Introduction to Christianity

?
  • Created by: H_Coveney
  • Created on: 10-12-17 08:40
View mindmap
  • Christianity
    • The Bible is the Christian sacred text.
      • It is divided into two main parts:
        • THE OLD TESTAMENT
          • has at least 39 books.
            • these are the Jewish scriptures.
              • they are considered sacred by Jews.
          • includes the Creation story and the ten command-ments.
        • THE NEW TESTAMENT
          • it is the specifically Christian part of the Bible.
          • It has 27 books.
            • including the 4 Gospels (which are accounts of Jesus' life.
              • also includes the Acts of the Apostles and the letters of St Paul, describing Jesus' early life.
    • Christianity is divided into different traditions.
      • The different branches as known as denominations.
        • They share key beliefs, but interpret some points of the faith differently + worship in different ways
          • 1.) ROMAN CATHOLICS
            • they respect the authority of the Bible and Church tradition plus, the Pope and his teachings.
            • the seven sacraments (includes Eucharist) are an important part of their faith.
          • 2.) PROTES-TANTS
            • base their beliefs and practices on the Bible, rather than Church tradition of the Pope's teachings.
            • In England + Wales, 'Non-conformists' are Protestant denominations that are not part of the 'Anglican Communion'
              • e.g. Methodists, Baptists, Pentecostals, The Society of Friends (Quakers) and the Salvation Army.
              • The Church of England has both Roman Catholic and Protestant features.
                • Its beliefs are set out in the 39 Articles.
              • Anglicanism is the 'worldwide communion; of Churches in fellowship with the parent Church of England
          • 3.) ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS
            • found in mainly Eastern Europe, Russia and Greece.
            • They follow the seven sacraments and honour (but don't worship) icons - pictures of Saints.
    • There are many beliefs about the nature of God.
      • Christianity is monotheistic
        • The Ten Com-mandments say "you shall have no other gods" Exodus 20:3
        • PERSONAL
          • God is a 'person', a mighty and divine person. As he is personal, a relationship can be made possible through prayer.
      • OMNI-POTENT
        • God is all-powerful, although he still allows free will.
      • BENE-VOLENT
        • God is loving and caring: 'for God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son' John 3:16
      • JUST JUDGE
        • God judges people's actions fairly. Those who reject him and live sinful lives will be punished.
          • Story of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46
        • But forgives people who are sorry for what they've done and become faithful to him.
          • Story of the prodigal son Luke 15:11-32, shows God will forgive those who return to his ways.
      • OMNISCIENT
        • God knows everything - in the past, present and the future.
      • ETERNAL
        • God has always existed and will continue to exist forever.
      • TRAN-SCENDENT
        • God is beyond this world - he doesn't depend on it to exist.
      • IMMANENT
        • But God is present in the human world and takes an active role in humanity.

Comments

No comments have yet been made

Similar Religious Studies resources:

See all Religious Studies resources »See all Christianity resources »