Founding Story
Christianity developed out of Judaism . It is founded on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Jesus was born in Jerusalem, to a virgin mother Mary. God sent the angle Gabriel to deliver this message to Mary; she would give birth the messiah (savior) . When Jesus was twelve he referred to someone as their "father", and later this revealed that he was talking about God. Later when Jesus was a 30 year old man he began to make miracles. He showed the people that he was their savior and he set an example on how to live life. Some defied him and so crucified him.Jesus was left to die for 6 days. After his death in 3 days he resurrected proving those that he is the son of God. ( Many believe that he resurrected in 3 days to symbolize God. 1 the father, 2 the Holy spirit, and 3 the son) Since then,Christianity has many different branches and forms with accompanying variety in beliefs and practices.Christian believe in one and only true God, who is the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the belief that Jesus is the divine and human Messiah sent to the save the world. Paul (Commonly known as Saul the Saint) was the founder of Christianity. He was the first to recognize Jesus as his Savior. He then became a disciple and spread the word and teaching's of Jesus.
Classification:
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. There are multiple types of Christians but they all believe in the same God and Jesus. They must all follow the guiding of God. There is no other higher power than him.He created all things in the world.
Key figures:
Jesus:Was the son of God and the person who started Christianity. He was said to be the messiah. He was crucified and then he resurrected. Jesus was Jewish and so were his followers but after he proved that he was the messiah, Christianity evolved.
Virgin Mary:the woman who gave Birth to Jesus. An angel told the woman that she would give birth to God’s son while still keeping her purity (virginity) . Some Christians believe that since she gave birth to Jesus, that she can make other miracles as well. But, other Christians do not agree with this because the only one who can make miracles and blessings to the people is God.
Moses- was a very important person to the Jewish. Moses- Was born in the 13 century B.C. Around this time, the kind (Pharaoh) ordered that every son born of a Hebrew woman should be cast to the Nile River. ( at the time Hebrews were slaves for the Egyptians). His mother hid him for months but then sent him in a basket down the Nile river hoping of the best. Then the daughter of the Pharaoh found him and took him . She raised him as her own and he became a very important prince. Then it is said that God told Moses to return and lead the Hebrews. Moses then asked the Pharaoh to let the Hebrews return to Canaan but he refused so God granted the ten plagues. The pharaoh finally released the Hebrews on the tenth Plague. God ordered the death angel to take every first born ( including the son of the Pharaoh) This day is known as Pesach.
Pope- For Catholics, a Pope is the bishop of Rome as head of the Roman Catholic Church. He teaches the word of God.
Saul-Was a king of the Israelites for 20 years
David-A king for the Hebrews for 40 years. He is best known for defeated Goliath ( a giant) with a slingshot.
Solomon- Was Davids' son and also ruled for about 40 years.
Virgin Mary:the woman who gave Birth to Jesus. An angel told the woman that she would give birth to God’s son while still keeping her purity (virginity) . Some Christians believe that since she gave birth to Jesus, that she can make other miracles as well. But, other Christians do not agree with this because the only one who can make miracles and blessings to the people is God.
Moses- was a very important person to the Jewish. Moses- Was born in the 13 century B.C. Around this time, the kind (Pharaoh) ordered that every son born of a Hebrew woman should be cast to the Nile River. ( at the time Hebrews were slaves for the Egyptians). His mother hid him for months but then sent him in a basket down the Nile river hoping of the best. Then the daughter of the Pharaoh found him and took him . She raised him as her own and he became a very important prince. Then it is said that God told Moses to return and lead the Hebrews. Moses then asked the Pharaoh to let the Hebrews return to Canaan but he refused so God granted the ten plagues. The pharaoh finally released the Hebrews on the tenth Plague. God ordered the death angel to take every first born ( including the son of the Pharaoh) This day is known as Pesach.
Pope- For Catholics, a Pope is the bishop of Rome as head of the Roman Catholic Church. He teaches the word of God.
Saul-Was a king of the Israelites for 20 years
David-A king for the Hebrews for 40 years. He is best known for defeated Goliath ( a giant) with a slingshot.
Solomon- Was Davids' son and also ruled for about 40 years.
