Early Christianity The Basics

Early Christianity • When we talk about early

Christianity, we are talking specifically about Catholicism

Beginnings

• The Catholic tradition shares many stories and traditions with Judaism

Beginnings • Christianity began with the claim

that Jesus was the Messiah

Who was Jesus? Jesus was born around the year 4 BCE

“Christ” = from Greek kristos (anointed one)

• He threatened the power of the Roman Empire (or did he?)

Why was Jesus killed?

• He threatened Jewish leadership by claiming to be the Messiah

Just to be clear… • The founder of Christianity is Jesus • Christianity began after Jesus’ death

around the year 30 CE

St. Peter Paul

Where? • Christianity began in Israel

Christians Today • Today there are over 2 billion

Christians in the world.

Catholics Today

1.2 billion total

• Christians represent about 33% (one-third) of the world’s population

Where is it practiced today?

• All over the world

• The sacred text of Christianity is called the Bible

• It is divided into two main parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament, each of which consists of several books

Ultimate Goal • To follow the example of Jesus so

you will go to Heaven when you die

Number of Gods • Catholics believe in only one god • This gets a bit complicated with the

Holy Trinity

Place of Worship • The Catholic place of worship is

called a church

St. Peter’s Basilica

• The role of the church is hugely important to the Catholic tradition

• “Mother Church”

Main Beliefs 1. Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Put another way, Jesus Christ is God

2. The Bible is the literal word of God

3. Baptism is necessary for salvation

4. God, the one Supreme Being, is made up of three persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit • This is called the Holy Trinity