions 1. Explain the concept of devotion in relation to Christianity.
 * Devotion to the Sacred Heart is but a special form of devotion to Jesus. We shall know just what it is and what distinguishes it when we ascertain its object, its foundations, and its proper act.**

2. Outline the historical ideas on the development of devotion.

**[|**Christology**]**
Christology is that part of theology which deals with Our Lord Jesus Christ. In its full extent it comprises the doctrines concerning both the person of Christ and His works; but in the present article we shall limit ourselves to a consideration of the person of Christ []

Questions
1. Outline Pauline Christology in dot points
 * **Christology is that part of theology which deals with Jesus Christ.**
 * **The person of Jesus is the Second Person of the most holy trinity, the Son or the Word of the Father, Who "was incarnate by the Holy Ghost of the Virgin Mary and was made man."**

2. Outline Christ's divinity in Pauline epistles.
 * The Apostle understands by the expression " Son of God" not a merely moral dignity, or a merely external relation to God which began in time, but an eternalimmanent relation of Christ to the Father. He contrasts Christ with, and finds Him superior to, Aaron and his successors, Moses and the Prophets**. **He raises Christ above the choirs of angels, and makes Him their Lord and Master, and seats Him as heir of all things at the right hand of the Father**.

3. In point form LIST the Christology of Catholic epistles. Belief of St. Peter Epistle of St. Jude**
 * The Epistle of St. James

= = =**Please ENSURE you add you answers to your WIKI during EACH lesson.**=

CATEGORY A 1.

Abraham first established monotheism; the belief in one God. The first decalogue of the Mitzvot; "To know that G-d exists” (Ex. 20:2; Deut. 5:6), can identify the belief that one God exists within the Jewish religion. This decalogue identifies the belief of one single "G-d", and highlights the existence of Monotheism in Judaism. Jewish people believe there is only one God, and believe all other God's are false. "I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other Gods before me." (Exodus: 20:2-3)

2.

Moral Law exists in Judaism as God created good and evil. He demands Jews and rewarded those who practised good, and punished those who created evil. The origin of the moral law of God was the Covenant at Sinai. God’s covenant with Moses and the Chosen people (the giving of the Law at Sinai) was where he prescribed the Ten Decalogues and various other moral laws. God expects his people to behave ethically, adhering to these laws. Within the Torah is the Mitzvot; the 613 positive and negative commandments which guide people in their search for order and harmony

3. The Covenant is an agreement between God and his people, in which God makes certain promises and requires certain behaviour from them in return. Originally the Jewish Covenant was an agreement made by God with Abraham. However the covenant was then extended as Moses was given the Ten Decalogue and other laws. For a Jew, being chosen by God to carry out his divine will is an important obligation, not a privilege. They consider the moral law set by God as the prescriptive guidelines of ethical living. Thus, it is the Covenant that formalises the responsibilities adherents inherit when adopting a life and faith in Judaism.

CATEGORY B

1. Everything revolves around Yahweh (God). He is supreme, remote and transcendent, all knowing and all powerful. His existence does not need to be proven. He created the world and all its contents and is the one and only God. Yahweh is both remote and personal. Isaiah (62:15) God says "I dwell in the high and holy place, and with him also that is of a humble and contrite spirit." The Jewish believe that we should live the life that has been presented upon us by god. They don't believe in Satan and deflect the idea that evil was created by Satan, but in-fact created by Yahweh. Yahweh is neither male or female. Yahweh has no body or no genitalia. Yahweh may be referred to in male times however, there are times Yahweh is refereed to as a women. Yahweh is in all places at all times. He is not just Yahweh of Jews, he is God of all nations. Yahweh can do anything. The only thing beyond his power is the people following their own will, rather than following his. He can not control us to do what is expected of us. Yahweh can read our thoughts, he knows the past, present and future. He has no beginning and no end. Yahweh is Holy and perfect.

2. The Jewish people believe that following the commandments is the correct way of life. Judaism teaches that human beings are not able to create their own code of ethics; they can only apply the guidelines given to them by god. These earliest decalogues in the Torah provide the minimum requirement for a moral and spiritual life. Jews expect all human beings to follow this code, whether they are Jewish or not. The decalogues of the Torah are the ethical system of Judaism. By following the mitzvot, a Jew is guided on the path of righteousness in life. The first 4 of the 10 commandments regulate the behaviour between people and God. Eg worship no other God besides me. The last 6 of the of the 10 commandments are about relationships between people. Eg you shall honour your neighbour.

