For levels 1 & 2 For levels 3 & 4 For levels 5 & 6 For levels 7 & 8 Glossary for Christianity up

 

Christianity 1 & 2

When relating teaching and learning objectives at levels 1 and 2 to Christian experience, the teacher should draw on the following in an appropriate context

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  • Christians believe in God as the Creator or maker of the world. He cares about the world and wants people to do the same. Christians also think of God as a good Father, loving, caring and forgiving and wanting his 'children' (followers) to be the same. They believe God has authority over his children but that, like a good father, he uses it wisely.

  • Christians are followers of Jesus Christ, a great teacher and leader, who lived 2,000 years ago. Many people have chosen to follow him, both in the past and today, and believe their lives have changed as a result. Christians believe Jesus is special; he shows them what God is like. They talk of him as God's Son, a King, and give him the title 'Christ', which is the Greek word for Messiah ('Anointed one'). They tell their children about how Jesus befriended, healed and helped people and how he taught about God, using stories called parables.

  • Christians celebrate special moments in Jesus' life. They celebrate his birth at Christmas. They may have Advent Calendars, make cribs, hear Bible stories, sing about Jesus' birth and go to church, possibly at midnight. On Good Friday, Christians remember Jesus' sad death, but on Easter Sunday they celebrate the belief that he came back to life again. Families may make Easter gardens, hear the Easter story and sing joyful hymns at church.

  • Christians have a holy book, the Bible, which they call the 'Word of God'; it tells them about God and how God wants them to live. It is full of stories, sayings and songs. Christians listen to Bible readings every week at church. Some read the Bible regularly at home. Children may hear Bible stories at bedtime. They may go to Sunday School or other groups where they learn the Bible with others their own age.

  • Christians meet together as a Church. 'Church' can mean a group of believers or a building in which they meet. Christians also meet in other places e.g. homes, chapels, cathedrals or even outdoors. Churches contain things to help people worship God e.g. musical instruments, a lectern with a large Bible, candies, crosses, crucifixes, an altar or table. Babies are welcomed into the Christian Church through baptism or christening. In some churches a dedication or thanksgiving service takes place and baptism occurs later.

  • Christians worship God together and individually. They think about how great God is and how much he is 'worth' to them. (Worship comes from an old word meaning 'to give worth to'.)  Worship may include Bible readings, singing or praying. Many Christians pray regularly at the beginning or end of a day. They may say 'grace' at mealtimes. Children may learn some simple or traditional prayers by heart e.g. The Lord's Prayer; they may be encouraged to pray in their own words. On Sundays particularly, Christians gather together for services of worship. These may be led by a priest, minister, vicar or elder. Some services use words from a book, some are full of ceremony, some are simple, some are quiet, some exuberant and lively.

  • Christians believe everyone is special and important. They try to copy Jesus' example and love people in their families and others they meet (John 15:12) . Jesus told his followers that the two greatest commandments in life were to love God and to love other people (Mark 12:28-34)

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Christianity 3 & 4

When relating teaching and learning objectives at levels 3 and 3 to Christian experience, the teacher should draw on the following in an appropriate context

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  • Christians believe God is the loving ruler of the universe, a just judge of human behaviour. They believe God is three persons in one (Trinity) and talk of God the Father, who created and sustains the world, God the Son, who became a human being (Jesus) and God the Holy Spirit, who lives in them. Ultimately this idea of Trinity is a 'mystery', but it is a little bit like being a father, son and husband at the same time. Christians believe God made human beings in his image, to be like him. They also believe that humans have become sinful and turned away from God; they need to be 'saved' or rescued. Christians believe Jesus Christ was God in a human body (incarnate). He came to save people ('Jesus' means 'saviour') from the consequences of sin and, through his death and resurrection, offer them forgiveness and friendship with God (2 Corinthians 5:17-20)12. Christ was a title given to Jesus by his Jewish followers; its Hebrew equivalent (Messiah) referred to a leader God was to send to rescue the Jews.

  • The Gospels (4 books in the Bible) tell the stories of Jesus. Gospel means 'good news'. Stories of Jesus' life (his birth, baptism, temptations, the calling of disciples, his miracles, hearings and teachings, the controversies he provoked, his arrest, trial, crucifixion and resurrection) are read and thought about by Christians who try to follow his example of love and self- sacrifice and live out his teachings.

  • The central act of Christian worship is the Eucharist (Holy Communion, Mass, Lord's Supper). At the Last Supper Jesus used bread and wine to represent his body and blood when he talked of his death as a 'sacrifice'. Today Christians still share bread and wine in memory of Jesus' death. The service may include singing, Bible reading and prayers. The Apostles' Creed may also be used, as a summary of what Christians believe, and two famous prayers said: The Lord's Prayer and the Grace.

