Christianity 101

TL;DR: Christianity began in the 1st century AD and is based on the teachings and lifestyle of Jesus of Nazareth, a Jew, as told expressly through Gospels, letters, and parables in the Bible. It didn’t become the official religion of the Roman empire until 313 AD.

Christianity is now the largest religion around the globe with nearly 40% of followers residing in the United States.

Texts

Did you know the word Christian is only mentioned 3 times in the New Testaments while the word Jew is mentioned 202 times with 82 in the Gospel? The difference between the Old and New Testament is that the Old Testament contains the sacred scriptures of the Jewish faith while the New Testament draws upon the fulfillment of the prophecies. Together, the Old and New Testament make up the Bible.

Beliefs

Some of the main tenets of Christianity include believing Jesus died and rose from the dead for your sins; and showing forgiveness, kindness, and generosity to others, especially the less fortunate.

Holidays

While Christmas, which celebrates the birth of Jesus, is huge in the United States, Easter is actually considered more highly as it is believed to recognize Jesus’ resurrection from death, after taking punishment on the cross for the sins of all humankind.

Symbols

The principal symbol of the Christian religion recalls the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the redeeming benefits of his Passion and death. The cross is thus a sign both of Christ himself and of the faith of Christians.

Worship
Christians worship Jesus at churches on Sundays. Churches are often built with a cross and altar facing east towards the rising sun. Christians worship their god through music and speech, readings from scripture, prayers of various sorts, a sermon, and various holy ceremonies