Founding Story:
Angel Gabriel appeared in a dream to a young Jewish woman named Mary. It goes without saying that Mary was startled. She was even more startled by what Gabriel told her: that she would give birth to the Messiah, who was to be the Son of God. His birth signals the beginning of Christianity. In summary, Jesus, during his ministry, preached that he was the Messiah and the Son of God. He told people that if they believed in him and followed his word, they would go to the kingdom of heaven when they died. large crowds. Jewish leaders were jealous of his popularity and felt threatened by him. They heard that he was calling himself the “king of the Jews.” Jesus never made such a claim. They determined to get rid of him as soon as they could. The opportunity to kill Jesus came when he went to Jerusalem during the feast of the Passover. He knew it was dangerous to go there, but he believed it was his duty. Something else happened during Jesus’ last meal. He announced that one of his disciples would betray him. After the meal, Jesus went into a nearby garden called Gethsemane to pray. While he was there, Judas Iscariot identified him for Roman soldiers by walking up to him and kissing him on the cheek. They questioned him and found him guilty of blasphemy. Blasphemy means “a contempt for God.” Christians do not believe that Jesus simply died and was buried.They believe that after three days, he rose from the dead and spent another 40 days on earth. His return from the dead is referred to as the Resurrection
Angel Gabriel appeared in a dream to a young Jewish woman named Mary. It goes without saying that Mary was startled. She was even more startled by what Gabriel told her: that she would give birth to the Messiah, who was to be the Son of God. His birth signals the beginning of Christianity. In summary, Jesus, during his ministry, preached that he was the Messiah and the Son of God. He told people that if they believed in him and followed his word, they would go to the kingdom of heaven when they died. large crowds. Jewish leaders were jealous of his popularity and felt threatened by him. They heard that he was calling himself the “king of the Jews.” Jesus never made such a claim. They determined to get rid of him as soon as they could. The opportunity to kill Jesus came when he went to Jerusalem during the feast of the Passover. He knew it was dangerous to go there, but he believed it was his duty. Something else happened during Jesus’ last meal. He announced that one of his disciples would betray him. After the meal, Jesus went into a nearby garden called Gethsemane to pray. While he was there, Judas Iscariot identified him for Roman soldiers by walking up to him and kissing him on the cheek. They questioned him and found him guilty of blasphemy. Blasphemy means “a contempt for God.” Christians do not believe that Jesus simply died and was buried.They believe that after three days, he rose from the dead and spent another 40 days on earth. His return from the dead is referred to as the Resurrection
Classification:
Monotheism
Christians like Jews only believe in one god only so they believe in a monotheistic religion.
Christians like Jews only believe in one god only so they believe in a monotheistic religion.
Key figures:
Mary:
Mary was the mother of Jesus. Christians believe she was made pregnant miraculously by God while she was still a virgin.
Mary was the mother of Jesus. Christians believe she was made pregnant miraculously by God while she was still a virgin.
Jesus
They are written to engender faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the incarnation of God, who came to teach, suffer and die for people's sins. Jesus was born circa 6 B.C. in Bethlehem. His mother, Mary, was a virgin who was betrothed to Joseph, a carpenter. Christians believe Jesus was born through Immaculate Conception
They are written to engender faith in Jesus as the Messiah and the incarnation of God, who came to teach, suffer and die for people's sins. Jesus was born circa 6 B.C. in Bethlehem. His mother, Mary, was a virgin who was betrothed to Joseph, a carpenter. Christians believe Jesus was born through Immaculate Conception
Joseph
Venerated as a saint in many Christian sects, St. Joseph is a biblical figure who is believed to have been the corporeal father of Jesus Christ. Joseph's lineage is traced back to King David
Venerated as a saint in many Christian sects, St. Joseph is a biblical figure who is believed to have been the corporeal father of Jesus Christ. Joseph's lineage is traced back to King David
Religious Authority:
Holy Bible
The Holy Bible is the Word of God.
The Holy Bible is the Word of God.
Core Beliefs
Goals:
Christian's highest goal in life is to grown in the grace knowledge of the Lord Christ. Purpose in life is to glorify and enjoy God forever. They are God’s glory and to proclaim his praise. They exist to worship God, and in order to be genuine, this worship must come from the heart. It must be an expression of their real feelings. They adore God above everything else, and they submit to his every command
Christian's highest goal in life is to grown in the grace knowledge of the Lord Christ. Purpose in life is to glorify and enjoy God forever. They are God’s glory and to proclaim his praise. They exist to worship God, and in order to be genuine, this worship must come from the heart. It must be an expression of their real feelings. They adore God above everything else, and they submit to his every command
Beliefs and Afterlife:
The central teachings of traditional Christianity are that Jesus is the Son of God, the second person of the Trinity of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; that his life on earth, his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension into heaven are proof of God's love for humanity and God's forgiveness of human sins; and that by faith in Jesus one may attain salvation and eternal life. This teaching is embodied in the Bible, specifically in the New Testament, but Christians accept also the Old Testament as sacred and authoritative Scripture.
