Christianity is the world's biggest religion, with about 2.2 billion followers worldwide. It is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ who lived in the Holy Land (Judea) 2,000 years ago. Christianity is the world's biggest religion, with about 2.2 billion followers worldwide. It is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ who lived in the Holy Land (Judea) 2,000 years ago.

 Christianity started about 2000 years ago in Judea (present-day Israel) with Jesus Christ and His faithful group of disciples  During this period, Judea was a cross-cultural center of bustling cities and farms.  Judea was a Roman province

 The Jews at that time hated Roman rule - - it was but another reminder of the historical oppression they faced as a people  The polytheistic beliefs of Rome were also pagan and intrusive to Jewish life, but dominant during that time  Jesus was a Jew  He observed the Jewish faith and was well acquainted with the Jewish Law.  Christianity stems from Judaism

 Constantine was the “First” Christian ruler of Rome in 337CE  Rome became a Christian nation  Christianity became the dominate religion of Europe  Video – Christianity from Judaism toChristianity from Judaism to Constantine

Video - What is Christianity?

Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. Christians believe that there are three “persons”, The Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost or Spirit, acting as one God, or there is one God consisting of 3 "persons“ The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost or Spirit.

God sent his Son to earth to save humanity from the consequences of its sins.

Christians believe that Jesus was the Messiah promised in the Old Testament.

Christians believe that they can have a personal relationship with God, and that they are saved by faith, works, and/or a combination of both. Grace is the law code.

 The Bible is the Christian holy book. It is divided into the Old and New Testaments. Parts of the writing contained in the Old Testament are also sacred to Jewish and Islamic people. Jewish

They believe that the Bible is the inspired word of God. The ten commandments from the Old Testament are upheld along with commandments from the New Testament.

 The Christian place of worship is called a Church. Some are built in the shape of a cross. Some have the altar facing east towards the rising sun. Services are led by a priest, pastor, bishop, reverend or another type of ecclesiastical leader.  Day of worship is normally Sunday but at least one Christian denomination uses Saturday as their day of worship.