...Below is a free essay on "Principal Beliefs Of Christianity" from Anti Essays, your source for free research papers, essays, and term paper examples. Referring to their importance, examine the principal beliefs of Christianity. Christianity is a monotheistic religion whose adherents are followers of Jesus of Nazareth. Christianity reformed out of Judaism in the first century CE and originated in Palestine. Christians preached their faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Jewish Messiah, who is saviour of all peoples through his death and resurrection. The principal beliefs of Christianity are highlighted in the Ten Commandments, the Nicene Creed, the Beatitudes and the Golden Rule. The principal beliefs of Christianity are influenced by Judaism. As a monotheistic religion, adherents believe there is strictly only one God, originating from the Jewish YHWH. Christians believe that God is the Trinity, meaning one being of three co-equal persons – the Father who is the creator and sustainer of all life, the Son who is the redeemer, and the Holy Spirit which is the sanctifier. Christians believe that God created the world and all that is in it. It is believed that humanity is created in the image of God, and that God gave people free will therefore there is good and evil in the world. The Ten Commandments are guidelines received by Moses from God on how adherents can lead good lives. They should not be avoided in fear of punishment, but embraced as a way to be saved from The Fall...
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...Christianity Summary Christianity is one of the most influential religions in history. Although it began as a small sect of Judaism during the first century in ancient Israel, the Christian religion has nearly 2 billion followers at the beginning of the 21st century and can be found in virtually every corner of the globe. Christianity is a missionary religion. The Gospel of Mark tells how Jesus sent out his disciples in pairs to preach throughout the land of Israel (Mark 7). Then the Gospel of Matthew ends with Jesus’ command, Make disciples of all nations” (Matt 28:19). Because Christianity is a fairly old religion and has flourished in cultures far from where it originally developed, it has produced some significant offshoots. Christianity is a fairly old religion and has flourished in cultures far from where it originally developed, it has produced some significant offshoots. These denominations differ significantly from traditional Christianity, and although they are not usually considered a part of the three traditional branches of Christianity-Roman Catholic, Protestant, and Eastern Orthodox-they all sprang from Protestant origins. They differ in their beliefs, particularly regarding the Trinity, the divinity of Jesus, the timing of the end of the world, and the role of healing. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, commonly known as the Mormon Church, is one of the fastest-growing religious denominations in the world. Although Mormons consider themselves...
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...Discussion 1: “Themes and Theses.” Please respond to the following: •o Describe two (2) major themes of Christianity you view as surviving unchanged from the original teachings of Jesus and the early church. The major themes of Christianity that I view as surviving unchanged are the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Although those outside of Christianity may often attack these as if Jesus did not exist or Jesus didn't rise from the dead. However, within Christianity these views are unchanged. The crucifixion of Jesus and his ensuing death is an event that occurred by which Christians believe is firstly that He is the Son of God (the only incarnation of God) as well as the Messiah, was arrested, tried, and sentenced by Pontius Pilate to be scourged, and finally executed on a cross. Jesus' redemptive suffering and death by crucifixion represent the central aspects of Christian theology, including the doctrines of salvation and atonement. Through surrendering our faith in Jesus, Christians hope to be washed of their sins, regenerated, made righteous, adopted by God, sanctified, and glorified in the life to come. These are the blessings of salvation, which Christians feel Jesus won for them by his sacrifice. •o Describe how you think you would have responded to Luther’s 95 Theses if you were either Pope Leo X or a monk or nun. Personally if I were one of the above, I would say that Luther had some valid points. However, times have changed...
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...Continuation of and Break from Judaism REL/134 December 12, 2012 Christianity as a Continuation and Break from Judaism Christianity is a continuation of Judaism both theologically and historically. Jesus and members of the early Christian churches were Jews. Jesus followers obeyed Jewish ways and Jesus commonly cited the Hebrew Bible. Followers of Jesus believed for Jesus to be the messiah, a Jewish image presumed in the Jewish Bible. Judaism and Christianity both believe in a God, who is righteous, holy, and just. Also Judaism and Christianity both believe in a God, who is forgiving, merciful, and loving. The Hebrew scripture, also known as, “the Old Testament,” are shared by both religions. Both Judaism and Christianity believe in the reality of heaven and hell. Judaism and Christianity primarily have the same ethical law known as the Judeo-Christian (Geoffrey Wigoder, Christianity, www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org). Despite Christianity Jewish ancestry, it was not long before Christianity became to break from Judaism. Apostles and the first Christian committee ruled that pagan changes to Christianity did not have to abide by Jewish ritual rules. Changes to Christianity were mostly pagans and Christianity broke apart from Judaism. Christians were outraged with Jews for denying Jesus their messiah. Jews were outraged with Christians for praising an improper messiah and destroying the theory of one God. Jews were the first to torment Christians, says New Testament, and...
