Christianity

General Background

Christianity began approximately 2000 years ago with the life and death of Jesus. Jesus lived in Roman-occupied Palestine and lived as a Jew. He was considered the literal son of God, born of a virgin woman named Mary. He was crucified around age 33 after a three-year ministry in which he taught his gospel. Christians believe that he was then raised from the dead three days later, enabling the redemption and resurrection of all followers.

Modern Understandings

There are many different branches of Christianity. This has become a world-wide religion after being spread throughout the Mediterranean region and the rest of the world by Jesus' followers and their missionary efforts. European colonialism spread Christianity throughout the second millennium.

The life and teachings of Jesus that create the basic tenants of Christianity are recorded in the Holy Bible, considered a sacred text by Christians.

Some scholars consider there to be three major groupings of Christianity: the Catholic Church, the Orthodox Christian Church, and the Protestant movements. However, church groups can vary so widely that these are somewhat limiting.

How do current believers worship?

While traditions vary, most Christians tend to worship in designated churches on Sundays. There, a sermon about the teachings of Christ is preached, hymns are sung, and congregants may be led in partaking of a ceremony sometimes known as the sacrament or the eucharist. Christians eat a piece of bread representing the body of Christ and drink water or wine to represent the blood of Christ. This is a ceremony representing the sacrifice Jesus made to provide salvation to the world and is a replica of the passover supper that Jesus had with his disciples just before his death.

Outside of church buildings, Christians are expected to engage in charitable service, teach others about the message of Christ, pray privately, and study the Bible.

This again varies, but generally there are two major holidays in the Christian religion: Christmas and Easter. Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus and is celebrated with retellings of the birth story and gift giving. Easter is the celebration of Jesus' resurrection and takes place in the spring.