Jesus as the Founder of Christianity - Essay Example

? Jesus was the founder of Christianity al affiliation Jesus was the founder of Christianity 0 Introduction Over the years, there have been numerous controversies on the founder of Christianity. Some people claim that Paul is the founder of Christianity by virtue of his credit to starting the church. On the other hand, other people claim that Paul’s setting the foundation of the church does not necessarily mean that he is the real founder of the church. With these numerous debates raging on, Sinclair & Bowman (2006), come up with their view in regard to the Christianity issue. In their work, there is a clear indication on the basics of Christianity, thus making it easier for students and scholars studying theology have a justified ground to base their arguments. From Sinclair & Bowman’s (2006), work, it is evident the stand they take in regard to the foundation of Christianity. Their values conform to those of other scholars and analysts who believe that the Bible is the basis of Christianity, and Jesus take the upper hand. Just like indicated in the Holy book, Sinclair & Bowman (2006), indicate that the good news has come to the human race and will be continue to prevail in order to guide Christians on the right path in life. From this indication, therefore, it is evident that the Bible indicates that Jesus is the root of Christianity through His messages to the human race. From the view that Jesus died for the sins of human kind, it is apparent how much He had and still has love for the human race. Apart from that, we are justified to argue that Jesus Christ existed in the world before and from his existence, Christianity found its way into the lives of human kind. The word ‘Christians’ emanate from ‘Christ’ to mean followers of Jesus. This is the more reason why Jesus Christ is referred to as the founder of Christianity. We are referred to as Christians by virtue of us being followers of Christ and His teachings- Christianity. This essay will endeavor to highlight the thoughts and ideas of Sinclair & Bowman (2006), in Christianity, specifically the origins and founder of Christianity. The essay will include all forms of evidences ranging from historical backgrounds in an attempt to explain the actual founder of Christianity is indeed Jesus Christ, the Messiah. 1.1. Body 1.1.1. An analysis of textual sources In an attempt to understand the foundation of Christianity, the Holy Bible cannot be alienated from the picture. As discussed earlier, the Bible is the blue print and reference to Christianity, and in this study, therefore, constant reference has to be made to the book. Sinclair & Bowman (2006), undertake a study of the Bible in an attempt to prove the view that indeed Christianity has its basis on the Bible. Sinclair & Bowman (2006) indicate that the Bible consists of both the Old and New Testaments that relate to the foundations of Christianity on Jesus. They seek to emphasize on the New Testament’s view on Christianity for its rich ideas on the theme. The books of Matthew, Luke, Mark and John emphasize on Jesus’ life while on earth. It is from these books that Christians borrow the aspect of a good life based on Christian virtues from the example of Jesus. It is justified to argue that the Bible leads to many Christians base their belief in Jesus as the founder of Christianity from the readings. It is these texts that parables are explained in broad detail. Jesus plays the role of a servant that was sent by God to save the human race. Jesus is seen more of a servant to the people that the king. According to the Christian values, humility is one of the virtues that all people must embrace. In line with this context, Jesus may be regarded as the founder of Christianity from the example that He set on the human race. In fact, studies indicate that it is from His mission on earth that many people learnt to emulate good virtues from him. Were it, not from Jesus’ mission on earth, Christianity would not have a strong foundation that it has today. At that particular time, most people longed to be like Jesus by doing all that it partakes to help others. The concept of love for all human kind can be traced from Jesus’ works. Indeed, Christians would not have a better example to follow apart from the work Jesus did whilst on earth. However, it is important to note that the issue of the Bible has led to numerous controversies. Some people question the validity and reliability of the Bible by basing their arguments on the authors of the Book. It is not clear whether the events were recorded ion a eye witness account or the whole story is merely heresy. All in all Sinclair & Bowman (2006) indicate that the Bible gives comprehensive evidence on the works of Jesus and contribution to making Christianity a sensible religion. A good example of the foundation of Christianity can be explained in the book of Acts of the Apostles. At the commencement of the book, Jesus is seen to appear to His disciples after the resurrection. After the resurrection, Jesus embarks on a mission to teach His apostles on how to be His representatives. This fact, on its own grounds, indicates that Jesus is the source of Christianity. It is from Jesus that the disciples were able to represent Jesus and His teachings and not the vice versa. In the works of the gospel, Jesus augments into heaven leaving a message that the Holy Spirit will be sent to act on behalf of Jesus. In the lives of many Christians today, the Holy Spirit is an escapable factor to talk about in the lives of Christians. Majority believe in the Existence of the power of Jesus in the form of a spirit. This fact proves the theme that Jesus indeed is the founder of Christianity. All the basics of this religion have a great relationship with the foundations of lives as Christians as indicated by Jesus in His missions on earth. In the book of Acts, there is evidence of development of Christian communities that relied on the teachings of Jesus in the earlier books. After Jesus teaches His disciples the good news, He ordained to go and spread the word or rather, be ‘fishers of men’. If Jesus were not the founder of Christianity, would it be possible to ask the disciples to be His followers? In reality, it is obvious that the leader must have something tangible in order to attract a multitude of people towards him or her. In this context, therefore, Jesus was the leader and attracted the disciples to His works so as they can assist Him in His mission on earth. It is from Jesus, therefore, that the doctrines of Christianity have spread to the entire world. Many people may question on the issue of Paul and whether he is the founder of Christianity. To answer this in a simple manner, Paul may be described as one of the many people who heed to the word of Jesus. He simply had a vision of Jesus and decided to convert to Christianity. He had nothing to do with establishing Christianity but is an example of people who followed what had already been established by Jesus. Paul simply became an apostle of the gospel and spread it to the Gentiles. Having resolved the issue of Paul, only one option is left, that of concluding that Jesus, without a doubt, is the founder of Christianity. He was able to spread this gospel even to people like Paul who were not even his disciples at the beginning of His mission. 