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The concept of Teaching in Christianity

Teaching in Christianity encompasses multiple dimensions, emphasizing the importance of imparting knowledge and guidance that aligns with Christ's teachings. It is seen as a duty for church elders and serves as a transformative process for believers, guiding them towards eternal life and Christ's likeness. The teachings convey moral lessons and compassion, and they are foundational for instructing the faithful. Fundamental to the faith, this act of teaching ensures the preservation and dissemination of Christian doctrine across various contexts and communities.1
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Synonyms: Education, Instruction, Training, Guidance, Enlightenment, Pedagogy, Lecturing, Instructing, Enlightening

In Dutch: Onderwijs; In Finnish: Opetus; In Spanish: ·¡²Ô²õ±ðñ²¹²Ô³ú²¹; In German: Lehre; In Swedish: Undervisning; In Malay: Pengajaran; In French: Enseignement

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Teaching'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) Teaching produces knowledge of divine and human things, emphasizing the role of education in understanding both spiritual and worldly matters.[1] (2) The body of doctrines is used by Oehler to determine that the author of the fragment does not have sufficient knowledge of Tertullian's work.[2] (3) A reference to the lessons or guidance offered, particularly those of the Pharisees and Sadducees, that the disciples are warned to avoid, emphasizing a need for careful discernment and understanding.[3] (4) The text refers to a specific set of instruction, differentiating it from other types of instruction, which guides individuals, with the source of the instruction being separate from the divine.[4] (5) This is mentioned as one of the works of John, and the text discusses the different opinions regarding John and Jesus.[5]

From: Gospel of Thomas Commentary

(1) This refers to the act of sharing knowledge, and Jesus did this in the synagogue, as mentioned in the text, in his own country.[6]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)

(1) This refers to the central message of the New Testament, which emphasizes that it is more in line with God's nature to give than to receive, and that Christians should also give.[7] (2) The teaching of Christ has caused the words eternal life to be written, as it were, across the face of the New Testament, highlighting the importance of eternal life.[8] (3) Teaching is a duty of the elders, and the text mentions the bishop must be apt to teach and able to teach and convince the gainsayers.[9] (4) The Old Testament is useful for the process of imparting knowledge or skills, as well as providing instruction and guidance, within the context of righteousness.[10] (5) Refers to the main message and moral lessons conveyed in the Book of Jonah, emphasizing God's compassion for all humanity, including Gentiles.[11]

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) The teaching includes the understanding, heart, and character and conduct, and it is important to hold fast to it by letting it occupy your minds and by meditation.[12] (2) This is of my text, that the companionship that blesses the future is the issue of following Him now, and is what is to be taken to our hearts.[13] (3) This refers to the teachings of Jesus, and the teaching was welcomed, and the disciples became disciples indeed, according to the text.[14] (4) The teaching is what Jesus lets them see by the question and still more by the following teaching, that He knew what He asked, and needed no answer.[15] (5) The essential instruction and doctrine that facilitates a believer's transformation into Christ's likeness.[16]

From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository

(1) This refers to the act of providing instruction out of the law, which was read in a cycle within the synagogue.[17]

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) Teaching is a way to gain a most perfect victory over the devil, and is a way of driving him out of others, and it is due an aureole.[18] (2) Teaching is a dual-faceted act that can belong to either the active or contemplative life, depending on whether it is directed towards guiding actions or expressing inner understanding of truths.[19]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Church of the East (or the East Syriac Church):
Church of the East Books

From: The Book of the Bee

(1) The lessons or principles conveyed by Jesus through His actions, particularly during the Last Supper.[20]

The Church of the East emerged in the 5th century and separated from the Roman Empire's state church by adopting Nestorianism. It emphasizes the distinct human and divine natures of Jesus Christ. It is also called the Assyrian Church, Nestorian Church or the East Syriac Church.

Significance in Protestantism (Christian movement emphasizing faith and scripture):
Protestantism Books

From: The Second Helvetic Confession

(1) The teaching of the Gospel, compared with the teaching of the Pharisees concerning the law, seemed to be a new doctrine when first preached by Christ, but is actually the most ancient of all.[21]

Protestantism (or simply the protestant church) is a major branch of Christianity originating from the Reformation in the 16th century, led by figures like Martin Luther. It emphasizes salvation by faith alone and the Bible as the ultimate authority. Variants of Protestantism include Lutheranism, Calvinism, Anglicanism, Methodism and Presbyterianism, each with unique practices but generally united by these core principles.

Gnostic concept of 'Teaching'

Gnosticism Books

Significance in Gnosticism (Mystical or Esoteric Christianity):

From: Fragments of a Faith Forgotten

(1) This describes a gift, and is given to the community.[22]

Plural form: Teachings.