Christianity
Introduction 1/3 of world s population are Christians. Originated 2000 years ago in Israel. Exists in a variety of forms (Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, etc.) Offers satisfying life on earth and hope for eternal life in heaven.
Origins Through Jewish prophets, God promised to send Messiah, saviour. Christians believe the Messiah was Jesus Christ (son of God). Information about Jesus comes from followers who recorded the details of his life after his death. Specifically in the New Testament of the Bible in the Gospels of (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John).
Early Life of Jesus Caesar Augustus (31 BCE 14 CE) ruled Roman Empire.
Early Life of Jesus Expanded into region of present-day Israel, then known as Palestine. Biblical scholars believe Jesus was born in 4 BCE in Bethlehem. Conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit. Born of the virgin Mary. Betrothed to Joseph.
Early Life of Jesus Augustus ordered a census of Roman empire. Required people to travel back to town they were born. Joseph born in Bethlehem. No shelter when they arrived, so they stayed in a stable. Mary gave birth to Jesus and placed him in a manger.
Early Life of Jesus Angel appeared to shepherds and announced the birth of Jesus. Shepherds spread the news of Jesus birth. Followed the star to worship him. Different versions of Jesus birth in Matthew and Luke.
Early Life of Jesus Little is known about Jesus early life. His family settled in Nazareth in Galilee. Son of a carpenter and probably lacked formal education.
Baptism of Jesus John the Baptist (prophet) immersed followers in Jordan River to wash away their sins. After John baptizes Jesus, the Holy Spirit, came to Jesus.
Jesus Ministry Jesus retreated to the desert for 40 days. Fasted and was tempted by the devil. Occurred around the age of 30.
Jesus Ministry Matthew 4:1-11 (Jesus Is Tested in the Wilderness ) Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted [a] by the devil. 2 After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. 3 The tempter came to him and said, If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread. 4 Jesus answered, It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God. [b] 5 Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 If you are the Son of God, he said, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. [c] 7 Jesus answered him, It is also written: Do not put the Lord your God to the test. [d] 8 Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. 9 All this I will give you, he said, if you will bow down and worship me. 10 Jesus said to him, Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only. [e] 11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.
Jesus Ministry He returned to Galilee and preached in synagogues. Challenged accepted Jewish views. Jesus gathered disciples. He urged people to love their neighbours and enemies alike. Forgive wrongs of others.
Jesus Ministry Gospels describe miracles of Jesus. Example: Jesus changed water into wine at wedding feast. Multiplied fish and loaves of bread. Healed faithful of leprosy, blindness, and other ailments. Spoke in parables, emphasized
Arrest of Jesus Jesus enemies grew as he preached against traditional rules. Specifically, the Pharisees, who followed strict dietary rules. Romans worried that Jesus influence would continue to grow and contradict authorities. During Passover, Jesus entered Jerusalem and welcomed with palm branches.
Arrest of Jesus Jesus shared his last meal with 12 apostles (closest disciples). Known as the Last Supper.
Arrest of Jesus He was arrested after supper, led by Judas, an apostle who betrayed Jesus. Charged with blasphemy. Found guilty because he would not deny he was the son of God. Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, ordered Jesus to be crucified. Method of execution favoured by Romans as a warning.
Death and Resurrection Roman soldiers made Jesus carry his own cross to the Place of the Skull. Nailed Jesus to the cross with the sign: This Is the King of the Jews. Died in the afternoon. Known as the Crucifixion. Christians believe this even brought forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life.
Death and Resurrection Jesus body was placed in a tomb. Three days after his death, Mary Magdalene (disciple of Jesus) went to anoint Jesus body with spices. Discovered his body was gone! An angel appeared to the women and several followers and told of Jesus resurrection.
Ascension of Jesus Resurrected Jesus visited apostles. Commissioned them to baptize all nations and spread teachings. The 40 days after the Resurrection, Jesus ascended bodily to heaven. Celebration of Easter.
Pentecost Christians believe the Holy Spirit came on the feast of Pentecost, fifty days after Easter. Holy Spirit empowered apostles with various gifts and abilities (could speak different languages). Pentecost = birthday of the Church.
Early Christians Converts to apostles message were Greeks. Paul (early missionary) carried Christianity east through Cyprus, Asia Minor, Macedonia, Greece. Later named a saint. Roman Empire was typically accepting and tolerant of various religious and cultural differences
Early Christians Emperors who opposed the new religion began persecuting Christians. Nero, set fire to Rome in 64 AD, blamed Christians. Crucified first pope, Peter, upside down.
Early Christians Christianity continued to flourish.
Early Christians Emperor Diocletian, 300 CE, ordered destruction of churches, holy articles, books. Christian martyrs, people who died for their faith, were dragged to Colosseum and killed.
Early Christians Christians were forced to worship in secret in underground catacombs (chambers where they buried their dead).
Early Christians Constantine, 330 CE, moved capital to Byzantium (Turkey). Legalized Christianity.