WikiChristian - User contributions [en]

Hell

2009-10-03T22:52:03Z

LEGION:

{{quote | text={{Bible verse|Matthew|22|13|lang=WEB}} [[Matthew 22:13]])}}
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Hell |
subtopics = [[Heaven]]
* [[Purgatory]]
* [[Death]], [[Annihilationism]]
* [[Sin]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
}}

My home.

===Biblical passages===

The [[Gospels]] portray images of destruction and torment when referring to hell.

Passages such as [[Matthew 3]]:10-12 give an image of destruction.
: ''{{Bible verse|matthew|3|10|lang=WEB}} {{Bible verse|matthew|3|11|lang=WEB}} {{Bible verse|matthew|3|12|lang=WEB}}''

Often fire is used to give an image of hell, for example in [[Mathew 5:22]], [[Matthew 25]]:41-46, [[Luke 3:9]]

Sometimes darkness is used as an image of hell, for example in [[Matthew 22:13]] and [[Luke 13:28]]

====Words for Hell====

The words [[sheol]] (Hebrew), [[hades]] (Greek), [[gehenna]] (Greek, from Hebrew), and [[tartarus]] (Greek) are sometimes translated as "hell"

The word "Hades" of the New Testament is the Greek translation of the Hebrew word "Sheol" of the Old Testament ([[Acts 2:27]], [[Psalm 16:10]]).

Gehenna was an earthly place used as a metaphor for the eternal destruction of evil. It comes from Hebrew and means "[[Gorge of Hinnom]]" (Ge-Hinnom). In the time of the [[Old Testament]] it was a place where children were sacrificed to the Ammonite god [[Molech]] ([[2 Kings 23:10]]).

===Views===

====Eternal Punishment versus [[Annihiliationism]]====

Many Christians believe hell to be a place of eternal punishment for those who have died without accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and receiving forgiveness of sins.

Some Christians believe in the existence of hell, but deny the idea of a continuous eternal conscious suffering. In this view, known as [[Annihilationism]], those who have died without accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and receiving forgiveness of sins cease to exist. This view is sometimes argued as inconsistent with Scripture, however, if the Biblical descriptions of hell are seen as imagery, then an annihilationist view can be argued as Biblical.

====[[Exclusivism]] versus [[Inclusivism]]====

{{stub}}

==Quotes==

==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hell Wikipedia - Hell]

{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Christian doctrine and debates]] -> [[Afterlife]]
[[Category:Christian doctrine and debates]]

Christianity

2009-10-03T22:32:43Z

LEGION:

{{quote | text={{Bible verse|John|3|16|lang=WEB}} [[John 3:16]]}}
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Christianity
[[Image:Christians at lourdes.jpg|thumb|center|Christians in a procession at [[Lourdes]].]] |
subtopics = [[God]], [[Jesus Christ]], [[Essence of Christianity]]
* [[Bible]], [[Christian literature, art, music and media]]
* [[Church]], [[Church history]], [[Denominations]]
* [[Famous Christians]]
* [[Christian doctrine and debates]], [[Grace]], [[Love]]
* [[Current issues]], [[News]]
* [[Cults and other religions]]
* [[Places]], [[Mission]], [[World-wide church directory]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
}}

Christianity is the world's most widely practiced [[religion]] and although it has many [[denomination]]s and great diversity, all Christians are united in [[Jesus Christ]]. At the heart of Christianity is a loving creator [[God]] who is also our redeemer.

===Etymology===

The name "Christianity" comes from the [[Koine Greek|Greek]] word [[Christos]], meaning "annointed", a reference to [[Jesus]].

===[[Essence of Christianity]]===

Christianity is the belief that a two-thousand-year-old jewish zombie can make you live forever if you symbolically eat his flesh and drink his blood, telepathically tell him that you accept him as your master and kill or enslave all the Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Satanists, Daoists, and every other person who isnt a white anglo-saxon christian and remove an evil force from your soul that is present in humanity because a rib-woman was convinced by a talking snake to eat an apple off a magical tree in a wonderland.
====[[Love]]====

An underlying theme of Christianity is love, in particular, God's love for people. [[1 John 3:16]] tells us that Jesus' love was so great that he lay down his life for his us
: ''{{Bible verse|1 John|3|16|lang=WEB}}
Early in the [[New Testament]] Jesus summarized the Law, saying that we should love God, and love our neighbour, in [[Mark 12]]:28-30
: ''{{Bible verse|mark|12|28|lang=WEB}}''
: ''{{Bible verse|mark|12|29|lang=WEB}}''
: ''{{Bible verse|mark|12|30|lang=WEB}}''

====[[Grace]]====

Another key concept in Christianity is grace. Grace is [[God]]'s [[love]] poured out on undeserving humanity. The doctrine about grace teaches us that although all people have fallen short of the glory of God and have [[sin]]ned and turned away from God, God loves us still. Nothing we do can restore us to a right relationship with God. It is only through faith in [[Jesus Christ]], in his death and resurrection that we can return to God. This gift of restoration of right relationship with God is called grace.

