1. Sections 1 &2: Universality & Origins of Christianity
Christianity Unit
Sections 1 &2:
Universality & Origins of Christianity

2. Jesus Christianity developed through the teachings of Jesus.
“ Go Teach all nations the word of God”
Jewish people were meant to spread the word of God.

3. Origins Christianity began in Palestine (Israel)
Paul was able to spread this religion throughout the Roman Empire as he travelled teaching of Jesus.
Today this spread has reached 33% of the worlds population.

4. Changes in Traditions
Churches haven’t changed much in traditions and beliefs over the years.
If you attended a Christian church 500 years ago you would understand what is going on.

5. Fundamental Belief System
All Christian denominations stick to the belief of being “men for others”
Action: Work for the community ex. “feed the hungry, heal the sick”
Prayer/worship: Center of Christian life is praying and thanking God for all he has given for you and asking him to forgive your sins.

6. Origins of Christianity
Originally written down by the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
These Gospels show how Jesus Christ brought a New Law to compliment the Old Law.
They also explain how Jesus is the Messiah and Son of God for the Jewish people.

7. Messiah According to the Old Testament:
The Messiah would overthrow rulers and return the Jewish people to Israel.
He would either be a great teacher, military leader, or suffering servant.
So in Matthew, Jesus is presented as a leader who descended from Abraham and can lead a great Jewish nation.

8. Stories of Jesus
No evidence of Jesus’ existence has been historically recovered.
Generally accepted that he did live.
This asks you to be what?
The Gospels developed from stories that were told and eventually written down.

9. Jesus’ Birth
Around 6 B.C Augustus Caesar ordered a census be taken in all of Rome.
Return to your home town for this (Joseph returns to Bethlehem)
No room at the inn – head to a stable.

11. King Herod Felt threatened by this new “King of the Jews”
Ordered the murder of all children under 2 in Bethlehem
Herod died shortly after and Joseph returned to Nazareth.

12. Jesus’ Childhood Little is known about Jesus as a boy.
It is assumed Joseph taught him carpentry and Jewish traditions.
Only incident is at age 12 when he met with rabbis in the Temple of Jerusalem.

13. John the Baptist

14. Jesus & John
John preached of Jesus & baptized people a the River Jordan.
Jesus was baptized by John and then went into the wilderness for 40 days after.
John was soon arrested by Herod Antipas and Jesus took over his teachings.

15. Baptism John began baptizing people around 26 or 27 A.D.
Mystical power exists in flowing water and can wash away sins.
Need to be baptized because of the coming of the Messiah.

16. Jesus’ Teaching Methods
Preach to the common people of Israel
He taught:
On the streets
In the countryside
By the sea
Wherever he found people to hear his message

17. Jesus’ Message Central message was the Kingdom of Heaven.
Prepare people for the coming of the kingdom of God & Last Judgment.
People are sinful, take up a new life of obedience in fellowship – Establish God’s Kingdom on Earth.

18. Jesus Vs. Judaism
Jesus – True devotion to Will of God. Not just religious law.
He drew from Judaic tradition for the message of love and forgiveness.
Jesus – preach an emphasis on love as opposed to law.

19. Jesus Vs. Judaism
He did not think that he was overthrowing Judaic Law.
“I came not to destroy the Law of Moses but to fulfill it.” (Matt )
He has now grown into a Jewish leader with a huge Jewish following.

20. The History of Christianity
Birth of the church – 40 days after Jesus’ resurrection from the dead
Matthew tells of the disciples’ feeling lost and deserted by Jesus – but they remembered him saying: “I am with you always, to the close of the age”

21. Acts
Read from the Catholic Youth Bible

22. Missionaries
The apostles have now gained courage and began to fulfill the final directive of their risen and ascended Lord.
Two missionaries, Peter & Paul made the long trek to Rome to preach Christianity.

23. Caesar Nero Peter & Paul killed by Nero in approximately 64 AD
Began 300 years of Christian persecution.
According to Romans – Christianity is illegal and many died for their faith.

24. Emperor Constantine Christianity begins to gain some ground.
Between the years Emperor Constantine is the first Christian Emperor of Rome.
By 380 Christianity is the accepted religion of Rome.

25. The Fall of Rome Rome falls apart in approximately 530 AD.
A great Benedictine monastery begins however called Monte Cassino.
With no Rome it means the barbarians and legal accomplishments have failed.

26. Monte Cassino
Thanks to this monastery – Christianity and Roman laws and literacy were able to live on
Monks here studied the Bible and early Roman writings.
Eventually Christian cathedrals, schools monasteries and more were able to develop and grow.

