Introduction to Christianity

The leader recognized over all bishops in the early Church.

The local churches and their bishops continued to exist even after the fall of the Roman Empire.

The Bible provided comfort and unity for Christians during difficult times, with copies and commentaries circulating widely.

He was a prolific Christian writer who explored the nature of God, the Church, and Christianity's independence from the Roman Empire.

Communities of monks or nuns dedicated to prayer, learning, and work, fostering a rigorous form of Christianity.

Calvin organized the church in Geneva into four levels: Pastors, Teachers, Elders, and Deacons. This structure reflects the early Church organization described in the book of Acts.

King Henry VIII broke from the Catholic Church to form the Church of England, primarily for political reasons, wanting to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. The Church of England, or Anglicanism, upholds the authority of the monarch.

Thomas More, a devout Catholic, refused to acknowledge King Henry VIII as the Supreme Head of the Church of England. This refusal led to his execution for treason.

Modern Baptists trace their origins to the English Separatist movement of the 17th century. They believe in adult baptism as a conscious expression of personal faith.

Baptist liturgy includes the sacrament of communion, Bible preaching, and hymn singing. Their most notable sacrament is adult immersion baptism.

John Wesley, an Anglican priest, founded Methodism in the 18th century. He emphasized personal salvation through prayer, discussion, and reflection.

Methodism follows three principles: Do not harm, Do good, Attend to all the ordinances (rules) of God.

Methodism typically includes baptism, song-filled preaching services, and the occasional symbolic Lord's Supper.

The period in the liturgical calendar outside of the major seasons like Advent, Lent, and Easter.

The Church's detailed calendar of seasons, feasts, festivals, holy days, and saints' days. It provides a sacred structure to the year centered on the story of Jesus.

A 4-week period of preparation for Christmas, starting on the first Sunday nearest November 30th.

A 40-day period of preparation for Easter, starting on Ash Wednesday and leading up to Easter Sunday.

Sunday is the day of the Resurrection, celebrating Jesus' victory over death. It's a day of renewal, hope, and celebration for Christians.

The Paschal Mystery refers to the events surrounding Jesus' passion, death, and resurrection. It's the central mystery of our faith.

The most solemn liturgy of the Easter Triduum, celebrated on Holy Saturday night. It's a celebration of Jesus' resurrection.

Both terms, 'Paschal' and 'Passover', come from the idea of 'passing over'. Just as God passed over the Hebrew firstborns during the Passover, Jesus' resurrection is a 'passing over' from death to life.

Christians were persecuted for refusing to renounce their faith in Jesus Christ. They were seen as a threat by the Roman Empire, which worshipped pagan gods.

Emperor Nero was the first Roman emperor to persecute Christians. He blamed them for the fire that destroyed Rome, even though he was responsible for it.

Christian martyrs were people who died for their faith. They faced various forms of persecution, including crucifixion, burning, and being thrown to lions in the Colosseum.

Despite persecution, Christianity continued to grow because the deaths of martyrs inspired many people to convert. Their courage and unwavering faith served as a powerful testament to the strength of the Christian belief.

Emperor Constantine was a Roman soldier who converted to Christianity. He attributed his victory in battle to the Christian God, and he made Christianity legal within the Roman Empire.

The First Council of Nicea was held in 325 CE at the request of Emperor Constantine. Its purpose was to define the Christian faith and resolve the Arian controversy. It established the Nicene Creed, which Christians still pray today.

The Edict of Milan was issued by Emperor Constantine in 313 CE. It granted freedom of religion to Christians, making them the official religion of the Roman Empire.

The Church provided a sense of unity and structure during the fall of the Roman Empire. Bishops led local churches, and the bishop of Rome played a crucial role in maintaining leadership.

The practice of the Catholic Church where people could purchase forgiveness of sins, primarily to raise funds for St. Peter's Basilica.

The Catholic Church held significant power during the 1500s, with some people believing it had too much influence, leading to calls for separation of Church and State.

The emphasis on saints, relics, and rituals within the Catholic Church during the 1500s diminished the spiritual meaning and sacredness of the Mass.

Many clergy members were accused of misconduct, such as accepting bribes, favoring relatives for positions, and having mistresses.

A list of 95 statements criticizing practices within the Catholic Church, posted by Martin Luther in 1517, sparking the Protestant Reformation.

Martin Luther believed that salvation is achieved through faith in Jesus Christ, not through good works.

John Calvin's belief that God has predetermined who will be saved, based solely on his grace and mercy.

A summary of five key beliefs of Calvinism: total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints.

Jesus' teachings and actions, which included miracles, preaching about the Kingdom of God, and choosing 12 apostles to spread his message.

Jesus was crucified for heresy, but his followers found his tomb empty three days later. They believed he had risen, appearing to them and confirming his claims to be the Messiah.

After his resurrection, Jesus ascended to heaven, promising to send the Holy Spirit. This spirit descended upon his apostles at Pentecost, marking the beginning of the Christian Church.

Saul, a persecutor of Christians, dramatically changed his stance after a vision on the Damascus Road, becoming Paul and spreading the Christian message.

Disagreements arose between Jewish and Gentile Christians about whether Gentiles needed to follow the Mosaic Law to be Christian.

Non-Jewish people who converted to Christianity, leading to debates about their adherence to the Mosaic Law within the early church.

Romans, worshipping multiple gods, persecuted Christians for refusing to worship the emperor and their lifestyle.

A meeting of early church leaders that decreed Gentile converts did not have to follow most of the Mosaic Law, promoting greater inclusion.