  • The key Christian symbol is a cross, recalling Jesus' death. 'Re 'ichthus' (fish) symbolises 'Jesus Christ, God's Son, Saviour'. A dove symbolises the Holy Spirit. Other symbols are also used e.g. chi-rho, INRI. Church furnishings indicate beliefs too: the importance of Jesus' death (a table / altar for bread and wine, symbols of Jesus' death); the chance to have a fresh start and join God's family (a font / baptistery); the need to think about what God says (lectern / pulpit for reading and explaining the Bible).

  • Christians celebrate key events in Jesus' life and in Church history: Jesus' birth (incarnation) at Christmas, his death and resurrection at Easter, his return to heaven (Ascension) and the birth of the Church (Pentecost). Some Christians observe periods of preparation for Christmas (Advent) and Easter (Lent). Some Christians celebrate days in memory of Saints who lived holy lives; they also mark a variety of 'milestones' in life: christening, dedication, first communion, confirmation, baptism by immersion, weddings and funerals.

  • The Bible is the source of Christian belief and teaching. It is like a library in two parts: Old Testament (39 books) and New Testament (27). Some Christians include the books called the Apocrypha. The Bible contains stories, history, laws, songs and proverbs. Originally in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, it is the most widely translated book in the world. There are many English versions. It plays a large part in Christian worship; it is read regularly, explained, and forms the basis for songs, prayers and drama. In some churches, people stand to hear the Gospels read, giving them special honour. Many Christians study the Bible at home, Sunday School or youth groups.

  • Christians worship and learn together as God's 'family'. Christians belong to many denominations for reasons of history, belief or style of worship and may be engaged in a variety of activities. They try to carry on Jesus' work in the world, working for peace and justice, for the poor, hungry, sick and outcast. They try to spread the 'good news' about Jesus to others. They try to follow Jesus' teaching: Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7); the Golden Rule (Luke 6:31); the two great commandments (Mark 12:28-34). They believe the Holy Spirit lives in them as their 'helper' (John 14:16-17)

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Christianity 5 & 6

When relating teaching and learning objectives at levels 5 and 6 to Christian experience, the teacher should draw on the following in an appropriate context

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  • Christians believe in God the Holy Trinity, who has revealed himself in three different but undivided ways. God is: the Father, who created and sustains the universe, the Son, Jesus, who is God incarnate, and the Holy Spirit, who gives comfort, guidance. Christians use many symbols and figures of speech to help them describe the persons of the Trinity e.g. my Shepherd, Lamb of God, Breath of God. Christians believe that human beings are made in God's image, that unique value and that, although sinful, they can be forgiven and redeemed (Colossians 1: 14).

  • Christians speak of Jesus in a variety of ways e.g. Word of God, image of God, God's only Son. They believe Jesus reveals God's nature to them as they read in the Gospels of how he showed love and forgiveness, and gave people a new start in life Zacchaeus, Mary Magdalene, the penitent thief; they believe he offers these same things to the whole of humanity. They believe his death and resurrection provide a way to break free from sin (salvation) and the chance of reconciliation with God ms 1: 15-23). The four gospel-writers portray both Jesus' humanity and his divinity in the key events of his life (birth, teaching and healing, transfiguration, relationships with others, suffering, death, resurrection and ascension). The also record Jesus' teaching about God and about living God's way e.g. in the Sermon on the Mount and in the many of the Kingdom. Other references to Jesus can be found outside the Bible e.g. in the histories of Tacitus and Josephus.

  • Christians are committed to following Jesus Christ. They want to follow Jesus' example and teaching and many testify to act in their lives both in the past and today. The commitment of Christians may be seen in how they approach:- al relationships e.g. marriage, family roles; social issues e.g. work, use of resources; global issues e.g. care for the environment, poverty, justice, world mission; cultural life e.g. art, music. Christians draw on scripture, tradition, the ion of the Holy Spirit, prayer and reason as they decide how to behave or speak but an important reference point is Jesus' teaching on forgiveness and love. Christians may make a public commitment to Christ: at Confirmation, candidates affirm promises made for them at infant baptism and a Bishop prays that they will be 'confirmed' (established more firmly) in their faith. At a Believers' Baptism, candidates confess their faith by immersion in water; they may give a testimony explaining why they are being baptised and answer questions about their faith.

  • Christians believe the Bible reveals the truth about God; some hold it to be infallible, others interpret it differently, but for all Christians it is a central source of authority, used in: public worship, private study, meditation, decision-making, writing Payers, modem songs and church liturgies. The Bible was written over a long period and includes history, poetry, law, letters and prophecy. It has been preserved and passed down through the centuries with scholars working to accuracy (e. g. using the Dead Sea Scrolls, Codex Sinaiticus). It is increasingly accessible to all Christians, with more translations than any other book and new ones still being made.