3.

The central concept of Covenant is the Torah found in the Hebrew Bible. This b'rit is between God and Moses, established when God came to Moses through a burning bush. The burning bush was alite, but not consumed. God explained to Moses he should guide his people to the 'land of milk and honey', and setting them free from a life of slavery and abuse. Moses also met God at Mt Sinai and received the First Ten Decalogue, which later exceed to 613 Mitzvot.

CATEGORY C

1. The belief that God created the world and all within it is an important value to Judaism and its adherents. As he created the world and its contents, they believe he still controls the works of the world today. An example of this is the Sabbath day, which is a day when the Jewish adherents take part in 24 hours of rest as a means of recognisisng the 6 days of creation by God and 1 day of rest that followed. This is believed to be a day of respect to the messiah who created their being and the world they exist in. Also the Jewish adherents take part in the Tikkun Olam, which is making a the world a clean and pure place. This is a b'rit with the Lord so that he will come sav them, if they maintain the place he created.

2. Moral Law impacts how a Jew lives their life as it contrasts right from wrong. Jewish believe they are to obey God and the laws of Judaism in order of receiving a happy and fulfilled life. For e.g Milk and meat products must be kept separately, which impacts cooking procedures and often results in two separate kitchens, two sets of cooking utensils and two sets of cooking.

3. Shabbat is the most important day of the Jewish week. It is specific that no work to be done on this day, which is evident in the Torah. It is a day of rest, as a reflection of God's day of rest after his 6 day of creating the world. Shabbat begins on Friday evenings, with lighting of candles and a meal. There are restrictions against operating machinery (eg driving) cooking, turning lights on and off ect. Jews believe that celebrating Shabbat symbolises the relationship between the people and God. The Sabbath day is included in the Mitzvot, the fourth decalogue being; “ Observe [not remember] the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Deuteronomy 5:12-15). The Jews are reminded with the words of the Lord to Moses; “You were a slave in the land of Egypt and the Lord your God brought you with an outstretched arm; therefore, the Lord your God command you to observe the Sabbath day” (Deuteronomy 5:15). The last work performed before the Sabbath day is the lighting of the candle, which is considered a religious ceremony.

Rachel ePortfolio - Rachel Hampton - 2009-02-16 - week4_1.doc Rachel- How would you define spiritual strength? Can one have spiritual strength while searching for a belief? Does a baby have spiritual strength? can you still believe in a God who dwells within and have a material response to life? How do we encourage people to be content with what they have? What does it mean to be content? What does it mean to be content ? In this context, content would be exercised as the self feeling of the idea that God dwells within us. If we felt this sensation, content would be described as happiness and satisfaction with our lives if God was immanent.

Self - Directed Learning - DUE Friday Week 6 • outline the nature of the Dreaming in relation to: – origins of the universe – sacred sites – stories of the Dreaming – symbolism and art • discuss the diversity of the Dreaming for Aboriginal peoples • recognise the importance of the Dreaming for the life of Aboriginal peoples • investigate the inextricable connection of the Dreaming, the land and identity I don't think our group worked very well as there were people away and the people who were here didn't get along. I didn't provide much work as a few of my answers were shut down and not approved.

Personal Reflection: Episode one;first australians. I think what made this video so touching, were the first hand stories of those aboriginals who endeared pain and suffering from the British people who thought their idea of invading the land owned by the native Australians was seen as humane. The video portays actually historical events that are eye openers in the study of the hardship that was dealt to the Aboriginal people such a long, long time ago. The stolen generation still continues to affect the way aboriginal people live their lives today, and the suffering of this cruelty act is still present. Personally i feel that our Australian history and the story of the aboriginals and the white people invasion is a disgrace to our native Australian past time. We cannot fix the way our ancestors treated these humans, nor can we take back the amount of lives stolen. But as Australians we can continue to improve the way of life and encourage the culture of these native Australians; these first Australians.

