基督宗教的基本信仰、歷史和影響
Core Beliefs, History and Influence of the Christianity
在我們的展覽中所說到的基督宗教（Christianity）包括天主教、基督新教和東正教。這三個信仰傳統的根源都可以追溯到耶穌基督的生平、教誨和復活上。基督宗教是一個擁有重要影響力的世界性宗教，無論是在歷史上還是當代，它在塑造文化、社會和個人生活方面，都發揮著影響深遠的作用。本檔展覽以聖母與聖子聖像畫、十字架和聖誕畫本這三件館藏文物來探討了基督宗教的核心信條、歷史發展及其對世界的持久影響。
What we call Christianity here includes Catholic Christianity, Protestant Christianity and Orthodox Christianity. All these three faith traditions’ root can be traced back to the life, teachings and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christianity is an influential world religion that has played a profound role in shaping cultures, societies and individual lives, both historically and in contemporary times. This exhibition explores the core tenets of the Christian beliefs, its historical development, and its enduring impact on the world through three artifacts from our collection: the 19th century Icon of the Madonna and Son, the 18th century Catholic cross, and the booklet about Christmas printed in the 1940s.
召開第一次尼西亞公會的聖索菲亞教堂，伊茲尼克，土耳其
Hagia Sophia Church, Iznik, Turkey, where the First Council of Nicaea was convened
基督宗教的信仰
Beliefs of Christianity
基督宗教的核心內容是信奉耶穌基督是神的兒子和人類的救世主。《舊約》和《新約》是基督徒的聖典，而《新約》的角色尤其重要，側重於對耶穌的生平、教誨、死亡和復活的敘述。在西元325年，由羅馬皇帝君士坦丁召集，召開於小亞細亞城市尼西亞（今土耳其境內的伊茲尼克）的尼西亞公會確立了影響深遠的「三位一體」信仰。除此之外，原罪與救贖的概念以及信仰對實現救贖的重要性也是基督宗教的基本信仰內核。
At the core of Christianity is the belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of mankind. The Old Testament and the New Testament are the sacred texts for Christians, with the New Testament playing a particularly important role, focusing on the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus. In 325 CE, the Roman Emperor Constantine convened the Council of Nicaea in the city Nicaea (present-day Iznik in Turkey), which established the influential belief in the "Trinity". In addition, the concepts of original Sin and Salvation, and the importance of faith in realizing salvation, are also fundamental beliefs of the Christianity.
位於聖索菲亞教堂內的講壇，伊茲尼克，土耳其
The synthronon inside the Hagia Sophia Church, Iznik, Turkey
基督宗教的歷史發展
Historical Development of the Christianity
基督宗教興起於西元一世紀的羅馬帝國境內，其早期信徒面臨了羅馬帝國的迫害，這種情形在西元四世紀時發生了改變，當時的羅馬統治者君士坦丁大帝（Constantine the Great）接受了基督宗教信仰，於西元313年頒布了寬容基督宗教的《米蘭敕令》（Edict of Milan），宣佈基督徒在羅馬帝國境內享有信仰基督宗教的自由，並且發還了已經沒收的教會財產，亦承認了基督宗教的合法地位。此後，基督宗教成為了歐洲的主要宗教信仰，並在西元十五世紀後，伴隨著地理大發現、歐洲教會的傳教活動以及殖民地的開拓，傳播到了美洲、非洲和亞洲。
基督宗教歷史上的關鍵事件是耶穌受難和復活，這標誌著基督宗教神學的基石。使徒保羅在傳播基督宗教的過程中發揮了至關重要的作用，他強調透過信仰而非遵守猶太律法來獲得救贖，形塑了後來的基督宗教的發展方向。幾個世紀以來，基督宗教經歷了多次分裂，形成了天主教、東正教和新教等不同教派。每個分支都持有不同的神學觀點和實踐，從而使基督宗教信仰呈現出豐富的多樣性。
The Christian religion arose and spread inside the realm of Roman Empire in the 1st Century CE. Its early followers faced persecution by the Romans, but this situation changed dramatically in the 4th century CE. when Constantine the Great, the Roman ruler, embraced the Christianity and in 313 CE, the Edict of Milan was issued by the Romans, which proclaimed that Christians were free to practice the Christian religion in the Roman Empire and recognized its legitimacy by returning the property of churches that had been confiscated. Thereafter, the Christian religion spread and developed quickly and finally became the dominant religion of Europe. After the fifteenth century with the geographical discoveries and European missionaries and colonialism, Christianity spread to the Americas, Africa and Asia.
