Part B: St Stephens Cathedral Comparison

In comparison with St Stephens Cathedral (Roman Catholic) and Citipointe (Protestant), both share the same individual belief in Jesus Christ, but both Churches hold significant differences between each other. Firstly, one would easily be able to compare the two churches, as with the structure and architectural design of the two denominations. At first glance Catholic Churches resemble a more Gothic appearance and style, which was incorporated in Catholic tradition during the Renaissance. (http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/06665b.htm). Secondly, Masses are conducted by a Priest, who is commonly wearing divine, chasubles or robes. A Mass is considered extremely sacred and include holy rituals and and symbolic traditions, which unlike most Protestant Churches today.

The words Protestant, derives from the word 'protest'. This referring back to the early 1500's (during the time of Martin Luther) when people began to question the Catholic's faith and undermine their views, thus causing people to protest against the church and eventually splitting the two denominations in half, forming a separate church. (http://www.truth.info).
Discussing about the theological understanding and core beliefs of the two churches, mainly depends on where each church place their perceptions on. Protestant (Citipointe) believe solely on the Bible teachings. while the Catholic believes on the traditional rituals included in Masses, as well as the Bible itself. Unlike Protestant (Citipointe), Catholic sermons are far more strict and traditional, which may be what brings the stereotypical sense of a 'boring' matter. Citipointe in contrast depicts a much more 'freely' and enthusiastic environment in its sermons. With the Catholic Denomination, a reason being for its formal and ritualistic environment results in the factor of people putting great respect in God and the church itself, which is why they would treat as a sacred place.

Expanding on discussion of the beliefs of the church, both in similar circumstances take communion, but both differ from each other. Catholic Religion is far more sophisticated and traditional than Protestantism. Like Protestant churches, Catholics drink the wine and bread given at a Mass, but believe that the bread and wine will literally become that of Jesus blood and flesh inside them. Unlike Catholics, Protestants (Citipointe), takes communion as a sign of the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit, but do not believe that of Jesus flesh and blood becoming real inside them. Considering the liturgy and contrast between the two denominations, the liturgy of that of Citipointe consists of a much more lively atmosphere, as well as including a live band, professional technology, as well a non formal environment. In comparison with Catholics, the denomations doesn't include any form of technology in their sermons. Music is not often performed, and is usually played through pipe organs or synthesizers and mono-tone pianos. Sometimes in some Masses, a small congregation may engage in singing hymns and soft songs. Since the Catholic church's solely believe in the intentions of 'confession' which is dependently caused by sin, and to gain the Grace of God, where Protestants are encouraged to pray for forgiveness.

In conclusion, we can clearly be able the identify the different theological understandings and core beliefs between the two churches, the use of clothing, music and architectural standards.

Part A: References

http://citipointe.com.au/

http://hillsong.com/

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew%207:12&version=NIV

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillsong_Church

Part A: Other Blog Reflection

In comparison with Olivia Gravestein's remark, (who also attended Citpointe Church), our ideas and justifications are very much alike in terms of how the church's religious views are constructed.

Olivia and I agree that Citipointe's architectural design is not what some people may think (Complex, Religiously decorated, Statues). This is what makes it a more modern day church, due to its simple architectural and grand design, which is not stereotypical in anyway to that of Catholic built church. The building is easy to move around in, and there are always willing people to comfort you and help you around the place.

Olivia comments in one part of her blog "This church is very welcoming and they do accommodate to all congregated ages. ". I agree with this term, which is really resulting in that Citipointe holds a unique reputation for being courteous to others, and upholds and justifys the saying "Do unto others, as you would want them to do unto you." (Matthew 7:12).

Both Olivia and I think that the music is appropriate for Citipointe's style and concept. Firstly, its establishes a special connection with God, so that one may experience his love and grace, through the art of Praise & Worship.

