What_Is_Christianity

What is Christianity 9th May 2011 Introduction * Christianity is a major world religion. * A “Western” religion (w/Judaism and Islam). * The largest world religion today with 2 billion followers. * It is based on belief that Jesus of Nazareth is the Christ and the “son of God”. * Like many other major world religions, has several core aspects including history and development, core beliefs and practices and structures and regulations. History * Historical background : Abraham, Israelites, Hebrews, Jews, Old Testament. * Historical foundation : Jesus of Nazareth (crucified AD 30) and his first disciples. * Historical development : Tradition preserved/adopted for 2000 years (interplay of old and new, ancient and modern. Branches and Subdivisions * Major Christian Branches : (Eastern) Orthodox, (Roman) Catholic, Anglican, Protestant, Restorationist, etc. * Orthodox : by nation and language, Greek, Russian. Anglicans : nations especially former British colonies. Protestants : leaders/theologies, Lutheran, Reformed. * Groups within Catholicism : religious orders and societies (monastic, mendicant, apostolic) lay groups. Demographics * 2 billion Christians worldwide in 2000 (33% of world population) * Subdivisions : 1 billion Catholics, 500 million Protestants/Anglican, 250 million Orthodox, 250 million other. * 48% Africa, 85% North Africa, 93% South America, 9% Asia, 76% Europe, 85% Oceania. What is Christianity 9th May 2011 Foundational Texts * The bible : Official collection of books in two parts known as the Old and New Testaments. * The Creeds : Short professions of faith defined by first two Ecumenical Councils (Nicea and Constantinople). * Other writings : Writings of church leaders throughout history, especially founders of orders and denominations. Core Theological Beliefs (Dogmas and Doctrines) * One God in three persons (Trinity) : Father (almighty and creator), Son (Jesus Christ and saviour) and the Holy Spirit (giver of life and Paraclete). * World and Humans : Created by God, in God’s image, with free will, originally good but corrupted by sin. * Church, salvation, Eschatology : Community of believers, body of Christ, resurrection of the body, eternal life. Core Ethical Teachings (Commandments and Precepts) * Foundational principles : Do good and avoid evil, love God, others, self, develop an “informed conscience”. * Sexual Morality : Dual purpose of sex, consistent ethic of life, human relationships, central role of family. * Social ethics : Dignity of each person, common good, care of the poor/needy, work, participation, property.