1. Christianity
World History - LHS

2. Historical Jesus Religion centered on life, teachings of Jesus
Called “The Christ”, which means “Annointed One”
Jesus was a Jewish rabbi born around 4 AD
His ministry (teachings) lasted about 3 years
Traveled, spoke to crowds
Performed miracles, including healing sick
Taught in parables (like Confucius)

3. Historical Jesus
Claimed to speak as a prophet, with the authority of Yahweh (angered people)
Arrested, handed over to the Romans as a revolutionary (“King of the Jews”)
Crucifixion was cause of death of Jesus (punishment for common criminal)
Resurrection: 3 days post crucifix. = tomb empty! (appearances)
Christians believed he continued to teach until he ascended to Heaven

4. Christianity: The Early Years
“Christianity ” started as a Jewish sect; it remained limited to Hebrews until about 100 AD, when the Church became open to gentiles (non-Jews)
Early Christians were willing to die for three beliefs
Jesus = son of God
Death & Resurrection
God’s love is infinite

5. Roman Persecution
Emperor Nero (64-68 AD) blamed Roman fire on Christians & was first emperor to persecute
Systematic murder, crucifixion, of Christians
Other Emperors prohibited citizens from converting to Christianity

6. Adoption of Christianity by Rome
In 313 AD, Emperor Constantine announced toleration of Christianity
Christianity spread quickly, from its scattered beginnings to the entire Roman Empire
From Dark Blue = 325 AD To Light Blue = 600 AD

7. Types of Christians Today
Roman Catholics – most common “Christian” (1.1 billion)
Pope traces lineage to apostle Peter
Based in Rome
Eastern Orthodox (Greek / Russian) (233 million)
Leader was ER Emperor
Later, became patriarch of Constantinople

8. Types of Christians
Protestants disagreed with Catholic Church over abuses & corruption; broke away after 1520 (381 million)
Lutherans
Calvinism
Anglican
Baptists
Evangelicals
Quakers
Non-denominational

9. Beliefs of Christianity
Monotheistic Faith
Catholics believe that God is 3 aspects in 1
Father
Son
Holy Spirit
Protestants = less or no Holy Spirit
Other Christians = more about “son” and less about Father or Spirit
Catholic Interpretation of Trinity

10. Beliefs of Christianity
Jesus as son of God (savior of mankind)
Jesus’ teachings as guide for people to live their lives
Most important: God’s love is infinite
Second most imp: People should love their neighbor
Belief in (actual) Resurrection (symbol – eternal life)
Belief in prayer
All Christians pray to God
Catholics & O.C = Saints
Shroud of Turin

11. Beliefs of Christians
Church is God’s Body on Earth, but man is flawed; therefore sin is possible among priests
Baptism required as commitment to Christian faith (infants / adults)
Eucharist – ritual of last supper of Jesus, disciples (transubstantiation – big disagreement!)