Middle Eastern Religions:

Christianity

BRANCHES (SECTS)• CATHOLIC, EASTERN

ORTHODOX AND PROTESTANT

Symbols of Christianity

Cross or crucifix

AngelsFish

Dove

Holy or Sacred Writings

• Called the Holy Bible

• King James version was published in the early 1600s.

• Old Testament is the Torah

Old Testament is from the Torah

• The New Testament is the life and teachings of Jesus.

• This New Testament is what sets Christianity apart from Judaism.

SO WHO IS THE FOUNDER?

• IS IT ABRAHAM?

• WHO IS IT?

• IS IT JESUS?

• IS IT PETER?

Christianity was founded about 2000 years ago in the region known today as Israel. The founder was the historical figure known as Jesus of Nazareth. His followers, especially Peter and Paul, worked after Jesus’ death to spread his message throughout the Roman Empire.

WHEN DID IT BECOME AN OFFICIAL RELIGION?

• CONSTANTINE MADE IT LEGAL IN 313 CE

• IN 380 CE IT BECAME THE OFFICIAL RELIGION OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE (CATHOLIC CHRISTIANITY)

Highlights of Jesus’ Life

• Born in Bethlehem to poor Jewish parents

• Christians believe his birth was fore told by the Old Testament prophets

• As a boy Jesus had to flee to Egypt to escape from King Herod

• Jesus confronts the money lenders in the temple.

• Ministry in Palestine

• Jesus was arrested, tried and condemned to die.

• After he was crucified his body was buried in Jerusalem.

• On the third day after his burial his body was missing from the grave.

The Christian place of worship is called a church. Other names sometimes used are chapel, cathedral, or tabernacle.

PRAYER LEADERS?

• IT DEPENDS ON WHAT BRANCH OF CHRISTIANITY THAT YOU FOLLOW.

• PRIESTS, PREACHERS, FATHERS REVERANDS, ETC.

Holy Places

• Bethlehem is the place where tradition holds that Jesus was born.

• Jerusalem is holy to Christians as the place Jesus died, was buried and rose again.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

• The supposed place of Jesus’ burial.

• It is located within the walls of Jerusalem.

Basic Beliefs

• The Holy Trinity • Christians believe that

Jesus is the Son of God

• Belief that Jesus’ death provides a means for salvation.

• Those who are ‘saved’ will live after death in heaven.

Top 10 Largest National Christian Populations

Rank Nation Number Percent

1 USA 224,457,000 85%

2 Brazil 139,000,000 93%

3 Mexico 86,120,000 99%

4 Russia 80,000,000 60%

5 China 70,000,000 5.7%

6 Germany 67,000,000 83%

7 Philippines 63,470,000 93%

8 United Kingdom 51,060,000 88%

9 Italy 47,690,000 90%

10 France 44,150,000 98%

11 Nigeria 38,180,000 45%

Christianity is the dominant religion in the “European” world