| Origin: |
Christianity originated in Palestine (which is now known as Israel) in approximately 30 A.D., when Jesus commenced his preaching. |
| What do they believe? |
Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God who came to the earth to save people from their sins. Their symbol is the cross. |
| Name of Founder: |
JESUS CHRIST Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in Israel, in 4 B.C. At the age of 30 he began to preach and to heal the sick. Some years later he was tried by a Roman court of law and executed because his teachings clashed with Jewish law. |
| Truths: |
TEN COMMANDMENTS Christians adhere in particular to ten rules (commandments) established in the Old Testament:
- Worship one God only.
- Do not create images for worship.
- Honour God's name.
- Keep the Sabbath as a holy day.
- Honour your parents.
- Do not commit murder.
- Do not commit adultery.
- Do not steal.
- Do not lie.
- Do not envy.
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| Key Points: |
- Jesus arose from the dead.
- The Holy Trinity is God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
- Jesus preached that people should love God, and their neighbour as they loved themselves.
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| Holy Scriptures: |
BIBLEThis holy book consists of two parts, the Old and the New Testament. The Old Testament contains the holy scriptures of the Jews. The New Testament deals with the life of Jesus and the growth and teachings of the early Church. |
| Sacred Practices: |
BAPTISM This sacrament (holy action) by which people are submerged in water, is referred to as baptism. Christians right across the world are baptised in one way or another when they accept the Christian faith. |
| Holy Days: |
| Name |
Event |
| Christmas |
Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ |
| Good Friday |
The day commemorating Jesus' crucifixion |
| Easter |
The day to celebrate Jesus' resurrection |
| Pentecost |
The coming of the Holy Spirit |
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| Holy Words: |
Gospel: One of four books in the New Testament that describe the life of Jesus
Holy Communion: Service in which bread and wine are taken to commemorate Christ's Last Supper
Protestants: Christian churches and groups that separated from the Roman Catholic Church during the 16th century
Roman Catholics: Members of the Roman Catholic Church over which the pope resides |
| Holy Places: |
ST PETER'S BASILICAThe building of this Roman Catholic church in the Vatican in Rome took more than 100 years to complete. Ten architects were involved. One of them was Michelangelo Buonarotti, who designed the dome. |
