Christianity 101 Mrs. Davies World History

Christian belief centers on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, a Jewish teacher and healer who lived in first century Palestine.

The story and teachings of Jesus are described in the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John). These books make up what is known as the New Testament in the Bible.

The sacred text of Christianity is the Bible, which includes the Old Testament of the Jews, along with the New Testament and the book of Revelation, which describes the end of the world.

The teachings of Jesus revolve around…  The Kingdom of God  The Love of God  The Love of Neighbors

 Jesus was persecuted for his beliefs and was crucified.  According to Christian beliefs, he rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion and ascended to heaven to sit next to God.  This resurrection symbolizes the chance for forgiveness of sin and the hope for eternal life.

Doctrine of the Trinity:  Christians believe in one God who consists of three persons: –The Father –The Son (Christ) –The Holy Ghost or Spirit

Three Branches of Christianity:  Roman Catholics whose beliefs include Transubstantiation (the change of the substance of bread and wine into that of the body and blood of Christ ), Purgatory and the importance of saints and Mary.

 Eastern Orthodoxy whose beliefs include the use of icons in worship and its refusal of allegiance to the Pope.

 Protestantism who beliefs include a refusal of allegiance to the Pope, an emphasis on reading the Bible and the doctrine of salvation by faith alone.

All Christians worship on Sunday, read the Scriptures and participate in baptism and communion.

Important Christian Holidays:  Easter – celebration of the resurrection.  Lent – a time of fasting before Easter.  Christmas – celebration of the birth of Jesus  Plus…numerous Saint’s Days like Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day and All Saint’s Day.