PERSONAL REFLECTION ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DISPOSSESSION FOR THE ABORIGINAL SPIRITUALITY. the dispossession still affects the aboriginal spirituality today as the aborigine society THE DREAMING DEFINITION: The Dreamtime, also called The Dreaming, is the central, unifying theme in Aboriginal culture. A complex concept of fundamental importance to the aboriginal culture, embracing the creative era long past (when anscestral beings roamed and instituted Aboriginal society) as well as the present and the future. The dreaming is reflected in land, effects all life, its the time of creation, its the beggining, Inextricable link to the land, The embodiment to the land (within the structure). ABORIGNAL SPIRITUALITY. 1. When it is used to describe something associated with the aborigine culture. For example "aboriginal music." 2. When referring to a specific group of aboriginal people. 3. Aborigines believe that the term "aboriginal" refers to an insignificant and non-existent group of people. Therefore that prefer the term "aborigine" as it does not demean their culture. 4. Terra nullius is define as land belonging to no one. Captain cook determined Australia to be "terra nullius" when he first arrived. When he first observed the nomadic lifestyle of the aboriginal culture, Cook misconstrued the idea that the Aboriginal people had little relation to the land and made little use of it. He then stated the land of Australia belonging to no one. This bad judgement sparked the beginning of the suffering and pain white australians inflicted on the aboriginal culture we know today. 5 . Belief Systems. - The creation stories otherwise known as the dreaming. - These stories were passed down through generations. - There was a story behind every creation. - The land was their home. Behaviours. - Aboriginal people were still of the nomadic or semi-nomadic way of life when the british invaded the aboriginal land. - Had their own groups or tribes, with different languages. - Body paintings, artwork, drawings, tribal or cultural dances. THE DREAMING 1. - Belief or feeling within yourself that allows you to become apart of the natural environment around you. - Aboriginal view of creation; beginning of everything. - Explains the origin of the universe. - It shapes and structures aboriginal culture. -The environment the aborigine lived in. -All abjects are living and share the same soul and spirit. Only the physical appearance is different. - Our spirit continues to live after our physical body has died, then reborn into a new living object. 2. I feel this is an appropriate definition, however i feel there is more content to the Dreamtime. Perhaps the way Morrissey and co-authors are attempting to define the Dreaming as the past in reference to the creation stories. The present in the way they live; their way of life, there culture and there beliefs and behaviors. And the future seen as what happens to their spirits when they decease and the after life.

