World Religions: Christianity

Introduction Christianity is the world's largest religion It has around 2.1 billion followers throughout the globe. Christianity is also the United States’ biggest religion. This monotheistic religion is based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth who later became known as Jesus Christ because his believers think he is the Son of God. 

Christianity Origins Christianity originally developed as a part of Judaism.  Jesus was a Jew who was born in 1 CE in Bethlehem.  Most of his life is a mystery, as there are no records of his life except his birth, a brief time in his yearly childhood, and 1-3 years of adulthood when he preached and was crucified.   Christianity didn’t just happen immediately.  For nearly 100 years Christianity was a denomination of Judaism, and a very unpopular one at that.  

Origins Continued The few followers of Christianity were the family of Jesus and the few apostles that were still alive.   Jesus preached new ideas that many Jews and Romans viewed as rebellious--it was dangerous to be a follower of Jesus.  The number of followers greatly increased when Romans began to convert to Christianity.   

Christ Christians believe that 2,000 years ago in what is now Israel, God sent his son, Jesus Christ, to earth to save humans from the consequences of their sins (wrongdoings in the eyes of God). Born a Jew and Roman subject in Bethlehem (present-day Israel) Age 30, Jesus taught, did good works and performed miracles. His followers became known as his disciples.

Crucifixion Jesus was crucified around 33 CE in Jerusalem—a very important city to Christians.   Old Jewish writings said a leader would die and rise from the dead to lead the people.   Christians believe that Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to his disciples (followers), which made him the Messiah (Savior) promised in the Old Testament.  Freed believers from sin and offered resurrection in the afterlife (Resurrection: rise from the dead and enter Heaven)

Pieta The Pieta shows the Virgin Mary with the body of Jesus in her lap after the Crucifixion. This statue was created by Michelangelo. It is located in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Common Beliefs Christians worship in churches. They are often built in the shape of a cross with the altar facing east towards the rising sun.  Their spiritual leaders are called priests or ministers. The Christian holy book is the Bible, and consists of the Old and New Testaments. The Ten Commandments are very important to Christians as well as Jews. Believe in an afterlife of either eternal salvation (Heaven) or eternal damnation (Hell)

Holy Trinity Christians believe that there is only one God, but that there are three elements to this one God: God the Father God the Son The Holy Spirit This is called the Holy Trinity

Denominations Worldwide, the three largest groups of Christianity are the Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the various denominations of Protestantism. They all worship in different ways, different times of the day, saying different prayers, and believing different things, but most believe in certain core ideas such as heaven, and the resurrection of Jesus. 

Catholic Church The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with 1.2 billion members. The leader of the Catholic Church is known as the Pope The importance of the Roman bishop is largely derived from his role as the traditional successor to Saint Peter, to whom Jesus gave the keys of Heaven and the powers of "binding and loosing," naming him as the "rock" upon which the church would be built.

The Pope lives in and rules Vatican City. The current pope is Francis, who was elected on 13 March 2013, succeeding Benedict XVI.

Vatican Adventure Vatican City April 2011 Mrs. Burnette’s Vatican Adventure Vatican City April 2011

The Vatican

Pope Benedict XVI

The Pontifical Swiss Guard The Pontifical Swiss Guard has served the popes since the 16th century.

St. Peter’s Basilica

Michelangelo's most famous painting is God creating Adam. The Sistine Chapel Michelangelo's most famous painting is God creating Adam.

Religious Observances: Christmas Time of Year: December 25.  For Christians, Christmas is a holy day that marks the birth of Jesus, believed to be the son of God. Although they differ around the world, some common ways of observing the holiday include attending worship services, hosting gatherings with family and friends, feasting and exchanging gifts.

Nativity Depicts the birth of Christ

Religious Observances: Easter Time of Year: Usually April  Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ following Good Friday, the day of his crucifixion. Churches (Christian houses of worship) are filled with flowers, and people sing special hymns (religious songs).

Resurrection of Christ Carl Heinrich Bloch, The Resurrection, 1873. Museum of National History on Frederiksborg Castle. Courtesy of the Hope Gallery.