Religious Authority:
The Christians have the holy bible. The bible is made up of several books/stories (39 in the Old testament and 27 in the New Testament. Central to Christian practice is the gathering at churches for worship, fellowship, and study, and engagement with the world through evangelism and social action with the bible. The books are: Genesis, Exodus ,Leviticus, Numbers ,Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth 1 Samuel 2 ,Samuel 1, Kings 2 ,Kings 1, Chronicles 2, Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job ,Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon, Isaiah ,Jeremiah ,Lamentations, Ezekiel, Daniel, Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum ,Habakkuk, Zephaniah ,Haggai, Zechariah,malachi, Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts (of the Apostles),Romans 1 ,Corinthians 2, Corinthians ,Galatians ,Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians 1, Thessalonians 2, Thessalonians 1 ,Timothy 2 ,Timothy,Titus, Philemon ,Hebrews ,James 1, Peter 2, Peter 1, John 2, John 3 ,John ,Jude, and Revelation.
Core Beliefs:
Christians believe in the holy trinity. God is The father, the Son(Represented as Jesus) , and the Holy spirit(God's presence in the world). They also believe God created everything on this Earth especially humans. He is their creator, their father, etc.
All Christians follow the teaching's of Jesus. He was a teacher who was devoted to helping his people be rid of sin. God will come for his people and save them before the world ends ( in the bible , story of Revelation). Christians believe that everything God said was true and that they should follow his every word. They should treat everyone with respect as they are all children of God.
All Christians follow the teaching's of Jesus. He was a teacher who was devoted to helping his people be rid of sin. God will come for his people and save them before the world ends ( in the bible , story of Revelation). Christians believe that everything God said was true and that they should follow his every word. They should treat everyone with respect as they are all children of God.
Beliefs about Afterlife:
Christians believe in Heaven and Hell. Heaven is the miraculous place where there is no hurt, everything is perfect. Only those who believe that God is the creator ,Jesus is the savior, and they must repent from all their sins. This shows their devotion to God and then could there enter Heaven. Hell is where it is said that your soul is burning in Hell. This is where the cruel,those who don't believe, or don't follow God.
Rules/Guidelines for daily life:
Many attend churches; people sing together to worship God,in others the music is sung by a choir.
When talking/praying to God, many thank for what they are given but ask for his love and help.
Christians are supposed to treat EVERYONE with respect because in their eyes everyone is a child of God they are just lost and need to find God’s guide and follow him
.BY doing so , they often think about heaven and do good deeds to ensure they are going to heaven ( includes praying and asking for forgiveness so that their sins are gone and they get closer with God).Many Christians have a Baptism ;A symbol of new life, a fresh starts ( to be clean of sin) . You are sunk in water(or water is poured on you) to represent being “clean”, the water is clean to represent purity. You must repent your sins and accept God as your savior, then you must live your life as it should be “free of sin”.
The Ten Commandments play a big role in their life :
I am the Lord your God.
-You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol
-You shall not take the name of God in vain.
-Remember and observe the Sabbath and keep it holy.
-Honor your father and mother.
-You shall not murder.
-You shall not commit adultery.
-You shall not steal
-You shall not bear false witness.
-You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or house.
When talking/praying to God, many thank for what they are given but ask for his love and help.
Christians are supposed to treat EVERYONE with respect because in their eyes everyone is a child of God they are just lost and need to find God’s guide and follow him
.BY doing so , they often think about heaven and do good deeds to ensure they are going to heaven ( includes praying and asking for forgiveness so that their sins are gone and they get closer with God).Many Christians have a Baptism ;A symbol of new life, a fresh starts ( to be clean of sin) . You are sunk in water(or water is poured on you) to represent being “clean”, the water is clean to represent purity. You must repent your sins and accept God as your savior, then you must live your life as it should be “free of sin”.
The Ten Commandments play a big role in their life :
I am the Lord your God.
-You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself an idol
-You shall not take the name of God in vain.
-Remember and observe the Sabbath and keep it holy.
-Honor your father and mother.
-You shall not murder.
-You shall not commit adultery.
-You shall not steal
-You shall not bear false witness.
-You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or house.
