Download Origins of Christianity

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* Rooted in Judaism.
* Founded in 33 CE
* Separated from Judaism after destruction of
Second Temple around 70 CE.
* Persecution (the attempted destruction) of
Christianity began in the 80’s CE.
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* Early Christianity was one of the many sects that rose
out of Judaism.
* Arose out of Hellenistic Judaism.
* Persecution led to more converts.
* Adopted by Roman Emperor Constantine in 313 CE
through the “Edict of Milan”.
* Led to development of the Byzantine Empire.
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* Jewish God Yahweh.
* Jesus of Nazareth
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Also known as:
* Jesus ben Joseph
* Jesus the Christ (“anointed”)
* Word of God
* Image of God
* Son of God
* Trinity
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God the Father
God the Son
God the Holy Spirit
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* BELIEFS:
* Monotheistic (One God)
* Humans are born into sin (“Original Sin”)
* Jesus was both human and divine
* Jesus led a sinless life, was crucified, was raised
from the dead, and ascended to heaven.
* Jesus will return one day to judge humanity.
* “Holy Spirit” – God’s instrument for carrying out
His purpose with humanity.
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* PRACTICES:
* “Sabbath” - day of rest and worship.
* “Eucharist” – Lord’s Supper.
* “Passover” – Jewish tradition celebrating the
Exodus from Egypt.
* “Baptism” – Sacrament of admission into the
Christian Church.
* Often a sign that the believer has accepted Christ
and inherited eternal life.
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* Existence does not end at physical death.
* Death without Christ =
eternal separation from
God (“Hell”).
* Death with Christ = eternal life with God
(“Heaven”).
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* Holy Bible
* Combination of Jewish Torah and stories (“Old
Testament”) and the story of Christ (“New
Testament”).
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* “Liturgical Churches” – worship is scripted and
highly structured.
* Examples: Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans.
* “Non-Liturgical Churches” – worship is
spontaneous.
* Examples: Baptists, Pentecostals, Mennonites.
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