Discuss how Christianity enables adherents to respond to the enduring question of

human existence
The issue of human existence is an enduring Christian question and concern amongst
adherents but as a living religious tradition, it offers a way of living that is an answer to this
spiritual and moral dilemma. Human existence is a dilemma which encompasses the
attainment of salvation, the promotion of faith and life and death issues. This question of
human existence has been posed to early Christians through Paul of Tarsus yet it resonates
across Christian history to remain a question that even modern Christian adherents have to
acknowledge. The Christian answer to this question of human existence is not static but
remains embedded in the practice of Baptism, bioethical teachings and theology of Paul of
Tarsus. It can be seen that Christian teachings in these areas offers the way of living for
adherents to abide by through observance of Christian guidelines and conforming to theology.
In shaping the way of life for adherents, the Christian faith tradition offers moral and
spiritual guidance to address this issue, reflecting its status as a dynamic living religious
tradition.
The significance practice of Baptism allows adherents to address the core question of human
existence by providing a concrete process to achieve salvation and eternal life. Baptism
reflects an act of cleansing of sins by water as well as the acceptance into the faith
community. Water is a symbolic feature of the Baptismal Rite as it is a religious allusion to
Noahs Ark in Genesis as well as a reference to Christs Baptism in the Jordan as detailed in
Mark 1 that he was baptisedthe spirit descended upon him. Water, as a ritualistic, pure
element of Baptism, reflects the cleansing of sins that comes with this significant Christian
practice as it contributes to the enduring question of salvation within human existence. Infant
Baptism is advocated by the Roman Catholic variant and involves the pouring of water over
the infants head. However, the Baptist and Pentecostal variants believe in a full immersion
in water to parallel Christs baptism and to receive salvation and the initiation into the holy
waters of Christianity. Despite their differences in the Rite, Baptism remains an enduring
element of Christianity as a necessary element to eternal life and receiving Gods grace. This
is exemplified in the teaching in the Bible that none shall enter the kingdom of
heavenunless you are born of the spirit or water. (John 3:5) It can be seen that Baptism
acts as a public affirmation of faith in Christs ministry, thus serving adherents in
comprehending a way of life that adheres to Christian tradition and grants a way to receive
salvation.
Christian teachings on bioethics assist adherents in living an ethical life which is vital to
respond to the question of human existence in a contemporary religious society. Christianity
promotes the core belief that life is a valuable part of every individual and its worth and
sanctity should be preserved and maintained at every stage of life. This notion of life is
compounded in the biblical reference that all are made in the image of God (Genesis)
which sustains this idea of stewardship and care towards others. Abortion is viewed by
Christians as murder, which goes against the commandment thou shall not kill (Exodus)
and is a serious life or death bioethical issue. The Catholic tradition holds the view that all

life is precious and the termination of a foetus, a living being, is a moral evil which should be
avoided at all costs and this is mirrored by the Orthodox variant. Another bioethical issue is
euthanasia which complicates the question of human existence by clouding judgement
concerning the preservation of life. Despite the intrinsic value of human life, Christians
believe that death is inevitable and so for the Uniting Church, euthanasia is permitted in order
to end life with dignity. However, in keeping with natural law, any means to prolong life, as
extraordinary means to interfere with the natural process of life given by God, is not allowed
under Christian teachings. This is advocated by the Catholic and Orthodox variants and an
example of a Catholic viewpoint is with Pope John Paul IIs ruling that euthanasia is a grave
violation of Gods Law. It can be seen that Christian ethical teachings ensures that
adherents are able to address life and death issues and observe an ethically righteous life to
answer the enduring question of human existence.
The work of Paul of Tarsus addressed the question of human existence in outlining how
adherents can act with faith over action and become a disciple of Christ. Paul of Tarsus was a
missionary of the early Christian church who inspired the early Christian communities such
as Philippi through his epistles. His work was heavily involved with proclaiming faith as the
catalyst for salvation. Furthermore, his teachings was centred around the belief that confess
with your lipsyou shall be saved. (Romans 10:9) This stresses the importance of Christian
belief and faith in Christs divinity to enable modern adherents to receive eternal life and in
doing so, testify to the question of human existence which was proposed to the early church.
As a dynamic living religious tradition, Paul of Tarsus created Christian theology of faith for
salvation, allowing modern adherents to comprehend the requirements of discipleship with
Christ to solve the spiritual needs of human existence.
The Christian faith is a testament to the guidelines and teachings which offer a practical and
spiritual way of living, through which adherents can address the question of human existence.
Human existence incorporates the need for salvation, the importance of faith and how to
shape life and death dilemmas to Christian doctrine. It can be seen that Christianity, as a
living religious tradition, is successful at providing an answer to this enduring question
through bioethics, Baptism and the work of Paul of Tarsus.