Christian beliefs and teachings

In 1054 Christianity split into Western Catholic led by the Pope and Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The Western Catholic church was split in England in the 16th century when Henry the 8th created the Church of England. In the 16th century, Western Europe were breaking away from the Catholic denomination and the protestant denomination was formed. This is known as the reformation. After the reformation the protestant church split into more groups such as the Baptist and Pentecostal churches.

God the Father Christians believe that the first person of the Trinity is God the father. God is believed to be the creator of the earth and all living things on it. As a creator of life, he acts as a good father would towards his children. He is believed to be all powerful (omnipotent), all loving (omnibenevolent), all knowing (omniscient), and present everywhere (omnipresent). God the Son The second person in the Trinity is often referred to as the Son of God and became incarnate on earth and in history through Jesus. Christians believe Jesus was both fully human whilst on earth and also fully God at all times. God the Holy Spirit Christians believe that once Jesus had left the earth, God sent the Holy Spirit to influence, guide and sustain the earth and all life on it. The Holy Spirit is believed to be the unseen power of God at work in the world in past, present and future.

Christians often wear a cross to remember what Jesus has done to them. The crucifixion gives Christians confidence that if they accept Jesus' sacrifice, sin can no longer destroy their lives because God forgives those who faithfully ask for forgiveness and their lives can be changed. They also believe that suffering is a part of life and because Jesus as a human was suffering on the cross, having also experienced it, God understands our suffering.

Christians believe the resurrection shows the power of good and evil. Christians believe that by accepting Jesus, they can also be resurrected in some way. Therefore they have no need to fear death. Jesus' resurrection assures Christians that God will forgive their sins if they follow the teachings of Christianity. By doing so, they will become closer to God in this life and beyond. For Christians, the ascension shows that Jesus is with God. It paves the way for the coming of the Holy Spirit to provide comfort and guidance. Without the resurrection, there would be no Christian faith.

The belief in judgement influences people to become Christians as the bible makes it clear that belief in Jesus is the way to eternal life. It influences Christians to do good acts such as: giving to charity and helping weaker members of society. It influences them to follow a vocation which could include becoming a nun.

The parable of the sheep and goats: This encourages Christians to help the poor and weaker members of society. Christians believe that if they follow God's teachings that they will go to heaven: This influences Christians to live a life following God's rules Christians believe that Jesus is 'the way the truth and the life': Christians know God has shown them the best way to live. Christians believe that Jesus resurrected and ascended to heaven: Christians will find peace knowing that they will be resurrected in some way. Avoid hell by God's teachings: Christians will do their very best to live a good life.