christianity. what is christianity? a review of the essentials

Christianity

What Is Christianity?

A Review of the Essentials


Introduction: • Is a major world religion,

–AWestern religion (w/ Judaism & Islam)–The largest world religion today

• It is based on belief that Jesus of Nazareth is the “Christ” ( Messiah) & the Son of God.


History

1) Historical Background:Abraham, Israelites, Hebrews, Jews, OT

2) Historical Foundation:Jesus of Nazareth (crucified ca. AD 30)

& his first disciples/apostles

3) Historical Development:Tradition preserved/adapted 2000 years


Branches & Subdivisions

1) Major Christian Branches:(Eastern) Orthodox, (Roman) Catholic, Anglican, Protestant, etc.

2) Orthodox, Anglicans, Protestants:O: by nation & language: Greek, Russian…A: by nations: esp. former British coloniesP: by leaders/theologies: Lutheran, Calvinist, Methodist, …


Demographics

1) Number of Christians World-wide:~ 2 billion in 2000; ~ 33% of world population

2) % of Populations:48% Africa; 85% N. America; 93% S. America; 9% Asia; 76% Europe; 85% Oceania

33%


Foundational Texts

1) The Bible:official collection of books, in two parts: both Old Testament & New Testament

2) The Creeds:short professions of faith

3) Other Writings:writings of Church leaders throughout history,esp. founders of orders & denominations


Core Theological Beliefs

1) One God in Three Persons (Trinity): Father /Son /Holy Spirit

2) World & Humans:created by God, in God’s image, with free will; originally good, but corrupted by sin/death;

3) Church, Salvation: community of believers; body of Christ; resurrection of the body; eternal life

Core Ethical Teachings (Commandments & Precepts)

1) Foundational Principles:do good & avoid evil; love God, others, self;develop an “informed conscience”

2) Sexual Morality:dual purpose of sex; consistent ethic of life; human relationships; central role of family

3) Social Ethics:dignity of each person; common good; care of the poor/needy; work, participation, property


Religious Practices

1) Calendar, Feasts, & Festivals:Advent & Christmas; Lent & Easter; saints’ days; local & universal festivals

2) Public / Communal Worship:official liturgies, rites, rituals, Sacraments, esp. Baptism & Eucharist; Sunday worship

3) Private / Individual Spirituality:prayer, devotions, pilgrimages, retreats, etc.


Church Organization

1) Churches & Denominations:historical divisions

2) Structures with each Church:indiv. parishes/congregations, local dioceses, national conferences, international associations

3) Leaders within each Church:bishops (incl. Pope, cardinals), priests, deacons, lay ministers; pastors, elders, etc.


Internal Regulations

1) Membership:Who can join? What is the process? (evangelization; catechesis; initiation)

2) Leadership:How are leaders chosen? Who is eligible?

3) Discipline:What are members’ & leaders’ obligations?Sanctions and punishments?

Current Event Articles

1) BC Law Student asks for Money Back

2) You will all die – Crazed man’s vow to terrified passengers

3) College Student named police chief in Mexco; no one else applied

4) School installs 9,000 facial recognition cameras to stop student turning up late

5) Record level of US airstrikes hit Afghan militants

6) Motorist’s dream: Gas at 6 cents a Gallon

Current Event Essay

1) Summarize the article in two paragraphs (8+ complete sentences)

2) Share your view in 1 paragraph. You may…

-share your view about the topic.

-discuss what you think is interesting

-agree or disagree with the writer/quotes

-make a connection to your life

Exit Slip

1) What is the main symbol for Christianity?

2) Who/what is the trinity made up of?

3) List 2 practices of Christians.

4) What is the central belief behind Christianity?

christianity. what is christianity? a review of the essentials

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