2. * Rooted in Judaism. * Founded in 33 CE * Separated from Judaism after destruction of Second Temple around 70 CE. * Persecution (the attempted destruction) of Christianity began in the 80’s CE.

3. * Early Christianity was one of the many sects that rose out of Judaism. * Arose out of Hellenistic Judaism. * Persecution led to more converts. * Adopted by Roman Emperor Constantine in 313 CE through the “Edict of Milan”. * Led to development of the Byzantine Empire.

4. * Jewish God Yahweh. * Jesus of Nazareth * Also known as: * Jesus ben Joseph * Jesus the Christ (“anointed”) * Word of God * Image of God * Son of God * Trinity * God the Father * God the Son * God the Holy Spirit

5. * BELIEFS: * Monotheistic (One God) * Humans are born into sin (“Original Sin”) * Jesus was both human and divine * Jesus led a sinless life, was crucified, was raised from the dead, and ascended to heaven. * Jesus will return one day to judge humanity. * “Holy Spirit” – God’s instrument for carrying out His purpose with humanity.

6. * PRACTICES: * “Sabbath” - day of rest and worship. * “Eucharist” – Lord’s Supper. * “Passover” – Jewish tradition celebrating the Exodus from Egypt. * “Baptism” – Sacrament of admission into the Christian Church. * Often a sign that the believer has accepted Christ and inherited eternal life.

7. * Existence does not end at physical death. * Death without Christ = eternal separation from God (“Hell”). * Death with Christ = eternal life with God (“Heaven”).

8. * Holy Bible * Combination of Jewish Torah and stories (“Old Testament”) and the story of Christ (“New Testament”).

9. * “Liturgical Churches” – worship is scripted and highly structured. * Examples: Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans. * “Non-Liturgical Churches” – worship is spontaneous. * Examples: Baptists, Pentecostals, Mennonites.