1. A Review of the Essentials
Christianity
A Review of the Essentials

2. Introduction: Christianity is a major world religion,
A "Western” religion (w/ Judaism & Islam)
The largest world religion today (ca. 2 billion)
It is based on belief that Jesus of Nazareth is the “Christ” ( “Messiah”) & the “Son of God.”
Like most other major world religions, Christianity has several core aspects:
I) History & Development
II) Core Beliefs & Practices
III) Structures & Regulations

3. History Historical Background: Abraham, Israelites, Hebrews, Jews, OT
Historical Foundation: Jesus of Nazareth (crucified ca. AD 30) & his first disciples/apostles
Historical Development: Tradition preserved/adapted 2000 years (interplay of both old & new, ancient & modern)

4. Branches & Subdivisions
Major Christian Branches: (Eastern) Orthodox, (Roman) Catholic, Anglican, Protestant, Restorationist, etc.
Orthodox, Anglicans, Protestants: O: by nation & language: Greek, Russian… A: by nations: esp. former British colonies P: by leaders/theologies: Lutheran, Reformed…
Groups within Catholicism: religious orders & societies (monastic, mendicant, apostolic, etc.), lay groups

5. Demographics
Number of Christians World-wide: ~ 2 billion in 2000; ~ 33% of world population
Subdivisions: 1 bill. Catholics; 500 mill. Protestant/Anglican; 250 mill. Orthodox; 250 mill. Other
% of Populations: 48% Africa; 85% N. America; 93% S. America; 9% Asia; 76% Europe;  

6. Foundational Texts
The Bible: official collection of books, in two parts: both Old Testament & New Testament
The Creeds: short professions of faith, defined by first two Ecumenical Councils: Nicea & Constantinople
Other Writings: writings of Church leaders throughout history, esp. founders of orders & denominations

7. Core Theological Beliefs (Dogmas & Doctrines)
One God in Three Persons (Trinity): Father / Almighty / Creator Son / Jesus / Christ / Savior / Lord Holy Spirit / Giver of Life /
World & Humans: created by God, in God’s image, with free will; originally good, but corrupted by sin/death;
Church, Salvation, community of believers; body of Christ; resurrection of the body; eternal life

8. Core Ethical Teachings (Commandments & Precepts)
Foundational Principles: do good & avoid evil; love God, others,
Social Ethics: dignity of each person; common good; care of the poor/needy; work, participation, property

9. Church Hierarchy
Structures with each Church: indiv. parishes/congregations, local dioceses, national conferences, international associations
Leaders within each Church: bishops (incl. Pope, cardinals), priests, deacons, lay ministers; pastors, elders, etc. Catholic Pope leader