===[[Bible]]===
[[Image:Biblewithlight.jpg|thumb|An open Bible.]]

The Bible is the collection of documents acknowledged by Christians to be inspired by God. It contains 66 books and is divided into the [[Old Testament]] and the [[New Testament]]. It tells of the story of the [[creation]] of the universe and [[man]] by [[God]], the rebellion of man against God and his rescue plan for humanity through his Son, [[Jesus Christ]]. It tells of the history of the nation of Israel leading up to the time of Jesus, and then the formation of the early church following Jesus. Not only does it record history, it also contains stories and parables, poetry, proverbs and prophecy.

===[[Church]]===

A [[church building]] is a building used in [[Christian]] [[worship]]. The term church also refers to the combined Christian community of believers.

====[[Church history]]====

Since the [[church]] was formed, major events and conflict, often over matters of [[doctrine]] have resulted in significant rifts in the church. One of the most notable debates in the Christian church has been the debate about [[salvation]] (being saved) by faith alone (belief in Jesus and nothing else) or through faith and good works (belief in Jesus ''and'' performing good deeds). This debate was the key issue in the [[Reformation]] of the sixteenth century and lead to the split of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] with the formation of [[Protestant]] churches such as the [[Lutheranism|Lutheran Church]].

====[[Denominations]]====

Although there is only one universal Christian [[Church]], there are tens of thousands of [[Christian]] denominations or churches. These denominations have formed and divided since the time of [[Christ]], because Christians have had differences in beliefs and practices. Some of the main groups include [[Eastern Orthodoxy]], [[Roman Catholicism]] and the [[Protestant churches]] and [[Pentecostal churches]].

[[Image:Mount sinai.jpg|thumb|Sunrise at Mount Sinai in Egypt]]

===[[Christian literature, art, music and media]]===

Throughout church history, people have devoted themselves to great works of literature and art for God's glory and honour.

====[[Christian music]]====

Since Christians have met together, they have sung to God and about God. Early Jewish Christians probably sung [[psalms]]. In later centuries, monophonic [[Gregorian chants]] were widely sung. During and following the Protestant [[Reformation]], hundreds of [[hymns]] were written by men like [[Martin Luther]] and [[Charles Wesley]]. In recent decades, [[Contemporary Christian Music]], Christian music in rock style, has become increasing popular.

====[[Christian movies]]====

Some of the most well-known movies have strong [[Christian]] themes. One of the earliest Christian movies was [[The Ten Commandments (movie)|The Ten Commandments]] by [[Cecil B. DeMill]]. In 2004, [[The Passion of the Christ]], describing the night of [[Jesus]]' death was a film that made a world-wide impact. In 2005, the movie [[The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]] was being released based on the famous book by [[C.S. Lewis]].

====[[Christianity and the Internet]]====

Since the beginning of the world wide web, Christians have been involved in creating websites dedicated to different aspects of [[Christianity]]. Some of the most important ones have been sites containing the [[Bible]] in different versions like [[BibleGateway]] ([http://www.biblegateway.com biblegateway.com])

===[[Religious clothing and symbols]]===

There are no requirements in [[Christianity]] about what we should wear, although, in many denominations there are special uniforms for those involved in the organisation and running of the denomination. Many Christians also wear symbols of their faith, such as a cross or [[crucifix]]. In many countries with predominant [[Eastern Orthodox]] and [[Roman Catholic]] populations, people may erect a [[shrine]] or symbol of an aspect of their faith that is important to them. In the [[Reformation]], there was a backlash against these symbols which were often seen as [[idol]]s.

===[[Christian doctrine and debates]]===

Doctrine means a set of beliefs or teaching. Various [[Creeds]] and catechisms have been written as statements of the beliefs of different Christians. Today there are still considerable differences in understanding on major themes in Christianity like [[justification]], [[salvation]] and [[grace]].

Christians believe in one God who is yet three persons as described above. They also believe that [[Jesus]] was both a man and both God, and that he bore the [[sin]]s of mankind on the cross and was resurrected three days later.

Christianity is primarily are religion of [[love]]. It is about God's love for us, and our response. We are asked to respond by loving God with our whole hearts, and loving our neighbours, including our enemies, as ourselves.

However, the Bible also makes clear that the every person has rebelled against God and sins. In the [[Romans|Book of Romans]] it says that "all have sinned". Later however, the author goes on to tell us that we can be forgiven and appear without sin before God, and that this is through the faith in [[Jesus]] and his death and resurrection.

===The [[Persecuted Church]], [[Mission]] and [[Places|Christianity around the world]]===

The world's 5 inhabited continents contain almost 7 billion people. The population is increasing rapidly, and it doubled between 1960 and 2000. There are 237 independent states. 66 of these have significant restrictions on religious belief. About 30% of the world's population call themselves [[Christian]] (2 billion people), 20% call themselves [[Muslim]] (1.3 billion people), 15% are [[non-religious]] (1 billion) and 13% call themselves [[Hindu]]. Although [[Europe]] is rapidly becoming secular and non-religious, the majority of Christians live in areas where European settlement or missionary work has been significant. [[Asia]] is the least evangelised continent. Of Christians, there are about 1 billion [[Roman Catholic]], 700 million [[Protestant]] and 550 million [[Eastern Orthodox]] Christians.

==Quotes==

''John Lennon'' - Evening Standard (London, 4 March 1966)
: [[Christianity]] will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue with that; I'm right and I will be proved right. We're more popular than [[Jesus]] now; I don't know which will go first — rock and roll or Christianity.

''[[C.S. Lewis]]''
: I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.

[[Martin Luther King, Jr.]]
: My parents would always tell me that I should not hate the white man, but that it was my duty as a [[Christian]] to love all.

==Links==
* [http://www.askchristians.org AskChristians.org] - Discuss today's toughest topics with those who hold the same beliefs but not necessarily the same ideas!
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity Wikipedia - Christianity]
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity BBC Religion & Ethics - Christianity]
* [http://www.thinkapologetics.com ThinkApologetics.com]
* [http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture/Religion_and_Spirituality/Faiths_and_Practices/Christianity Yahoo Directory on Christianity]
* [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03712a.htm CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Christianity]
* [http://christianity.about.com/ It's all About Christianity]
* [http://www.christianforumsite.com/ ChristianForumSite.com] - Post & discuss Christian topics - Bible studies, entertainment, prayer, testimonies, publications and news
* [http://www.crosssearch.com/ www.crosssearch.com]
* [http://www.believerscafe.com more than 35,000 free Christian webpages]
* [http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/christian-resources.html Not Just Bibles A Guide to Christian Resources on the Internet]
* [http://www.iclnet.org/ The Internet Christian Library]
* [http://www.crosswalk.com/ crosswalk.com]
* [http://www.ccel.org ccel.org Public Domain Christian Repository]
* [http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/wittenberg-home.html Project Wittenberg - Home to works by and about Martin Luther and other Lutherans]

{{returnto}} [[Main Page]]
[[Category:Religions]]

Bible:Daniel 8:10

2009-10-03T21:47:09Z

LEGION:

{{Quote|text=<big>{{Bible verse|Daniel|8|10|lang=WEB}}</big>}}
{{Infobox Contents |
topic_name = Daniel 8:10 |
subtopics = |
opinion_pieces = [[Bible:Daniel 8:10 (discussion)|Daniel 8:10 (discussion)]] '' (For short comments and opinions)'' |
}}

== Commentary ==

{{clear}}
{{Bible versions|Daniel|8|10}}

==Quotes==
PENIS.
==Links==

{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[Daniel]] -> [[Daniel 8]]

Bible:Revelation 7:9

2009-10-03T21:30:34Z

LEGION:

{{Quote|text=<big>{{Bible verse|Revelation|7|9|lang=WEB}}</big>}}
{{Infobox Contents |
topic_name = Revelation 7:9 |
subtopics = |
opinion_pieces = [[Bible:Revelation 7:9 (discussion)|Revelation 7:9 (discussion)]] '' (For short comments and opinions)'' |
}}

== Commentary ==

{{clear}}
{{Bible versions|Revelation|7|9}}

==Quotes==
And Jesus did fuck the man deep; for he sensed his ejaculation drawing near.
==Links==

{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[Revelation]] -> [[Revelation 7]]

Bible:1 Samuel 14:21

2009-10-03T21:27:02Z

LEGION:

{{Quote|text=<big>{{Bible verse|1 Samuel|14|21|lang=WEB}}</big>}}
{{Infobox Contents |
topic_name = 1 Samuel 14:21 |
subtopics = |
opinion_pieces = [[Bible:1 Samuel 14:21 (discussion)|1 Samuel 14:21 (discussion)]] '' (For short comments and opinions)'' |
}}

== Commentary ==

{{clear}}
{{Bible versions|1 Samuel|14|21}}

==Quotes==
And Jesus did shit himself; for he had diarrhea.
==Links==

{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[1 Samuel]] -> [[1 Samuel 14]]

Jesus-did he come from myths?

