Christianity

According to Alistair McGrath “the figure of Jesus of Nazareth is central to Christianity. Christianity is not a set of self-contained and freestanding ideas: it represents a sustained response to the questions raised by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth” (Christianity: An Introduction. 3). Does this focus on the centrality of Jesus shape Woodhead’s interpretation of Christianity? Does McGrath point to important aspects of the Christian conceptions of Jesus not covered in Woodhead? Are there ways in which Woodhead shifts the focus of her exploration of Christianity to other key issues? If so, what are the three key concerns or issues that shape her discussion? 2. In her essay “Sex in a Wider Context” Woodhead challenges some modern perspectives on sexuality and argues for the need to rediscover insights from the Christian tradition. Discuss her key critiques of current perspectives and her proposals for a more enriched Christian approach to sexuality. Could her approach offer constructive paths forward in the polarized debates with the United Methodist Church? 3. Woodhead describes three main types of Christianity: Church, Biblical and Mystical. What are the major characteristics of Church Christianity? How would you characterize her reading of Church Christianity? Does she present it in a positive, negative, or neutral way? Explain why you come to your particular conclusion on her approach to Church Christianity.