Jesus
Christians recognize Jesus as the Son of God who was sent to save mankind from death and sin.
Jesus Christ taught that he was Son of God. His teachings can be summarized, briefly as the love of God and love of one's neighbor.
Jesus said that he had come to fulfill God's law rather than teach it.
Justification by faith. Christians believe in justification by faith - that through their belief in Jesus as the Son of God, and in his death and resurrection, they can have a right relationship with God whose forgiveness was made once and for all through the death of Jesus Ch
Christians recognize Jesus as the Son of God who was sent to save mankind from death and sin.
Jesus Christ taught that he was Son of God. His teachings can be summarized, briefly as the love of God and love of one's neighbor.
Jesus said that he had come to fulfill God's law rather than teach it.
Justification by faith. Christians believe in justification by faith - that through their belief in Jesus as the Son of God, and in his death and resurrection, they can have a right relationship with God whose forgiveness was made once and for all through the death of Jesus Ch
God
Christians believe that there is only one God, whom they call Father as Jesus Christ taught them.
Christians believe that there is only one God, whom they call Father as Jesus Christ taught them.
The Trinity
Christians believe in the Trinity - that is, in God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Some confuse this and think that Christians believe in three separate gods, which they don't.
Christians believe that God took human form as Jesus Christ and that God is present today through the work of the Holy Spirit and evident in the actions of believers.
Christians believe in the Trinity - that is, in God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Some confuse this and think that Christians believe in three separate gods, which they don't.
Christians believe that God took human form as Jesus Christ and that God is present today through the work of the Holy Spirit and evident in the actions of believers.
The Saints
These days, the word saint is most commonly used to refer to a Christian who has lived a particularly good and holy life on earth, and with whom miracles are claimed to have been associated after their death.
The formal title of Saint is conferred by the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches through a process called canonisation.
Members of these Churches also believe that Saints created in this way can intercede with God on behalf of people who are alive today. This is not accepted by most Protestants.
In the Bible, however, the word saint is used as a description of anyone who is a committed believer, particularly by St. Paul in the New Testament.
These days, the word saint is most commonly used to refer to a Christian who has lived a particularly good and holy life on earth, and with whom miracles are claimed to have been associated after their death.
The formal title of Saint is conferred by the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches through a process called canonisation.
Members of these Churches also believe that Saints created in this way can intercede with God on behalf of people who are alive today. This is not accepted by most Protestants.
In the Bible, however, the word saint is used as a description of anyone who is a committed believer, particularly by St. Paul in the New Testament.
Heaven:
Christian beliefs about the afterlife vary between denominations and individual Christians, but the vast majority of Christians believe in some kind of heaven, in which the deceased enjoy the presence of God and loved ones for eternity. Views differ as to what is required to get to heaven, and conceptions of heaven differ as well.
Christian beliefs about the afterlife vary between denominations and individual Christians, but the vast majority of Christians believe in some kind of heaven, in which the deceased enjoy the presence of God and loved ones for eternity. Views differ as to what is required to get to heaven, and conceptions of heaven differ as well.
Hell:
A slightly smaller majority of Christians believe in hell, a place of suffering where unbelievers or sinners are punished. Views differ as to whether hell is eternal and whether its punishment is spiritual or physical. Some Christians reject the notion altogether.
A slightly smaller majority of Christians believe in hell, a place of suffering where unbelievers or sinners are punished. Views differ as to whether hell is eternal and whether its punishment is spiritual or physical. Some Christians reject the notion altogether.
Purgatory:
Catholic Christians also believe in purgatory, a temporary place of punishment for Christians who have
Catholic Christians also believe in purgatory, a temporary place of punishment for Christians who have
Key Holidays:
All Saints' Day is the day after All Hallows' Eve (Hallowe'en). It is a feast day celebrated on 1st November by Anglicans and Roman Catholics. It is an opportunity for believers to remember all saints and martyrs, known and unknown, throughout Christian history. As part of this day of obligation, believers are required to attend church and try not to do any servile work.
Easter Sunday is the culmination of Holy Week. Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is the most important Christian festival, and the one celebrated with the greatest joy.
Christmas
Christmas is marked on the 25 December (7 January for Orthodox Christians). The Holy Family, Mary and Joseph with the baby Jesus. Christmas is a Christian holy day that marks the birth of Jesus, the son of God.
Christmas is marked on the 25 December (7 January for Orthodox Christians). The Holy Family, Mary and Joseph with the baby Jesus. Christmas is a Christian holy day that marks the birth of Jesus, the son of God.
