Intro to Christianity

EQ: What are some key beliefs of Christianity?

Vocabulary & Identifications

Jesus: believed by Christians to be the son of God, founder of Christianity, born c. 4BC

Gospels: written accounts of Jesus, in the New Testament (Holy Bible)

Apostles: messengers for Jesus, followers (disciples) spreading Jesus’ word

Vocabulary & Identifications

Paul: first he persecuted Jesus, then had a vision from/of Jesus and became a follower; he spreads the movement after Jesus’ death

New Testament: 27 books in the Holy Bible, Jesus’ teachings and accounts

Messiah: the savior sent from God

The Beginnings of Christianity Starts in Palestine with Jesus’ teachings c. 30CE Because of his teachings, Jesus is viewed to be

dangerous by many people in the Roman world Jesus is arrested by the Romans & sentenced to

death by crucifixion c. 29CE Jesus’ followers believe he rose from the dead &

they worked to spread his teachings For many years, Romans persecuted Christians In 392CE, Christianity became the official religion of

the Roman Empire

“The Sermon on the Mount”

Painting by Carl Heinrich Bloch, 1890

Main Beliefs

1. Belief in one God monotheistic

2. Jesus is the messiah Christians believe he is the savior and

the son of God

3. Sacred text: The Bible – Old & New Testament

Main Beliefs 4. Ten Commandments

from Judaism, given to Moses by God

5. Jesus’ Teachings the golden rule, “love your enemy” “turn the other cheek”

6. Salvation to be saved (to reach heaven after death) one must

accept Jesus as the messiah & follow his teachings

Christian Practices Attend church regularly on Sundays, mass,

led by a priest, pastor, or reverend Many choose not to eat meat on Fridays Spreading the word of Jesus (some

branches more than others) Praying to God Celebrate holy days such as Christmas &

Easter Have mercy & sympathy for the poor