Christianity World History - LHS

Historical Jesus   Religion centered on life, teachings of Jesus – – Called “The Christ”, which means “Annointed One” – –Jesus was a Jewish rabbi born around 4 AD   His ministry (teachings) lasted about 3 years – –Traveled, spoke to crowds – –Performed miracles, including healing sick – –Taught in parables

Historical Jesus   Claimed to speak as a prophet, with the authority of Yahweh (angered many)   Arrested, handed over to the Romans as a revolutionary (“King of the Jews”)   Crucifixion was cause of death of Jesus (common criminal)   Resurrection: 3 days post crucifix. – tomb empty! (appearances)   Christians believed he continued to teach until he ascended to Heaven

Christianity: The Early Years   “Christianity ” started as a Jewish sect; it remained limited to Hebrews until about 100 AD, when the Church became open to gentiles (non-Jews)   Early Christians were willing to die for three beliefs – –Jesus = son of God – –Death & Resurrection – –God’s love is infinite

Roman Persecution   Emperor Nero (64-68 AD) blamed Roman fire on Christians & was first emperor to persecute – –systematic murder, crucifixion, and the feeding of Christians to lions and other wild beasts   Other Emperors prohibited citizens from converting to Christianity

Roman Persecution   In 313 AD, Emperor Constantine announced toleration of Christianity   Christianity spread quickly, from its scattered beginnings to the entire Roman Empire Dark Blue = 325 AD Light Blue = 600 AD

Beliefs of Christianity   Monotheistic – –Catholics believe that God is 3 aspects in 1   Father   Son   Holy Spirit   Protestants = less / no Holy Spirit – –Other Christians = more about “son” and less about Father or Spirit

Beliefs of Christianity   Jesus as son of God (savior of mankind)   Jesus’ teachings as guide for people to live their lives – –Most important: God’s love is infinite – –Second most imp: People should love their neighbor   Belief in (actual) Resurrection (symbol – eternal life)   Belief in prayer – –All Christians pray to God – –Catholics & O.C = Saints

Beliefs of Christians   Church is God’s Body on Earth but man is flawed; therefore sin is possible among priests   Baptism required as commitment to Christian faith (infants / adults)   Eucharist – ritual of last supper of Jesus, disciples (transubstantiation – big disagreement!)

Types of Christians  Roman Catholics – most common “Christian” (1.1 billion) –Pope traces lineage to apostle Peter –Based in Rome  Eastern Orthodox (Greek / Russian) (233 million) –Leader was ER Emperor –Later, it was patriarch of Constantinople

Types of Christians   Protestants disagreed with Catholic Church over abuses, corruption (381 million) – –Lutherans – –Calvinism – –Anglican – –Baptists – –Evangelicals – –Quakers – –Non-denominational “independents”