Christianity

What is Christianity?  A diverse, 2000 year old religion  Followed by almost 1/3 of the world’s population – 2.1 billion  Based on the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus – Believed to be the Christ (messiah, savior) by his followers (thus called “Christians”)

Major Divisions  Roman Catholic – 1.1 billion  Eastern Orthodox – 217 million  Protestant – 365 million  Anglican – 80 million

The Historical Jesus  Born, lived, and died a Jew in the first century in Roman occupied Palestine – Nazareth  Knowledge of Him based on New Testament – Little is known of childhood  Baptized at age 30 by John (“the Baptist”) – Blessed by Holy Spirit as He came out of water – “thou art my beloved Son, with thee I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11)

Jesus’ History, continued  Then began a mission of preaching, teaching, and healing as an itinerant teacher  Had a following of 12 primary disciples – Countless multitudes attracted by his miracles and words of wisdom

Jesus’ Death  Jesus claimed that he spoke with the authority of God  Betrayed by disciple Judas  Put on trial for being a revolutionary & a political threat to Roman and Jewish authorities  Roman governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate – condemned and put to death by means of crucifixion  The following Sunday, He appeared to his followers as a triumph over death – Later ascended into Heaven

Jesus’ Teachings  Focused on the kingdom of God – Standards of human conduct – Merciful God—how people should treat each other  Golden Rule – Personal God --“Our Father”  Used stories and parables to teach  Known as miracle worker and faith healer  Religious and social reformer – Accepted a variety of people – Go above and beyond the letter of the law  Preached forgiveness of sin over punishment for sin – Turn the other cheek

History of Christianity  Jesus’ work was continued after resurrection by St. Paul and St. Peter – Established churches throughout Europe  Church remained small and persecuted – Roman Emperors Nero, Domitian, Diocletian  Constantine promoted Christianity – Became official religion of Rome  Great Schism, 1054 – Split western (Roman Catholic church) and eastern (Orthodox church)

Catholicism  Pope is supreme spiritual leader and Vatican head of state – Vatican City is an independent country surrounded by Rome – St. Peter’s Basilica, St. Peter’s Square  First pope was Leo I (officially), or St. Peter

Orthodoxy  Literally means “right teaching or right worship” – Derived from two Greek words: orthos (right) and doxa (teaching or worship)  Followers believe that there were false teachings and divisions in early Christian times – Threatened the identity and purity of the Church – Followers believe the Orthodox Church carefully guards the truth against all error and schism  Believe in saint worship, Eucharist, confession of sins, baptism

St. Basil Cathedral, Moscow

Protestantism  Movement from 16 th century “Reformation” – To reform the (Catholic) church Corruption, leadership, authority, etc. – Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox – Brought to America in various forms  Usually recognize only 2 sacraments of baptism and communion – 7 in Catholicism – No saints, no rosary, no pope, etc.

Anglican  Began in 6 th century England – Followed Luther’s protest  King Henry VIII spent most of his reign challenging the authority of Rome – Divorce was just one issue  Spread by English colonization and missionaries  Do not follow Pope’s authority – Led by bishops – Now ordain women priests  Book of Common Prayer  Often called Episcopal

Scripture  Old Testament (the Hebrew Bible)  New Testament (written after Jesus’ death, by his followers, during the first century; not canonized until the 4 th century) – Four gospels (“good words”) about the birth, life, teaching, acts, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Written by Mark, Matthew, Luke & John – The Book of Acts of the apostles – earliest history of the developing church – Epistles (“letters”) of Paul addressed to the churches they founded and led throughout the Mediterranean – The Book of Revelation – of John - a vision of the end of time, or the Apocalypse.

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

Other Beliefs  Original sin: all humanity is inherently separated from God  The sacrifice of Jesus – a sinless representative of humanity (a “scapegoat”) - as the ultimate atonement for the sins of humanity  Heaven and Hell: – Eternal life for those who are “saved by the blood of the lamb (Jesus)” – Eternal damnation for those who are not so saved

Problem for Humans  Damnation – New covenant based on Christ needed to atone for Adam’s sins – Efforts and good deeds alone cannot save you; you must have faith in Christ

Christian Holy Days Two major seasons in the Christian calendar:  Christmas – celebrating the birth of Jesus  Easter – commemorating the resurrection of Christ  Christmas: – Advent (four weeks leading up to Christmas day) – Christmas Day (December 25 th ) – Epiphany (the “twelfth day of Christmas”)

More Christian Holy Days  Easter: (early spring, date varies) – Ash Wednesday and Lent (40 days before Easter, a period of sacrifice and spiritual renewal in preparation for Easter) – Holy Week including: Palm Sunday (Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem) Maundy Thursday (communion meal/Last Supper) Good Friday (Jesus’ Passion and crucifixion) Easter Sunday (celebrating the resurrection)  Pentecost: the 50 th day (seven weeks) after Easter (commemorates the coming of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles)

Early Christian Groups  Eastern Orthodox  Apostolic  Roman Catholicism

Protestant Groups  Lutheran  Church of England, Anglican, Episcopal  Presbyterian, Congregational  Baptist  Methodist  Pentecostal  Shaker  Mennonite  Amish  Quaker  Separatists  Brethren (Puritan)  Churches of Christ  Christian Churches  Disciples of Christ

Restoration Groups  Jehovah’s Witness  Seventh Day Adventist  Unification Church  Latter-day Saints (Mormons)