Christianity

History Christianity grew out of Judaism. The earliest Christians were all Jews. A Christian is a person who follows the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ was born in the Middle East in modern day Israel. During that time the Roman Empire controlled much of the Western World and parts of the Middle East. Jesus did not start traveling and teaching his message until the age of 30. He was murdered by crucifixion at the age of 33 on the orders of the Roman Empire. Many felt Jesus was a threat and wanted him dead. There was only supposed to be one supreme being, and that was the leader of Rome. His death and suffering on a cross became the symbol for his followers. Christians use the cross as a symbol to show their faith and belief in Jesus as the Messiah (Son of God).

History Cont. -Jesus was crucified by Rome around 33 A.D. -After his death, his 12 Apostles continued to spread Christianity until all of them were dead, around 70 A.D. Others began to spread the Gospel and Christianity quickly spread. -Christians continued their beliefs without a central organization but many acts of faith were developed to display their belief in Jesus as the Son of God. -Baptism, Sacraments, Faith, works, grace, etc.

Beliefs Christianity is a monotheistic religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in the New Testament of the Bible. Followers of Christianity, known as Christians, believe that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God and the Messiah (Christ) prophesied in the Old Testament Christian theology claims that Jesus Christ is a teacher, the model of a virtuous life, the revealer of God’s will, he who suffered, died, and was resurrected for the salvation from sin for all. Christians believe that Jesus ascended into heaven, and will return to judge the living and the dead and grant everlasting life to his followers. Christians call the message of Jesus Christ the Gospel (“good news.”) The Christian gospel is the Good News of Christ (His teachings and his resurrection). Jesus’ resurrection is a victory over death.

Basic Beliefs Belief in one God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit Born of Mary, a virgin Believe that, as the Messiah, Jesus was the fulfillment of the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament Taught how man should live his life by example The atonement, death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ Christ’s second coming, the Day of Judgement and salvation of the faithful.

History after Jesus After 300 years of persecution, Rome is Christianized Great Schism- Catholic and Eastern Orthodox split 1517 Martin Luther and Protestant Reformation created the Protestant Christian groups. After that many branches form all with different Christian doctrines.

Different Denominations There are MANY differences in the large number of faiths, but Christians share a set of core common beliefs that are essential to their faith. The CORE belief is the belief Jesus Christ is the Messiah and Son of God.

Examples of different Christian faiths Catholic ChurchOriental Church Eastern OrthodoxAssyrian Anglican/Episcopalian Non-denominational Baptist MethodistMennonite LutheranApostolic Presbyterian QuakerAnd MANY more…. Pentecostal Seventh Day Adventist Evangelical Calvinist

Scriptures The Bible is the Holy book for Christians. The Bible includes the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox denominations include other books from the Septuagint into the Old Testament which Roman Catholics call Deuterocanonical. Protestants consider these “other” books as not true. Some other Christian groups accept books beyond the Bible as Holy scriptures. Protestants and Catholics believe any other book accepted as Holy scripture is not really Christianity.

Holidays Christmas-Celebrate the birth of Christ Easter-Celebrate the resurrection of Christ; Good Friday is the day Christ was crucified.

Worship Christians worship in Churches. Days of worship are mainly on Sundays and sometimes Saturday and Wednesday.

Common Symbols of Christianity