Christianity

1. Christianity is the world’s biggest religion with over 2.2 billion followers world wide.

2. Christians are people who believe Jesus Christ is the son of God who was sent to Earth to remind people how to behave.

3. Jesus came to Earth and taught about love and fellowship.

4. He told his followers to live by two rules: love God with all your heart, mind and strength; love your neighbour as yourself.

5. One of the most important ideas in Christianity is that of Jesus giving his life on the cross and then rising from the dead.

6. Christians believe there is only one God, but that he has three elements: the father, the son and the Holy Spirit.

7. They believe that God made the World.

8. Christians worship in a church, chapel or cathedral.

9. Churches are often built in the shape of a cross with the altar facing east towards the rising sun.

10. The nave is where the congregation sits.

11. Christian services usually involve prayers, hymns, readings and a sermon.

12. The Bible is the most important Christian text.

13. It is a collection of stories, songs, poetry, letters and history, divided into two - the Old Testament and the New Testament.

14. The Old Testament is the history of the Jewish people and was written before Jesus was born.

15. The New Testament tells the story of Jesus’ life and teachings and was written after his death.

16. The Bible was written by many people such as shepherds, kings, fishermen and tax collectors.

17. Christian spiritual leaders are priests, ministers and vicars.

18. They may wear special clothes such as a cassock, a clerical collar or a surplice.

19. Their job includes teaching people God’s way, preparing services, looking after the congregation and administering the sacraments.

20.The cross is the symbol of Christianity reminding Christians that Jesus died on one.

21. The dove is the symbol of the Holy Spirit and peace.

22. There are a great many variations within Christianity including, Baptists, Methodists, Anglicans, Roman Catholics and many others.

23. These were established because Jesus’ disciples carried his message to many different countries.

24. They share a great number of beliefs, but may have different ideas about Christianity.