REL 2029 Chapter : Early Christian Church
Document Summary
Early christian church: early interpretations: early community of christian church defined by debate, discourse. Divided into sects, usually headed by one person: paul leader of interpretation that will become dominant, most influential to. Catholicism and christianity in general: actually born saul of tarsus. Changed name to paul after having vision of post-resurrection of jesus. Was going to arrest christians in damascus, saw jesus, was changed. Began christian career for next 25 years: focus of his xnty (christianity): risen christ (christ = greek messiah ). Not life, mortality, birth, etc. , but spiritual being of christ. Saved us from sinful nature by self-sacrificing act which led to death (and resurrection). C makes power available to any who have faith in him. Able to possess spirit of god, leads to transformation, granting indiv. place in kingdom of god, makes men and women = sons and daughters of god.
