Rights and responsibilites

How a Christian uses the Bible

The word of God - contains teachings which most Christians follow to lead the life God wanted

Teachings of Jesus - Decisions of how to live Eg parable of the good samaritan and the golden rule 

The life of Jesus - Son of God, perfect human (all about his death and resurrection)

The decalogue - 10 commandments, Gods teachings on how you should behave Eg 'Do not murder' 'Do not steal' 'Respect your parents'

Different ways to view the Bible 

Literal word of God - Following the 10 commandments and the golden rule (Everything is taken literally from the Bible)

Interperated word of God - Somethings from the older writings in the bible (about being gay and resting on sundays) are interperated

For the Church to study and teach - Some catholics leave the Church to tell them what the Bible means so they put the authority of the Church is put above the Bible

Family tree - Christian Church

312AD Constantine disciples (apostles) 

 Eastern Orthodox                                                                                     Things not meantioned in the Bible  Roman catholics                                                                                                                                       

• Baptist                                                                                                          Evolution
• Methodist                                                                                                    Contrception
• Church of England                                                                                    Gay marriage 
• Quakers                                                                                                       Fertility treatment 
• Lutheran
• Free house
• Salavtion Army

The authority of the Church

Church of England - Sums and advice of the Bible from experirenced and trained Church leaders and sermons on the Bible and everyday issues are given on sunday services. They also elect members who discuss moral issues with the people

Roman Catholic Church - The magisterium comes from the Pope who is believed to have been selected by God (extreme authority). Guidiance on moral issues is published in the catholic catechism and in few cases the people may give infalliable guidiance on certain issues 

Where the Church gets it's authority - The Church is the body of Christ as if his presence is still with us as he will always continue to guide us leading to the people doing the right thing

Pope Francis is the head of the catholic church

The conscience

Christians have their own responsibilities to do what is right and God will judge them on how they've lived there lives as Christians believe that God speaks to them. A personjs conscience seems to be the same as the voice of God. Also St Paul and St Thomas Aquinas taught that Christians should only use their conscience at the final part of moral decision making. The teachings from the Bible and from the Church are not directly from God. The bible also needs to be translated and interperated which is where the conscience can help.

Opinion - I think, before listening to others advice, you should listen to your conscience first so your first moral choice isn't influenced by others then ask others for advice and see if the outcome is different. I think you should always consult your conscience first because it makes your moral decision true to you.