- Syllabus Outcome: Explain the importance of the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ for Christians.
The death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ is central to understanding Christianity. It's significance is shared by every Christian denomination, who celebrate the mystery in their own expression.
Death is an essential part of the human condition and one which is shared by Jesus - a reference to the principal belief of Jesus' humanity.
This belief also demonstrates the unconditional love of God: Agape (a selfless love) which led to the atonement of sins - thus restoring the relationship of adherents with God.
Activity 1 - Defining Key Terms
You may use Religious Data Dictionary to assist
- Resurrection
- Ascension
- Agape (Greek word)
Activity 2 - Christian celebration of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus
Select TWO Christian denominations. Discuss how they celebrate the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, how do the liturgies they celebrate express this principal belief.
The photo above is an example of an offering of flowers made at a Maronite Catholic Good Friday service. The symbolism is used as an expression of love and recognition of Christ’s passion, and as a sign of expectation for the Resurrection that is to come.
On the altar (Maronite Catholic Church) is one lit candle (on the right hand side of the altar). This is done to commemorate the dialogue between Jesus and the two thieves (Lk. 23:26-27), where the one to the Jesus’ right repents and asks Jesus to remember him in His Kingdom. The candle represents a significant aspect of the liturgy as it is a reminder of our salvation and the deliverance of the repentant criminal.
Activity 3 - Romans 12 (exercise books)
How does this passage (written by St Paul to the community in Rome), assist an understanding of what it means to have "new life in Christ"?
Activity 4 -
Read Luke's account of the Resurrection and compare it to the following film depictions:
*Please use your ear phones to complete this task