Christianity-+Group+2

=Period 4= =[]= = = = **RESEARCH GUIDE: CHRISTIANITY** = Christians
 * 1. What are the religion's followers called? **

The Bible is made up of two books: Old and New Testament. Old Testament- the savior is coming, contains 39 chapters. New Testament- the savior is come, contains 27 chapters.
 * 2. Religious Text:** (What is it made up of? Give a short explanation.)

** 3. Person: ** (What was this person's role?) Jesus- the man figure in Christianity who died on the cross to save his followers sins. Jesus was considered the Son of God. He;s the reason we are saved and can be accepted into heaven. During his time on earth he performed many miracles, and the sight of this gave him many followers. He died and rose again.
 * 2. Special Days:** (What are they celebrating? Are there any special activities?)
 * a. Christmas**
 * December 25
 * Symbolizes the birth of Jesus (also referred to as the //nativity//)
 * Taken from the New Testament of the Bible
 * The //virgin Mary// is visited by an angel who tells her she will give birth to God’s only son
 * Father: //Joseph// the carpenter
 * They travel from //Nazareth//- Mary on a donkey- to //Bethlehem//
 * Local inn is full, so they stay at the stable behind it, used to keep animals
 * Jesus is born there and laid in a manger
 * // Wise men // followed the //Star of David// to the stable, and brought with them gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh
 * // Shepherds // led to Bethlehem by an angel who told them of the birth of God’s son
 * __ Modern Traditions __
 * Christmas trees
 * Carols
 * Santa Clause, St. Nick (presents through chimney)
 * Gift giving
 * Movies and TV specials
 * __ Advent __
 * The “coming”—prepare for Jesus to arrive
 * Season before Christmas
 * Beginning of Western Liturgical year
 * Starts Advent Sunday, the fourth Sunday before December 25
 * Official color is purple, but the third week is pink
 * Wreath with candles to light every week
 * b. Easter **
 * Oldest Christian holiday, and most important of the year (liturgical calendar centered around Easter)
 * Symbolizes the //resurrection// of Jesus Christ three days after his //death by crucifixion//
 * First Sunday after full moon following the vernal equinox (known as Easter Sunday)
 * __ Lent __
 * 40-day time period of fasting and repentance for sins before Easter
 * People set a goal or give up something important for this time
 * Reconciliation/penance during Lent
 * No meat on Fridays in Lent
 * __ Good Friday __
 * Two days before Easter Sunday
 * During //Holy Week//, the week preceding Easter Sunday
 * Only eat one full meal all day, and other small meals (fasting)
 * __ Last Supper __
 * Jesus gathered the 12 disciples for the last dinner before his crucifixion
 * Bread is his body, wine is his blood
 * He died so everyone else could live
 * __ Modern Traditions __
 * Eggs
 * Hunts
 * Symbolizes new life and celebration
 * Forbidden during Lent
 * Easter bunny (fertility)
 * Easter Vigil mass

Jerusalem- The location of the church of the Holy Sepulcher; the tomb where Jesus's body was placed before resurrection. Jerusalem is a mountainous, walled city in Israel.
 * 4. Sacred Sites:** (Where is this site and why is this site special?)

Bethlehem- Located at the edge of the Judean desert in Israel. It is an important place for Christians because it is the birthplace of Jesus Christ and the childhood home of King David.

a. Catholic- //seven sacraments//: baptism, communion, confirmation, reconciliation, holy orders, anointing of the sick, holy matrimony.
 * 5. Major Branches:** (what are the differences in beliefs and actions between these sects?)

b. Protestant- encompasses several denominations from conservative to liberal. Broke from Catholic and agreement with Catholics varies. Little or no mention the saints.
 * Only two sacraments - baptism and communion.

32% of the world is Christian (dropping) approximately 2.039 Billion.
 * 6. Primarily Located in the following countries:** (give numbers/percentages if available)
 * Prominently in Europe, Russia, Americas, & Philippines.
 * Largest religion in the world ( decreasing)
 * The U.S. is the larges Christian country in the world followed by Brazil and Mexico.

a. Jesus Christ is our savior b. the Holy Trinity c. there is one and only one God
 * 7. Core Beliefs:** (What are the central ideas to the religion?