CHRISTIANITY

Who is followed and Important Teachings A 2,000 year old religion based on the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christians have faith in one God as the creator and father of all. They believed God became man in his son Jesus Christ. Jesus was the Christ, the Messiah sent to earth by God to bring sinners back to Him. They believed the birth of Jesus and the resurrection were miracles.

Jesus’s Life(review) Jesus was born, lived, and died a Jew in the first century in Roman occupied Palestine. He traveled preaching the word of God and gathered followers along the way. The first 12 followers of his teachings were called the apostles or disciples. Jesus is believed to have performed miracles.

Jesus’ Death Jesus was a political threat to the Roman and Jewish authorities. He was tried by the Romans for his teachings. He was found guilty and sentenced to death. He was made to carry his own cross Jesus was crucified; which means to be put to death by nailing or binding the hands and feet to a cross. Jesus came to be called “Christos,” the Greek word for “savior.” The word Christian and Christianity came from that word.

Jesus Teachings His teaching have had greater influence since His death than any other human being. Jesus said: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind” and “ Love your neighbor as you love yourself” A sincere Christian is one who follows these two rules in their everyday life.

Holy Book The Bible: Considered the Christians sacred scriptures. Reveals the story of God’s love towards human beings and how it is symbolized by the life of Jesus. Divided into two major sections 1. the Old Testament: sacred book dating before the time of Christ 2. the New Testament: evolved from the sayings and accounts of Jesus and the writings of the apostles. Reveals many of Jesus’ teachings.

Place of Worship Churches are the main places of worship for Christians. The biblical word church means “assembly” which actually refers to the gathering of people and not the building itself.

Traditions and Celebrations Baptism: It is the visible sign of entrance into the Christian community. It is a ritual cleansing in water. Through Baptism Christians believe they receive a spiritual awakening by the mystical power of Christ’s death and resurrection.

Traditions and Celebrations Cont. The two major seasons in the Christian calendar:  Christmas-celebrating the birth of Christ  Easter- remembering the resurrection of Christ

Religious Symbol The Cross: According to the new testament, Jesus was crucified, or put to death on a cross. As a result, the cross became an important symbol of Christianity. It represents the belief that Jesus died to save humanity.

MAJOR DIVISIONS There are many divisions of Christianity practiced all over the world! Roman Catholic- 1.1 billion Protestant- 365 million Eastern Orthodox- 217 million Anglican- 80 million