Largest religious group in the world - approx. 2 bil (34%) Basic belief: There is only one God, Jesus was his Son sent to save humanity from eternal sin. The way to heaven is to be absolved of all sin.

A basic summary of Christian belief is in the “Apostle’s Creed” with minor changes according to denomination. I believe in God, the Father Almighty, the Creator of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord: Who was conceived of the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He arose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty, whence He shall come to judge the living and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy catholic church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and life everlasting. Amen.

Founder (s): Jesus Christ and his Apostles Sacred Text: The Christian Bible (Old & New Testaments) Old Testament: creation; covenant with the Jews; escape from Egypt; prediction of the coming Messiah New Testament: life of Jesus Christ; development of the early church; end of the world

Place of worship: church Denominations: Catholic, Orthodox, & Protestant Roman Catholic (largest):  Oldest organized Christian denomination;  Apostle Peter - 1st Pope;  The Pope is the spiritual leader of the RCC;  Vatican City is the center;  The Pope is considered infallible in matters of doctrine and religious law;  Very structured religious service.

Eastern Orthodox:  federation of churches (Russia, eastern Europe, Asia);  very similar to Roman Catholic; do not recognize the Pope

Protestant:  hundreds of denominations; movement began in 1517 by Martin Luther who protested the actions (95 theses) of the RCC (Protestant Reformation)  services less structured;  major Protestants groups are Anglican (Episcopal), Methodists, Lutherans, Presbyterian, Baptist. Holy days: Christmas, Easter, Pentecost

Holy Places –Wailing Wall –Sacred Rock –Mount of Olives Where Jesus went to pray –Church of the Holy Sepulcher Place of Jesus’ tomb