The key event in the history of the Christian religion is the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus, which marks the cornerstone of Christian theology. The Apostle Paul played a crucial role in spreading the Christian beliefs, and his emphasis on salvation through faith rather than observance of Jewish law shaped the direction of subsequent Christianity. Over the centuries, the Christian religion has undergone many divisions or schisms, resulting in the formation of Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. Each of these branches holds different theological views and practices, resulting in a rich diversity of Christian beliefs.
基督宗教對文化和社會的影響
The impact of the Christian religion on culture and society
基督宗教在歷史上對藝術、文學、哲學和治理產生了深遠的影響。基督宗教的世界觀也塑造了倫理道德原則，影響了許多地區的法律制度和社會規範。此外，基督宗教還是慈善事業和一些社會運動的推動力。植根於基督宗教教義的愛、同情和寬恕等概念，激勵著個人和組織參與慈善事業，為邊緣化群體代言。基督宗教在全球的存在導致了多種多樣的表現形式和文化調適。
Throughout its history, the Christian religion has had a profound impact on art, literature, philosophy, and governance. Christian worldviews have also shaped ethical and moral principles and influenced legal systems and social norms in many regions. In addition, Christianity has been a driving force in philanthropic endeavors and social movements. Concepts of love, compassion, and forgiveness, rooted in the teachings of the Christian religion, inspire individuals and organizations to engage in philanthropic endeavors and advocate for marginalized groups. The global presence of the Christian religion has led to a wide variety of expressions and cultural adaptations.
基督宗教裡的「新生」
The Concept of New Born in Christianity
在基督宗教中，「新生」的概念與精神再生或重生的觀念緊密相連。這一概念主要源於《聖經新約》中的教義，尤其是耶穌基督的話語。本檔展覽中的三件文物，就共同展現了這個在基督宗教中極為重要的概念。其中十九世紀的聖像畫表現了聖母瑪麗亞和她懷中的嬰兒，反映了聖子的新生。十八世紀的天主教十字架，表現了殉難的耶穌，反映了基督徒關於耶穌的死亡和復活的觀念。印刷於一九四〇年代的《心中的聖誕節》畫冊，則是反映了在基督徒在慶祝聖誕節的傳統中所展現出的美好願望。
「新生」一詞源於《約翰福音》第 3 章中記載的耶穌與一個名叫尼哥底母（Nicodemus）的法利賽人之間的對話。在這段對話中，耶穌告訴尼哥底母，要想見到神的國度，就必須要新生。尼哥底母對這一觀點感到困惑，他詢問一個人如何才能新生，是否必須第二次進入母親的子宮。耶穌澄清說，他指的是精神上的重生。
「新生」、「重生」的概念與基督宗教的救贖概念和聖靈給生命帶來改變的努力有關。它強調的是當一個人接受耶穌基督是他們的主和救主時所發生的徹底而深刻的改變。這種改變涉及靈性的更新，以及從罪惡的生活轉向順服上帝的生活。新生的過程通常與悔改和對耶穌基督的信心有關。悔改包括承認自己有罪，為自己的錯誤行為感到懊悔，並遠離罪惡行為。而信仰則包括相信耶穌基督是上帝的兒子和人類的救世主。
不同的基督宗教派可能會使用不同的術語來描述這種靈性重生的經歷，如「重生」、「再生」或「得救」。但重點在於，通過對耶穌基督的信仰，信徒的生命經歷了深刻的轉變，其特點是有了新的屬靈身份，並承諾按照上帝的旨意生活。
In Christianity, the concept of the "new birth" is closely tied to the idea of spiritual regeneration or being born again. This concept is primarily derived from teachings in the New Testament of the Bible, particularly from the words of Jesus Christ. The three artifacts showcased in this section of the exhibition, collectively exemplifies this significant concept. The Icon produced in the 19 century Jerusalem depicts the Virgin Mary and Jesus, represent a significant newborn. Meanwhile, the 18th century catholic cross, depicts Jesus on the cross, represent the concept of death and reborn in Christianity. And the Christmas in the Heart booklet printed in the 1940s shows the wish and hope related with the celebration of Christmas.
