Introduction to Christianity

• Christianity is based on the belief in Jesus Christ being the Son of God. It is the main religion in Britain.
• Depending on the version, the Old Testament has at least 39 books, which include the Creation story and the 10 Commandments. These 39 books are the Jewish scriptures - they are also sacred by Jews
• The New Testament is the specifically Christian part of the Bible. Its 27 books include the 4 Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John), which are accounts of Jesus’ life. The Acts of the Apostles and the letters of St Paul describe the early years of Christianity.
• The different branches of Christianity are called denominations. They share key beliefs, but interpret some points of the faith differently and worship in different ways.
• Roman Catholics respect the authority of the Bible and Church tradition, plus the authority of the Pope and his teachings. The seven sacraments are an important part of their faith.
• Protestants base their beliefs and practices on the Bible, rather than Church tradition or the teachings of the Pope. In England and Wales, Protestant denominations that are not part of the 'Anglican Communion' are often called 'Nonconformists'. These include Methodists, Baptists, Pentecostals, The Society of Friends (Quakers) and the Salvation Army.
• Orthodox Christians are found mainly in Eastern Europe, Russia and Greece.

  They also have 7 sacraments, and honour (but don't worship) icons — pictures of Saints
• Christianity is a monotheistic religion. The Ten Commandments say “you shall have no other gods”.
• Omnipotent - God is all powerful, although he still allows each person free will.
• Omni benevolent - God is all loving and caring: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16). Christians try to follow his example in their actions.
• Omnipresent - all-present, this term means that God is capable of being everywhere at the same time. It means his divine presence encompasses the whole of the universe. There is no location where he does not inhabit.
• Omniscient - God knows everything in the past, present, and future.
• Eternal - God has always existed, and he will continue to exist forever.
• Transcendent - God is beyond this world, he does’t depend on it to exist.
• Immanent - But God is present in the human world, and takes an active role in humanity.