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...Christianity Christianity (from the Ancient Greek word Χριστός, Christos, a translation of the Hebrew מָשִׁיחַ, Māšîăḥ, meaning "the anointed one",together with the Latin suffixes -ian and -itas) is an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and oral teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Testament. Christianity is the world's largest religion, with approximately 2.2 billion adherents, known as Christians. Most Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God, fully divine and fully human, and the saviour of humanity whose coming was prophesied in the Old Testament. Consequently, Christians refer to Jesus as Christ or the Messiah. The foundations of Christian theology are expressed in ecumenical creeds. These professions of faith state that Jesus suffered, died, was buried, and was resurrected from the dead in order to grant eternal life to those who believe in him and trust in him for the remission of their sins. The creeds further maintain that Jesus bodily ascended into heaven, where he reigns with God the Father. Most Christian denominations teach that Jesus will return to judge everybody, living and dead, and to grant eternal life to his followers. He is considered the model of a virtuous life. His ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection are often referred to as "the gospel", meaning "good news" (a loan translation of the Greek: εὐαγγέλιον euangélion). The term gospel also refers to written accounts of Jesus's life and teaching, four of which...
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...Christianity The Christian religion, like all other religions has its strengths and weaknesses in our modern society. Perhaps the strengths out weight the weaknesses as this is one of the largest religions in the world. Hundreds of people follow the Christian religion yet still a greater number of people follow yet other religions. Perhaps this is because they see the weaknesses or perhaps it is simply because their parents have taught them that it is a sin to follow this religion. The Christian religions do however present much more of an appealing atmosphere than other religions which are as large as the Christian. The Christian religion is one of few the religions where punishments for sins are not severe. In the Christian religion, even if you have lived a life of sin, as long as you repent in the end, you will be saved and given eternal life. This is not so in other religions. Such religions as Hinduism for instance do not believe this. For everything you do wrong you will be punished. For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction, if not in this life, then the next. Hindu's also believe that punishing the body is part of the path to salvation. Christianity is nothing like this, Many Christians live in high-class society. Christianity is one of the most appealing in that any sins may easily be corrected and that Christians may live comfortable, if not wealthy lives without guilt. Christianity, like other religions though, has many weaknesses. Although as...
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...person, a significant practice and ethical teachings within the religious tradition of Christianity within the lives of adherents. Christianity is the worlds biggest religion with about 2.1 billion followers worldwide. It based on the teachings of Jesus Christ who lived in the Holy Land 2000 years ago. St Paul of Tarsus, Saturday/Sunday worship and environmental ethics are 3 of the greatest impacts of Christianity within the lives of adherents. There is no other person apart from Jesus who has had a more significant influence on Christianity within the lives of adherents than St Paul of Tarsus. His influences included his contribution to the establishment of many of the early Christian communities as well as his influence on Christian ethics, liturgy and worship, authority and governance. Saturday/Sunday worship is a significant practice within Christianity as it is the time where Christians gather to honour and celebrate the memorial do the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Christian ethical teachings on the environment are based on Christian sources of tradition and the bible with the principles of the intrinsic goodness of God, stewardship and sacramentality being applied to environmental issues. St Paul was a significant figure within the religious tradition of Christianity. St. Paul is known as 2 names generally, The Apostles to the Gentiles and The second founder of Christianity. Paul was first known when he took part in the martyrdom of Saint Stephen where he showed...
