Christianity World History - LHS
Christianity
World History - LHS
Historical Jesus Religion centered on life,
teachings of Jesus– Called “The Christ”, which
means “Annointed One”– Jesus was a Jewish rabbi
born around 4 AD
His ministry (teachings) lasted about 3 years– Traveled, spoke to crowds– Performed miracles,
including healing sick– Taught in parables (like
Confucius)
Historical Jesus Claimed to speak as a prophet, with
the authority of Yahweh (angered people)
Arrested, handed over to the Romans as a revolutionary (“King of the Jews”)
Crucifixion was cause of death of Jesus (punishment for common criminal)
Resurrection: 3 days post crucifix. = tomb empty! (appearances)
Christians believed he continued to teach until he ascended to Heaven
Christianity: The Early Years “Christianity ” started as a
Jewish sect; it remained limited to Hebrews until about 100 AD, when the Church became open to gentiles (non-Jews)
Early Christians were willing to die for three beliefs– Jesus = son of God– Death & Resurrection– God’s love is infinite
Roman Persecution Emperor Nero (64-68
AD) blamed Roman fire on Christians & was first emperor to persecute
– Systematic murder, crucifixion, of Christians
Other Emperors prohibited citizens from converting to Christianity
Adoption of Christianity by Rome
In 313 AD, Emperor Constantine announced toleration of Christianity
Christianity spread quickly, from its scattered beginnings to the entire Roman Empire
From Dark Blue = 325 AD
To Light Blue = 600 AD
Types of Christians Today
Roman Catholics – most common “Christian” (1.1 billion)– Pope traces lineage to
apostle Peter– Based in Rome
Eastern Orthodox (Greek / Russian) (233 million)– Leader was ER Emperor– Later, became patriarch of
Constantinople
Types of Christians Protestants disagreed
with Catholic Church over abuses & corruption; broke away after 1520 (381 million)– Lutherans– Calvinism– Anglican– Baptists – Evangelicals– Quakers– Non-denominational
Beliefs of Christianity
Monotheistic Faith– Catholics believe that God
is 3 aspects in 1 Father Son Holy Spirit
– Protestants = less or no Holy Spirit
– Other Christians = more about “son” and less about Father or Spirit
Catholic Interpretation of Trinity
Beliefs of Christianity Jesus as son of God (savior
of mankind) Jesus’ teachings as guide for
people to live their lives– Most important: God’s love is
infinite– Second most imp: People
should love their neighbor
Belief in (actual) Resurrection (symbol – eternal life)
Belief in prayer– All Christians pray to God– Catholics & O.C = Saints
Shroud of Turin
Beliefs of Christians
Church is God’s Body on Earth, but man is flawed; therefore sin is possible among priests
Baptism required as commitment to Christian faith (infants / adults)
Eucharist – ritual of last supper of Jesus, disciples (transubstantiation – big disagreement!)