ChristianityChristianity

Unit 6Unit 6

IntroductionIntroduction

Worlds largest!Worlds largest! Approximately 1 in 3 people Approximately 1 in 3 people

consider themselves Christian.consider themselves Christian. Believe that Jesus is the son of Believe that Jesus is the son of

God and saviour of the world.God and saviour of the world. The majority of Canadians are The majority of Canadians are

Christian.Christian.

At the end of this unit At the end of this unit you should know……you should know…… Origin of Christian beliefs regarding creation, Origin of Christian beliefs regarding creation,

death, God and the afterlife.death, God and the afterlife. Influences in the development of ChristianityInfluences in the development of Christianity Important figures in the growth of Important figures in the growth of

ChristianityChristianity The development of Christian institutionsThe development of Christian institutions The origin and significance of Christian The origin and significance of Christian

practices, rituals and symbolspractices, rituals and symbols Evaluate the importance of such concepts as Evaluate the importance of such concepts as

revelation, resurrection and salvationrevelation, resurrection and salvation Origin, characteristics and significant Origin, characteristics and significant

passages of the New Testamentpassages of the New Testament

OriginsOrigins

Christianity originated in present day Israel, Christianity originated in present day Israel, approximately 2000 years ago.approximately 2000 years ago.

Sprang from Judaism and the promise of a Sprang from Judaism and the promise of a MessiahMessiah or saviour. or saviour.

Christians believe the Messiah was Jesus Christ, Christians believe the Messiah was Jesus Christ, who they also believe was the son of God.who they also believe was the son of God.

What we know of Jesus came mainly from What we know of Jesus came mainly from Christian followers, as well as Roman and Jewish Christian followers, as well as Roman and Jewish historians.historians.

The source of the most detailed information on The source of the most detailed information on the life of Jesus is the New Testament of the the life of Jesus is the New Testament of the Bible, specifically the first four books. These are Bible, specifically the first four books. These are known as the known as the GospelsGospels, or “good news” and were , or “good news” and were written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Early Life of JesusEarly Life of Jesus

The Roman empire had expanded into the region of The Roman empire had expanded into the region of present day Israel, then known as present day Israel, then known as Palestine.Palestine.

Scholars believe Jesus was born around 4 BCE, in the Scholars believe Jesus was born around 4 BCE, in the town of town of BethlehemBethlehem..

According to Christian scriptures, Jesus was conceived According to Christian scriptures, Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit in the womb of a virgin named Mary, by the Holy Spirit in the womb of a virgin named Mary, who was engaged to Joseph.who was engaged to Joseph.

He was born in the town of Bethlehem because Rome He was born in the town of Bethlehem because Rome had ordered a census and people were required to had ordered a census and people were required to return to the town of their birth to be recorded.return to the town of their birth to be recorded.

Because of this, the town was crowded and they could Because of this, the town was crowded and they could not find a place to stay, taking shelter in a stable.not find a place to stay, taking shelter in a stable.

Here, Mary gave birth to Jesus, which was then Here, Mary gave birth to Jesus, which was then announced by angels to local shepherds, who spread announced by angels to local shepherds, who spread the news of Jesus’ birth.the news of Jesus’ birth.

According to Matthew’s gospel, three wise According to Matthew’s gospel, three wise men from the east followed a star that led men from the east followed a star that led them to the sire where Jesus was born. them to the sire where Jesus was born. They had gifts of gold, incense and myrrh.They had gifts of gold, incense and myrrh.

Jesus, Mary and Joseph then fled to Egypt Jesus, Mary and Joseph then fled to Egypt to escape the decree by King Herold that to escape the decree by King Herold that all new born male children were to be all new born male children were to be killed.killed.

After that they settled in Nazareth ( Jesus After that they settled in Nazareth ( Jesus is often referred to as the Nazarene) a is often referred to as the Nazarene) a town in Galilee, located in northern Israel.town in Galilee, located in northern Israel.

Little is known about his early life and the Little is known about his early life and the story continues when Jesus began his story continues when Jesus began his three year mission.three year mission.

