Christianity Flashcards
How many followers does Christianity have and where are they located?
2.18 billion across the world
mainly eu, south america, north america, africa
45 million in uk
What are the origins and key beliefs?
started 2000 years ago, based upon the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. his birth is the fulfilment of of prophecies from the old testament - hebrew bible
they show that jesus is messiah and will enable people to go to heaven
What is the trinity?
fundamental doctrine for Christians, monotheistic there is one god in the three persons: God the father, Jesus son of god, holy spirit they are distinct but one in nature 'The idea of the Trinity does not supersede monotheism; it interprets it, in the light of a specific set of revelatory events and experiences'
What are the denominations in Christianity?
3 main groups due to disagreement
orthodox - mormons baptist methodists
protestant
catholic
What is the etymology of Christianity?
word ‘agape’, in meaning love. it is selfless love, prioritising the needs of others before the self needs
an example of agape is jesus who died to repent for the sins of others
For Christians, forgiveness is demonstrated above all by the death of Jesus on the cross when he prayed for his persecutors
What is the concept of forgiveness?
forgiveness is a form of agape
For Christians, forgiveness is demonstrated above all by the death of Jesus on the cross when he prayed for his persecutors
When St. Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive someone he was told to never stop forgiving (Matthew 18:21-22).
How was Martin Luther King influenced by the concept of agape?
he believed that agape did not mean letting other people do what they want to you, instead it must lead to justice
‘overflowing love which seeks nothing in return. it is the love of god operating in the human heart’
MLK used the theory of agape to fight racism and prejudice
What is a key thought point?
many christians throughout history have not shown agape, example - the crusades, or the thirty years war in 17th century europe
Who was St Paul?
one of the most important figures in the history of Christianity. His epistles
(letters) have had enormous influence on Christian theology and his conversion is
famous for emphasising the key belief of love in Christianity.
What is a denomination?
A recognized autonomous branch or group within the Christian Church
Who was Jesus of Nazareth?
Christ, was a first-century Jewish preacher and religious leader. He is the central figure
of Christianity and believed to be the Messiah
What are Prophecies?
Prediction of the future (usually said to be obtained from a divine source) that offers a
new key person, environment or era.
What is the Trinity?
Christians believe in one God but they believe he exists in three parts or ‘persons’.
These are the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, known collectively as the Trinity
What is Monotheism
The doctrine or belief that there is only one God
What is agape?
Brothery love: Agape (Ancient Greek ἀγάπη, agapē) is a Greco-Christian term referring
to love, “the highest form of love, charity” and “the love of God for man and of man for
God”.
