Theology 12:20-1:15,Didache

Theology 12:20-1:15,Didache

  • Submitted By: nynavyman
  • Date Submitted: 02/17/2009 3:41 PM
  • Category: Philosophy
  • Words: 1183
  • Page: 5
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Although the oldest Christian Doctrine is in the New Testament, the oldest part isn’t even found in the Bible. Rather it is a collection of Jesus’ teachings; it is a handout for those coming into Christianity. This “handout” is known as the teachings of the 12 or the Didache. The Didache is divided into three sections. The first section is composed of six chapters on Christian lessons, from the first commandments to how to live without enemies. The second section is four chapters about Christian traditions or ceremonies, this is baptism and fasting. The last section is six chapters outlining the churches organizations.
The first chapter gives us the first two commandments. These commandments were taught to us since kindergarten, they are: “Love your God who created you” and “love your neighbor as yourself, and do not do to another what you would not want done to you.” Something I found interesting in the first chapter was to not hate those who hate you, but love them; if you do this you will never have an enemy. I found this interesting because even though it is hard to love those who hate you, it is a better choice then hating them back. It is a better choice because then you are more at ease and not wasting your time on earth with hating anther and wondering what they did that was so ridiculous again. A plus side to this is that it will either annoy them or enlighten them. They will either get more annoyed with you not caring and being extra nice to them, or they will forget why they hate you and you may end up as great friends.
The first six chapters are about how one should live, what they can do and more so about what they cannot do. In the first chapter we are told how we can be happy, “Happy is he who gives according to the commandment, for he is guiltless.” But for many following the commandments can be difficult. Many of the chapters go on and on about sins that one cannot do, which leads to the pondering on well if there is so much I cannot do what...

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