Christianity

What Is Christianity? A Review of the Essentials

What Is Christianity? Introduction: Is a major world religion, –AWestern religion (w/ Judaism & Islam) –The largest world religion today It is based on belief that Jesus of Nazareth is the “Christ” ( Messiah) & the Son of God.

What Is Christianity? History 1)Historical Background: Abraham, Israelites, Hebrews, Jews, OT 2)Historical Foundation: Jesus of Nazareth (crucified ca. AD 30) & his first disciples/apostles 3)Historical Development: Tradition preserved/adapted 2000 years

What Is Christianity? Branches & Subdivisions 1)Major Christian Branches: (Eastern) Orthodox, (Roman) Catholic, Anglican, Protestant, etc. 2)Orthodox, Anglicans, Protestants: O: by nation & language: Greek, Russian… A: by nations: esp. former British colonies P: by leaders/theologies: Lutheran, Calvinist, Methodist, …

What Is Christianity? Demographics 1)Number of Christians World-wide: ~ 2 billion in 2000; ~ 33% of world population 2)% of Populations: 48% Africa; 85% N. America; 93% S. America; 9% Asia; 76% Europe; 85% Oceania 33%

What Is Christianity? Foundational Texts 1)The Bible: official collection of books, in two parts: both Old Testament & New Testament 2)The Creeds: short professions of faith 3)Other Writings: writings of Church leaders throughout history, esp. founders of orders & denominations

What Is Christianity? Core Theological Beliefs 1)One God in Three Persons (Trinity): Father /Son /Holy Spirit 2)World & Humans: created by God, in God’s image, with free will; originally good, but corrupted by sin/death; 3)Church, Salvation: community of believers; body of Christ; resurrection of the body; eternal life

Core Ethical Teachings (Commandments & Precepts) 1)Foundational Principles: do good & avoid evil; love God, others, self; develop an “informed conscience” 2)Sexual Morality: dual purpose of sex; consistent ethic of life; human relationships; central role of family 3)Social Ethics: dignity of each person; common good; care of the poor/needy; work, participation, property

What Is Christianity? Religious Practices 1)Calendar, Feasts, & Festivals: Advent & Christmas; Lent & Easter; saints’ days; local & universal festivals 2)Public / Communal Worship: official liturgies, rites, rituals, Sacraments, esp. Baptism & Eucharist; Sunday worship 3)Private / Individual Spirituality: prayer, devotions, pilgrimages, retreats, etc.

What Is Christianity? Church Organization 1)Churches & Denominations: historical divisions 2)Structures with each Church: indiv. parishes/congregations, local dioceses, national conferences, international associations 3)Leaders within each Church: bishops (incl. Pope, cardinals), priests, deacons, lay ministers; pastors, elders, etc.

What Is Christianity? Internal Regulations 1)Membership: Who can join? What is the process? (evangelization; catechesis; initiation) 2)Leadership: How are leaders chosen? Who is eligible? 3)Discipline: What are members’ & leaders’ obligations? Sanctions and punishments?

Current Event Articles 1)BC Law Student asks for Money Back 2)You will all die – Crazed man’s vow to terrified passengers 3)College Student named police chief in Mexco; no one else applied 4)School installs 9,000 facial recognition cameras to stop student turning up late 5)Record level of US airstrikes hit Afghan militants 6)Motorist’s dream: Gas at 6 cents a Gallon

Current Event Essay 1) Summarize the article in two paragraphs (8+ complete sentences) 2) Share your view in 1 paragraph. You may… -share your view about the topic. -discuss what you think is interesting -agree or disagree with the writer/quotes -make a connection to your life

Exit Slip 1)What is the main symbol for Christianity? 2)Who/what is the trinity made up of? 3)List 2 practices of Christians. 4)What is the central belief behind Christianity?