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01
| A General View
This introductory booklet shows how a universal morality is based upon three primary needs i.e.
the right to life, the right to a prime social group and the right to property. It shows how
the Jewish Commandments which form the base
of Christian morality, are designed to protect these rights.
| Video Times
8 mins
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02
| The Emergence of Christian Morality
This booklet points out how Jesus Christ lived within a Jewish society which was also
dominated by the Roman Empire. It argues that Jesus incorporated
the idealism of Greek philosophy into his own lifestyle and teaching.
| 4 mins
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03
| A Church Council in the 50's CE
The early church had a dilemma with new converts. Jewish Christians wanted Gentile (non-Jewish) Christians
to be circumcised and carry out the elaborate requirements of the Jewish law, in other words they had to become
Jews first of all. A Church council said they only had to avoid blood (cf. violence), fornication (cf. unrestrained sex)
and strangling (cf. injustice). This set out a precedence
for the on-going Christian challenge to 'raise the bar' of Commandment observance.
| 11 mins
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04
| Letters of Paul
St Paul, a highly educated Pharisee, set out a new 'morality map' for the emerging Church. He did not
require Gentile converts to follow the details of Jewish law. However he challenged converts to respect the
Otherness of God and 'raise the bar' of basic Commandment observance through
protecting self-determination, controlling sexuality and donating to the poor.
| 7 mins
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05
| The First Gospel - The Gospel of Mark
The gospel of Mark was written when Jerusalem and its temple were being destroyed by the Roman Army in 70CE.
Mark showed in his gospel structure that Christian society is based upon the hybrid of both Judaism and Hellenism
(Greek philosophy). Mark shows how Jesus challenges some followers to sell their wealth
and give to the poor and commit their whole lives to a following of him.
| 6 mins
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06
| The Gospel of Matthew
The gospel of Matthew, written in about 85 CE was largely based on the gospel of Mark but was mainly
addressed to Jewish Christians who had been barred from the Jewish synagogues. Matthew puts special stress
on the call to discipleship of Jesus. He shows how Jesus challenges them to
raise the bar of Commandment observance by a focus on the spirit of the law.
| 8 mins
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07
| The Gospel of Luke
The gospel of Luke was written around 85 CE. Like the gospel of Matthew this is largely based on the gospel of Mark.
However Luke addresses his gospel to Gentile Christians who were scattered throughout the Roman Empire of the day.
Luke has a special focus on the power of God. This enables non-Jews to keep the Commandments and indeed for the sake
of the gospel raise the bar of the Commandments with a readiness to forego material comfort, home life and career.
| 8 mins
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08
| The Crucifixion
The crucifixion stories are closely based upon the gospel account given by Mark. However each gospel reflects
the interest of the writer. The gospel of Mark has a special focus on material deprivation, Matthew has a focus on
the loss of relationship and Luke has a focus on the loss of power (cf. the three key social Commandments). Yet
a twist in the accounts show how the 'Kingdom' of Jesus was to thrive,
relationship would be nurtured and power would continue on into the world beyond this one.
| 9 mins
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09
| Industry and Christian Morality
This booklet shows how over the centuries following the start of Christianity, industry has emerged and
taken up the challenge to 'raise the bar' of the Commandments. The Christian challenge sets out to constantly
improve on e.g. industries devoted to health, education, productivity, distribution of goods etc. The key social
Commandments
sit amongst the key values that determine the direction of the whole.
| 11 mins
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10
| Comparison with Other World Religions
This booklet shows how world religions, like Christianity, have a particular focus on the right to life,
the right to a prime social group and the right to property. The video also shows parallels that exist
between the monks and nuns in both Buddhism and Christianity. The Christian group in particular continue
to look for ways in which to 'raise the bar' of Commandment observance.
| 20 mins
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