Christianity

Beliefs and Holidays

http://edgarlowen.com/a55/b8156.jpg

Oil Lamp

Judaism

Christianity stems from Judaism

The Tanakh is essentially the Old Testament in

the Christian Bible

Christian history up to the birth of Jesus is the

same as Jewish History

Clip Art

Abraham

Moses

David

Solomon

Jesus

Judaism

Christianity

Christian beliefs are stated in the Christian

Bible

Best-selling book of all time!

However, people interpret the Bible differently

Results in different denominations of Christianity

Denomination – Religious Group

Main denominations are Protestant and Catholic

Clip Art

Jesus of Nazareth

Jesus of Nazareth is the most important person

in the Christian religion

Christians see him as the Son of God

When Jesus was born, many people believed

he was the long-awaited Messiah

Messiah – God’s Anointed One or Savior

Clip Art

Jesus of Nazareth

Jesus lived in Israel – a town called Nazareth

Jesus preached for about 3 years

Starting when he was around 30 years old

Eventually Jesus was executed by Jewish &

Roman leaders by crucifixion

Crucifixion – a type of execution in which a person is

nailed to a cross

The symbol of the cross is very important to

Christians because of Jesus’ crucifixion

Clip Art

Resurrection

Christians believe that three days after

Jesus died, he rose from the dead

Resurrection – Jesus’ rising from the dead

Resurrection proves to Christians

Jesus was the Messiah

Jesus was given the title “Christ”

Christ – Greek for Anointed One or

Messiah

That’s where we get the name Christianity

Clip Art

Teachings of Jesus

Teachings of Jesus are foundations of what

Christians believe

Main Messages:

Love God and all people(including your enemies!)

Forgive people when they do something wrong

Salvation – being saved from evil

These teachings are initially spread by Jesus’

first followers – the 12 Apostles

Clip Art

Christian Beliefs Christians have a strong belief in the 10

Commandments

From Moses and Judaism

Sabbath Day is also recognized (Sunday)

Christians celebrate the Sabbath by attending a

worship service at a church Church – Christian House of Worship

By following rules, performing rituals (known as

Sacraments), and praying, Christians hope to

get to Heaven

Christmas

Christmas falls on December 25

Celebration of the miracle of the birth of Jesus

Christmas is one of the most important holidays

in the Christian Year

Common rituals:

Christmas Tree – Evergreen

Symbolizes eternal life

Giving of Gifts

Nativity Scene

Recreation of the birth of Jesus Clip Art

Easter

The first Sunday after the first full moon after

the Vernal Equinox is Easter

Easter falls in March or April

Between March 22 and April 25

Easter celebrates the Resurrection

Common ritual:

Eggs

Symbolize a new life for Christians

Clip Art

Holidays

There are many holidays in the Christian year

Celebrate lives of Saints

Saints – Holy people in Christian History

Valentine’s Day

St. Patrick’s Day

Halloween

Almost every day of the year is devoted to a saint

Many days dedicated to events in life of Jesus

Clip Art