ART, STORIES, SONGS AND SACRED OBJECTS. Minnie Pwerle expresses her main Dreamings. "Awelye-Atnwengerrp", "Bush Melon", and "Bush Melon Seed". The picture depicts her love and thanks shown to the land in which i provides food for her people. 2. Concentric circles: usually represents campsites or rock holes. Straight lines between circles: visualize the routes travelled between camps or places. Wavy lines across painting: water or rain "U" shaped figure with straight lines next to them: the "U" represents people sitting down and the lines next to the "u" symbolizes weapons or domestic implements. 3. - camp site - emu -footprints - goanna - men hunting - rain - sites - waterhole THE LAND 1. Metamorphises: The theory that an ancestor is transformed into a material object. This is linked with "the highest mountain peak in Australia is said to be the body of a man." Imprinting: The imprints of an ancestors body, shaping the earth and environment with their feet as they travelled the world. Externalization: when an ancestor dies they take an object out of their body. The formation of Lake Eyre occurred when a boy killed a kangaroo, extracted the skin and transported it to his on country. He placed it on the ground which formed a lake. Assessment for Learning Task 1 Nature of Religion 35 marks – 10% Short Answer Questions : Nature of Religion (15 marks) Define the supernatural dimension of religion. (2 marks) The supernatural dimension of religion is the theory that something exists beyond our natural world. List five (5) the characteristics of religion (5 marks) Beliefs Symbols Sacred Stories Rituals Outline how the characteristics of religion interact to provide a living religion (3 marks) With the use of these characteristics adherents follow their religion with ease and using these five characteristics in order to do so. They have their beliefs and with they have faith in, their symbols in which they worship, their sacred stories they pass from generation to generation and rituals in which they participate in. Also, they also have their religious ethics that educate believers of a religion about what's right and wrong. These characteristics of following a religion provide individuals with peace and a content spirituality. Describe the contribution of religion makes towards society (3 marks) Religion is our faith and beliefs. Its how we view the world how we see ourselves as having a place within the world. Within a society religion can bring a group of people together or it can create conflict. We may observe contrasts between religions that could inflict argument within a society. As this may be evident, religion is however a peaceful and sacred element of our spirituality. We may offer each other strength through religion in times of hardship, which keeps a society strong. Define transcendent (1 mark) Transcendent means beyond us, or something beyond the natural existence. Define immanent (1 mark) The belief that something is within us. In context of religion, we may feel good is immanent. Short Answer Questions : Aboriginal Spirituality (20 marks) Outline the importance of the dreaming for Aboriginal spirituality. (4 marks) The dreaming is an important factor for the Aboriginal spirituality. It's defined as their past (creation stories and how the world evolved), present (way of life and culture) and future (what becomes of our spirits when we decease). The Dreaming can be seen from three views; metamorphoses, imprinting and externalization. These views are important as it is how the Aborigine's view their purpose in life. It's their culture and how they live. Explain the inextricable connection of the Dreaming, the land and identity to Aboriginal Spirituality. (4 marks) The aboriginal spirituality is made up of these three elements. The Dreaming is all the creation stories and the evolution of life. The land is linked to the Aboriginal Spirituality as Describe the importance of art and symbol within Aboriginal Spirituality. (4 marks) The Aboriginal culture is also a contrast of art and symbols. They create their art in many forms e.g body art, paintings ect. They use symbols to create an image of a different object or living thing in these artworks. These are important factors towards the Aboriginal Spirituality as these artworks are a part of the creation stories that are linked with the dreaming. Define the following (a) Metamorphosis (b) Imprinting (c) Externalization in relation to the land. (3 marks) Metamorphosis is the theory that ancestors are transformed into a material object. Imprinting is the theory that the ancestors imprinted the land with their footsteps when they travelled the world, shaping the earth. Externalization is the theory that when an ancestors passes an object from their extracted. Outline the impact of the ‘stolen generation’ on Aboriginal spirituality. (5 marks) The Stolen Generation occurred when Aborigine's, mainly half casts, were taken from their families all over native Australia without their consent. As consequence of this act, the Aboriginal culture has been traumatized and is still feeling the affects of the inflicted suffering today. It impacted them through the horrific loss of family, the resentment they still feel to the white people and the lack of not being able to trust again, the rights that were stolen.

Empathy Task. I believe the way that our ancestors treated the Aborigine culture is a disgrace to our Australian background. They intruded the Australian soil, tormented and abused the natives (aborigines) who were already home to that land and took over. First they humiliated them by abusing them, treating them as slaves and locking up the male society. As the males were locked up the women were then not protected by the white men who raped them. This then led to the white-father-black-mother problem and the result of the "half casts". These children were taught to believe they were the consequence of an evil act. It was said, "God created Aboriginals, God created white people and the devil created half-casts." As an innocent, naive child i can barely imagine how they would feel knowing that no one appreciated them. No one accepted them into their family, community or society. They weren't wanted by both parents. These children were then taken from their families and put into a place were all the "devil children" were hold. They were taught to forget about their own culture and assimilate into the white society. They were dressed as white people, prayed to a God they had never been told to believe in and taught things the Aborigine society would never need to know. They were taken from their families, scared for their unknown future and placed into an unfamiliar habitat against their will. They were snatched from the embrace of their family, not knowing if they would ever see them again. This inflicted suffering from years ago would still continue to affect Aboriginals today. Their lost family they will never find and their lives they will never get back. As Australians we see ourselves as different to other nations that torture their own, but yet we did the same so long ago.

