Introduction to Christianity

The 5 W’s of Christianity Who ? Who started Christianity? Jesus Christ and St. Paul Who is a Christian? Anyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ (note: “the”. Christ means “Anointed One”. It’s a title, not a name.) Many denominations like: Roman Catholic, Greek Orthodox, Baptist, United, Mennonite, Anglican, Lutheran, Salvation Army, etc Approximately one third of Earth’s population

The 5 W’s of Christianity (con’t) Where did Christianity start? Originated in present day Israel and the disputed Palestinian territories.

The 5 W’s of Christianity (cont’d) What do Christians believe? Nicene Creed sums it up (What follows is from the Catholic catechism. There are other versions, depending on the sect. Dates to about 325 CE.): We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, begotten of the Father [the only-begotten; that is, of the essence of the Father, God of God], Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance with the Father; By whom all things were made [both in heaven and on earth] Who for us men, and for our salvation, came down and was incarnate and was made man; He suffered, and the third day he rose again, ascended into heaven; From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead Whose kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Ghost. In one holy catholic and apostolic Church; we acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins; we look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen. [But those who say: 'There was a time when he was not;' and 'He was not before he was made;' and 'He was made out of nothing,' or 'He is of another substance' or 'essence,' or 'The Son of God is created,' or 'changeable,' or 'alterable'—they are condemned by the holy catholic and apostolic Church.]

The 5 W’s of Christianity (“What” cont’d) Beliefs first codified by the Council of Nicea in 325 CE. Council of Nicea established: One unified church Which books were to be included in Bible (before that point, there were several conflicting accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings. Those not accepted as gospel are now referred to as “apocrypha”). Concept of Holy Trinity

Trinity

The 5 W’s of Christianity (con’t) When? Approximately 2000 years ago (30 C.E.) Why? John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son...”

Who is/was Jesus? Messiah/Christ Saviour – Salvation comes through Jesus’ sacrifice Dual Nature - Human and Divine

Jesus cont’d Born 7-2 BCE Died 30 – 36 CE Immaculate conception Fulfillment of prophecy Virgin birth Line of David Bethlehem Started teaching in late twenties/early thirties, died at 33

Jesus cont’d Death and Resurrection Christians believe Jesus was crucified, died, and miraculously came back to life three days later This self-sacrifice is seen as a cleansing of all of humanity’s sins.

Sermon on the Mount Central teaching, and possibly one of the most famous speeches of all time. Video