CHRISTIANITY

I.

Founder: Jesus Christ

When: 7 B.C. - 30 A.D.

Where: Judea (modern day Israel and Palestine)

Symbol: The Crucifix/Cross

II.

SACRED TEXTS

Old Testament- The central figure in the old testament is God’s relationship with the people
of Israel and the covenant he made with them through figures like Abraham, Moses, and the
prophets

New Testament- shifts the focus to the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who is considered
the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the emergence of Christianity as a distinct
religious tradition.

III.

DOCTRINES

Virgin Birth- states that Jesus Christ had no natural Father but was conceived by Mary
through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Deity of Christ- The new Testament asserts that Jesus Christ is equal to, and identical with
God, performing works that only God can do.

Resurrection- teaches that Jesus Christ, according to Christian belief, was raised from the
dead three days after his crucifixion.

Last Judgement- asserts that at the end of time, Jesus Christ will return to Earth in glory and
all individuals who have ever lived will be resurrected. They will then stand before God for
judgment. Each person will be evaluated based on their faith in Jesus, their actions, and their
relationship with God. Those who have accepted Jesus and lived in accordance with Christian
teachings will be welcomed into eternal life with God.

IV.

GOD: Trinity
-A doctrine of the trinity means that there is one God who eternally exist as three distinct
persons - The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Stated differently, God is one essence and three in
person.

V.

SECTS OF CHRISTIANITY

Roman Catholic- governed by a hierarchy with the Pope at the top and, at the lower levels,
bishops and priests. The sacraments of communions and confession are especially important
in the roman catholic church; Catholic also differs from most Protestants in emphasizing
veneration of the saints, especially Mary, the mother of Jesus, and seeking the intercession of
the saints (praying to them so that they will in turn pray to God).

Greek/Eastern Orthodox- from the Greek Orthòdoxos meaning "correct opinion. Orthodox
Christians believe their form of Christianity is correct, and that some of the teachings of
Catholicism and Protestantism are wrong. Despite attempts by both sides to reconcile,
Christianity still remains divided today.

Protestantism- the protestant reformation was a religious reform movement that swept
through Europe in the 1500s. It resulted in the branch of Christianity called Protestantism, a
name used collectively to refer to the many religious groups that separated from the Roman
Catholic church due to differences in doctrines.

VI.

ISSUES WITHIN CHRISTIANITY

Ecumenism- Eumenism poses a challenge in chistianity due to deep-seated doctrinal

differences, historical divisions, divrse liturgical practice, and varying interpretations of
scripture, hindering efforts to achieve a unified understanding and practice of the faith.

Homosexuality- is a contentious issue in Christianity because various denominations and

theological traditions interpret the Bible differently, leading to differing perspectives on the
moral and theological implications of same-sex relationships within the context of traditional
teachings on sexuality and marriage. Additionally, societal attitudes and cultural shifts further
influence the diversity of opinions on this topic among Christians.

Contraception- can be considered an issue in some Christian denominations due to varying

interpretations of religious teachings and moral principles. Some Christians believe that
contraception goes against the idea of procreation as a central purpose of marriage, based on
certain passages in the Bible. However, it's important to note that views on contraception can
vary widely within Christianity, and not all Christians hold the same beliefs on this topic.

Ordination of women- has been a contentious issue due to differing interpretations of

scripture and longstanding traditions within various denominations. Some arguments against
the ordination of women stem from interpretations of certain passages in the Bible that are
seen as restricting leadership roles to men. Additionally, some argue that Jesus' twelve
apostles were all men, which they see as a precedent for male leadership.