John the Baptist was to prepare the John the Baptist was to prepare the way for Jesus. He immersed his way for Jesus. He immersed his followers in the river Jordan, a ritual followers in the river Jordan, a ritual baptism that washed away their sins.baptism that washed away their sins.

When Jesus came to the river, John When Jesus came to the river, John realized who he was and said you realized who he was and said you should be baptizing me. After John should be baptizing me. After John baptized Jesus, the baptized Jesus, the Holy SpiritHoly Spirit (in the (in the form of a dove), the life-giving form of a dove), the life-giving presence of God, came to Jesus and presence of God, came to Jesus and said: said:

"You are my beloved Son, in whom I "You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased". The dove and the am well pleased". The dove and the voice of God were a sign to John that voice of God were a sign to John that Jesus was the Messiah who had been Jesus was the Messiah who had been promised. promised.

Jesus’ MinistryJesus’ Ministry Jesus was about 30 years old when he started to Jesus was about 30 years old when he started to

preach in the synagogues. His message challenged preach in the synagogues. His message challenged accepted views and he was not popular with the accepted views and he was not popular with the Jewish authority.Jewish authority.

He gathered around him a group of He gathered around him a group of disciplesdisciples or or spiritual apprentices, 12 men who traveled with spiritual apprentices, 12 men who traveled with him.him.

He spoke to crowds, small and large, and preached He spoke to crowds, small and large, and preached the golden rule. He forgave even the most sinful the golden rule. He forgave even the most sinful and despised members of society.and despised members of society.

The Gospels describe spectacular works, called The Gospels describe spectacular works, called miraclesmiracles, Jesus did during his ministry. (Canaan , Jesus did during his ministry. (Canaan wedding, the loaves and the fishes, Lazarus)wedding, the loaves and the fishes, Lazarus)

He also was known for telling stories, called He also was known for telling stories, called parablesparables, moral stories drawn from situations in , moral stories drawn from situations in life. He used them to emphasize values and teach life. He used them to emphasize values and teach lessons.lessons.

The Arrest of JesusThe Arrest of Jesus During his ministry, Jesus made enemies.During his ministry, Jesus made enemies. The The PhariseesPharisees, a Jewish sect who followed strict rules of , a Jewish sect who followed strict rules of

dietary and ritual purity, found his teachings heretical.dietary and ritual purity, found his teachings heretical. The The Jewish SanhedrinJewish Sanhedrin, the governing council under Roman , the governing council under Roman

rule, feared the Romans might accuse them of not rule, feared the Romans might accuse them of not maintaining order.maintaining order.

Jesus was seen as the son of God, considered blasphemous Jesus was seen as the son of God, considered blasphemous by religious authorities.by religious authorities.

To celebrate passover, Jesus and his disciples met to share To celebrate passover, Jesus and his disciples met to share the passover meal, commonly known as the the passover meal, commonly known as the Last SupperLast Supper. . After the meal, Judas, one of the apostles, singled out Jesus After the meal, Judas, one of the apostles, singled out Jesus for the authorities by giving him a kiss.for the authorities by giving him a kiss.

He was arrested and charged with He was arrested and charged with blasphemyblasphemy, the showing , the showing of contempt for God by attributing god-like qualities to that of contempt for God by attributing god-like qualities to that which is not God.which is not God.

Because he did not deny that he was the Messiah, Jesus was Because he did not deny that he was the Messiah, Jesus was found guilty and turned over to found guilty and turned over to Pontius PilatePontius Pilate for sentencing. for sentencing.

Although he could not find Jesus at fault, he bowed to the Although he could not find Jesus at fault, he bowed to the demands of the crowd and sentenced Jesus to be crucified.demands of the crowd and sentenced Jesus to be crucified.

The Church of the Holy The Church of the Holy SepulchreSepulchre

Perhaps the holiest structure in all Perhaps the holiest structure in all of Christianity!of Christianity!

