Introduction to Christianity

Introduction to Christianity

1. The Bible

   • Christian Sacred Text
     • Old Testament
       • 39 Books
         • Jewish Scriptures (sacred to Jews)
       • includes Creation & 10 Commandments
     • New Testament
       • Specifically Christian
       • 27 Books
         • 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
           • Accounts of Jesus's Life
         • The Acts of the Apostles & letters of St Paul
           • Describe the early Years of Christianity

2. Traditions/Branches of Christianty (denominations)

   • Share 'key beliefs'. Interpret things differently. Worship in different ways
     • Roman Catholics
       • Respect the authority of the Bible, The Pope & Traditions
         • 7 Sacraments -Baptism, Confirmation, Reconciliation, Anointing the sick, Matrimony, Holy Orders, Eucharist
     • Protestants
       • Base beliefs & practises on the Bible
         • In England & Whales denominations not part of the Anglican Community are called Non Conformists
           • Non-conformists - Methodists, Baptists, Salvation Army
     • Orthodox
       • Mainly in Eastern Europe, Russia & Greece
         • Have 7 Sacraments and honour icons e.g. pictures of Saints

3. Beliefs about the 'Nature' of God

   • Monotheistic (one God)
     • He has 8 Characteristis (Denominations differ in emphasis placed on each)
       • OMNIPOTENT
         • God is All Powerful
           • But allows Free Will
       • BENEVOLENT
         • God is Loving/Careing
           • Christians try to follow this
             • John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his only son"
       • JUST JUDGE
         • God Judges people fairly
           • If you reject him or sin you will be punished
             • Parable of the sheep and goats
               • But God forgives - Parable of the Prodigal Son
       • OMNISCIENT
         • God Knows everything
           • In the past,present, future
       • ETERNAL
         • God always exists
           • Will exist forever
       • TRANSCENDENT
         • God is beyond this world
           • Doesn't depend on it to exist
       • IMMANENT
         • God is Present
           • Plays an active role in Humanity
       • PERSONAL
         • God is a 'person'
           • A relationship is possible through prayer/Conversations

4. The Trinity

   • Father
     • Creator of Humanity
       • God of Old Testament - Jesus calls him Father
   • Son
     • Jesus - God in Human Form
       • Human part which understand suffering
         • Jesus is a model of behaviour. Gospels give Christians guidance based on Jesus life & teaching
   • Holy Spirit
     • Lives in Christians
       • He guides
         • John 14:16-17 - "I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help and be with you forever - the Spirit of God"

5. In 325AD church leaders created the CREED (Nicene)

   • A statement of Beliefs
   • To conclude Jesus was one with God not just made by God