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...The British Isles was very successful in bringing Christianity to the Roman territories that were previously occupied by pagan tribes. Bishop Germanus of Auxerre visited Britain for two reasons. First he visited Britain for the purpose of countering the spread of Pelegianism, however while there he was called upon to lead the British force against a joint invasion by the Saxon and Pictish. During his second visit it was evident that Christianity have been driven further and further West because Britain's adversaries have begin to occupy its eastern and southern coasts. Patrick was considered the apostle of Ireland. He was ordained as a bishop in Ireland and was instrumental in bringing Christianity to the islands. Clovis was converted to Catholic Christianity in 496 and under his leadership the Franks conquered the former Roman territories in God and in Germany. This created what was called the regnum Francorum which means the "kingdom of the Franks". The Frankish or Merovingian dynasty had dominated the Roman territory in Gaul and Germany by the middle of the 6th century. The church played a very important role in the affairs of the Frankish kingdom. The kings viewed God has the source of their protection and the source of order and justice in their time. During this time the Christian bishop was not only viewed as a holy man but he also had political influence. Pepin and Charles were faithful Christians who endowed churches in monasteries. St. Willibrord was an Evangelist and...
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...One of the largest religions in the world is Islam, with more than one and a half billion followers nationwide which is rapidly growing today. Islam and Christianity appear to be very different, but core beliefs behind them are very similar. Most of Islam’s population came from the Middle East, but there are still large amount of Muslims throughout the United States (Nation Master, 2010). Islam has grown significantly in the past twenty years within the United States. They both, belief in one God and that both religions result from the direct descendent of Abraham, a quality that is also shared with Judaism. The doctrinal beliefs of each religion are each different. Islam is the most important figure in the world, and a name that is recognized by most around the world is the prophet Muhammad. Muhammad was born in approximately 570 C.E. in the town of Mecca. At the time of his birth the area of Mecca was populated by many people who practiced polytheism, and a minority of the population was devoted to Christianity and Judaism. Instead of pursuing any of these practices, instead Muhammad would find himself meditating in a cave on the outskirts of town quite frequently, and it is there where Muslims believe their religion was founded. One night while meditating it is said that an archangel visited Muhammad and declared him as one of God’s prophets. Over his lifetime he had many more visions and through the help of his wife and cousins the words he received were written down, and...
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...One of the largest religions in the world is Christianity. Christianity is about believing in one God. The holy book that Christians refer to is the holy bible. It was written over 1500 years ago and translated into three different languages. There were 40 different people who wrote different parts of the bible. Each of these people came from all walks of life. The holy bible is the Word of God which is divided into two parts which is the Old Testament and the New Testament. Since it is divided into the two parts it is easier to find the chapters and verses throughout the Bible. The Old Testament refers to the history and the New Testament refers to the life and the teachings of Jesus Christ. Christians believe that the bible can teach and guide them which is why reading this daily is so important. It is read at home as well as at church. The Bible is the most popular book in the world. It is an instructional manual for Christians to live their life. It is a guide to how God wants Christians to live their lives. The Bible has bee translated into numerous languages so it can read by different people all over the world. Even though the bible has been around for many years it has been ridiculed and criticized for the content information which is inside of it. It is still read by millions of people, regardless of the criticism that it has received. The purpose of the bible is to help others create a better walk of life. There are a total of 66 books in the bible which...
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...Christianity Belvin Sherrill Professor Cecil Mayhall Rel 212 March 20, 2014 Provide a brief overview of the religion you selected that includes: * A description of the central beliefs of the religion. * A description of the sacred text(s) of the religion. * the origin of the religion, including key figures associated with the religion, if applicable The central belief of the Christian religion is that Jesus is the Son of God who is also the second person in the holy Trinity. You have God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit that he lived on earth spreading and teaching the words of his father. Jesus taught, prophesized, and preformed miracles in the name of God he healed the sick, made the blind see, the deaf hear and he did other miracles during his life on earth at the end of his life Jesus was crucified on a cross and said that he was dying for the sins of the world and three days after he passed away Jesus was resurrected and he spoke to his followers one more time and then Jesus ascended into heaven to be seated on the right hand of God his father. In the book of John chapter three sixteenth verse it says for God so loved the world he gave his only begotten Son so that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life which is why God let his Son be born on earth to show God's love for humanity and God's forgiveness of human sins and that by faith in Jesus one may attain salvation and eternal life. This fact is the main teaching in...
