There are several denominations of
the Christian faith. However all Christian Churches share in common a
belief that God is the creator and sustainer of all life.
Christianity is the most popular religion in the world. Christians are
people who believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. He came to earth
as a man to restore the relationship between humans and God which had gone
wrong.
Beliefs
Christians believe that during Jesus' life he had shown people how to be
reconciled to God and to each other.
Jesus' death and resurrection was a form of atonement for the actions of
humans and restored them to their correct relationship with God.
They believe life should be lived according to the example of Jesus Christ
by:
- Loving God
- Loving fellow human beings as one loves oneself
- Sharing the Christian message
Christians also believe they have only one life. This
life is judged after death by the way it was lived. Heaven is where the
soul resides if one has lived a good life. While eternal punishment awaits
in Hell for those who lead a bad life. Whether 'heaven' and 'hell'
literally exists is hotly debated in some theological circles.
Christian Worship
Christian worship involves praising God in music, speech, readings from
scripture, prayers of various sorts, a sermon and various holy ceremonies.
While worship is often thought of only as "services" in which Christians
come together in a group, individual Christians can worship God on their
own, and in any place.Styles of Worship
Different churches, even within the same denomination, will use very
different styles of worship. Some will be elaborate with a choir singing
to music played by a band or organist, in others the congregation will
sing simpler hymns or worship songs.
Some churches leave much of the action to the minister, while others
encourage great congregational participation.
All churches encourage the full participation of the congregation in
praising God with heart, mind and soul.
The Holy Book
The Bible is the Holy Book. This is divided into the Old Testament, which
incorporates the Hebrew Bible, and the New Testament.
It details the life of Jesus and a selection of beliefs and writings of
the early church.
Prayer
Prayer is the means by which Christians communicate with their God.
The New Testament records that Jesus taught his disciples how to pray and
that he encouraged them to address God as "Father".
Whilst prayer is often directed to God as Father, as taught by Jesus, some
traditions encourage prayer to God through intermediaries such as saints
and martyrs.
Prayers through Mary, as the mother of God are central to some churches
and form a traditional part of their worship.
There are several denominations of the Christian faith however all the
Christians share in common beliefs.
The Roman Catholic Church
Baptist
Methodist
Seventh-day Adventist
Orthodox
To learn about Christianity you can go to the following links or perform
your own research:
http://home.christianity.com/
http://www.vatican.va/
http://geneva.rutgers.edu/src/christianity/
