Religion n Christianity is the most popular religion in USA and Britain n Religion is reflected in art, culture, and even politics eg Christian Coalition (a group within the Republican Party)

Christianity n Jesus Christ lived 2000 years ago, in the Middle East n Bible (holy book of Christianity): Old Testament: Jewish writings New Testament: early Christian writings (including the life of Jesus)

Christianity says: n There is one God n Jesus was God, in human form n Love God n Love your neighbour (other humans)

Roman Catholic Church n Pope in Rome n before 1517 AD: Roman Catholic church was the most powerful organisation in Europe n 597 AD: the Roman Catholic church was formally established in Britain

Reformation n 1517 AD: the Protestant church originated in Europe n 1534 AD: Church of England was established

Religion in Britain n Most English are Protestants Church of England (Anglican), Methodist, Congregational, Baptist, Quakers, Presbyterian, Pentecostal, etc n Roman Catholic n Jews n Other (especially new migrants) n <1% English regularly go to church

Northern Ireland n 17th century: English migrants late 19th century: campaign for “ home rule ” n 1914: violence increases n 1922: Northern Ireland created

Northern Ireland n 60% Protestant, 40% Catholic n 1960s: Catholic civil rights movement 1972 “ Bloody Sunday ” : British soldiers kill 13 Catholics in a peaceful march n violence continues

Religion in USA n American Constitution: –freedom of religion –separation of religion from government n About 50% of Americans regularly go to church (much more than many Western countries)

Religion in USA n Over 1000 religion groups n 60% Protestant 25% Catholic 3% Jewish The many Protestant groups exist side-by-side, and may even preach in each other ’ s churches.

Cults –small, very religion group –usually under one person ’ s control –may leave their jobs and families People ’ s Temple 1978: 914 people killed themselves by drinking poison Heaven ’ s Gate 1997: 39 people killed themselves, to get to heaven