Christianity Sian, Adam, Harry, Martha and Stacie

Christian books Christians believe the bible is the infallible and inspired word of God. Most Christians use at least one hymn book and sing psalms from the bible or hymns based on psalms.

The Bible is in two parts: The Old Testament (39 books) Jonah DanielMoses Garden of Eden Noah’s ark Jacob’s dream Jacob wrestling with the angel

The New Testament (27 books) Jesus’ birth Zacchaeus Jesus’ death and resurrection Mary Magdelene St. Paul Letters to 7 churches Letters to the early church Lydia

An umbrella of beliefs There are so many different denominations in Christianity that it is difficult to generalise when referring to ‘Christian Beliefs’. The Amish are a christian denomination who believe that they should live separate to the world.

Main Christian beliefs Most Christians meet for worship on a Sunday A service would usually consists of prayers, hymns/psalms and teaching Most Christians would meet for worship in a church building or chapel (although many meet in each others houses like the early church did). This is a picture of a traditional church building. Hymns are often accompanied: traditionally by an organ. wvpTl88jwI Commonly held christian views are: -Jesus is the son of God -Jesus died on a cross for sin -Jesus rose again -There is a life after death generally believed to be in heaven and hell. Link to a traditional church of England service- hymn (Royal wedding)

Christian Issues… Abortion is generally thought to be murder and therefore wrong. In the case of rape or the mother’s life being in danger Christian views vary. Euthanasia is believed to be murder. However a few Christians say that ‘mercy killing’ is acceptable.

Christian Issues… In many churches women wear a head covering (e.g. a hat). Brethren and Amish believe women should wear a head covering all the time and not cut their hair. Some denominations do not allow women to wear trousers or have rules on modesty of clothing but most denominations tend to be generally more relaxed about clothing.

Christian Issues Most Christians believe the world is only about 6000 years old by taking the bible ages literally. Most Christians believe that marriage is for life between one man and one woman. Some Christians believe that any pictures or image made of God (and therefore Jesus) are disrespectful and break the second commandment.

Important times of the year Christmas Thanksgiving Easter

Important times of the year Christmas Christmas is a festival when Christians remember Jesus incarnation (excepting a few Unitarian Christian denominations who disagree with the incarnation and some who believe Christmas to be disrespectful due to its focus and origin). The festival used to be a Roman festival called Saturnalia. Christians celebrated Christ’s birth at the same time and the festivals merged leading to the various traditions both Christian and festive. Nativity scene Stable in Bethlehem

Important times of the year Easter Easter is probably the most important time of the year for Christians. The whole of the Christian faith centres around the events at Easter. Christians believe that Jesus died on a cross on good Friday and rose again on the third day (Easter Sunday). Easter symbolises new life for the Christian. Christians believe that through Christ’s death they gain new life spiritually. Note: There is a very small minority who believe the resurrection is symbolic rather than literal.

Important times of the year Thanksgiving A time to give thanks to God for the harvest. Many Christians will donate to charity or help send food to poorer countries at this time of year. (Although many Christians give to charities all year round, but thanksgiving is a special time to give back what God has given to them).

Eucharist Also known as Holy Communion, Mass or The Lord’s supper. Christians present will drink some wine and eat some bread just as Jesus and his disciples did at the Passover- which is known as the Last Supper because it was just before Jesus’ death on the cross. It is a time to remember Jesus’ death. In mass (Catholic) the wine and bread are believed to be literally turned into the blood and body of Jesus. For others they are just symbols.

Special Events for Christians Christening Confirmation Believer’s Baptism Marriage Funeral