Located in Jerusalem, it was built Located in Jerusalem, it was built on the site of Jesus’ crucifixion. on the site of Jesus’ crucifixion.

Death and Death and ResurrectionResurrection

Jesus was taken to the “place of the skull” where Jesus was taken to the “place of the skull” where he was crucified, or nailed to the cross.he was crucified, or nailed to the cross.

This event is called the This event is called the CrucifixionCrucifixion, which , which Christians believe brought about the forgiveness Christians believe brought about the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life.of sins and the promise of eternal life.

After his death Jesus’ body was placed in a tomb After his death Jesus’ body was placed in a tomb cut from rock, with a large boulder rolled in front cut from rock, with a large boulder rolled in front of its entrance. Three days later Mary Magdalene of its entrance. Three days later Mary Magdalene and other female disciples went to anoint his and other female disciples went to anoint his body, only to discover the tomb was empty.body, only to discover the tomb was empty.

An angel appeared to them and told them that An angel appeared to them and told them that Jesus had risen from the dead. This is referred to Jesus had risen from the dead. This is referred to as the as the ResurrectionResurrection..

The Ascension and the The Ascension and the PentecostPentecost

Christians believe that forty days after Christians believe that forty days after the resurrection, Jesus ascended bodily the resurrection, Jesus ascended bodily into heaven, the into heaven, the AscensionAscension..

Fifty days after Easter comes the Fifty days after Easter comes the PentecostPentecost. During this event the . During this event the apostles were visited by the apostles were visited by the Holy SpiritHoly Spirit, , giving the apostles special gifts, giving the apostles special gifts, including the ability to speak different including the ability to speak different languages. It is often referred to as the languages. It is often referred to as the birthday of the church.birthday of the church.

Persecution of Persecution of ChristiansChristians

Early converts to Christianity were Greeks who Early converts to Christianity were Greeks who took the name Christians, from “Christos” took the name Christians, from “Christos” which is Greek for Messiah.which is Greek for Messiah.

Soon after Jesus’ death, an early missionary Soon after Jesus’ death, an early missionary named Paul (his name was originally Saul) named Paul (his name was originally Saul) actively spread Christianity in the eastern actively spread Christianity in the eastern Roman empire. He wrote letters called Roman empire. He wrote letters called EpistlesEpistles, instructing early Christians and , instructing early Christians and providing inspiration and guidance.providing inspiration and guidance.

What is ironic is that Paul was once a major What is ironic is that Paul was once a major persecutor of Christianity: then an amazing persecutor of Christianity: then an amazing event led to a dedication to his faith that event led to a dedication to his faith that makes him often referred to as the 13makes him often referred to as the 13thth apostle.apostle.

The Lord, seeing in him a "chosen vessel," called him to Apostolic service by miraculous means on the road to Damascus. During his journey, a bright light enveloped Saul, from which he fell to the ground blind. A voice resounded from the light, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?" Saul asked, "Who are you?" Jesus answered, "I am Jesus, Who you are persecuting." The Lord commanded Saul to go to Damascus, where he would be instructed on what to do further. Saul's companions heard the voice of Christ, but they did not see the light. After being led by the arm to Damascus, Paul was taught the faith and on the third day was baptized by Ananias. The moment Saul was submerged in the baptismal water, he regained his sight. From that point on, he became a zealous preacher of the teachings he had formerly persecuted. He went to Arabia for a short period and then returned to Damascus to preach about Christ.

As Rome’s power reached its height, a relatively As Rome’s power reached its height, a relatively peaceful period occurred, known as the peaceful period occurred, known as the Pax Pax RomanaRomana, during which Christianity grew , during which Christianity grew rapidly.rapidly.

However, sometimes emperors who opposed However, sometimes emperors who opposed the religion use Christians as scapegoats for the religion use Christians as scapegoats for Rome’s problems and they therefore were Rome’s problems and they therefore were persecuted.persecuted.

200 years later, the emperors Decius, Valerian 200 years later, the emperors Decius, Valerian and Diocletian destroyed churches, holy articles and Diocletian destroyed churches, holy articles and books, and of course, killed Christians.and books, and of course, killed Christians.

