Christianity 1. Christianity founded around 2000 years ago by – followers of Jesus of Nazareth. Christians live according to the loving nature of God revealed by the life and death of Jesus. There are many forms of Christianity, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant churches. The latter has many denominations such as Anglican, Church of Scotland, Baptist, Methodist, Quaker, Pentecostal and the United Reformed churches. Most Christians believe in the holy trinity, the Father, the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit – all have equal and divine status. Jesus is believed to be the Son of God, born of the virgin Mary, who is particularly important to Roman Catholics and the Eastern Orthodox churches. The Christian holy book is the Bible. Consisting of the Old and New Testaments which describes the creation of the universe, the origins of Christianity, the life of Jesus and his teachings and the end of time. There are few dietary or dress restrictions for Christians, although some associate Friday with eating fish and some impose restrictions on certain foods during Lent. 2. There are also many black Christian churches that were formed in areas of the USA, and latterly in the UK, which reflect the traditions and customs of the church in Africa and the Caribbean. 3. Significant holy days are: a. Sunday is the traditional day of worship and rest. b. Palm Sunday the Sunday – before Easter celebrating Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem where he was greeted by crowds waving Palm leaves. c. Maundy Thursday commemorates the last supper before – Jesus was crucified. d. Good Friday the crucifixion; it is said to be because – “good” Jesus showed love and forgiveness and will in offering obeyed God’s himself as a sacrifice. e. Easter resurrection from the dead. Easter – celebrates Jesus’ eggs are given symbolising new life. f. Whitsun/Pentecost celebrating the outpouring of the – Holy Spirit at the birth of the Church 50 days from Easter. – g. Ascension Day is celebrated 40 days after Easter and marks – return to God. Jesus’ h. Christmas Day celebrating the birth of Jesus. Gifts are – exchanged between families and friends.
Christianity 1. Christianity – founded around 2000 years ago by followers of Jesus of Nazareth. Christians live according to the loving nature of God revealed by the life and death of Jesus. There are many forms of Christianity, including Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant churches. The latter has many denominations such as Anglican, Church of Scotland, Baptist, Methodist, Quaker, Pentecostal and the United Reformed churches. Most Christians believe in the holy trinity, the Father, the Son (Jesus) and the Holy Spirit – all have equal and divine status. Jesus is believed to be the Son of God, born of the virgin Mary, who is particularly important to Roman Catholics and the Eastern Orthodox churches. The Christian holy book is the Bible. Consisting of the Old and New Testaments which describes the creation of the universe, the origins of Christianity, the life of Jesus and his teachings and the end of time. There are few dietary or dress restrictions for Christians, although some associate Friday with eating fish and some impose restrictions on certain foods during Lent. 2. There are also many black Christian churches that were formed in areas of the USA, and latterly in the UK, which reflect the traditions and customs of the church in Africa and the Caribbean. 3. Significant holy days are: a. Sunday is the traditional day of worship and rest. b. Palm Sunday – the Sunday before Easter celebrating Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem where he was greeted by crowds waving Palm leaves. c. Maundy Thursday – commemorates the last supper before Jesus was crucified. d. Good Friday – the crucifixion; it is said to be “good” because Jesus showed love and forgiveness and obeyed God’s will in offering himself as a sacrifice. e. Easter – celebrates Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. Easter eggs are given symbolising new life. f. Whitsun/Pentecost – celebrating the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the birth of the Church – 50 days from Easter. g. Ascension Day – is celebrated 40 days after Easter and marks Jesus’ return to God. h. Christmas Day – celebrating the birth of Jesus. Gifts are exchanged between families and friends.
ACP-002.docx