1. Christianity

2. Christianity Basics • Largest religion • ~2 billion followers • All over the world

3. Christianity Basics • Trinity • 1 god, 3 forms • Father, Son, Holy Ghost • Followers of Jesus called apostles • 12 closest followers called disciples

4. Christianity Basics • New Testament • Gospels = biographies of Jesus • Acts of the Apostles = what happened after Jesus • Letters of Paul = teaching about, trying to spread Christianity • Revelation = prophecy about end of world

5. Roots in Judaism • Jesus was a Jew • Christianity based on Jewish morals, history • Old Testament = Jewish scripture

6. Roots in Judaism • Messiah = leader & savior of Jews • Prophesized about in Old Testament • Christ = messiah in Greek • Jesus & his followers believed he was the messiah

7. Jesus’ Teachings • Pacifism = refusal to fight on moral grounds • Do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. Matthew 5:39 • Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. Matthew 5:44

8. Jesus’ Teachings • Wealth corrupted people, distracted them from God • Luke 6:20-21 – Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort.”

9. Jesus’ Teachings • Salvation and damnation • He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mark 16:16

10. Early Church Leaders • Peter • One of the 12 Disciples • Jesus chose him to lead the church • Considered 1st Pope by Catholics

11. Early Church Leaders • Paul the Apostle • Wrote letters that stressed: • Jesus was son of God • Died for people’s sins • All people could convert