† Bibliography †

All the information we got can be found in teh following resources.

Self, David. Christianity. Ed. Nicola Barber. Vol. Christianity. Milwaukee, WI: World Almanac, Library, 2005. Print. Religions of the World.

Charter, Royal. "BBC - Religion: Christianity." BBC - Homepage. UK Households, 18 Oct. 1922. Web. 08 May 2011. .

Barrow, Mandy. "Christianity for Kids." Woodlands Junior School, Tonbridge, Kent UK. Woodlands Junior School, 22 Mar. 1995. Web. 08 May 2011. .

† Rituals and Practices †

In this section of this blog, we are going to talk about the rituals practiced by Christians.

- Joining the Church (Baptism): People are often baptized when they’re babies at 8 days old. If a person being baptized (joining the church ceremony) is a baby, he/she is given their first name. Baptism often takes place at a large stone bowl, near the entrance of the church because it symbolizes the entry of a person joining Christianity. When the church begins to baptize, prayers are said, and a little bit of water is sprinkled on the person’s (who is being baptized) forehead in the pattern of a cross. Baptism used to be private for only the family to observe their children joining the Church. Now, it’s part of the main Sunday service in the Church.

- Confirmation: For babies only, after being baptized. After baptism, babies will take upon themselves the responsibility of being adult members of the church, even though they’re still babies that are too young and inexperience. This church service is led by a bishop, or minister of the church who put their hands on the head of babies to confirm that the babies will take full responsibilities of being adults and that they’re 100% completely full members of the church. As for adults who were not baptized as babies may be both baptized and confirmed at the same time.

- Communion: A ritual to remember, celebrate, and commemorate Jesus on his Last Supper by sharing bread and wine. Usually, the bread and wine are purchased by normal Christians, who join money together, and attend the church as a thanksgiving to God. Christians believe that the bread is body of Jesus, and wine is blood of Jesus. The most holy moment is when the priest pray over the bread and wine, then people began to share, eat, and drink with each other. This service of the Church maybe called the Eucharist, Holy Communion, or Mass. Christians recognized Eucharist as a sign of unity amongst all Christians (when all of them are united together).

- Marriage: Christians believe that when a man and woman get married, they must be together for the rest of their life. Unless, one of the partner died, remarriage is possible. Jesus teaches that divorcing and marrying another one is wrong and will be view as adultery. Nowadays, some Church authorities still allow divorce and remarriage because they feel it’s better for the couples to divorce rather than living unhappily together.

- The Wedding: When Christian couples, who get marry, make promises that they will care, love, and be honest to each other under any circumstances. The couples often do this in front of the Church, so God can observe and witness their vows to each other. Then, they will go inside the church so the priest says some prayers and bless the marriage, also asking if the couple agrees to marry each other. Lastly, they will go to eat some bread and wines in the Eucharist service. For other Christians, sometimes, couples can only be divorced if the didn’t have any sexual relations together yet.

- Celibacy: Monks and Nuns can never get married or having any sexual relations. The same goes for the priests, who is never allow to get marry.

- Christians tried to help their neighbors as part of their daily life (like go shopping for them, take care of the garden, doing households…) because Jesus teaches that God expected all followers to help their neighbor, and also the poor, sick, and needy ones. So, Christians are expected to give some of the money they earn to the church and charities; so the church can build hospitals, more churches, school, support charities to fight against hunger, diseases, poverty….

by Victor

† Worship and Prayer †

In this section of this blog, we are going to talk about how Christians worship Jesus and how they pray.

- Christians worship in churches, chapels (small local church), and cathedrals to show respect, praising, serve God, and learn more about their faith.

- Christian spiritual leaders are priests or ministers.

- Since Christians believe God is with them all times, they don’t have to go to church to pray every time. Most Christians pray and worship at home by themselves, or with family.

- Christians mainly worship on Sunday with some special ceremonies and festivals.

- Christian worship involves in praising God by singing holy songs (hymns), giving speeches that concentrate on teaching part of the Bible and Jesus, readings from scriptures and Bible, preaching sermon (moralistic criticism and teachings about the sins of people) by priest, prayers, and various holy ceremonies.

- To Christians, Prayer means to communicate with God by listening and talking. Many Christians believe God ‘talks’ to them, not out loud that they can actually hear, but by giving them a strong feelings through worshiping that they should do something in particular.

- Christians try to pray (talk to God) each morning or evening, wherever is convenient to them. Some families pray out loud together before a meal, or with one person leading the praying while others remain silence.

- For Christians, prayer isn’t just for asking and wishing for things. Christians pray to:
* Praise God for his greatness and love.
* Thanking God for his great gifts such as food, water, and health.
* Confess, admit, and apologize to God for committing sins and wrong acts.
* Asking God to help other people, especially for ones that are sick or in trouble.
* Asking help for your own self.

- Some Christians use prayer books, which they can read out loud or think in their mind to pray. While other Christians simply pray using their own words.