Ascension Day
Ascension Day celebrates Jesus's ascension to heaven after he was resurrected on Easter Day.
Holy Week
The most solemn week of the Christian year, Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter, and is the week during which Christians particularly remember the last week of Jesus's life. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday.
The most solemn week of the Christian year, Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter, and is the week during which Christians particularly remember the last week of Jesus's life. Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday.
Rules/Guidelines for daily life:
- Read your Bible daily. Do not be content to skim through a chapter merely to satisfy your conscience. Hide the Word of God in your heart. It comforts, guides, corrects, encourages – all we need is there.
- Learn the secret of prayer. Prayer is communicating. Every prayer that you pray will be answered. Sometimes that answer may be “Yes” and sometimes “No,” and sometimes it is “Wait,” but nevertheless it will be answered.
- Rely constantly on the Holy Spirit. We know that the Holy Spirit prays for us (Romans 8), and what a comfort that should be to the weakest of us. Stand aside and let Him take over all the choices and decisions of your life.
- Attend church regularly. The visible church is Christ’s organization upon earth. Christians need one another, we need to gather together to worship God and nothing can take the place of church attendance.
- Be a witnessing Christian. We witness in two ways: by life and by word – and the two, where possible, should go hand in hand.
- Let love be the ruling principle of your life. Jesus said to those who followed Him, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:25). The greatest demonstration of the fact that we are Christians is that we love one another.
- Be an obedient Christian. Let Christ have first place in all the choices of your life.
- Learn how to meet temptation. Temptation is not sin. It is yielding that is sin. Let Christ through the Holy Spirit do the fighting for you.
- Be a wholesome Christian. Our lives and appearance should commend the Gospel and make it attractive to others.
- Live above your circumstances. Don’t let your circumstances get you down. Learn to live graciously within them, realizing the Lord Himself is with you.
Concept of Higher Power:
Christians believe that there is only one God, whom they call Father as Jesus Christ taught them. They recognise Jesus as the son of God and believe God functions as a Trinity.
Christians believe that there is only one God, whom they call Father as Jesus Christ taught them. They recognise Jesus as the son of God and believe God functions as a Trinity.
Site & Symbols:
Church: a building used for public Christian worship.
Lamb: symbol of Christ as the Paschal Lamb and also a symbol for Christians (as Christ is our Shepherd and Peter was told to feed His sheep). The lamb is also a symbol for St. Agnes (Feast Day 21 January), virgin martyr of the early Church.
Dove: symbol of the Holy Ghost and used especially in representations of our Lord's Baptism and the Pentecost. It also symbolizes the release of the soul in death, and is used to recall Noah's dove, a harbinger of hope
Christian Cross -The Christian cross, seen as a representation of the instrument of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, is the best-known religious symbol of Christianity. It is related to the crucifix (a cross that includes a usually three-dimensional representation of Jesus' body) and to the more general family of cross symbols.
The cross-shaped sign, represented in its simplest form by a crossing of two lines at right angles, greatly antedates, in both East and West, the introduction of Christianity. It goes back to a very remote period of human civilization. It is supposed to have been used not just for its ornamental value, but also with religious significance.
The Christian Cross comes in many different forms. Here are a few of the different forms of the Christian Cross.
The cross-shaped sign, represented in its simplest form by a crossing of two lines at right angles, greatly antedates, in both East and West, the introduction of Christianity. It goes back to a very remote period of human civilization. It is supposed to have been used not just for its ornamental value, but also with religious significance.
The Christian Cross comes in many different forms. Here are a few of the different forms of the Christian Cross.
Fire, especially in the form of a candle flame, represents both the Holy Spirit and light.
Bread and Wine - The bread and wine represent the body and blood of Christ. Often times people associate drinking wine or eating bread with being holy or doing something akin with God or Jesus.
Sects and/or Branches:
Roman Catholic
The Catholic Church is the oldest institution in the western world. It can trace its history back almost 2000 years. From Roman Catholic it broke of into another branch known as Eastern Orthodox.
The Catholic Church is the oldest institution in the western world. It can trace its history back almost 2000 years. From Roman Catholic it broke of into another branch known as Eastern Orthodox.
Eastern Orthodox:
The Orthodox Church is one of the three main Christian groups. Around 200 million people follow the Orthodox tradition.
The Orthodox Church is one of the three main Christian groups. Around 200 million people follow the Orthodox tradition.
Protestant:
Protestant is a form of Christian faith and practice which originated with the Protestant Reformation, a movement against what its followers considered to be errors in the Roman Catholic Church. It is one of the three major divisions of Christendom, together with Roman Catholicism and Orthodoxy.
Protestant is a form of Christian faith and practice which originated with the Protestant Reformation, a movement against what its followers considered to be errors in the Roman Catholic Church. It is one of the three major divisions of Christendom, together with Roman Catholicism and Orthodoxy.