Discuss how Christianity enables adherents to respond to the enduring question of human existence
The issue of human existence is an enduring Christian question and concern amongst adherents but as a living religious tradition, it offer s a way of living that is an answer to this spiritual and moral dilemma. Human existence is a dilemma which encompasses the attainment of salvation, the promotion of faith and life and death issues. This question of human existence has been posed to early Christians through Paul of Tarsus yet it resonates across Christian history to remain a question that even modern Christian adherents have to acknowledge. The Christian answer to this question of human existence is not static but remains embedded in the practice of Baptism, Baptism , bioethical teachings and theology of Paul of Tarsus. It can be seen that Christian teachings in these areas offers the way of living for adherents to abide by through observance of Christian guidelines and conforming to theology. In shaping the way of life for adherents, the Christian faith tradition offers moral and spiritual guidance to address this issue, reflecting its status as a dynamic living religious tradition. The significance practice of Baptism allows adherents to address the core question of human existence by providing a concrete process to achieve salvation and eternal life. Baptism reflects an act of cleansing of sins by water as well as the acceptance into the faith community. Water is a symbolic feature of the Baptismal Rite as it is a religious allusion to Noah’s Ark in Genesis as well as a reference to Christ’s Baptism in the Jordan as detailed in Mark 1 that “he was baptised…the spirit descended upon him.” Water, as a ritualistic, pure element of Baptism, reflects the cleansing of sins that comes with this significant Christian practice as it contributes to the enduring question of salvation within human existence. Infant Baptism is advocated by the Roman Catholic variant and involves the pouring of water over the infant’s head. However, the Baptist and Pentecostal variants believe in a full “immersion” in water water to parallel Christ’s baptism and to receive salvation and the initiation into the holy waters of Christianity. Despite their differences in the Rite, Baptism remains an enduring element of Christianity as a necessary element to eternal life and receiving receiving God’s grace. This is exemplified in the teaching in the Bible that “none shall enter the kingdom of heaven…unless you are born of the spirit or water.” (John 3:5) It can be seen that Baptism acts as a public affirmation of faith in Christ’s ministry, thus thus serving adherents in comprehending a way of life that adheres to Christian tradit ion and grants a way to receive salvation. Christian teachings on bioethics assist adherents in living an ethical life which is vital to respond to the question of human existence in a contemporary religious society. Christianity promotes the core belief that life is a valuable part of every individual and its worth and sanctity should be preserved and maintained at every stage of life. This notion of life is compounded in the biblical reference that “all are made in the image of God” (Genesis) which sustains this idea of stewardship and ca re towards others. Abortion is viewed by Christians as murder, which goes against the commandment “thou shall not kill” (Exodus) and is a serious life or death de ath bioethical issue. The Catholic tradition holds the view that all
life is precious and the termination of a foetus, a living being, is a moral evil which should be avoided at all costs and this is mirrored by the Orthodox variant. Another bioethical issue is euthanasia which complicates the question of human existence b y clouding judgement concerning the preservation of life. Despite the intrinsic value of human life, Christian’s believe that death is inevitable and so for the Uniting Church, euthanasia is permitted in order to end life with dignity. However, in keeping with natural law, any means to prolong life, as extraordinary means to interfere with the natural process of life given by God, is not allowed under Christian teachings. This is advocated by the Catholic and Orthodox variants and an example of a Catholic viewpoint is with Pope John Paul II’s ruling that “euthanasia is a grave violation of God’s Law. “ It can be seen that Christian ethical teachings ensures that adherents are able to address life and death issues and observe an ethically righteous life to answer the enduring question of human existence. The work of Paul of Tarsus addressed the question of human existence in outlining how adherents can act with faith over action and become a disciple of Christ. Pa ul of Tarsus was a missionary of the early Christian church who inspired the early Christian communities such as Philippi through his epistles. His work was heavily involved with proclaiming faith as the catalyst for salvation. Furthermore, his teachings was centred around the belief that “confess with your lips…you shall be saved.” (Romans 10:9) This stresses the importance of Christian belief and faith in Christ’s divinity to enable modern adherents to receive eternal life and in doing so, testify to the question of human existence which was proposed to the earl y church. As a dynamic living religious tradition, Paul of Tarsus created Christian theology of faith for salvation, allowing modern adherents to comprehend the requirements of discipleship with Christ to solve the spiritual needs of human exis tence. The Christian faith is a testament to the guidelines and teachings which offer a practi cal and spiritual way of living, through which adherents can address the question of human existence. Human existence incorporates the need for salvation, the importance of faith and how to shape life and death dilemmas to Christian doctrine. It can be seen that Christianity, as a living religious tradition, is successful at providing an answer to this enduring question through bioethics, Baptism and the work of Paul of Tarsus.