Christians killed for their faith were called Christians killed for their faith were called martyrsmartyrs, who were often dragged to the , who were often dragged to the Colosseum and mauled by wild animals in front Colosseum and mauled by wild animals in front of cheering crowds.of cheering crowds.

Christians worshipped in secret in underground Christians worshipped in secret in underground chambers where they buried their dead, called chambers where they buried their dead, called the the catacombscatacombs..

When Constantine became emperor he When Constantine became emperor he legalized Christianity and was the first of many legalized Christianity and was the first of many Christian rulers of the Roman empire.Christian rulers of the Roman empire.

Christian BeliefsChristian Beliefs

Council of NicaeaCouncil of Nicaea – an important council of 300 early – an important council of 300 early Christian leaders. It produced the Christian leaders. It produced the Nicene CreedNicene Creed, a statement , a statement of beliefs universally accepted by Christians.of beliefs universally accepted by Christians.

CreationCreation – God created the whole universe. – God created the whole universe. The Holy TrinityThe Holy Trinity – Christians believe in God the father, Jesus – Christians believe in God the father, Jesus

his son and the holy spirit, together they make up the holy his son and the holy spirit, together they make up the holy trinity. trinity.

The Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit – The life-giving presence of God. Christians – The life-giving presence of God. Christians believe that the holy spirit enters into believers, just like the believe that the holy spirit enters into believers, just like the Apostles experienced at Pentecost.Apostles experienced at Pentecost.

Salvation and Eternal lifeSalvation and Eternal life – Jesus’ mission on earth was to – Jesus’ mission on earth was to bridge the gap between humanity and God, to bring about the bridge the gap between humanity and God, to bring about the forgiveness of sins and to open the way to eternal life. So, he forgiveness of sins and to open the way to eternal life. So, he came to give humans a chance to be “saved” and attain came to give humans a chance to be “saved” and attain eternal life in heaven after death.eternal life in heaven after death.

Last JudgmentLast Judgment – The belief that Jesus will return to judge the – The belief that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead to determine which humans will join him, living and the dead to determine which humans will join him, body and soul, in heaven. Those who live their lives as Jesus body and soul, in heaven. Those who live their lives as Jesus taught would be awarded with heaven…those who did not, taught would be awarded with heaven…those who did not, punished with eternal suffering in hell.punished with eternal suffering in hell.

Important SymbolsImportant Symbols

Holy CommunionHoly Communion – representation of Jesus’ – representation of Jesus’ body and blood (bread and wine) that is shared body and blood (bread and wine) that is shared with the congregation. Represents the last with the congregation. Represents the last supper.supper.

RosaryRosary – small chain or string that holds a cross – small chain or string that holds a cross and beads that are arranged in five “decades” or and beads that are arranged in five “decades” or groups of ten. Each decade begins with the groups of ten. Each decade begins with the Lord’s prayer, followed by a Hail Mary for each Lord’s prayer, followed by a Hail Mary for each bead.bead.

The CrossThe Cross – most recognizable Christian – most recognizable Christian symbol, it represents Jesus’ crucifixion.symbol, it represents Jesus’ crucifixion.

The FishThe Fish – Symbol of the spreading of the – Symbol of the spreading of the Gospels. It comes from when Jesus said “follow Gospels. It comes from when Jesus said “follow me and I will make you fishers of men.”me and I will make you fishers of men.”

FestivalsFestivals

ChristmasChristmas – celebration of the birth of Jesus. – celebration of the birth of Jesus. LentLent – The forty days before Easter, it – The forty days before Easter, it

represents the forty days Jesus spent in the represents the forty days Jesus spent in the desert. Traditionally it is a time of fasting. desert. Traditionally it is a time of fasting. Begins on Begins on Ash WednesdayAsh Wednesday, where , where Christians are marked with ashes on their Christians are marked with ashes on their foreheads to remind them of their mortality.foreheads to remind them of their mortality.

