1. Christianity

2. What is Christianity? A diverse, 2000 year old religion Followers:
Judaism came first!
Followers:
2.1 billion
Based on the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus
Christianity is a universalizing religion!
Universalizing religions seek followers all over the world

3. Born, lived, and died a Jew in the first century
The Historical Jesus
Born, lived, and died a Jew in the first century
Knowledge of him based on New Testament
Little is known of childhood
Baptized at age 30 by John (“the Baptist”)

4. Jesus’ History, continued
Then began a mission of preaching, teaching, and healing as a teacher
Had a following of 12 primary disciples

5. Jesus claimed that he spoke with the authority of God
Jesus’ Death
Jesus claimed that he spoke with the authority of God
Jesus is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, Quran, and the New Testament

6. Focused on the kingdom of God Known as miracle worker
Jesus’ Teachings
Focused on the kingdom of God
Standards of human conduct
Known as miracle worker
Preached forgiveness of sin over punishment for sin

7. Old Testament (the Hebrew Bible)
Scripture
Old Testament (the Hebrew Bible)
Jews also use this!
New Testament (written after Jesus’ death by his followers)

8. The big split or “The great Schism”
In the year 1054, the Christian Church split into two different groups
Eastern Orthodox
Western Catholicism
This split was due to:
Politics – Roman vs Greeks
Land
Difference of opinions
Language Barriers: Bible was only in Latin

9. Major Divisions Roman Catholic Eastern Orthodox Protestant Anglican
1.1 billion
Eastern Orthodox
217 million
Protestant
365 million
Anglican
80 million

11. Branch 1 : Catholicism NO BRANCHES!
Pope is supreme spiritual leader and Vatican head of state
Vatican City is an independent country surrounded by Rome
First pope was Leo I (officially), or St. Peter
Who is this??
POPE FRANCIS 2018

13. Where are the Catholics?

14. Branch 2 : Orthodox NO MORE TIES TO ROME Catholics are TOO CORRUPT
Literally means “right teaching or right worship”
Followers believe that there were false teachings and divisions in early Christian times

15. Where are the Orthodox located?

16. Branch 3 : Protestantism
Movement from 16th century “Reformation”
To reform the (Catholic) church
Corruption, leadership, authority, etc.
Martin Luther
Most practiced form in US
95 Thesis

17. CHURCH OF ENGLAND King Henry VIII wanted to get a divorce
Branch 4 : Anglican
CHURCH OF ENGLAND
King Henry VIII wanted to get a divorce
Roman Catholic church wouldn’t allow it.
Created new branch of Christianity
BUT do not follow Pope’s authority
Follows Archbishop of Canterbury

19. Why are there so many branches?
We have different branches of Christianity b/c ppl chose to:
believe different parts of the bible
interpret bible in different ways
Disagree on religious issues that are not mentioned in the bible

20. Beliefs and Customs Baptism: outward sign of commitment to Jesus
Eucharist (communion): symbolic meal of Jesus’ last meal with disciples; taken in thanks and celebration
Trinity: belief in God as the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; not 3 different gods
Saints: celebrated people who led good lives, often associated with miracles

21. Christian Holy Days Two major seasons in the Christian calendar:
Christmas – celebrating the birth of Jesus
Easter – commemorating the resurrection of Christ

22. Protestant Groups Lutheran Church of England, Anglican, Episcopal
Presbyterian, Congregational
Baptist
Methodist
Latter Day Saints (Mormons)
Pentecostal
Shaker
Mennonite
Amish
Quaker
Separatists
Brethren (Puritan)
Christian Scientist
Jehovah’s Witness
Seventh Day Adventist
Unification Church