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Founded:
Christianity began 2,000
years ago in palestine. Founder:
Jesus of Nazareth.
Major
Scriptures: The Bible. Adherents:
Estimated at 1 billion -- largest of religions. Sects:
Christianity is divided
into three main sects: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox and Protestant. Among
Protestants, there are over 2,000 smaller sects. The
Majority of Christians adhere to the Apostles' Creed: I believe in God, the Father
Almighty, Maker of the Heaven and Earth, and Jesus Christ His only Son, our LordWho
was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, dead and buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose
again from the dead. He ascended unto Heaven and sitteth on the right hand of
God, the Father Almighty. From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the
dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost .... the communion of saints, the forgiveness
of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting." Protestant
differ in various ways from this, but most Christian faith revolves around these
basic points. Christianity has the unserving belief that it is the only true religion,
the only path to salvation. This engenders a missionary zeal, an urgency to evangelize
around the world. Stress is placed on acceptance of Jesus as God and Savior, on
good conduct, compassion, service to mankind, faith, and preparation for the Final
Judgement. Only
good Christians will be saved. Today, over half of all Christians are Blacks.
Membership is diminishing in developed nations but increasing in Third World nations. |
Christian
Beliefs: 1.
I believe in God, the Father, Creator of the Universe, reigning forever distinct
over man, His beloved creation. 2.
I believe man is born a sinner, and that he may know salvation only through the
Savior, Jesus Christ, God's only begotten Son. 3.
I believe that Jesus Christ was born of Mary, a virgin. 4.
I believe that Jesus Christ was crucufied on the cross, then resurrected from
the dead and now sits at the right hand of the Father as the final judge of the
dead, and that He will return again as prophesized. 5.
I believe that the soul is embodied for a single life time, but is immortal and
accountable to God for all thoughts and actions. 6.
I believe in the historical truth of the Holy Bible, that it is sacred scripture
of the highest authority and the only word of God. 7.
I believe that upon death and according to its earthly deeds and its acceptance
of the Christian faith, the soul enters Heaven, Purgatory or Hell, there awaiting
the Last Judgement when the dead shall rise again, the redeemed to enjoy life
everlasting and the unsaved to suffer eternally. 8.
I believe in the intrinsic goodness of mankind and the affirmative nature of life
and in the priceless value of love, charity and faith. 9.
I believe in the Holy Trinity of God who reveals Himself as Father, Son and Holy
Ghost, and in the existence of Satan, the personification of evil, deception and
darkness. | |
The
Goals of Christianity: The
goal of Christianity is eternal life with God in Heaven, a perfect existence in
which God's glory and bliss are shared. It is also a personal life, enjoyed differently
by souls according to the amount of grace achieved in life. |
Path
of Attainment: Man's
plight is caused by disobedience to God's will. Man needs redemption from the
forces which would enslave and destroy him -- fear, selfishness, hopelessness,
desire and the supernatural forces of the Devil, sin, and death against which
he is powerless. His salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ, that
is, acceptance of Jesus' resurrection from the dead as God's power over the forces
of sin and death. The Good Christian lives a life of virtue and obedience to God
out of gratitude to God for sacrificing Jesus for the sins of all who come to
accept Jesus Christ as personal Savior and Lord. Jesus is to return again to judge
the world and bring God's rule to the earth. Through following the law of God
as found in the Holy Bible and God's grace man attains salvation. |