1.1.2 Teachings of Jesus From the various teachings of Jesus and the implications of life today, it is evident that he is certainly the founder of Christianity. His teachings and actions set the pace in which Christianity began on earth. At the age of thirty, Jesus was baptized in River Jordan and anointed with the spirit of God. This action marked the ministry He was going to undertake while on earth. His works include performing miracles like healing of the sick in the society, feeding the hungry, casting out demons from people, raising the dead, amongst other miracles. From these acts, it is evident that virtues of true Christianity are evident. Christians are expected to offer help to the needy regardless of their affiliation. Jesus set a good example that is evident in the lives of Christians today. Without these real examples, probably most of the Christians would have claimed the mission of God to be a fallacy. In the lives of Christians today, the works of Jesus are the major points of reference in times of explanation on the good deeds of Christianity. This is simply because Jesus founded the religion and made it known and admirable to the world at large. Through his disciples the good news that Jesus had brought to the world spread to all corners of the earth, claiming a huge percentage of people who were puzzled by the works of Jesus. In short, Jesus made Christianity the best religion people would embrace from His good deeds. The life of Jesus has a tremendous impact on the foundation of Christianity. The life of Jesus as narrated in the Bible not only explains but shapes the rituals and practices of Christianity. The birth of Jesus is a major indicator of the mission of Jesus whilst on earth. According to Sinclair & Bowman (2006), the birth of Jesus is a symbol that many Christians embrace. He was born to a virgin, a symbol of purity of religion, and an earthly father, who was a carpenter, the virtue of humility is evident from this story. The book of Matthew explains this story in broad detail; according to many people, this religion has a lot to emulate. From the start of this religion, it is vivid that its mission was to save people from all walks of life. Jesus mother has been documented to be pregnant by the Holy Spirit, a fact that Jesus is the founder of Christianity. After His birth is when the apostles and followers of the religion came to being. To prove this point, Sinclair & Bowman (2006) indicate that Angel Gabriel commissioned Joseph to name his son Emmanuel, which bears the meaning of the presence of God in the lives of human beings. This is a clear indication that God is the founder of Christianity who was sent to the earth to reform humankind. Hitherto, Christians all over the world commemorate the birth of Jesus not just as an ordinary man but the founder of the religion that brought meaning to their lives. This day has been reported to have sacred meanings to the lives of many Christians today. The argument that Paul, in this context, is the founder of Christianity is, therefore, a fallacy. Most Christians in the world have not set a day to celebrate the life and contribution of Paul just like in the case of Jesus. Since the time of Jesus Public ministry in Galilee until His death and resurrection, an indication of Jesus as the founder of Christianity is evident. The teachings of the beatitudes, Lords prayer, and love still linger in the memories of many Christians today. This is attributed to the fact that this information was relayed to Jesus Himself to his disciples. Pontius Pilate is among the many who did not believe in the supremacy and authority of Jesus at the time of the crucifixion. The fact that Jesus died and resurrected leaves a lot to discuss on the foundations of Christianity. These simple facts are a hundred percent valid on Jesus being the founder of Christianity. 1.1.3 Nature of Jesus According to Sinclair & Bowman (2006), Jesus is a human being exalted by God. Briefly looking at this statement, an indication that Jesus is no ordinary being but a supreme being commissioned by God to conduct a specific mission on earth. He is not just an apostle like Paul or any other human being that existed at that time. Sinclair & Bowman (2006) argue that it is only supreme beings that have the ability to make other people divine just like Jesus did. His disciples were ordinary beings who were of assistance to preach the gospel but had nothing to lay the base of religion. Just like the Bible indicates, goodness of God exists in all humans through Jesus. He has the ability to understand the thoughts and feelings of all beings, unlike normal human beings. His teachings indicate that there is only one God that needs to be worshipped. In light to this argument, the relationship between God and Jesus indicate the basis on which Christianity is founded. 1.2. Conclusion From this essay, Jesus of Nazareth can be viewed as the initiator of Christianity. According to the book of Revelation, He is the Alpha and Omega of human life. It is only a person who is regarded as an initiator that can complete. Jesus is, therefore, the founder of Christianity. In the gospel books, just like discussed in the essay indicate that Jesus came to fulfill His mission on earth that of setting a base for Christianity and ensure that the commandments are followed to the letter. It is validated to argue that, Jesus is the founder of Christianity; other people simply emphasized what He had established. Bibliography Sinclair, S & Bowman M 2006, Christianity Study Guide, The Open University Walton Hall, Milton Keynes. Read More