  • Christians belong to a worldwide fellowship of believers, the Church, also known as the 'Family of God' or 'Body of and most of them share the beliefs of the historic creeds. Within the church are many denominations e.g. Catholics, )x, Baptists, Methodists, Salvation Army; these reflect historical events e.g. the Reformation, diversity of practice e.g. , leadership structure, or differing emphases e.g. authority of Pope. The liturgies or 'orders of worship' used by this vast family of churches reflect their diverse cultures, denominations and histories. Worship may involve hymns, psalms, Bible songs, preaching, praying, silence, drama, dance and various rituals (e.g. making the sign of the cross, sharing bread e); its object is to express to God how much he is 'worth' to the believer. Prayer is one aspect of worship, described talking and listening to God or as quiet meditation. Jesus set an example of prayer; his teaching on prayer stressed sincerity and perseverance and was summarised in the Lord's Prayer, still used today. Christians pray alone, in groups and in church. They may stand, sit, kneel or prostrate themselves in prayer; hands may be clasped together or raised, eyes closed. Rosary, beads, statues, icons or incense may be used. Prayers may include adoration, confession, intercession and thanksgiving but all are offered to God 'in Jesus' name'.

  • Many Christians follow a calendar which celebrates events in Jesus' life and saints' days. Easter is the key festival with : Christ is risen! Colour, flowers, faith-filled acclamations and celebratory hymns replace the quiet reflection of Holy Week and Good Friday. Services resonate with joy, reflecting belief in Jesus' victory over death, sin and evil, and the Light is used as a powerful symbol of this in many churches: Paschal Fire, candlelit processions at midnight, For Christians each Sunday is also seen as a celebration of the Resurrection.

  • Some Christians visit places in Israel connected with Jesus' life: Bethlehem, Sea of Galilee, Gethsemane, Jerusalem. -visit Rome or shrines at Walsingham or Lourdes, where people pray for healing. Communities at Iona and Taize also attract pilgrims.

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Christianity 7 & 8

When relating teaching and learning objectives at levels 7 and 8 to Christian experience, the teacher should draw on the following in an appropriate context

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  • Christians believe in God as the Creator or maker of the world. He cares about the world and wants people to do the same. Christians also think of God as a good Father, loving, caring and forgiving and wanting his 'children' (followers) to be the same. They believe God has authority over his children but that, like a good father, he uses it wisely.

  • Christians are followers of Jesus Christ, a great teacher and leader, who lived 2,000 years ago. Many people have chosen to follow him, both in the past and today, and believe their lives have changed as a result. Christians believe Jesus is special; he shows them what God is like. They talk of him as God's Son, a King, and give him the title 'Christ', which is the Greek word for Messiah ('Anointed one'). They tell their children about how Jesus befriended, healed and helped people and how he taught about God, using stories called parables.

  • Christians celebrate special moments in Jesus' life. They celebrate his birth at Christmas. They may have Advent Calendars, make cribs, hear Bible stories, sing about Jesus' birth and go to church, possibly at midnight. On Good Friday, Christians remember Jesus' sad death, but on Easter Sunday they celebrate the belief that he came back to life again. Families may make Easter gardens, hear the Easter story and sing joyful hymns at church.

  • Christians have a holy book, the Bible, which they call the 'Word of God'; it tells them about God and how God wants them to live. It is full of stories, sayings and songs. Christians listen to Bible readings every week at church. Some read the Bible regularly at home. Children may hear Bible stories at bedtime. They may go to Sunday School or other groups where they learn the Bible with others their own age.

  • Christians meet together as a Church. 'Church' can mean a group of believers or a building in which they meet. Christians also meet in other places e.g. homes, chapels, cathedrals or even outdoors. Churches contain things to help people worship God e.g. musical instruments, a lectern with a large Bible, candies, crosses, crucifixes, an altar or table. Babies are welcomed into the Christian Church through baptism or christening. In some churches a dedication or thanksgiving service takes place and baptism occurs later.

  • Christians worship God together and individually. They think about how great God is and how much he is 'worth' to them. (Worship comes from an old word meaning 'to give worth to'.)  Worship may include Bible readings, singing or praying. Many Christians pray regularly at the beginning or end of a day. They may say 'grace' at mealtimes. Children may learn some simple or traditional prayers by heart e.g. The Lord's Prayer; they may be encouraged to pray in their own words. On Sundays particularly, Christians gather together for services of worship. These may be led by a priest, minister, vicar or elder. Some services use words from a book, some are full of ceremony, some are simple, some are quiet, some exuberant and lively.

  • Christians believe everyone is special and important. They try to copy Jesus' example and love people in their families and others they meet (John 15:12) . Jesus told his followers that the two greatest commandments in life were to love God and to love other people (Mark 12:28-34)

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