The phrase "born again" originates from a conversation between Jesus and a Pharisee named Nicodemus, as recorded in the Gospel of John, chapter 3. In this conversation, Jesus tells Nicodemus that in order to see the kingdom of God, one must be born again. Nicodemus, puzzled by this idea, questions how a person can be born again, asking if they have to enter their mother's womb a second time. Jesus clarifies that he is referring to a spiritual rebirth.
The idea of being born again is linked to the Christian concept of salvation and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in a person's life. It emphasizes a radical and profound change that takes place when an individual accepts Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This change involves a spiritual renewal and a turning away from a life of sin toward a life of obedience to God.
The process of the new birth is often associated with repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Repentance involves acknowledging one's sinfulness, feeling remorse for wrongdoing, and turning away from sinful behavior. Faith, on the other hand, involves trusting in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the savior of humanity.
Different Christian denominations may use varying terminology to describe this experience of spiritual rebirth, such as being "born again," "regenerated," or "saved." The emphasis, however, is on the idea that through faith in Jesus Christ, believers experience a profound transformation in their lives, characterized by a new spiritual identity and a commitment to living in accordance with God's will.
耶穌與十字架
Jesus and the Cross
天主教十字架
Catholic Cross
西元18世紀，義大利，木，銅
18th Century, Italy, Wood, Copper
十字架是基督宗教的核心標誌，其意義與耶穌基督的生平、死亡和復活密切相關。
耶穌與十字架之間最基本的聯繫是他被釘在十字架上。根據基督宗教信仰，耶穌被羅馬當局判處死刑，釘在十字架上。釘十字架是一種行刑方式，被判刑者被釘在或綁在木製十字架上。對很多基督徒來說，釘十字架代表著耶穌為人類的罪孽所做的贖罪。
在基督宗教神學中，十字架被視為贖罪和救贖的象徵。耶穌在十字架上的死被理解為使人類與上帝和解的犧牲行為。人們相信耶穌所流的血具有洗淨信徒身上的罪孽、帶來寬恕和救贖的力量。
在歷史發展中，十字架已成為基督宗教信仰的主要象徵。它被擺放在教堂的顯著位置，作為掛飾佩戴，並被用於各種形式的基督宗教藝術中。基督宗教的十字架可以是由一根垂直的橫梁和靠近頂部的一根較短的橫梁交叉組成的拉丁十字架。正十方形的十字架則多用於東正教會。
在本檔展覽中的18世紀十字架就屬於義大利教會，以金屬鑲邊，上面有耶穌的形象，雕工精細，串上鍊條後作為項鍊配戴。
對許多基督徒來說，十字架不僅是一個歷史符號，也是一個個人符號。它提醒人們信仰的改變力量和新生的希望。使徒保羅在《新約聖經》中提到，十字架是上帝賜給得救之人的大能（《哥林多前書》1:18）。總之，耶穌與十字架之間的聯繫深深植根於基督宗教神學中，它代表著耶穌為拯救人類而犧牲的死亡，以及隨後復活和新生的希望。十字架是基督宗教信仰的核心象徵，也是對基督宗教核心信仰的有力提醒。
The cross is a central symbol of the Christian religion and its meaning is closely related to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The most basic connection between Jesus and the cross is his crucifixion. According to Christian beliefs, Jesus was sentenced to death by the Roman authorities and nailed to a cross. Crucifixion is a form of execution in which the condemned person is nailed or tied to a wooden cross. For many Christians, crucifixion represents Jesus' atonement for the sins of mankind.
In Christian theology, the cross is seen as a symbol of atonement and redemption. Jesus' death on the cross is understood as a sacrificial act to reconcile mankind with God. It is believed that the shed blood of Jesus has the power to cleanse believers of their sins and bring forgiveness and redemption.
Throughout history, the cross has become a major symbol of Christian faith. It is prominently displayed in churches, worn as a wall hanging, and used in various forms of Christian art. The Christian cross can be a Latin cross consisting of a vertical beam crossed by a shorter beam near the top. The square cross is mostly used in the Orthodox Church.