- Jesus taught that, while praying, address God regularly as God the Father, Our Father, or Lord’s Prayer.

- Some churches pray and worship Mary, the mother of God.

- Monks and Nuns: men and women who live their entire life to serve God, spending their lives for praying and studying the Bible, and attend to church every day. Live in the nunnery.

 

By Victor

† History †

In this section of this blog. we are going to talk about the history of Christianity.

Christianity traces its beginning to a miraculous birth, adulthood, death, and resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth, known as Jesus Christ. Over 2000 years ago in Palestine (today's Israel), Jesus was born into a humble Jewish family in Bethlehem, then grow up in Nazareth. His mother was a young peasant woman named Mary. Christians believe that his father was the God in Heaven, making Jesus both fully human and fully divine. His earliest followers came to believe that he was the Messiah, or messenger, sent by God to free humanity from slavery, sin, and death. God sent his son Jesus in human form so that people would have a better understanding of God as a caring and loving parent. Jesus lived and experienced the suffering of humans. Jesus healed the sick, told stories, fed people with only a few loaves of bread, and teaches sermons that taught what God wanted people to do – to love God with all their hearts and love the people surrounding them as well as themselves. Jesus taught by example. By being loving and forgiving himself, Jesus taught others to be loving and forgiving - especially toward those who were considered lowest of the society. This is the central message and style of Jesus' teaching. During his adulthood in Jerusalem, Jesus built up loyal followers, led by his twelve disciples. But Jesus also made enemies among the religious and political leaders of his time. In the end, these powerful leaders were so threatened by Jesus' growing following that the Roman governor sentenced Jesus to death and had him crucified. The third day after Jesus' death, his followers found his tomb empty and discovered that he rose from the dead (resurrection). Christians believe that the painful sacrifice of Jesus' life on the cross shows how much God loves people. Jesus paid with his life on Earth for the sins of the world. Christians believe that in raising Jesus' from the dead, God showed that Jesus' message of love and forgiveness was more powerful than death, and that believing in Jesus and following the example of his life and his teaching would lead to eternal life after death. The resurrection (rising from the dead) is the sign of God's salvation offered to all the people who believe, admit their sins, and follow Jesus. After ascending to heaven, Jesus his Holy Spirit down to guide and comfort his followers. Then, Jesus' followers, and missionaries, spread Christianity throughout the world and create Christian Churches. Today, there are about 2.1 billion Christians living all over the world.

By Victor

† Beliefs †

In this section of the blog, we are going to talk about Christian beliefs.

- There is only 1 God and he creates everything (the universe, people, the world, everything that is seen or unseen). He is perfect, everywhere, all-powerful, and knows everything. He loves everyone.

- This only 1 God took form of 3 persons (parts) when he appears before humans (these 3 persons are consider to be 1 God, not 3 God): God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and The Holy Spirit. This is call Trinity.

- Jesus Christ is the human form of God, both fully human (which he lived and experienced things like normal human beings on earth) and fully divine. After Resurrection and Jesus ascend to heaven, God the Son (Jesus) send down his ghost form, ‘The Holy Spirit’, to guide, comfort, and encourage Christians through various aspects of life.

- Jesus is the Son of God. He was sent down to Earth from heaven, by God, for salvation (save humanity from evil and the consequences of their sins).

- Anyone who follows Jesus may receive salvation.

- The Bible is the Word and Teachings of God.

- The Holy Spirit send Jesus down to Earth through the virgin Mary. This means: Mary wants to marry Joseph, but before they came together, Mary became pregnant because of the Holy Spirit sending Jesus down through her stomach.

- Jesus suffered and was crucified (hang on a cross) to pay for the sins (guilt and mistakes) of human. Jews don't like Jesus teachings to Christians, so they hand Jesus over to Romans. Thus, Roman falsely blame Jesus for teaching dangerous ideas that involves in rebelling the government, so they execute him through crucifixion. Jesus was mocked, beaten, and taunted by the Romans.

- Jesus died and was buried. Joseph of Arimathea wrapped Jesus in clean linen cloth and buried him in a tomb. Then, Joseph rolled a big stone to block the entrance.

- Jesus resurrected on the 3rd day after his crucifixion, which means he died and came back to life again, and ascend to heaven to God, his father. This lead Christians to believe that they can have an eternal (permanent) life after death in Heaven, like Jesus too.

- Jesus will return to Earth to judge the sins of humans. People will be punish, by their own sins, if they don’t admit their sins and not believing in God. People are forgiven and save if they admit their sins and confess their beliefs about God.

By Victor

† Christian's Sacred Book †

In this section, we are going to talk about the Sacred Book of Christianity, Bible.

* Christianity originally developed as a part of Judaism. Jesus was a Jew.
Two Versions:
* Old Testament (original Hebrew Bible)- same as Jewish’s Torah, sacred book of the Jewish faith. Include Jewish laws, historical, and prophetic writings. As a Jew, Jesus taught Jewish ideas. 100% belongs to Judaism
* New Testament- rewrote by Jesus’ 12 disciples which are Christians. Christianity’s main holy book. 100% about Christianity.

Passage from the New Testament
‘Then one of the twelve disciples- the one named Judas Iscariot- went to chief priests and said, “What will you give me if I hand Jesus over to you?” So they counted out thirty silver coins and gave them to him. From then on Judas was looking for a good chance to betray Jesus.’
* Explanation: Judas, one of Jesus’12 disciples betray him by telling leading the Romans to where Jesus is currently staying. Just because of his greed for money.
* Connection to ‘The Last Supper’: Jesus knew that Judas was the traitor. Despite that fact, he still invites him along with the other 11 disciples to eat the last dinner with him before he goes on trial and get kill by the Romans tomorrow. Then, Jesus announce: “I tell you, one of you will betray me. The one who dips his bread in the dish.” Judas said: “Surely you don’t mean me, Teacher?” Still, Jesus forgave the sins Judas had done.

 

                                                                        The Last Supper
By Victor

† Sacred Days †

In this section, we will explain some Sacred Days in Christianity.

* Christmas: 25th December. Celebrate Jesus Christ’s birthday, or when he was born. During the weeks before Christmas Day, people send cards to other people, watch plays about Jesus, go to carol services, put up decorations for homes, churches and Christmas trees, and prepare presents for friends and family. During Christmas day, families woke up very soon to open presents under Christmas tree. Then, they go to church to sing carols and celebrate the birthday (people put on their best clothes). Next, the whole family sit down for Christmas dinner at mid-day and in early evening they have a Christmas Tea. Lastly, at three o'clock in the afternoon, the Queen gives her Christmas Message to the nation which is broadcast on radio and television. At night, people wear King’s paper crown to celebrate Jesus’ birthday party.

* Easter: The date of Easter changes every year, it’s between March and April. Christians celebrate the death and resurrection (coming back to life again, rose from death) of Jesus. It’s the most important Christian festival, and the one celebrated with the greatest joy. Eggs are a major symbol of Easter since they symbolize new life. Crosses are often covered with flowers to symbolize Jesus' victory over death.
- Christians gather together on Easter Sunday on a hill side to see the sun rise. They light a fire outside the church early on Sunday morning using the Paschal candles (celebrate Jesus’ wounds) and maybe (the candles) will be carried into the church for worshiping stuff . Some churches have an Easter Garden: A stone block the mouth of a tomb before Easter day, then rolled away on Easter morning.
- Very famous (especially for kids): Easter Egg Hunt. Small chocolate eggs are hidden for the children to find on the traditional Easter Egg Hunt. Easter Cards: drawing of a rabbit.
- Food: Boiled eggs (breakfast), then Easter cards and gifts may be exchanged. Roast lamb (duck meat, main dish served w/ mint sauce and vegetables). Easter biscuits & Sinnel Cake (dessert).

* Lent: 40 days before Easter to commemorate the 40 days that Jesus spent in a desert w/ no food and water to pray and fasting for the sins human has done. A time for people to think about themselves (personal reflections): what they did over the year, what sins they commit…. and to find ways to improve themselves. Also, during Lent, people try to reduce the amount of food they eat as much as possible because in the past, Jesus doesn’t have food during these 40 days.


* Holy Week: the last week of Jesus' life, people celebrates the victorious deeds that he’s done to save humanity from their sins before he was crucified (kill).
 Maundy Thursday: a day to remember and celebrate about the Last Supper between Jesus with his disciples, when Judas betrayed Jesus.
 Good Friday: A somber and sorrowful day that Jesus was crucified, or died on a cross by the Romans to save people from all their sins, which is the mostly recognized as a symbol of Christianity.
 Palm Sunday: celebrate Jesus’ first entry into Jerusalem. He rode into Jerusalem by a donkey, which is pretty humiliate.
Holy Saturday: The day after Jesus died, where he now rested in a tomb. It is a quiet day of meditation. In many churches during this day, people remember their family and friends who have died, pray for them.


* Ascension Day - when Jesus goes to Heaven.

* Epiphany- 12th day of Christmas. Celebrates the visit of the 3 wise men when Jesus was born in a barn along with Mary.

* Mothering Sunday- Mother’s day when children pay respect to their Mothers by giving their Mothers a gift and a card. This day is to honor and respect what our moms did for us.

* Harvest Day- Celebration to thank God for food/crops grown on the land and all the good things God given to them. We celebrate this day by singing, praying and decorating our churches with baskets of fruit and food

* Pentecost- seven weeks after Resurrection when Jesus sent the Holy Spirit down to comfort, strengthen, and tell Christians to spread Christianity. Then, Christians and missionaries spread Christianity and Jesus’ messages to the world. After that, 3000 more people became Christian in just a day.

By Victor