EasterEaster – Begins with – Begins with Palm SundayPalm Sunday, the day , the day Jesus first entered Jerusalem, Jesus first entered Jerusalem, Holy ThursdayHoly Thursday which marks the day of the which marks the day of the Last Supper, Last Supper, Good Friday Good Friday which marks the day of Jesus’ which marks the day of Jesus’ arrest and crucifixion andarrest and crucifixion and Easter Sunday Easter Sunday, , which celebrates Jesus’ resurrection.which celebrates Jesus’ resurrection.

Sacred WritingsSacred Writings

The Bible; Old and New The Bible; Old and New testaments.testaments.

The New Testament tells the story The New Testament tells the story of Jesus and includes the four of Jesus and includes the four GospelsGospels, the , the Acts of the Acts of the ApostlesApostles, the , the EpistlesEpistles and the and the Book of RevelationBook of Revelation..

The GospelsThe Gospels

MarkMark – oldest, written about 70 CE. It is also – oldest, written about 70 CE. It is also the shortest, but it forms the core of Matthew the shortest, but it forms the core of Matthew and Luke’s Gospels, which were written later. and Luke’s Gospels, which were written later. The three are considered the The three are considered the Synoptic Synoptic GospelsGospels because of their shared perspective. because of their shared perspective.

MatthewMatthew – written about 80 CE. , Matthew was – written about 80 CE. , Matthew was one of the 12 apostles. (the tax collector) It is one of the 12 apostles. (the tax collector) It is the longest of the Gospels and is set apart from the longest of the Gospels and is set apart from the others because it tries to connect Jesus the others because it tries to connect Jesus with the old Testament and it provides great with the old Testament and it provides great detail about the teachings of Jesus.detail about the teachings of Jesus.

LukeLuke – written between 80 and 90 CE., – written between 80 and 90 CE., it is very close to Matthew’s Gospel, so it is very close to Matthew’s Gospel, so much that scholars believe Luke much that scholars believe Luke borrowed from Matthew. Highlights the borrowed from Matthew. Highlights the message of healing and provides most message of healing and provides most of the details of Christ’s early life.of the details of Christ’s early life.

JohnJohn – one of the 12 apostles; written – one of the 12 apostles; written about 100 CE. Most likely written by about 100 CE. Most likely written by followers of John rather than John followers of John rather than John himself. More theological than the other himself. More theological than the other gospels, it provides metaphors such as gospels, it provides metaphors such as “the lamb of God”. It also gives us the “the lamb of God”. It also gives us the 1111thth commandment to “love one commandment to “love one another”. another”.

Mark, Luke and Matthew’s gospels are Mark, Luke and Matthew’s gospels are called the called the Synoptic gospelsSynoptic gospels, because , because they are so similar. John’s Gospel is they are so similar. John’s Gospel is more theological than biographic.more theological than biographic.

The Acts of the The Acts of the ApostlesApostles

Written by Luke, it outlines the Written by Luke, it outlines the beginnings of the Church and beginnings of the Church and describes the work of Peter and describes the work of Peter and Paul in spreading the Christian Paul in spreading the Christian faith.faith.

It highlights the importance of the It highlights the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding early Holy Spirit in guiding early leaders of the Church.leaders of the Church.

The EpistlesThe Epistles

Mostly written by Paul, there were also Mostly written by Paul, there were also three from John and some from other three from John and some from other early church leaders. They are letters early church leaders. They are letters written to early Christian communities to written to early Christian communities to provide guidance and encouragement.provide guidance and encouragement.

Paul’s are the earliest and were written Paul’s are the earliest and were written from 50 to 60 CE. They are used as from 50 to 60 CE. They are used as readings during Christian services and readings during Christian services and ceremonies.ceremonies.

The Book of RevelationThe Book of Revelation

Last book of the New testament, it was Last book of the New testament, it was written about 95 CE by a persecuted written about 95 CE by a persecuted Christian named John, not necessarily the Christian named John, not necessarily the apostle.apostle.