Assessment. 2. The believed in many gods and goddesses oddesses. Each one ruled one or more human activities or aspects of nature. The destiny of people depend on these gods and goddesses. Some of these rulers were intensively kind, others beheld terrifying characteristics. A lot of their beliefs are in connection with nature, and majority of rituals are in means of avoiding the chaotic forces of nature and acheiving peace between human life and nature. 3. The destiny of adherents depends on the Gods and Goddesses. The religion consist of three calenders. The first calender "Xihuitl" (natural year calender) which measures the agricultural year The second calender "Tonalpohualli" is a religious calender that determines the fate of everyone depending on their date of birth. Combined together these calenders create the third calender called Xiuhmolpilli (a bundle of years) and has a cycle of 52 solar systems. The end of this cycle was thought to bring destruction if sacrifices had not been made. Deities take human form, sometimes their face may appear as an animal. There are two myths that are thought to explain the creation of the Aztecs. Myth 1 Quetzalcoatl ,the light one, and Tezcatlipoca, the dark one were floating amongst the air above only water. They noticed a very large goddess hovering over the water eating everything with her many months. Whatever these two gods would create, were quickly abolished by the large goddess. They discussed a plan to stop her and transformed themselves into sea serpents and proceeded to go into the water. One god pulled her arms, while the other pulled her logs, creating such force until she broke. Her head and shoulders became the earth and the lower part of her body the sky. The other gods were angry at what the two gods had done. So as punishment, they allowed her body characteristics to provide necessities in order for the aztecs to live. Her hair was used to create trees, grass and flowers. Her eyes created caves, fountains and wells. Her mouth created rivers and her nose created hills and valleys. Lastly, her shoulders created mountains. The goddess was unhappy due to her human thirst for blood and would often cry at night and be heard. She would not provide soil until she drank. Therefor the gift of human hearts is given to her.

