Origins of Christianity Basic Beliefs Observances and Symbols

Origins of Christianity • Basic Beliefs, Observances • and Symbols

Basic Beliefs • Birth – Angel Gabriel told Virgin Mary she will give birth to son named Jesus – Jesus will be Son of God and Holy Spirit will make birth possible Jesus Christ • Central figure of Christianity • Most popular religion • Story told in Luke, 3 rd book of New Testament • Called the Immaculate Conception – Joseph and Mary traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem to pay taxes – Gave birth in stable and placed Baby Jesus in manager • Visited by shepherds who followed a new Star • 3 Wise Men come to find the baby for King Herod, who wants to dispose of Jesus • Angel tells Joseph to flee to Egypt; Herod orders death of all male children under 2 • Family returns to Nazareth after death of Herod

• Miracles • Turns water to Wine Basic Beliefs – During wedding servants fill 6 stone water pots with water, which turned to wine • Heals the Leper – Touched leper’s face and was healed – Told to tell no one except the priest • Healing on the Sabbath – Forgave sins of paralyzed man and man walked – Pharisees said only God had power to forgive • – Jesus said power of forgiveness is – also for man • • Loaves and Fishes • Thousands of people came to hear – Walks on Water Walked on water to still raging sea Raises Lazarus from Dead 2 sisters sent word that brother, sermon Lazarus, had died • Fed them with 5 loaves of bread and 2 – Jesus came 2 days later and fishes commanded Lazarus to rise from the dead, and he did

Basic Beliefs Jesus Christ • Ministry – Began at age 30 – Apostles • Met brothers and Simon and Andrew • 12 followers who helped Jesus teach – Sermon on the Mount • Given on mountain in Judea to thousands of people • Includes the Beatitudes • Passover – Jesus traveled to Jerusalem; was proclaimed to be the Messiah – Pharisees began plotting against Jesus • Last Supper – Dinner with Apostles – Gave final commandment • Love One Another

Jesus Christ • Garden of Gethsemane – Betrayed by Judas – Arrested and tried for organizing revolt against Rome – Sentenced to death by crucifixion Basic Beliefs • Tomb – Body wrapped in linen and placed in sealed tomb • Resurrection – Means ‘rebirth’ – 3 days after Crucifixion, Jesus was resurrected – Continued to teach for 40 days before ascending to Heaven – Spread of Christianity began

Monotheism • Most basic belief – Mono = one – Theism = belief in God Hebrew word = anointed • New Testament (Bible) • Most famous book in history • Translated into every majour language • 27 books that tell story of Jesus and Christianity • 4 books (Old Testament) also included Holy Trinity • Father, Son, Holy Ghost • United as one, each with special purpose

• Observances The Lord’s Prayer • Principal prayer for Christians “Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be the name. Thy kingdom come, They will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever, Amen. ” Baptism • Began with John the Baptist • Occurs a few days after birth • Often given a name; called christening Forgiveness • Central to teachings of Jesus

Symbols • Cross • Greek word for ‘fish’ Icthus • Secret symbol for Christians fearful of persecution • Symbolic of crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus • Found atop most Christian churches around the world • Many variations – Acronym for “Jesus Christ, God’s Son, Saviour” in Greek • Used in the late 2 nd century Linked Circles • Stand for the unity of God • Sometimes the Holy Trinity Dove of Peace • Symbolizes God’s spirit at baptism of Jesus

• Easter Holidays • Lent – 40 days before Easter – Time of repentance for sins and mistakes • Ash Wednesday – First day of Lent – Cross made of ashes of foreheads; symbolic of mortality and purification Christmas • Celebrates birth of Jesus • Begins on December 24 th • Holy Week • Traditions – Week before Easter – – Gift giving Christmas Tree Carols Nativity Scene

Branches of Christianity • Has divided into many separate churches – Each with own set of beliefs and practices • Great Schism, 1054 CE – Eastern Orthodox Church – Roman Catholic Church • Reformation, 1522 CE – Protestantism • Divided into hundreds of branches Christianity Today