Christianity

Beliefs

Christians believe in one God who exists as a "Trinity" (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). God is considered eternal, omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent.

The Christian scriptures are known as the Bible and are composed of the:

  • Old Testament - broadly the same as the Jewish holy scriptures. The books in the Old Testement tell of God's activity and promises with his chosen people the Jews. The words point toward a coming "Messiah "
  • New Testament - 4 Gospels (telling of the life and work of Jesus - the promised Messiah) plus a number of books and letters recording the activities and teaching of the early Church.

Jesus is believed to have been born of the Virgin Mary and in nature be both fully human and fully divine. His ministry (between the ages of 30-33) was characterized by the performing of miracles (eg. turning water into wine, healing the blind) and the telling of parables, which describe the Kingdom of Heaven.

After three years he was put to death by crucifixion which is seen by Christians as an act of supreme sacrifice, which opened the way for all humans to approach God. On the third day after his crucifixion his tomb was found to be empty and in the following weeks he appeared to many of his followers who were convinced that he had risen from the dead.

After forty days he ascended into heaven from where he sent the Holy Spirit (the active presence of God in all believers). It is widely expected that at some point in the future Jesus will return to judge the earth.

Practices

Christians meet together regularly on the first day of the week (Sunday) to read the Bible, sing, pray and to take communion (the eating and drinking of blessed bread and wine which encourages remembrance and thanksgiving for the death of Jesus).

Styles of Sunday services vary greatly, ranging from quiet, traditional services which make use of set liturgy and choral music, through to informal services which utilise contemporary music and encourage the active participation of all members of the congregation

There are numerous branches (DENOMINATIONS) of the Christian faith, the largest in the UK being:

  • Anglican
  • Baptist
  • Free Evangelical
  • Methodist
  • Pentecostal
  • Quaker
  • Roman Catholic
  • Salvation Army

Elsewhere, the Eastern Orthodox Church is a significant Christian influence

Initiation into the Christian faith is usually by BAPTISM - either the sprinkling of water on an infant's forehead or the full immersion of an adult in water. Water in baptism is used symbolically - water cleans the outside of a person's body; Jesus cleanses a person from the inside.

Most Christians celebrate Advent (the approach to Christmas), Christmas (celebrating the birth of Jesus), Lent (the approach to Easter), Easter (remembering the death of Jesus) and Pentecost (the giving of the Spirit). In addition, some denominations (e.g. Roman Catholics) will celebrate many saints days; others (e.g. the Quakers) do not celebrate any festivals at all - considering all days to be equally special.