LANGUAGE AND INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION
TOPIC:
Christianity’s Worldview and Attitudes Towards the Perception of Life
and Death
Instructor: Tran Quang Hai
Student: Le Huu Dat – ID No.: 22011252
Ho Chi Minh City – November, 2023
Word count: _______ including references
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Introduction
Christian’s belief is the most followed religion, with more than 2.3 billion followers
worldwide. Therefore, it is crucial to acknowledge the vital importance of this religion
throughout the contexts of culture, history and even politics. Christianity has stood the test
of time, even the Crusades and the wars occurred within the religion itself, showing the
undisputable beliefs that were, are and will be strengthened amongst the followers. But what
struck the hearts of the people, and what caused them to fight for their belief?
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Body 1: Concept of life in Christianity
What does “live” mean for Christians? In the Bible, there are verses that indicate what Luke
chapter 19 verse 17 says: “And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny
himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.”. This says living is to follow Jesus. The
relevancy of Christianity to the culture has been proved by many authors. To quote the book
called Christianity and Culture: “a life, by natural standards, crippled and thwarted was not
only no bar to salvation, but might easily be one of its conditions.” (Lewis, 1940). In other
words, there is no doubt that to become a real follower of Christianity, one has to become
like God and live like He lives. But what does that mean again?
To live like Jesus and follow his teachings in Christianity means to embrace a set of values
and beliefs that extend beyond mere physical existence. It involves a profound commitment
to moral and spiritual principles that guide the actions, decisions, and mindset of a Christian.
This concept of life in Christianity has a far-reaching impact on the lives of its followers,
therefore, reminding them to live virtuously everyday.
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Body 2: Concept of death in Christianity
In Christianity, the concept of death is intrinsically linked to the belief in the resurrection.
The Christian faith revolves around the belief that death is not the end but a transition to
eternal life. This understanding of death provides Christians with hope and comfort in the
face of mortality. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:55, "O death, where is your
victory? O death, where is your sting?" This verse underscores the triumph of life over death
in Christian theology.
The concept of death in Christianity also emphasizes the idea of judgment. According to
Christian beliefs, after death, individuals will be judged by God based on their faith and
actions. This belief in divine judgment shapes the moral and ethical choices of Christians in
their daily lives. They strive to lead virtuous lives, guided by the teachings of Jesus, in
preparation for the ultimate judgment. One man cannot live beyond the grave, but when he
looks to God, to the relationship he has with God, it moves to a different direction, a future
hope. (Badham, 1976)
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Body 3: How it shapes the way of living of Christians in today’s world
The concept of life and death in Christianity significantly shapes the way Christians live in
today's world. These beliefs influence various aspects of their lives, including their
relationships, moral values, and social engagements.
Relationships: Christianity places a strong emphasis on love, forgiveness, and
compassion. Christians are called to love their neighbors as themselves, which encourages
building strong and nurturing relationships with others.
Social Engagements: Christians are motivated to actively engage with societal issues,
striving to create a more just and compassionate world. This includes participating in
charity work, advocating for the marginalized, and addressing issues like poverty,
discrimination, and injustice.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, Christianity, with its over 2.3 billion followers worldwide, plays a vital role
in shaping the world in terms of culture, history, and politics. The concept of life and death
in Christianity defines the way of living for its adherents. Living as a Christian means
following the teachings of Jesus, embracing love, humility, and self-sacrifice. Death is
viewed as a transition to eternal life and a time of divine judgment, which motivates
Christians to lead moral and purposeful lives. In today's world, the Christian faith
continues to influence individuals and societies, driving people to seek love, justice, and
compassion. The enduring relevance of Christianity is a testament to the profound impact
of its core beliefs on the way its followers live, interact with others, and engage with the
world around them.
References (APA style)
Lewis, CS (1940). Christian and Culture. journals.sagepub.com
Badham, Paul (1976). Christian Beliefs about Life after Death. the macmillan press ltd