The Ancient Middle East

The Rise Of Christianity

Background Information Like Jews, Christians also believe in only one god. Christians accept the version of history described in the Old Testament But for Christians the most important events took place later in history-the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These events are related in the New Testament.

Early History

Jesus Christ Christians follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus was a Jew born over 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. At 30 Jesus began teaching about God, God’s law, and the love of God. During his three years of teaching Jesus performed various miracles such as healing the sick, lame, and blind, as well as bringing people back to life.

Many people started to believe that Jesus was the son of god and started to follow his teachings. At this time, the Middle east was under Roman rule and the Roman rulers started to fear Jesus might be plotting against them. Jesus was arrested, put on trial, and was sentenced to death.

Crucifixion and Resurrection Jesus was sentenced to death by crucifixion (which is being nailed to a wooden cross) Friends placed his body in a tomb guarded by Roman Soldiers. A huge stone was placed across the doorway On the third day Jesus' friends returned and found the tomb opened, his body missing, and an angel who said, “he has risen.” This was the resurrection

The start of Christianity

Christianity begins Pentecost marks the start of Christianity After Pentecost, Christians continued the teachings of Jesus. They went on missions throughout the Roman Empire and beyond. Christianity became illegal in the Roman empire and many followers suffered or died for their faith in Jesus.

Emperor Constantine In 312 the Roman Emperor Constantine reported that he had a vision right before he was to fight a major battle. He saw a cross of light, in the vision he was promised a victory if he fought under the sign of the cross. He ordered a chi and rho, the first tow letters of Christ in Greek, to be out on his soldiers shields. He won the battle and became a strong supporter of Christianity. He allowed the religion to be legal in the Roman Empire Within 100 ears Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire.

Basic Beliefs of Christianity

The Trinity of God-God the father, the son, and the holy spirit Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary and his father is God Jesus was crucified, died, and rose from the dead His resurrection provided believers a pathway to God Sins are forgiven because Christ’s innocent blood paid the debt for humanity Jesus will return again and will judge the actions of people Faith and forgiveness provide everlasting life in heaven and after death.

Christianity Practices

Baptism This is either the sprinkling of water or the immersion of the whole body into water At birth it reflects being brought into or dedicated to the faith and God Or later in life it reflects acceptance of the faith

Communion It celebrates Jesus’ Last Supper with his 12 disciples when they shared bread and wine as well as his death and resurrection. This practice is also called Mass

Confirmation Older children will attend classes to learn more about their religion. A church cermeony confirms their faith and welcomes them into God’s family and the church.

The cross is the symbol of Christianity, most people wear a cross around their neck Christians view funerals as a time of hope, not just sadness. They see this as a time when their loved one starts a new life in heaven with God The Bible is considered the “Word of God” given to men. Christians try to live according to what it says Most Christian churches hold communal worship on Sunday. This day represents the day of the resurrection of Christ.

Christianity Celebrations And Holidays

Christmas The day that Christians celebrate Jesus’ birth and God giving his son to the world To be celebrated with friends and family. Attend church services

Christmas to Easter Epiphany –A celebration held 12 days after Christmas to remember that three wise men from the East were guided by a star to Bethlehem where Jesus was born Lent –The 40 days prior to Easter during which Christians remember the 40 days Christ spent alone in the desert preparing to begin his ministry. –Following Jesus’ example, Christians pray, fast, and think about how they should live.

Holy week Palm Sunday-the day Jesus entered Jerusalem and the people welcomed him with palm branches Maundy Thursday-remembers Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples when he told them he had to leave them. Good Friday-is the most solemn day for Christians. Christians remember the crucifixion of Jesus, which they believe occurred so their sins could be forgiven and opened up the ay to God. Easter Sunday-celebrated when Jesus rose from the dead, was seen by various people and later rose to heaven. Christians believe this shows there is life after death.