CHRISTIANITY
description
Transcript of CHRISTIANITY
• Largest Religion in World – over 2 Billion followers
• Based on teachings of JESUS CHRIST• One God – Monotheism• Christians regard Jesus as Son of God• House of worship – Church• Services conducted by Priest/Pastor
CHRISTIANITY
• Holy Book of Christians – BIBLE• 2 major parts: Old Testament {Hebrew
Scriptures} New Testament {teachings of Jesus’ disciples}
BIBLE
• 6 – 4 B.C. Born in BETHLEHEM• Age of 30 – began preaching, reportedly
performed miracles• Main source of info – GOSPELS – writings of
Jesus’disciples the APOSTLES• Many believed he was the MESSIAH (savior)
JESUS CHRIST
The 12 Apostles
PETERANDREWJAMES {son of Zebedee}JOHNPHILLIPBARTHOLOMEWTHOMASMATTHEWJAMES{son of Alphaeus}THADDAEUSSIMONJUDAS
• Viewed as a threat by Jewish leaders – betrayed by Judas – Jesus is arrested – then turned over to the Roman Prefect (Governor) in Judaea – PONTIUS PILATE
• Pilate serves as Judge – finds Jesus innocent but lets crowd determine Jesus’ fate - he then sentenced Jesus to death by
CRUCIFIXION {nailed to a wooden cross left to die}
JESUS CHRIST
• CHRISTOS is a GREEK word meaning “savior”• Jesus’ followers become known as
“Christians”• By the 3rd century A.D. millions in Roman
Empire
CHRIST
• Embraced ALL People {men/women, young/old, rich/poor…}• Gave Hope to the Powerless• Offered a Personal Relationship with God• Promised Eternal Life After Death
WHY DID CHRISTIANITY GROW?
• Romans – Polytheistic – persecuted Christians for refusing to WORSHIP Roman Gods
• Crucified, Burned• Used for entertainment – killed by Wild Animals
in Arenas
Romans/Christianity
• 313 A.D. Roman Emperor CONSTANTINE ends Persecution of Christians
• 380 A.D. Roman Emperor THEODOSIUS made Christianity the Official Religion of Roman Empire
Roman Emperors
CONSTANTINE
THEODOSIUS