WorldviewChristians believe an absolute God exists, which created the entire universe.
They also believe that since Man was created in God's image, all men are worthy of respect and honor. Another important belief is that mankind is fallen, and Jesus is mankind's only hope for redemption. Finally, Christians believe the Holy Bible is the word of God. God however, is not one single entity; God is made up of the Holy Trinity (Jesus, God himself, and the Holy Spirit). One of the most important symbols in Christianity is the cross in which Jesus was crucified in. It can be found all over: as decoration, as an object of worship, or in the front cover of the Bible (above) |
WorshipChristians, like Jews and Muslims, seek God in their daily lives through prayer and the study of scripture.
Most often, Christians pray for forgiveness, a desire, or in gratitude; and although there is no specific schedule for prayer, it is important to pray consistently. Led by a religious leader or priest (whose role is to guide Christians to redemption), Christians pray in private or gathered at mass. |
Buildings and Places of WorshipThe places where Christians pray are called churches, and they often have a cross hanging somewhere, with benches for people to sit and listen to the priest.
Churches are very important to the Christian religion, since it is the main gathering place and where most rites of passage take place. Most Christians attend mass at least once a week. |
Sacred TextsThe single most important book in Christianity is the Holy Bible. It is divided into two sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament.
The Bible is really important to Christians because it is the word of God, and it dictates how they should live their lives, treat others, etc. Written in prose by over 40 authors in a span of 1,500 years, the most prominent authors were Moses, David, Daniel, Peter, Paul, Jonah, Isaiah, Solomon and David. The Bible is often read in religious gatherings, to teach Christians something and let them reflect on the passage afterwards. The Bible's first chapter explains the origin of the the universe, Earth, and man. It's first verse goes: "Gen 1:1: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." |
Origins / FounderOriginally from Palestine, Christianity developed out of Judaism in the 1st century C.E. It is founded on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Jesus was born a Jew, and died the same. He claimed to be the Son of God and was a miracle worker. His followers and him were persecuted by the Romans and he was eventually crucified at the peak of his popularity. After his death his followers came to believe in him as the Christ, the Messiah. The new religion spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire, since Jesus fulfilled many of the promises of the Hebrew Scripture. Another key figure in Christianity is Moses, a prophet whose story is told in the Book of Exodus. A rather solitary leader, he performed miracles and continued to preach the word of God to both followers and non followers. |
Rites of PassageSome key rites of passage/rituals in Christianity include:
|
FestivalsThe Christian year is divided up with events which remind Christians of the life of Jesus. It begins with the season of Advent, at the end of November, which is a period of preparation for the coming of Christ, and then moves through the story of his life to the important focus of Holy Week and Easter.
Some festivals, like Christmas Day, happen on the same date every year, while others move around within a range of dates.
|
Holy PlacesIn Christianity, the Holy places are significant because they are the place of birth, ministry, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, the Saviour or Messiah to Christianity.
|
GeographyChristianity began in Jerusalem, a city that resides in what is today Israel.
Christianity has grown significantly since then though; it is practiced virtually in every country in the world today. It is mostly popular in North and South America, Europe, and southern Africa. |
Organization
Christianity has divided into three major branches over the centuries: Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestant.
Roman Catholicism: Represents the continuation of the historical organized church as it developed in Western Europe, and is headed by the Pope. Distinctive beliefs of Catholics include the doctrines of Transubstantiation and Purgatory, and distinctive practices include devotion to the saints and Mary and use of the rosary.
Eastern Orthodoxy: The continuation of the historical organized church as it developed in Eastern Europe. It differs from Catholicism in its refusal of allegiance to the Pope, its emphasis on the use of icons in worship, and the date it celebrates Easter.
Protestantism: Arose in the 16th century during the Reformation, which took place mainly in Germany, Switzerland, and Britain. Protestants do not acknowledge the authority of the Pope, reject many traditions and beliefs of the Catholic Church, emphasize the importance of reading the Bible and hold to the doctrine of salvation by faith alone. Protestantism encompasses numerous denominational groups, including Lutherans, Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians (or Anglicans), Presbyterians, Pentecostals and Evangelicals.
The Catholic Church is also known as Roman Catholic Church and is the largest Christian church all over the world. The church hierarchy is led by the Pope. The levels of Christianity religious hierarchy are:
Roman Catholicism: Represents the continuation of the historical organized church as it developed in Western Europe, and is headed by the Pope. Distinctive beliefs of Catholics include the doctrines of Transubstantiation and Purgatory, and distinctive practices include devotion to the saints and Mary and use of the rosary.
Eastern Orthodoxy: The continuation of the historical organized church as it developed in Eastern Europe. It differs from Catholicism in its refusal of allegiance to the Pope, its emphasis on the use of icons in worship, and the date it celebrates Easter.
Protestantism: Arose in the 16th century during the Reformation, which took place mainly in Germany, Switzerland, and Britain. Protestants do not acknowledge the authority of the Pope, reject many traditions and beliefs of the Catholic Church, emphasize the importance of reading the Bible and hold to the doctrine of salvation by faith alone. Protestantism encompasses numerous denominational groups, including Lutherans, Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians (or Anglicans), Presbyterians, Pentecostals and Evangelicals.
The Catholic Church is also known as Roman Catholic Church and is the largest Christian church all over the world. The church hierarchy is led by the Pope. The levels of Christianity religious hierarchy are: