Christianity

= Christianity =

Below is a source that discusses the history of Christianity in more detail. || || Retrieved August 1, 2010 from website: [] || Sources: Gascoigne, Bamber. HistoryWorld. From 2001, ongoing. Retrieved July 27, 2010 from website: http://www.historyworld.net []
 * ~ ==History of Christianity﻿== ||
 * Christianity is one of the 5 world religions. Christianity can be br﻿oken into three branches. They are Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy and Protestantism, which has many sub divisions. It is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and his life. Christianity started circa 30 AD with the believers and followers of Jesus who continued with his message after is death. Nearly 50 years after the death of Jesus, his followers documented his teachings in what is known today as the Christian Bible. The Christian Bible is broken into two parts the Old Testament and the New Testament. This is where Christians find guidance to live their lives. The Bible is the Word of God. Trusting his Word is the Christian faith.
 * > Image Source: Jesus Image Gallery - Religion Facts. (2010).

Beliefs of Christianity
There are many beliefs in the Christian religion. These beliefs are broken down and modified according to the three branches and the many denominations of Christians. Christians believe in one God who is the Father and creator. God represents the Trinity which is three things in one. He is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit all at once. Humans are created in his image. Jesus or the Messiah (anointed one) is the son of God. He was born of the Virgin Mary. Jesus walked the Earth teaching and preaching to his followers. Jesus was crucified under Pontius Pilate for his blasphemy against the current rulers﻿. Jesus died and was buried. Jesus died for our sins. This was to make believers better people and to teach them that reconciliation with God will lead to salvation. His followers believe that Jesus was resurrected from the dead and was sent to sit with God in heaven. Christianity teaches that Jesus will come to Earth again to judge the living and the dead. This is all summarized in the "Apostles Creed", a common recited prayer among Christians. Below are sources that describle beliefs of Christianity in more detail.

Sources: Historic Church Documents at Reformed.org. (2009). Retrieved August 1, 2010 from website: []

All About Religion. (2002-2010). Retrieved July 24, 2010 from website: []

Wenner, Sara. Basic Beliefs of Christianity. (2009). Retrieved July 24, 2010 from website: []

Christianity. (2010). Retrieved July 24, 2010 from website: []

Below are sources that describe the practices of Christianity in more detail. || || Retrieved August 1, 2010 from website: [] || Sources: Christian Rituals and Practices - Religion Facts. (2009). Retrieved July 24, 2010 from website: []
 * ~ ==﻿Practices of Christianity== ||
 * Christian practices are another area that depends on branch or denomination. The practice of Christianity has two centers. They are the Word and Sacrament. The Word is read and studied in the Bible. Within the Bible are the 10 Commandments. These commandments are a moral code for all to follow. Christians are taught to help others, practice forgiveness and show compassion. Sacraments are rites instituted by Christ. The two most common sacraments are Baptism and the Eucharist. Based on the branches of Christianity there may be 7 sacraments: Baptism, Communion (Eucharist), Confirmation, Penance, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage and Holy Orders.
 * > Image Source: Family Bible Restoration. (2009).

Bible List of the Ten Commandments. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010 from website: []

Symbols of Christianity
Below are sources that describe symbols of Christianity in more detail. || || [] ICHTHUS Fish Image Source: The Christian Fish Symbol. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010 from website: [] || Sources: Robison, B.A.. Christian Symbols: The Fish (ICHTHUS). (2009). Retrieved July, 24 2010 from website: []
 * [[image:latincross130.gif caption="Latin Cross" link="http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/symbols/cross.htm"]] |||| Two of the most popular symbols in the Christian religion are the cross and the fish. The cross symbolizes the Christ﻿ian religion by representing Christ's death. There are many variations of the cross. One such variation is the Latin Cross. It is a reminder of Christ's sacrifice and his resurrection. The symbol of a fish or the ICHTHUS fish represents Jesus. It is thought that this symbol was chosen because persecutors would not realize it was a symbol of Christianity.
 * Latin Cross Image Source: The Christian Cross Symbol. (2010). Retrieved August 1, 2010 from website:

Christian Symbols - Religion Facts. (2009). Retrieved July, 24 2010 from website: []