Christianity

World History - LHS

Historical Jesus Religion centered on life,

teachings of Jesus– Called “The Christ”, which

means “Annointed One”– Jesus was a Jewish rabbi

born around 4 AD

His ministry (teachings) lasted about 3 years– Traveled, spoke to crowds– Performed miracles,

including healing sick– Taught in parables (like

Confucius)

Historical Jesus Claimed to speak as a prophet, with

the authority of Yahweh (angered people)

Arrested, handed over to the Romans as a revolutionary (“King of the Jews”)

Crucifixion was cause of death of Jesus (punishment for common criminal)

Resurrection: 3 days post crucifix. = tomb empty! (appearances)

Christians believed he continued to teach until he ascended to Heaven

Christianity: The Early Years “Christianity ” started as a

Jewish sect; it remained limited to Hebrews until about 100 AD, when the Church became open to gentiles (non-Jews)

Early Christians were willing to die for three beliefs– Jesus = son of God– Death & Resurrection– God’s love is infinite

Roman Persecution Emperor Nero (64-68

AD) blamed Roman fire on Christians & was first emperor to persecute

– Systematic murder, crucifixion, of Christians

Other Emperors prohibited citizens from converting to Christianity

Adoption of Christianity by Rome

In 313 AD, Emperor Constantine announced toleration of Christianity

Christianity spread quickly, from its scattered beginnings to the entire Roman Empire

From Dark Blue = 325 AD

To Light Blue = 600 AD

Types of Christians Today

Roman Catholics – most common “Christian” (1.1 billion)– Pope traces lineage to

apostle Peter– Based in Rome

Eastern Orthodox (Greek / Russian) (233 million)– Leader was ER Emperor– Later, became patriarch of

Constantinople

Types of Christians Protestants disagreed

with Catholic Church over abuses & corruption; broke away after 1520 (381 million)– Lutherans– Calvinism– Anglican– Baptists – Evangelicals– Quakers– Non-denominational

Beliefs of Christianity

Monotheistic Faith– Catholics believe that God

is 3 aspects in 1 Father Son Holy Spirit

– Protestants = less or no Holy Spirit

– Other Christians = more about “son” and less about Father or Spirit

Catholic Interpretation of Trinity

Beliefs of Christianity Jesus as son of God (savior

of mankind) Jesus’ teachings as guide for

people to live their lives– Most important: God’s love is

infinite– Second most imp: People

should love their neighbor

Belief in (actual) Resurrection (symbol – eternal life)

Belief in prayer– All Christians pray to God– Catholics & O.C = Saints

Shroud of Turin

Beliefs of Christians

Church is God’s Body on Earth, but man is flawed; therefore sin is possible among priests

Baptism required as commitment to Christian faith (infants / adults)

Eucharist – ritual of last supper of Jesus, disciples (transubstantiation – big disagreement!)