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...1. What is Christianity? What are the teachings of Christianity? What are its practices? Christianity: o derived from Judaism o religion based upon the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth o religion based upon the miracles of Jesus o relationship with the true and living God through the person of Jesus Christ-by whom we are forgiven of our sins and escape the righteous judgment of God o monotheistic and Abrahamic religion o based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings o one of the world’s major monotheistic religions o anchored in love—God's love for us and our response to that love o way of life based upon one's love of God and love of people o commitment to personal integrity and truth o known and practiced in the apostolic age of the first century Teachings: o there is only one God in all existence o God made the universe, the Earth o created Adam and Eve o God created man in His image o God is a Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, not three Gods) o once a person is "born again" (becomes saved) that the Holy Spirit lives in that person and the person is changed o Humility or faith and trust in God o Communication with God through prayer and self-denial o The offering of sacrifice to God and partaking of the sacrificial offering o Observance of The Law o God has left the means of salvation through Jesus Christ o Forgive one another o God is love o The kingdom of heaven is within you ...
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...Christianity In church we go and we learn the word of the Bible that helps us become Christians if we believe in his word. The Bible has the Old Testament and New Testament. The Hebrew Scriptures was consisting of the Old Testament and the New Testaments was the relationship That God had with his people. The Old Testament helps us to understand what God did for us to have the life that we live today. The New Testament helps us to become Christians. Overview of Structure The New Testament is sections that are broken into two sections gospels and letters of the apostle people. The apostle people were the people that sent the message of salvation. In each letter there was a meaning or definition to live your life in a certain way to become a Christian. In the gospels there was only “good news” in talking of Jesus (Voorst 84). Use In use of the Bible, there are many ways of teaching the word of God to a congregation. I have seen different ways in my time, in Baptist I see the pastor giving his sermon to the people and as in the reading, he or she refers to the Bible to get the word across. In the Christian life you read your Bible to help you with life situations, prayer, and even with your trials and tribulations. The word from the Bible is your comfort to peace and salvation. Origin and Development To become the person that someone hopes you to become after you have been taught the word of God. Your development as becoming a Christian is a process that don’t happen overnight...
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...life, how to make the best of it, what happens afterwards, and if there is anyone or anything "out there". Christianity is the name given to that definite system of religious belief and practice which was taught by Jesus Christ in the country of Palestine, during the reign of the Roman Emperor, Tiberius, and was promulgated, after its Founder's death, for the acceptance of the whole world, by certain chosen men among His followers (New Advent). The goal of this paper is to provide information on the various answers about Christianity, as well as the rituals and customs that go along with them. It will attempt to summarize the general consensus of Christian beliefs on everything from God to the afterlife. Origin of Christianity and its relation with other religions According to the accepted chronology, these began their mission on the day of Pentecost, A.D. 29, which day is regarded, accordingly, as the birthday of the Christian Church. In order the better to appreciate the meaning of this event, we must first consider the religious influences and tendencies previously at work in the minds of men, both Jews and Gentiles, which prepared the way for the spread of Christianity amongst them. The whole history of the Jews as detailed in the Old Testament is seen, when read in the light of other events, to be a clear though gradual preparation for the preaching of Christianity. In that nation alone, the great truths of the existence and unity of God, His providential ruling of His...
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...Jason Doremus UNV 104 12/04/2015 Lauren Kelley How does a Christian church affect the local community? The Christian Church has helped so many people in the community, with a personal day care, a place for adults to get food for their children and with a fundraiser to help students with homework who don’t have a place to learn. The community is striving with positivity to understand God’s word; the Church is the backbone of the community for youths who can go to Church for comfort for guidance. The church has baseball, basketball and all kinds of sports for adults for the community to join. The Christian Church Can Provide food and shelter to the homeless, provide transportation for the community, provide a care center for elders in the community for adults that need care. If the homeless wants to help their going to have to put an honest effort of dedication to help the community to come together. Motivation is essential at the church it helps the community by staying together, the homeless will recognize the motivation of others and help more people for the community. The goal of the program was to provide shelter for adults as a response to the death of a homeless man in the community, by using different host sites at churches. (Oliver, 2015) The church has been giving transportation for the community for years helping people that need to get home or people that need help getting some place in town. The church is dedicated...
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