Concept of a higher power:
They believe in one eternal God who created the Universe and set rules that they should live by. These were delivered to Moses and were written in the Torah (Old Testament). He is often said to be the "King of the Earth" and is usually represented holding the Earth to show he is taking care of everyone ( even those who defy him).God makes miracles for his people, and he seeks those who seek him. There is no one above him, he made the world and the universe. He is the father of everyone.
Key Holidays:
Christmas:Christmas is the day Jesus was born (God’s son) . December 25.
Easter:a spring festival that celebrates Christ's resurrection from the dead. Easter is immediately preceded by Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday.
Palm Sunday:Christians observe Palm Sunday on the Sunday before Easter, celebrating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Epiphany- January 6, the revelation of Jesus Christ
Good Friday- Friday before Easter, remembering the death of Jesus on the Cross.
Sundays- The holy Sabbath day to remember to devote your Sunday to God. To worship and to thank and ask for blessings.
Easter:a spring festival that celebrates Christ's resurrection from the dead. Easter is immediately preceded by Holy Week, which includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday.
Palm Sunday:Christians observe Palm Sunday on the Sunday before Easter, celebrating Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
Epiphany- January 6, the revelation of Jesus Christ
Good Friday- Friday before Easter, remembering the death of Jesus on the Cross.
Sundays- The holy Sabbath day to remember to devote your Sunday to God. To worship and to thank and ask for blessings.
Sites and Symbols:
Jerusalem- is the holiest place ; this is where the stones of the ten commandments were kept .
Church- A holy building where Christians gather to worship and hear the message of God. Typically on Sundays but service is also held on other days ( most common Wednesday and Friday)
A crucifix- reminds Christians of God's love in sacrificing his own son for humanity. It represents Jesus' victory over sin and death, since it is believed that through his death and resurrection he conquered death itself.
Roman Catholic Church-the Christian church of which the pope, or bishop of Rome, is the supreme head.
Church- A holy building where Christians gather to worship and hear the message of God. Typically on Sundays but service is also held on other days ( most common Wednesday and Friday)
A crucifix- reminds Christians of God's love in sacrificing his own son for humanity. It represents Jesus' victory over sin and death, since it is believed that through his death and resurrection he conquered death itself.
Roman Catholic Church-the Christian church of which the pope, or bishop of Rome, is the supreme head.
Sects and or branches
Roman Catholics:Catholics believe in God( and some believe that Virgin Mary could also grant miracles).They were said to be the first to recognize Jesus as their savior.They all share the same belief of there being only one"true church". An important key figure for them is a pope . It is a man who is said to be holy and teaches the word of God.Saints are not God. So, Catholics do not worship or adore the Saints. We worship God alone. So, a “prayer” to a Saint is really asking ask them to intercede on our behalf, just as we would a friend on earth. Many believe that being part of the church is a big key to salvation.
Eastern Orthodox: the belief that God revealed himself in Jesus Christ, and a belief in the incarnation of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection. The Orthodox Church differs substantially from the other Churches in the way of life and worship, and in certain aspects of theology. Their most common beliefs are:
Protestants: Being Protestant, one of their biggest belief is achieving salvation in grace, and in Christ ALONE.Protestants reject the Roman Catholic Church's doctrine that it is the one true church, believing in the invisible church, which consists of all who profess faith in Jesus Christ.Unlike the Catholics, your role in a church doesn't define your chance of salvation through God.
Eastern Orthodox: the belief that God revealed himself in Jesus Christ, and a belief in the incarnation of Christ, his crucifixion and resurrection. The Orthodox Church differs substantially from the other Churches in the way of life and worship, and in certain aspects of theology. Their most common beliefs are:
- Principles of belief and faith;
- The worship of God, in Whom lies belief and hope for salvation;
- The living of life so as to serve one's neighbor and especially the "least of them" as well as oneself; and
- The enforcing of a system of order of discipline and administration for the members of this Church
Protestants: Being Protestant, one of their biggest belief is achieving salvation in grace, and in Christ ALONE.Protestants reject the Roman Catholic Church's doctrine that it is the one true church, believing in the invisible church, which consists of all who profess faith in Jesus Christ.Unlike the Catholics, your role in a church doesn't define your chance of salvation through God.