1. CHRISTIANITY

2. CHRISTIANITY: Where it’s practiced

3. christianity
The religion centered on belief in JESUS as the Son of God.
CHRIST – from the Greek word “christos” meaning “anointed” or messiah.
1st Century AD – Christianity grew slowly
2nd Century AD – “ took root
3rd Century AD – “ was widespread

4. History
Jesus = a Jew born in Bethlehem – regional tax collecting/census center (under Roman control)
According to the Gospels, Jesus was born from a virgin (Mary). “The Immaculate Conception”
Grew up in in the city of Nazareth in Galilee – (modern-day Northern Israel)
Baptized by John the Baptist, began his ministry
Because his teachings emphasized spiritual equality, they appealed to many, especially women and the poor

5. History Many Jews see him as a threat – call him a false prophet
Judas betrays Jesus, Romans arrest him
Pontius Pilate (Roman governor of Judea) allows Jesus to be crucified
Crucifixion – “Good Friday”
Resurrection – Easter Sunday
Christianity is spread by 12 disciples but especially Saul/Paul. He wrote the majority of books in the New Testament.

6. History
Persecution: Nero and Diocletian 313 AD – Edict of Milan – Constantine - granted religious toleration to Christians in the Roman Empire Theodosius – makes Christianity the official religion of the Empire in 380 AD

7. Organization Original Church was Catholic Pope Cardinals Archbishops
Priests
1054 AD – Great Schism – Eastern Orthodox
1500s AD – Protestant Reformation
Today: 3 Branches – Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant

8. Teachings/beliefs God is a Trinity – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Faith/Belief = Salvation
+++Differences
- The Eucharist – actual or symbolic?
- Baptism – age/sprinkle v. immersion
-predestination
-confirmation
-marriage/divorce
-confession/penance