Pd4Christianity_B

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====Christianity is the largest growing religion, containing 1.5 - 2.1 billion followers. That's about a quarter of the people on Earth! It's based on the the life and lessons of Jesus of Nazareth. In history the three main groups have been Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant have become more well-known as well as popular. But, not all Christians use these classifying titles. There is the belief that Christianity is bigger than that and includes others. Christianity may be the most versatile and free-willful of all religions. Many Christians believe that the Bible is the Holy, inspired Word of God. The religion is monotheistic, which means that the followers trust in only one God. However, Christians believe in the doctrine of Trinity, or that God consists of three people (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). The Trinity is often mistaken and confused with the fact that Christianity is monotheistic. People come to think that the Trinity is three Gods, when indeed it is not. Each member of the Trinity is God, but He is only one person.Christians also believe that God is the the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Also, that He created the Heavens and the Earth in a mere six days. He then rested on the seventh day, which is now known as Sabbath day.====

====The sin began when Adam and Eve (first man and woman God had created) went against God's will and ate from the tree in the Garden of Eden that they were told not to eat from. This single act b rought on sin and from then on, man is sinful. It is believed we have a natural tendency to disobey God. We are to admit our sins and be justified by by His grace.====

====The Old and New Testament were written in about 50 years, so it is said. In a span of 400 years the end of the Old Testament brought on the beginning of the New Testament. The Old Testament grazes over the 4,000 years of history of the Jewish people. The Old Testament was intended to show man his sinful acts. It explains that the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good. The books in the Old Testament were not written in chronological order and some of the stories overlap as far as time wise. The New Testament is the message that salvation is free through Jesus Christ.====

====The Christians practice many traditional things, such as worship, fasting, the Lord's Supper, prayer, and the Ten Commandments. Worship is usually done on Sundays, the Christian Sabbath. It's a slight alternation from the Jewish Saturday. They made the flip because of the relation of Jesus who had rose from the dead on the first day of the week. Sundays are the beginning of every week, and therefore are the holiest days. Church services are mostly held on Sunday morning, Sunday evening, and Wednesday evening.====

====In mind, churches are places made for believers to come together as a body, to enjoy fellowship with the others. Jesus and his disciples endured a great deal of criticism from religious leaders of their time because they didn't fast. Fasting is often associated with a time of intense prayer, seeking wisdom from the Lord. It is a time where those who follow the religion shy away from eating. It is done in love and respect of God.====

====Prayer, of course, is also a major part of the Christian religion. In easy words, it's plain and simple - talking with God. There is no direct time set for prayer, but it is important for them to pray at least once a day. It's vital to develop a relationship with God for many reasons such as faith, hope, and occasionally guidance. Many Christians have a bible in their home, and often refer to that for general prayer. Some people disregard the the bible when preying and simply have a mouth-to-ear conversation. Jesus taught his disciples to pray, so it it crucial in the religion to do so. ====

====Because of the Christian diversity, there are few beliefs that are commonly shared. Almost all, however, agree on creeds. Creeds are doctrinal confessions, usually of religious beliefs. During the 4th and 5th centuries, the became increasingly popular among religions. Most Christian accept their use, and usually use one of the following - The Apostles' Creed The Nicene Creed The Chalcedonian Creed The Athanasian Creed Only a few groups of Christians oppose the use of creeds. ====

** W h e r e **
====Because the Christian religion is so diverse and open for others, it is spread all throughout the world. It has largely been practiced in North America, however, as well as South America. In a few countries it is illegal for the Christian religion to be====



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