The 18th-century cross in this exhibit belongs to the Italian Church, and it is a finely carved metal rim with an image of Jesus on it, which is worn on a chain as a necklace.
For many Christians, the cross is not only a historical symbol, but also a personal one. It is a reminder of the transforming power of faith and the hope of renewal. The Apostle Paul mentioned in the New Testament that the cross is God's power to the saved (I Corinthians 1:18). In short, the connection between Jesus and the cross is deeply rooted in Christian theology, representing the sacrificial death of Jesus to save mankind and the hope of resurrection and new life that follows. The cross is a central symbol and a powerful reminder of the core beliefs of the Christian religion.
東方教會的聖像畫藝術
Icon Art in Eastern Orthodox Church
聖母與聖子聖像畫
Virgin Mary and Jesus Icon
西元19世紀，耶路撒冷，木，油彩
19th Century, Jerusalem, Wood, Paints
東方教會的聖像藝術是與東正教傳統相關的一種獨特的宗教藝術形式。聖像是傳統上用於祈禱和禮拜的宗教圖像，在東正教基督徒的精神生活中發揮著核心作用。聖像被認為是通往神靈的窗口，並被認為能促進崇拜者與上帝的聯繫。它們並不被視為單純的藝術表象，而是與神聖相遇的一種方式。
東正教聖像的特點是以風格化和象徵性的方式表現宗教人物和場景。重點在於傳達精神現實，而不是創造逼真的描繪。這種風格化有助於將觀者的思想從物質提升到精神層面。東正教聖像畫中的顏色並不是隨意使用，而是具有神學意義的。比方說，金色通常用來代表神聖之光，而紅色可能象徵基督的犧牲。藍色通常與基督的人性有關。東正教聖像通常採用平面透視法，幾乎不試圖營造深度的錯覺。這種故意缺乏真實感的做法鼓勵觀者透過表面去思考所描繪的精神真理。
聖像通常描繪基督、聖母瑪利亞、聖徒和聖經事件。每幅聖像的製作都有特定的目的，無論是用於私人奉獻、禮儀用途，還是作為傳達神學真理的教學工具。聖像是東正教禮儀體驗不可分割的一部分。它們裝飾著教堂、家庭和禮拜場所。它們還用於遊行、禮儀盛宴和其他宗教儀式。
在西元8-9世紀時，教會內部出現了關於是否允許為耶穌畫像的爭論。支持畫聖像的一派認為，上帝既然透過耶穌的身體而獲得了物質形象，信徒便可以為耶穌造像。聖像通常會被放在聖壇前方，展現聖經故事或聖徒的生平，用以教育不識字的信徒。
Eastern Church iconography is a unique form of religious art associated with the Orthodox tradition. Traditionally used as religious images for prayer and worship, icons play a central role in the spiritual life of Orthodox Christians. Icons are considered to be windows to the divine and are believed to facilitate the worshipper's connection with God. They are not seen as mere artistic representations, but as a way of encountering the sacred.
Orthodox icons are characterized by stylized and symbolic representations of religious figures and scenes. The emphasis is on conveying spiritual reality rather than creating realistic depictions. This stylization helps to elevate the viewer's thoughts from the material to the spiritual. The colors used in Orthodox iconography are not arbitrary, but have theological significance. For example, gold is often used to represent divine light, while red may symbolize Christ's sacrifice. The color blue is often associated with the humanity of Christ. Orthodox icons are usually in flat perspective, with little attempt to create the illusion of depth. This deliberate lack of realism encourages the viewer to look beyond the surface to consider the spiritual truths depicted.
Icons usually depict Christ, the Virgin Mary, saints, and biblical events. Each icon is made for a specific purpose, whether for private devotion, liturgical use, or as a teaching tool to convey theological truths. Icons are an integral part of the Orthodox liturgical experience. They adorn churches, homes and places of worship. They are also used in processions, liturgical feasts and other religious ceremonies.
During the 8th and 9th centuries CE, a controversy arose within the Church over whether or not it was permissible to paint images of Jesus. Those in favor of painting icons believed that since God had received a physical image through the body of Jesus, believers were allowed to make an image of Jesus. Icons were often placed in front of the altar to illustrate Biblical stories or the lives of the saints and to educate illiterate believers.