27. Monestaries
These are independent, self-supporting communities of monks.
These monks are dedicated to prayer, work, and study.
Monastic life – withdraw from worldly affairs to devote themselves completely to religion.
Monks & Nuns are to live perfectly Christian life.

28. Monks & Monasteries
These monasteries were in rural areas outside of cities
All of this is taking part in the Middle Ages in Europe. ( AD)

29. Religious Movements
These are movements that occur in the 12th & 13th Centuries.
Franciscans & Dominicans

30. Growth of Cities In the Middle Ages cities began to grow in Europe.
Because of this new religious groups were needed in urban life.
Both Franciscans and Dominicans developed in these cities
Franciscans – Founded by St. Francis
Dominicans – Founded by Saint Dominic

31. Franciscans and Dominicans
Monks that worked in the cities to fight poverty, developed universities and educate the masses through Christian teachers.
Thomas Aquinas and Albert the Great famous Dominicans

32. Gregory I
United the church so that it didn’t fall into smaller groups.
He is the first monk to become Pope.
Lived in Rome and started the Roman papacy.

33. Protestant Reformation
As the Catholic church has been formed for years a few issues begin to arise.
Is the church gaining too much power?

34. Major Questions
Should those with spiritual power also hold political power?
Does God save man without man’s efforts?
Is grace something in man that makes him worthy of eternal life?

35. Martin Luther
These questions and many more were raised by Martin Luther
Augustinian monk that nailed the ‘Ninety-five Theses’ to the door of the Wittenberg Cathedral in 1517.

36. So what are the ninety-five thesis?

37. His challenge
This sets up a challenge against the Roman Catholic church.
Should not be compromised with political powers
Too much dependence on human work’s instead of trusting in Christ.

38. Divisions Luther believes there are divisions between
Political & Spiritual
Natural & Supernatural
Human & Divine
The Roman Catholic church has crossed these divisions.

39. Sale of Indulgences
People could claim heavenly rewards in exchange for money.
According to Luther, faith in Jesus Christ alone saves you.

40. Ultimate Message
Luther: “Religion should always be criticizing a dependence on worldly things and earthly power.”
All of these ideas and issues caused major fights across Europe.

41. Episcopalians Name given to those that follow Anglican.
Often seen as churches with red doors.
Red represents Christ’s blood shed for sinners

42. Origins from Church of England
Has a combination of Protestant & Catholic elements
Puritans and many others came to America to start reform movements.
Revolutionary War almost ended Anglican work in America.

43. Protestant Episcopal Church`
In USA this is what the Anglican Church turns into.
Developed their own bishops, prayer books and services

44. Beliefs Must attend church services
Book of Common Prayer
This includes Nicene and Apostles’ Creed
Eucharist – Don’t believe it is body and blood – but requires more special ceremony as it holds supernatural powers.
Must attend church services
However, Bible readings personally outside of church are extremely important.

45. Baptists Second largest group of Christians in the United States.
How do you figure out who’s a Christian – Profess your faith and then seal it with baptism
Founded by Roger Williams – churches ought to be composed of those people who’ve made a conscious choice to be included.
Members are present based on their own free will.

46. Baptists in America Southern Baptist Convention – largest movement
Baptists exist as individual communities and congregations.

47. Born Again Only adults not infants can be baptized.
Born again – intense spiritual experience in which a person comes to terms with sin and asks for forgiveness.

48. Baptist Beliefs Cont.
Some Baptists believe that Jesus died only for a ‘selected’ group of people
Others believe that he died for everyone.
Unrefined preachers fill their pulpits rather than seminary-trained professionals.
Sermons are delivered directly from the Bible.

49. Mormons
Sacred Texts: The Bible, Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants
Founder: Joseph Smith Jr.
Christian religion made in the USA.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Joseph Smith in the 1830s spoke with an angel named Moroni.

50. Book of Mormon
Moroni told him all churches were corrupt and gave him a book to translate to English.
This book includes Gospel of Matthew, quotes from Malachi & Isaiah, & The Lord’s Prayer
Features the saga of the Nephites – ancient North American race

51. Book of Mormon.
Jesus appeared to them and gave them instructions to create a true church on American soil.
Moroni was the only survivor (son of their leader Mormon)
He buried their book in the hills of New York where Joseph Smith found it.

52. Joseph Smith

53. Beliefs Tobacco, Alcohol & caffeine are unacceptable.
Anyone can become a God.
Father, Son & Holy Spirit are separate Gods.
Sealing – meaning you and your family are always connect even when you die.
Communion is just a memory – use water instead of wine.