Also in comparison with Olivia's remark, I probably speak for others when I state that Citipointe is a welcoming and fruitful church. When walking through the, you are greeted by the many friendly people of the church. Citipointe also expands its branches by also creating a Bible College for those who also seek the same wisdom as Pastors, as well as learning to become one and learning more about God. The church itself also provides friendly services to newcomers, such as offering gifts and packages, like Olivia states " In the foyer, they have a desk called the Yes Desk", which is simply a information desk where people may recieve pamphlets on the church as well as other services.

Overall, Olivia and I both agree that Citipointe is a wonderful church of God, and that it is aplace where people may connect with God and learn about him. Our ideas and perceptions are much alike, which results in the fact that we both justify that Citipointe does a good reputation in its religious views and standards.

To view Olivia's blog, click here http://livgravo.blogspot.com/

Part A: Hillsong Church

In my visit to Hillsong Church, I found that the church held much similarities to Citipointe. Hillsong is a world renowned organization, in which it has changed million of people's lives by its even and charity work throughout the globe. Hillsong is a Pentecostal church, whose views are almost the same as Citipointe and their religious views.

Hillsong Church was first established in 1983 as the Hills Christian Life Centre in Baulkham Hills by Pastor Brian and Bobbie Houston. Hills Christian Life Centre later merged with Sydney Christian Life Centre at Waterloo. Over 20,000 people attend services each week. Apart from the four main campuses, Hillsong Church currently has 15 extension services across Sydney. These extension services are based on either location or culture and rely on Hillsong Church for support and leadership. Hillsong Church's international offshoots include the United Kingdom, South Africa, Sweden, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam, Moscow and the United States.

The church's beliefs are Evangelical and Pentecostal in that it holds the bible as accurate and authoritative in matters of faith and that Jesus Christ reconciled humanity to God through his death and resurrection. The church believes that in order to live a fruitful Christian life a person should seek the baptism and that the Holy Spirit enables the use of spiritual gifts, which include the speaking of tongues. Much like Citipointe, Hillsong does also believe in the mercy and forgiveness of Christ, and must also be baptized to be reborn again.

Hillsong runs a lot like Citipointe. The church has their main Pastors, as well the services running at the same time. The sermons casually run from 6:00 a.m - 11:00 a.m, as well with youth services for young teenagers. Unlike Citipointe, the church doesn't consist of a large Auditorium, but of different rooms (varied sizes) for which certain people may be divided into. There is a main Auditorium, but its not as advanced as Citipointe's, but maybe a reason why the attendees may be more connected with each other seeing as there would be a smaller group, thus giving people the chance to get to know each other. As well with Citipointe, the Church believers to take Holy Communion, but as well do not think that the wine and bread does not literally become that of Jesus blood and flesh inside them.

Hillsong Church has an internationally recognized music ministry with songs such as "Power of Your Love" and "Shout to the Lord" by Darlene Zschech sung in churches worldwide. Originally published as "Hillsongs", Hillsong Church now produces its music through its own label, Hillsong Music Australia. Hillsong Music has released over 40 albums since 1992, many of them achieving gold status in Australia, and one of them, Just like Us" achieving platinum status. The church's 2004 live 'Praise and Worship album "For All You've done" reached #1 in the mainstream Australian album charts (ARIA) . But above all, Hillsongs church (Garden City) is not that of Citipointe’s livelier atmosphere. The technology is at standard of good use, and as well with lighting and sound is valuable. In comparison, Citipointe has greater standard than Hillsong (Garden City), but the whole of Hillsongs (Organization) is far more reputable than that of Citipointe.

Part A: Citipointe Church

Cititpointe Church is a Charismatic Church with a well-known reputation for its religious views. What sets it apart from other churches (Catholic, Orthodox etc) is its forms of the modern aspects of the normal life. The church incorporates the use of professional technology, in which certain events are broadcast and shown to other churches throughout the country, or possibly the globe. The clothing is modern , while some of the people incorporate a modern sense of fashion, but overall the church clothing is casual. The architectural desgin of the interior and exterior isn't in the form of the stereotypical style which some churches are portrayed in - this meaning a very complex and heavy decorated church. The church design is rather simple, but is very unique in size and does hold an original architectural design, which is again simple but differs from some other churches. The Church includes a bible college, as well as a cafe and bookstore, amongst smaller prayer rooms and offices included in the church. The main auditorium is set out as a great room with a large stage with professional lighting & sound setups.

