What Is Christianity

1
What Is Christianity?

• A Review

2
Introduction

• Christianity is a major world religion,
• AWestern religion (w/ Judaism Islam)
• The largest world religion today (ca. 2 billion)
• It is based on belief that Jesus of Nazareth is
  the Christ ( Messiah) the Son of God.
• Like most other major world religions,
  Christianity has several core aspects
• I) History Development
• II) Core Beliefs Practices
• III) Structures Regulations

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I-A History

• Historical BackgroundAbraham, Israelites,
  Hebrews, Jews, OT
• Historical FoundationJesus of Nazareth
  (crucified ca. AD 30) his first
  disciples/apostles
• Historical DevelopmentTradition
  preserved/adapted 2000 years (interplay of both
  old new, ancient modern)

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I-B Branches Subdivisions

• Major Christian Branches(Eastern) Orthodox,
  (Roman) Catholic, Anglican, Protestant,, etc.
• Orthodox, Anglicans, ProtestantsO by nation
  language Greek, RussianA by nations esp.
  former British coloniesP by leaders/theologies
  Lutheran, Reformed
• Groups within Catholicismreligious orders
  societies (monastic,, apostolic, etc.), lay groups

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I-C Demographics

• Number of Christians World-wide 2 billion in
  2000 33 of world population
• Subdivisions1 bill. Catholics 500 mill.
  Protestant/Anglican 250 mill. Orthodox 250
  mill. Other
• of Populations48 Africa 85 N. America
  93 S. America 9 Asia 76 Europe 85
  Oceania 

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II-A Foundational Texts

• The Bibleofficial collection of books, in two
  parts both Old Testament New Testament
• The Creedsshort professions of faith, defined
  by first two Ecumenical Councils Nicea
  Constantinople
• Other Writingswritings of Church leaders
  throughout history,esp. founders of orders
  denominations

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II-B Core Theological Beliefs (Dogmas
Doctrines)

• One God in Three Persons (Trinity) Father /
  Almighty / CreatorSon / Jesus / Christ / Savior
  / LordHoly Spirit / Giver of Life /
• World Humanscreated by God, in Gods image,
  with free will originally good, but corrupted
  by sin/death
• Church, Salvation, Eschatology community of
  believers body of Christ resurrection of the
  body eternal life

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II-C Core Ethical Teachings
(Commandments Precepts)

• Foundational Principlesdo good avoid evil
  love God, others, selfdevelop an informed
  conscience
• Social Ethicsdignity of each person common
  good care of the poor/needy work,
  participation, property

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II-D Religious Practices

• Calendar, Feasts, FestivalsAdvent
  Christmas Lent Easter saints days local
  universal festivals
• Public / Communal Worshipofficial liturgies,
  rites, rituals, Sacraments, esp. Baptism
  Eucharist Sunday worship
• Private / Individual Spiritualityprayer,
  devotions, pilgrimages, asceticism,retreats,
  spiritual practices, etc.

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III-A Church Organization

• Churches Denominationshistorical divisions
  but also reunifications mergers
• Structures with each Churchindiv.
  parishes/congregations, local dioceses, national
  conferences, international associations
• Leaders within each Churchbishops (incl. Pope,
  cardinals), priests, deacons, lay ministers
  pastors, elders, etc.

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III-B Internal Regulations

• MembershipWho can join? What is the process?
  (evangelization catechesis initiation)
• LeadershipHow are leaders chosen? Who is
  eligible?
• DisciplineWhat are members leaders
  obligations?Sanctions and punishments? (Canon
  Law)

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III-C External Relations

• Ecumenical Relationsdialogues between Christian
  denominationsbilateral international groups
  (WCC)
• Inter-religious Relationsdialogues with other
  major world religionsesp. with Judaism Islam
  (historically close)
• Church/State Relationscooperation or tensions
  with political, social, economic, and other
  secular institutions?