Reflections on other Students – Assessment Task 1 - Presentation Adams presentation was very detailed. I liked how Adam used his words more so than allowing the class to read what was in his powerpoint. His oral presentation was very well spoken and he engaged the class by passing round statues of goods and getting them involved with what he was educating. I believe Adam did a very good job through his powerpoint and graphics. I enjoyed Sarah's presentation. I found Shinto was a very interesting religion. I liked how Sarah clearly identified the creation story. Her oral presentation was good and her learning activity was very interesting. Alexis had a very good presentation. the Aztec religion is a very interesting religion. Tom had some problems that encountered with his presentation. Due to his circumstances Tom could not present his full presentation which obviously effected him. However, if circumstances did work in Tom's odds i think he would have presented a very well assignment in follow up to what he did produce. Sarah said had a very good presentation and i enjoyed her learning activity. Her presentation has been my favorite so far. Jessica had a very interesting presentation. She educated to class well about her religion, and matched her powerpoint well with her oral reading. Alessandro did an all oral presentation without any visuals. I found this a little boring listening to Alessandro rather than focusing on a powerpoint that could have created more image of the religion in my mind. He did however produce good information. Jacinta had a very well grouped together presentation. Her time and great effort put into the assessment task was showcased through her student activity workbook that was very impressive. I learnt a lot from the way jacinta presented her religion and educated the class about the Taio religion. Celtic – Wednesday 1 April SDL Useful Web Sites for this study : Celtic Culture: http://www.joellessacredgrove.com/Celtic/history.html history Celtic Mythology: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtic_Mythology The Religion of the Ancient Celts: http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/rac/ An on-line book by J. A. MacCulloch [1911] Celtic art site: http://gate.cia.edu/cbergengren/arthistory/celtic/ Celtic Religion: http://www.draeconin.com/database/celtreli.htm What we don’t know about the Ancient Celts: http://www.conjure.com/whocelts.html Activity Origins of the Celts • Using the Web Links above and below answer the following questions on your WIKI • 1. Describe celtic culture • 2. Recount ONE (1) Celtic Myth • 3. Outline the basic elements of the Celtic Religion • 4. Explain the New Order of the Druids Support Material : http://gate.cia.edu/cbergengren/arthistory/celtic/ What we don’t know about the Ancient Celts: http://www.conjure.com/whocelts.html Celtic Culture: http://www.joellessacredgrove.com/Celtic/history.html#history Celtic Mythology: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celtic_Mythology The New Order of Druids: http://www.druidcircle.net/ click on “Celtic tradition”. Thursday. MOSES. 1. Placed in a basket and sent along the Nile River. 2. Pharaoh's daughter heard him crying and adopted him. 3. Raised in Egypt to become the egyptian prince. 4. The Hebrow Maid who then passed moses over to the Pharaoh's daughter. 5. 6.Murdered an Egyption overseer. 7.Fled to Midian as he was in danger. 8. He began fighting against injustices. He married Tzipporah, one of the Midianite priest's daughters, and becomes the shepherd for his father-in-law's flock. 9. 10.Take off his shoes. Rescue the slaves in Egypt and lead them out into the land that God had promised them. 11. Moses hesitated as he felt he was an ordinary man that could not fufilL the duties God had asked of him. 12. He would send his brother Aaron. 13. Moses asked the King to set his people free. 14. God's angel of death passes through Egypt, killing the eldest in every family. In order to stay safe you must kill a lamb or goat from your flock and daub some of the animal blood and mark an x on your front door. This signifies to God that you have obeyed his orders and he will keep you safe. You then must cook the meat from the animal and eat if which is known as the "Pass-Over Feast". 15. It is about remembering that God is keeping us safe as long as we obey him. 16. The Israelites stayed in their home and ate a delicious feast prepared by the mothers of lamb. As they sat down to eat it they kept on their outside clothes. 17. In every Egyptian home the first born son was dead. 18 The Israel slaves escaped from Egypt just as God had promised. Friday. (skipped the group of three project). 1. Ecclesiastes, Nachum, Nahum. 2. Genesis 3. Abraham. 1. Ur in Babylonia 2. He worked in his father's shop and destroyed the idols his father believed in. 3. He belived that one person created the world. 4. To leave his home and his family. 5.He would make him a great nation and bless him. 6. Someone who worships and has a contract with God whichy involves rights and obligations amongst each sides. 7. He adopted a nomadic lifestyle. 8. 9. He was promised a son from Sarai. 10. His name was changed to Abraham (father of manY) 11. a son 12. . Learning Preperation. Wk 2 Wednesday 6th May. SST. B'rit. Gemara Ketuvim Mishnah Neviim Talmud Tenach Torah Yad. Who was Abraham (100 words). Abraham was first born known as "Abram" in 1900BCE. He was son of Terach who was an idol merchant. Abraham questioned his father's belief from an early age and came to believe that the entire earth was created from one source. He then began to teach this belief to others. The source that Abraham belived in, called him to leave his family and home and was promised to make him a great nation and be blessed. After accepting this offer the B'rit between God and Jewish people was established. Abraham's worthiness of this convenent was tested ten times and he adopted a nomadic lifestyle. Abraham married Sarai and at aged 99/100 was promised a son. This was then his name was changed to Abraham meaning "father of many sons". Hi son "Isaac" was an ancestor to the Jewish people Rachel, you are developing some excellent study habits and completing all set work on time. You are demonstrating a developing understanding of Judaism. When giving an outline of Abraham, it would make sense to OUTLINE from birth to death and locate the key events in his life that impacted upon Judaism - even write in dot point form at this stage. . Abraham was first born as Abram in Ur, Babylonia, 1800 BCE. He was the son of Terach, who owned a shop and was born into a society who worshipped idols. From an early age, Abraham questioned the faith of his father and of society. He sought the truth about human existence and began to believe there could only be one single creator for all. Abraham decided to challenge his father's faith and one day began smashing all the idols all but one of the largest idols. When the father had asked what had happened he told him that the idols got into a fight, his father said to him dont be ridiculous these idols have no life or power Abram then responded then why do you worship them? God then invited Abraham to establish the relationship between himself and God. God promised Abraham land if he followed the b'rit (known as the covenent). Abraham adapted the Nomadic lifestytle, and wondered the land as a free spirit. He was referred to as a Hebrew. Abraham then married Sarah and at age 100 was concerned that they had not conceived children. God then promised a baby boy to Abraham. However Sarah was past the age of conceiving children her servant Hayga conceived the boy. This is where Abram's name was changed to Abraham, meaning father of many. There boy was named Ishmel, and when Sarah was able to conceive he was blessed with another boy named Isaac, who was conceived from love. Abraham was then ordered to test his love for his son, and when asked to sacrifice one of his son;s he had chose to save his son Isaac, who was conceived from love. Before sacrificing Ishmel God stopped Abraham as he had realised his stronger love for Isaac.