It is an example of apocalyptic literature, It is an example of apocalyptic literature, describing in symbolic and visionary describing in symbolic and visionary terms, the destruction of Christian terms, the destruction of Christian enemies.enemies.

It also foretells judgment day or the It also foretells judgment day or the apocalypse. apocalypse.

"18: This calls for wisdom: let him who has understanding reckon the number of the beast, for it is a the name of a human person, its number is six hundred and sixty-six".

The Eastern SchismThe Eastern Schism Christianity split into two branches, the Eastern Christianity split into two branches, the Eastern

orthodox, centered on the universal patriarch in orthodox, centered on the universal patriarch in Constantinople, and the Western Church, focused Constantinople, and the Western Church, focused on the pope in Rome.on the pope in Rome.

Part of the problem was the power of the Pope, Part of the problem was the power of the Pope, who claimed authority over the whole church. who claimed authority over the whole church. Another issue was the Another issue was the filioque clausefilioque clause, where the , where the pope added the “and the son” to this statement “ pope added the “and the son” to this statement “ and we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and and we believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and giver of life, who proceeds from the father”giver of life, who proceeds from the father”

The western Church believed that the Holy Spirit The western Church believed that the Holy Spirit was sent by both the father and the son, the was sent by both the father and the son, the eastern Church believed the Holy spirit came only eastern Church believed the Holy spirit came only from God the father.from God the father.

In 1054 CE, the pope in Rome and the Patriarch in In 1054 CE, the pope in Rome and the Patriarch in Constantinople, Constantinople, excommunicatedexcommunicated each other’s each other’s senior Church officials, thus splitting the Church in senior Church officials, thus splitting the Church in two.two.

The Roman Catholic The Roman Catholic ChurchChurch

Centered in Rome, Centered in Rome, Vatican CityVatican City, with , with the Pope as its leader.the Pope as its leader.

“ “ Thou art Peter and upon this rock I Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my church.”will build my church.”

Papal InfallibilityPapal Infallibility – the Pope’s – the Pope’s teachings relating to faith and morals teachings relating to faith and morals are protected from error by God.are protected from error by God.

The Vatican is considered a state, the The Vatican is considered a state, the smallest in both size (108 acres) and smallest in both size (108 acres) and population (900).population (900).

The Protestant The Protestant ReformationReformation

In 1517 CE, a German monk named Martin Luther In 1517 CE, a German monk named Martin Luther caused a dramatic change in Christianity.caused a dramatic change in Christianity.

Called the Called the Protestant ReformationProtestant Reformation, it was the , it was the reformation of the western Church, protesting against reformation of the western Church, protesting against the corruption that was infecting the Church.the corruption that was infecting the Church.

Martin nailed 95 theses or arguments against the Martin nailed 95 theses or arguments against the Church to the Cathedral door, trying to start a debate, Church to the Cathedral door, trying to start a debate, but instead, inspiring a revolution. but instead, inspiring a revolution.

New Christian Churches developed, that were New Christian Churches developed, that were referred to as protestant because they were referred to as protestant because they were protesting against the Roman Church.protesting against the Roman Church.

Some of the new Churches that developed include the Some of the new Churches that developed include the Lutheran Church (the first), The Calvinists, Lutheran Church (the first), The Calvinists, Presbyterian, Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, The Presbyterian, Anglican, Baptist, Methodist, The Mormons and the Jehovah’s Witnesses.Mormons and the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Christianity in CanadaChristianity in Canada

Christianity is the most widely held faith in Christianity is the most widely held faith in Canada.Canada.

Many Canadian cities have beautiful churches Many Canadian cities have beautiful churches which attract tourists and Christians alike.which attract tourists and Christians alike.

Our educational system includes publicly Our educational system includes publicly funded Catholic school systems .funded Catholic school systems .

Many cities, towns and streets in Canada have Many cities, towns and streets in Canada have names associated with Christianity. names associated with Christianity.

Many of our holidays are Christian in origin Many of our holidays are Christian in origin including Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving. including Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving.