Christianity: A universalizing religion*

By: Mr. PfeifferChristianity: A universalizing religion**A religion that attempts to be global, that attempts to appeal to all people, not just a particular culture or location

The BasicsFounded on teachings of Jesus by his followers after his death (30 AD) - monotheisticJesus was born a Jew in BethlehemFollowers (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) wrote the Gospels about Jesus life and teachingsBasis for the Bible which is Christians Holy Book

Christianity SpreadsAided by the adoption of Christianity as the state religion of the Roman empire (Constantine), Christianity spreadMany missionaries around the world spread Gods WordRelocation DiffusionAided by the economic success of Christian nations (European)

The Spread of Christianity

2.3 billion Christians around the world!

Divisions in ChristendomNot all Christians are the sameThere are 3 branches of Christianity (and many denominations/sects)Roman Catholics (NW Europe/NE USA)Orthodox ChristiansProtestants

Roman CatholicsChurch lead by the Pope (based in Rome); follow origins back to original followers of ChristFound in NW Europe/NE USA

Hierarchy in Roman Catholic Church

Orthodox ChristiansChristianity split with fight between Church and rulers of ConstantinopleLink religion and political authorityFound in Eastern Europe (least common Christianity in USA)

Orthodox Christianity Hierarchy

ProtestantsMartin Luther decide Catholic Church had it wrongDont look to Pope/Church leader, read the Bible yourselfAided greatly by printing pressVery popular in Great Plains and South(east)

Thats a lot of sects!Holy PlacesJerusalem site of teachings, Last Supper, entombment (before being, according to Christian tradition, raised from the dead)Golgotha Hill Jesus was crucified onBethlehem Birthplace of JesusNazareth Jesus' hometown

Beliefs/TraditionsJesus died for the sins of man, but was resurrected by GodGod = JesusCommunionBlood (wine) and Body (bread) of Christ consumed for forgiveness of sinsWWJDLive like JesusForgiveness/Selflessness

CalendarGregorian/Western Calendar (our calendar) was created by Pope Gregory XII0 AD = Birth of Jesus (BC/AD)Christmas Birth of Jesus (Dec. 25th since 336 AD)Good Friday Death of Jesus Easter Resurrection of Jesus (first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox)

Churches (places of worship)Sacred spaceChristian worship is based in ChurchesCollective worship is importantBig prominent places of worshipDifferent looks because its so widespread

Christianity and land useCemeteries used to bury the dead (sanitary to dispose)Originally in catacombs under the cityChristianity was an underground religion then

ExtrasJews, Christians, and Muslims all belief in the same God (origin of the religion is the same)Some scholars believe that to urge Romans to Christianize, early Church holidays match some dates with traditional pagan holidays (winter solstice, sun god, Mithras)The Bible is the most printed book in the world (all-time) with an estimated 6 billion copies shippedDespite preaching peace, the Crusades were one of many examples of God/Christianity being used an excuse for war