CHRISTIANITY
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The Central Teachings of Christianity
Christianity began in Southwest Asia in ancient times, when the ancient Romans ruled an area at the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. The Romans called this territory Judea. According to the New Testament of the Christian Bible, Jesus, the founder of Christianity, was a Jew who was born in this region. No one knows exactly when Jesus was born. But after careful study, historians now believe that he was born in about 6 B.C.E. From Southwest Asia, Christianity spread across Europe. From there, Christian missionaries carried their faith around the world. Today, Christianity is the most widespread of the world's major faiths. Christian churches are found in most parts of the globe. With two billion followers, Christianity is the largest religion, as well. About a third of the world's people call themselves Christians. Christians continue to live in Southwest Asia today. Christianity is not the major religion in the region, however. Most people in Southwest Asia follow Islam. Please go to Introduction to Christianity in your Edpuzzle account.
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Christianity is a diverse religion. One scholar has counted over thirty thousand separate Christian denominations, or religious groups, worldwide. Each group has its own views on how the faith should be practiced. Some denominations are quite small. Others have many millions of members. Southwest Asia is home to some of the world's oldest Christian denominations. Most Christians today, including those in Southwest Asia, accept a set of central beliefs about God and his relationship with humankind. Let's examine some of these basic Christian beliefs, including the Holy Trinity, the Resurrection, and Salvation.
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The Resurrection and Salvation
The Christian Bible includes the Gospels, accounts of the life and teachings of Jesus. According to the Gospels, Jesus went to Jerusalem for the Jewish festival of Passover. The city's Roman rulers feared that Jesus might lead a revolt. They decided to execute him. In Roman times, a common form of execution was to be crucified, or tied or nailed to cross until dead. The cross became a lasting symbol of Christianity. Christians believe that, after his execution and burial, Jesus rose from the dead and appeared to his disciples before joining his father in heaven. To Christians, this is a miracle known as the Resurrection. Christians believe that they, too, can look forward to life after death. After the end of this life, each person faces God's judgment. God decides who should be saved from sin and evil to enjoy eternal life in heaven, according to their beliefs. The belief that God can save people from sin and grant them everlasting life is known as salvation. Christians believe that salvation is a gift from God. This gift is open to all who have faith in Jesus and repent, or ask God to forgive their sins. |
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Christian Sacraments
In Southwest Asia and wherever Christians live, sacred rituals called sacraments shape Christian lives. Let's learn about two of the most widely practiced sacraments. Baptism The sacrament of baptism involves the use of water to mark a person's entry into the Christian Church. Christians see baptism as central to their identity as members of the Christian community. The New Testament tells how Jesus himself was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist before he began his preaching. For Christians in Southwest Asia, the Jordan River is a traditional site for baptism. Holy Communion The sacrament of Holy Communion, known as the Eucharist, is central to Christian worship. The New Testament says that Jesus began this sacrament at the Last Supper—Jesus's last meal with his followers before the Romans arrested him. He gave bread to his disciples, saying, "This is my body." He poured them wine, saying, This is my blood." He told them to practice this sacrament in remembrance of him. Almost all Christian churches celebrate Holy Communion in some way. Generally, this involves sharing bread and wine or grape juice that has been specially blessed. Christians differ in their vision of Holy Communion and its practices. |
Holy CommunionPlease go to Communion your Edpuzzle account.
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Christian Places of Worship
Christian places of worship are called churches. For most Christians, going to church and worshiping with others is an important part of Christian life. Some Christians in Southwest Asia attend church regularly, while others do not. When Christians refer to "the church," they sometimes have in mind the world community of Christians. It can also mean a specific group of Christian believers. Such a group can gather anywhere—outdoors, at home, or in a building.
Churches Churches range in size from simple buildings to vast cathedrals. But almost all display a cross, the universal symbol of Christianity. One of the most important churches in Southwest Asia is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (SEP-uhl-ker) in Jerusalem, Israel. A sepulchre is a burial place. According to Christian belief, the church was built on the site where Jesus was crucified.
Sunday Services Most churches hold their worship services on Sunday. That is the day Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead. Christians worship in many different ways. But most Sunday services combine hymns and readings from the Bible. Hymns are songs of praise to God. Some churches celebrate Holy Communion every Sunday. Others do so only once or twice a year. Many services also include a sermon given by the church leader, such as a priest or a minister. A sermon is a speech intended for religious instruction. Prayer is a part of every worship service. People may read or say them aloud. Or worshipers may pray in silence. Christian worship services also include a profession, or declaration, of faith. The most widely accepted profession of faith among Christian churches is the Nicene Creed. Christians recite this creed to show their belief in the Trinity, the Resurrection of Jesus, and salvation.
Christian places of worship are called churches. For most Christians, going to church and worshiping with others is an important part of Christian life. Some Christians in Southwest Asia attend church regularly, while others do not. When Christians refer to "the church," they sometimes have in mind the world community of Christians. It can also mean a specific group of Christian believers. Such a group can gather anywhere—outdoors, at home, or in a building.
Churches Churches range in size from simple buildings to vast cathedrals. But almost all display a cross, the universal symbol of Christianity. One of the most important churches in Southwest Asia is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (SEP-uhl-ker) in Jerusalem, Israel. A sepulchre is a burial place. According to Christian belief, the church was built on the site where Jesus was crucified.
Sunday Services Most churches hold their worship services on Sunday. That is the day Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead. Christians worship in many different ways. But most Sunday services combine hymns and readings from the Bible. Hymns are songs of praise to God. Some churches celebrate Holy Communion every Sunday. Others do so only once or twice a year. Many services also include a sermon given by the church leader, such as a priest or a minister. A sermon is a speech intended for religious instruction. Prayer is a part of every worship service. People may read or say them aloud. Or worshipers may pray in silence. Christian worship services also include a profession, or declaration, of faith. The most widely accepted profession of faith among Christian churches is the Nicene Creed. Christians recite this creed to show their belief in the Trinity, the Resurrection of Jesus, and salvation.
Below are pictures of Vatican City where the Pope Frances lives. He is a major figure in the the Catholic faith.
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Christian Holidays
For Christians in Southwest Asia and everywhere, Christmas and Easter are the most widely celebrated holidays. But over the centuries, Christians have found other people and events to celebrate, as well.
For Christians in Southwest Asia and everywhere, Christmas and Easter are the most widely celebrated holidays. But over the centuries, Christians have found other people and events to celebrate, as well.
Please go to the Google Doc for links to information on Christian holidays and symbols.
