What percentage of people in the world say they follow:

Islam?_____

Christianity?_____

Hinduism?_____

Buddhism?_____

Judaism?_____

No Religion?_____

7 billion people in the world!

Islam, Judaism, and Christianity are all ABRAHAMIC religions (trace their roots to Abraham) and worship the SAME one God

Abraham“father of many

nations”

Ishmael“father of the Arab peoples”

ISLAM

Isaac“father of the

Hebrew people”JUDAISM

SOME Jews thought Jesus

was the messiahCHRISTIANITY

Jews still waiting for their messiah

JUDAISM

What is Christianity?

2000 year old religion followed by almost one third of the world’s population.

Based on the life, teachings, death and resurrection of a first century Jew known as Jesus, believed to be the Christ (messiah, savior) by his followers (thus called “Christians”).

Who was Jesus? – The Historical Jesus Born, lived, and died a Jew in first century

Roman occupied Palestine

Around age 30, took on a mission of preaching, teaching, and healing as a traveling teacher

Following of 12 primary disciples and many others interested in his teachings

Considered a political threat to Roman and Jewish authorities, and is put to death by crucifixion (a Roman punishment)

What did Jesus teach?Jesus was a… story telling teacher who taught through

parables about the Kingdom of God.

preacher of forgiveness for sin.

inspirational speaker: – “Greatest commandment”: Love God

and love others as you love yourself.– “Golden Rule”: Do unto others as you

would have others do unto you.

What do Christians believe about Jesus? – That Jesus… was the “Christ” or fulfillment of Jewish belief

that the messiah would be “king of the Jews”.

is the “Son of God” – fully divine and fully human.

was resurrected - rose from the dead, overcoming death so that others may have “eternal life”.

rose into heaven to live with God to help humans.

will come again at the “end of days” to judge the living and the dead.

What else do Christians believe?

God the Father lives in heaven (same God worshiped by Jews and Muslims) with his Son (Jesus)

Heaven and Hell: – Eternal life for those who are

“saved” by Jesus– Eternal damnation for those who

are not so saved

Holy Book – The Christian Bible Old Testament: books from the Jewish

Torah – old stories of Moses, Noah, etc.

New Testament: written after Jesus’ death, by his followers about his life and teachings– Four gospels about the life, teaching,

death, and resurrection of Jesus– Other records, stories, and revelations

about the early Christian church

How do Christians practice their faith as a group? Sacraments:

1. Baptism2. Communion (Eucharist, Mass)3. Confirmation4. Confession of sins, penance, atonement5. Marriage (“Holy Matrimony”)6. Ordination (“Holy Orders”)7. Healing (anointing, “Last rites”)

Sabbath celebrated on Sunday with prayer, scripture readings, singing of hymns, a sermon or lesson from the pastor/minister/priest, etc. (format varies from church to church)

What are some Christianholy days?

Two major seasons in the Christian calendar: Christmas – celebrating the birth of Jesus Easter – commemorating the resurrection of

Jesus

Christmas:– Advent (four weeks leading up to Christmas day)– Christmas Day (December 25th)– Epiphany (the “twelfth day of Christmas”)

Who are Christians?other sects/groups

Orthodox Christians– Greek, Russian, Coptic, and other churches

of Eastern Europe, North Africa, and Asia Roman Catholics

– unified under the Pope– Over 900 million (half of all Christians)

Protestant Churches– Lutheran, Anglican, Episcopal, Presbyterian,

Congregational, Baptist, Methodist, etc. Independent/American Groups:

– Mormons , Jehovah’s Witness, etc.

What is the bare essence of Christianity?

A faith and life based on the person and/or teachings of Jesus as savior, model, or inspiration

Use of the New Testament to inform faith and practice