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Christian Worldview Nature and Deity One God, creator of all things, is considered to be three “persons” (the Trinity): God the Father / the Son (Jesus Christ) / the Holy Spirit. These three aspects of God co-exist within a single Godhead. Understanding of Beginnings All that exists does so through God who began creation at a definite point in time and who will end creation. God created from nothing and all that he creates has purpose and meaning. Conception of Time Time is linear, though there are two very different approaches. In one, there is the suggestion that through human lives a renewed and peaceful world will be created—the Kingdom of God on earth. In the second, the world becomes so full of suffering and wrongdoing that an antichrist will appear, bringing conflict. Christ then returns and defeats the antichrist in a great battle inaugurating a reign of peace. Mortality (and Afterlife) There is one life only. Beliefs about death vary. The soul may ascend to heaven and be judged by God; or, the soul and the body may be raised on the Day of Judgment, at the end of time, and will then be judged. Venerated Literature The Bible is sacred scripture. It consists of the “Old Testament”—the books of the Hebrew Bible—plus the “New Testament.” The books of the latter were fixed circa 280 CE and are the Gospels, Acts of the Apostles, letters from writers such as Paul and James and the Book of Revelation. Prophets and Founders The faith is named after Jesus Christ, who was born in Palestine circa 4 BCE and crucified circa 29 CE. Christians believe he is the Son of God, part of the Trinity, and that he came to earth in human form to bring humanity back to fellowship with God. Rites of Birth and Death Many Christians are baptized into the Church while they are babies, but this can be done at any time in life. At death, Christians are laid to rest in the hope of the resurrection of the dead. Cremation and burial are both acceptable. Festivals and Calendar Events The main festivals celebrate the life of Jesus Christ: Christmas, celebrating his birth, Easter, marking his death and resurrection; Ascension Day, celebrating his return to Heaven. Pentecost celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit onto the Disciples. |
Teaching About Religion |
in support of civic pluralism |