Different Denominations of Christianity

Key Issues

Titles

Chapters

• The beginnings of the Christian community, its priorities andpractices as shown in the life and teaching of Jesus. Theimportance and relevance of these themes for Christian life today
• World Poverty
• Differences between rich and poor
• Issues of development including exploitation of workers
• The work of CAFOD or TROCAIRE
• The meaning and effects of the Sacrament of Reconciliation
• role of priest
• role of minister
• role of bishop
• role of elder
• the role of the church for Christians: the ways in which statements made by the Church
• the advice of clergy, and the support of the local Christian community might influence
• the decisions of individual Christians
• main similarities and differences between Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Christians.
• the growth of ecumenism and its effects: e.g. shared churches, communities such as Taizé
• the Charismatic movement
• the main similarities and differences between Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant Christians
• the Jewish background to Christianity: Jesus' attendance at synagogues and the Temple, participation in the Passover, observance of the sabbath
• the growth of ecumenism and its effects: e.g. shared churches, communities such as Taizé
• the Charismatic movement
• Liberation Theology: aims and approaches
• The local church as a community of believers
• The pastoral function of the church in counselling and supporting church members and others in difficulties
• The pastoral roles of lay and ordained Christians
• Catholic notion of sacrament: definition of sacrament; idea of sacramental framework marking the key stages of life
• Sacraments of initiation in the Catholic Church: outline description of the rites of baptism and confirmation; symbolism within these sacraments; practice of baptism among other Christians
• Marriage, sacrament of Christian commitment: outline description of the rite of Christian marriage; meaning of the marriage vows.
• Outline description of Catholic funeral and burial rites and symbolism within them
• Nature and status of the Bible in the Catholic Church: the Bible as the revealed and inspired Word of God; use of the Bible in Catholic worship.
• Role of bishops in the Catholic Church: Apostolic Succession; a bishop's responsibility for his diocese; collegiality.
• Role and authority of the Pope in the Church: election and authority of the Pope; some titles of the Pope and their meaning (Vicar of Christ, Successor of St Peter); meaning and conditions of papal infallibility.
• Catholics and the role of conscience: understanding of conscience and informed conscience; primacy of conscience in the Christian life.
• God as Creator and Father; evolution and creation; the Trinity
• Mary, Mother of God: beliefs of Catholics about Mary; features of Catholic Marian devotion; other Christians and devotion to Mary.
• Images of the Church: Body of Christ; People of God; mission of the Church (message, fellowship, service).
• Role of the priest in a Catholic parish: preaching the Word of God, administering the sacraments, serving God's people.
• Role of religious orders in the Church: meaning of the vows taken by a Religious; work undertaken by Religious.
• Role of lay people in the Church: the status and responsibilities of lay people.
• Christian ministry: bishops, priests, deacons, the role of the laity, the celibacy of the clergy, the ordination of women.
• The Church: the means to faith and salvation; as one, holy, catholic, apostolic; as the Body of Christ; as the communion of saints.
• Christian ministry: bishops, priests, deacons, the role of the laity, the celibacy of the clergy, the ordination of women.
• The Church: the means to faith and salvation; as one, holy, catholic, apostolic; as the Body of Christ; as the communion of saints.
• Christian ministry: bishops, priests, deacons, the role of the laity, the celibacy of the clergy, the ordination of women.
• Authority and guidance: the Bible (why it is important for Catholics); the tradition from the Apostles; the Magisterium (apostolic succession, papacy, dogmas), Mary as the model of the Christian life and as worthy of particular devotion.