聖誕節的歷史
History of Christmas
《心中的聖誕節》
Christmas in the Heart
1940年代，英國，印刷紙
1940s, United Kingdom, Printed on paper
聖誕節在基督教中具有重要意義，因為它紀念的是耶穌基督的誕生。聖誕節的慶祝活動深深根植於基督教傳統之中，並且隨著歷史發展，成為了全世界最廣泛慶祝的節日之一。
在聖誕節的歷史上，慶祝活動隨著時間的推移不斷演變，融合了不同文化的各種傳統和習俗。與聖誕節相關的許多習俗和標誌都起源於基督教之前的冬季節日。慶祝12月21日左右的冬至在各種文化中都很常見。這一時期的節日和盛宴標誌著一年的轉折點和白晝的延長。
羅馬人慶祝的農神節是在每年的12月下旬舉行，是一個盛宴、送禮和狂歡的節日。它是獻給農神的節日，包含歡樂和社會逆轉的元素。隨著基督教在羅馬帝國的傳播，教會領袖們試圖將現有的多神教節日基督教化，使新宗教更容易被接受。12月25日最終被選為慶祝耶穌誕生的日子，這可能是為了與羅馬節日和冬至相吻合。
在17世紀英國內戰期間，清教徒認為聖誕節慶祝活動與異教習俗聯繫太密切，因此反對這一節日。在克倫威爾的統治下，聖誕節甚至在英格蘭被禁止。在19世紀，維多利亞時代在塑造現代聖誕節慶祝活動方面發揮了重要作用。維多利亞女王和阿爾伯特親王推廣了聖誕樹，查爾斯·狄更斯的《聖誕頌歌》等流行作品也強調了慷慨和善意的主題。
在20世紀，聖誕節變得越來越商業化，聖誕老人（源自歷史上的聖尼古拉）成為與送禮相關的核心人物。節日成為一種重要的經濟和文化現象。聖誕節已成為全球性的慶祝活動，各種文化都採用並調整了聖誕節的傳統。
在本展覽中的《心中的聖誕節》小書，就是印製於1940年代的聖誕節相關的作品，裡面配有如詩歌般的文字和溫暖人心的插圖，表現出人們對於聖誕節的期盼和喜愛。這類作品在當時是十分受歡迎的聖誕禮物。
Christmas has great significance in Christianity because it commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. The celebration of Christmas is deeply rooted in Christian tradition and has evolved over time to become one of the most widely celebrated holidays in the world.
In its history, Christmas celebrations have evolved over time, incorporating traditions and customs from different cultures. Many of the customs and symbols associated with Christmas have their roots in pre-Christian winter festivals. The celebration of the winter solstice around December 21st is common in many cultures. The festivals and feasts of this period marked the turning point of the year and the lengthening of the day.
The Roman celebration of the Festival of Saturn, held in late December, is a festival of feasting, gift-giving. It is a festival dedicated to the god of agriculture and contains elements of joy and social reversal. As Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, church leaders attempted to Christianize the existing polytheistic festivals to make the new religion more acceptable, and December 25th was eventually chosen to celebrate the birth of Jesus, probably to coincide with the Roman festival and the winter solstice.
During the English Civil War in the 17th century, the Puritans opposed Christmas celebrations as they were too closely associated with pagan customs. Under Cromwell's rule, Christmas was even banned in England. In the 19th century, the Victorian era played an important role in shaping modern Christmas celebrations. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert promoted Christmas trees, and popular works such as Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol emphasized themes of generosity and goodwill.
In the 20th century, Christmas became increasingly commercialized, with Santa Claus (derived from the historical St. Nicholas) becoming a central figure associated with gift-giving. The holiday became an important economic and cultural phenomenon. Christmas has become a global celebration, with cultures adopting and adapting Christmas traditions. While religious significance remains important to many, Christmas is also widely celebrated in secular and multicultural contexts.
The book Christmas in the heart in this exhibition is a fine example of Christmas-related book printed in the 1940s, its poetic texts and heart-warming illustrations express people's wish and love for Christmas. Publications like this book were popular Christmas gift at the time.