The historical origins of the church dates back to the 1970's when the church was first formed and only had about 25 people attending the services. Since then, the church has grown stronger and larger and has now established other campuses around Brisbane, with over 4000 people now part of the great congregation. At around September 2000, Pastors Mark and Leigh Ramsey took over the church as the pastors of the church and have also been preaching all throughout Australia.
The core beliefs of the church result in that of the reformation, how Christians believe in the Old and New testament of the bible. "The Justification of Faith" is what describes that if you believe in Christ, you will be saved and shall be granted eternal life in heaven.This is how the church depicts their faith and views, as well as the power of speaking tongues when filled with the spirit of God. Unlike other churches, Citipointe (Charismatic Churches) don't give punishments directly for those who disobey the word of God, but do count it as sin and shall be punished by the Lord himself. The church also believe and take holy communion, but unlike Catholic religion - Christian do not believe the bread and wine will become that of Jesus flesh and blood literally form inside them. The Church welcomes any visitor (with friendly services e.g free lunch, church packages etc), and accepts them for they believe but does try to change their religious views.
The services are usually held on Sundays (Sabbath Day), but other services are held on other days such Tuesdays (Creative Ministries) and Fridays (Youth). The services normally run from 6:30 a.m - 12:00p.m in the morning and also run from 6:30p.m-9:00 p.m at night. Any visitor is welcome, not matter what their background history holds, since God forgives those who repent and seek forgiveness. The sermons are given by the main church pastor (Pastor Mark Ramsey) and are usually spoken in an enthusiastic, easy to understand, lively and spiritual way as well as a bit humorous, which can benefit all kinds of people who don't particularly shape up to religion very well. The Church also consists of phenomenal events, which can be youth events held for teenagers and young adults. These events can include world renowned bands performing, games & activites, rave rooms, loud music etc, that shapes to teenagers liking. Some involve missionary trips to other countries in need, which some people have received a revelation in which God has touched them. Overall the church is portrayed as fun and lively church, which is what sets it apart from more fanatical, sophisticated churches.
Citipointe's main form of communicating with God is their music. The music is structured in two forms, Praise & Worship. Praise is performed in a loud and enthusiastic way which also mainly includes Christian rock. Worship, is more soft and deep, where people can open the hearts to worship God their saviour. The music plays a big factor in this Church, since it is something that people enjoy doing as it can also include 'mosh-pits' where those who like to shout and jump and go rough may all bunch in a tight group and praise God. The Church performs, records and broadcasts their music all throughout the world, and have received a positive remark from the many all around the globe. Another contributing factor is the churches setup in lighting, sound and vision. A large lighting rig is setup all throughout the perimeter of the stage (hanging above it) and worked by a technician booth, located in the rear end of the auditorium. Three cinema screen hang behind the stage, usually playing the lyrics to what song is being performed, or just visualizing special effects, to add emphasis and atmosphere to the place. Various speaks are placed all throughout the auditorium and can play at extreme volumes, but are not loud in the way that bring disturbance or annoyance.

In conclusion, this Church is a much very enjoyable church, where anyone may participate in to learn more about God, and is probably a recommended church to go to if one seeks God. This is the primary church which I attend, seeing as it is a church is not a boring one to sit through, is filled with lots of excitement and events and is somewhere I can fully connect with Jesus Christ.

The Reformation

The Protestant Reformation was the European Christian reform movement that established Protestantism as a constituent branch of contemporary Christianity. It began in 1517 when Martin Luther published The Ninety-Five Theses, and concluded in 1648 with the Treaty of Westphalia that ended one hundred and thirty-one years of consecutive European religious wars.