Christianity
Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God. He came to earth as a man to restore the relationship between humans and God which had gone wrong.
Christians believe that Jesus' life was devoted to teaching people how to reconcile with God and with one another. His death and resurrection was a form of atonement for the actions of humans and restored them to their correct relationship with God.
Christian worship involves praising God in music, speech, readings from the Bible (scripture), prayers, sermons and various holy ceremonies. While worship is often thought of only as "services" in which Christians come together in a group, individual Christians can worship God on their own, and in any place. The Christian place of worship is called a Church. The word "church" can also refer to the total group of Christians and individual religious denominations such as "The Anglican Church" or "The Methodist Church".
They believe life should be lived according to the example of Jesus Christ by:
- Loving God
- Loving fellow human beings as one loves oneself
- Sharing the Christian message
Christians also believe they have only one life. This life is judged after death by the way it was lived. Heaven is where the soul resides if one has lived a good life. While eternal punishment awaits in Hell for those who lead a bad life. Whether 'heaven' and 'hell' literally exists is debated in some theological circles.
All churches encourage the full participation of the congregation in praising God with heart, mind and soul. The Bible is the Holy Book which is divided into the Old Testament, incorporating the Hebrew Bible, and the New Testament. It details the life of Jesus and a selection of beliefs and writings from Christianity's early days. While prayer is often directed to God as taught by Jesus, some traditions encourage prayer to God through intermediaries such as saints and martyrs. Prayers through Mary, as the mother of God are central to some churches and form a traditional part of their worship.
Different churches, even within the same denomination, will use very different styles of worship. Some are very elaborate with a choir singing or a band playing, and some are more reserved with hymns (worship songs) and an organ.
The Orthodox Church differs from other Christian churches in both it's way of life and worship. Orthodoxy believes in the Incarnation - that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that Jesus is God in the flesh. He is the savior of all mankind, unique in all of history, and that only through a personal relationship with Him can we find God.
Seventh Day Adventist differs in that Saturday is the Sabbath (the day of worship).
Methodist Church is characterised by a lively tradition of hymn singing and a passionate regard for preaching.
Baptist Church is autonomous. No bishop nor hierarchical body can tell any local church how to conduct its business. There is no manual of discipline. Local churches themselves select their pastors and staff. Baptists are evangelicals - they believe that they should spread the word of Christianity. Hence, evangelism and missions have their supreme place in Baptist life.
The Catholic Church is the oldest institution in the western world and the largest Christian denomination. Catholics believe that the Pope, based in Rome, is the successor to Saint Peter whom Christ appointed as the first head of his church. He is traditionally regarded as Christ's representative on earth. Catholicism is distinct from other Christian churches in both its organisation and its teaching.
Catholicism is a faith that revolves around the seven sacraments - Baptism, Reconciliation, Eucharist, Confirmation, Marriage, Holy orders (joining the priesthood) and the sacrament of the sick (once called the last rites). The importance of receiving Christ's body and blood at communion is also central.
PBS: Mary Magdalene - Information on Mary and her role in Christian history.
FamilyChristian.com.