2009-10-03T21:23:42Z

LEGION:

OF COURSE, YOU DUMBASSES!!!!

[[ 1. There were many cases of the miraculous birth of Gods reported in history before the case of Jesus Christ.]]

[[ 2. Also many other cases of Gods being born of virgin mothers.]]

[[ 3. Many of these Gods, like Christ, were (reputedly) born on the 25th of December.]]

[[ 4. Their advent into the world, like that of Jesus Christ, is in many cases claimed to have been foretold by "inspired prophets."]]

[[ 5. Stars figured at the birth of several of them, as in the case of Christ.]]

[[ 6. Also angels, shepherds, and magi, or "wise men."]]

[[ 7. Many of them, like Christ, were claimed to be of royal or princely descent.]]

[[ 8. Their lives, like his, were also threatened in infancy by the ruler of the country.]]

[[ 9. Several of them, like him, gave early proof of divinity.]]

[[ 10. And, like him, retired from the world and fasted.]]

[[ 11. Also, like him, declared, "My kingdom is not of this world."]]

[[ 12. Some of them preached a spiritual religion, too, like his.]]

[[ 13. And were "anointed with oil," like him.]]

[[ 14. Many of them, like him, were "crucified for the sins of the world."]]

[[ 15. And after three days' interment "rose from the dead."]]

[[ 16. And, finally, like him, are reported as ascending back to heaven.]]

[[ 17. The same violent convulsions of nature at the crucifixion of several are reported.]]

[[ 18. They were nearly all called "Saviors," "Son of God." "Messiah," "Redeemer," "Lord," &c.]]

[[ 19. Each one was the second member of the trinity of "Father, Son and Holy Ghost."]]

[[ 20. Several Christian doctrines existed in earlier religions.]]

Judaism

2009-10-03T21:19:48Z

LEGION:

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Judaism
[[Image:Torah.jpg|thumb|center|The [[Torah]].]]|
subtopics = History of Judaism - [[Ancient Israel and Judah]], [[Holocaust]]
* Important places - [[Israel]], [[Jerusalem]]
* Major figures - [[Abraham]], [[Moses]], [[King David|David]]
* Major texts - [[Old Testament]]
* [[Judaism: Beliefs|Beliefs]]
* [[Judaism: Divisions|Divisions]]
* [[Judaism Today]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
}}

Judaism is the religious culture of the Jewish people. It is one of the first recorded [[monotheism|monotheistic]] faiths and one of the oldest religious traditions still practiced today. The tenets and history of Judaism are the major part of the foundation of other [[Abrahamic religions]], including [[Christianity]] and [[Islam]]. Judaism follows the [[Old Testament]] and considers [[Jesus Christ]] to be a prophet rather than the [[Messiah]]. Basically, just as ludicrous, ridiculous, and utterly unintelligent as Christianity and Islam.

===[[History of Judaism]]===

====[[Holocaust]]====

===Important places in Judaism===

====[[Israel]]====

====[[Jerusalem]]====

===Major figures in Judaism===

====[[Abraham]]====

====[[Moses]]====

====[[King David|David]]====

===Major texts in Judaism===

====[[Old Testament]]====

===[[Judaism: Beliefs|Beliefs]]===

===[[Judaism: Divisions|Divisions]]===

===[[Judaism Today]]===

==Quotes==

==Links==
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judaism Wikipedia - Judaism]

{{returnto}} [[Religions]]
[[Category:Religions]]
[[Category:Judaism]]

Genesis

2009-10-03T21:16:34Z

LEGION:

{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Genesis |
subtopics = [[People in Genesis Index]] - [[Adam]], [[Noah]], [[Abraham]], [[Isaac]], [[Jacob]], [[Joseph (Genesis)|Joseph]]
* [[Stories in Genesis Index]] - [[Creation]], [[The Fall of Man]], [[The Flood]], [[Tower of Babel]]
* [[Historical understandings of Genesis]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}
* {{ebd}}
* [[Text:Catholic Encyclopedia:Book of Genesis]] |
}}
{{chapters}}
[[Genesis 1|1]]
[[Genesis 2|2]]
[[Genesis 3|3]]
[[Genesis 4|4]]
[[Genesis 5|5]]
[[Genesis 6|6]]
[[Genesis 7|7]]
[[Genesis 8|8]]
[[Genesis 9|9]]
[[Genesis 10|10]]
[[Genesis 11|11]]
[[Genesis 12|12]]
[[Genesis 13|13]]
[[Genesis 14|14]]
[[Genesis 15|15]]
[[Genesis 16|16]]
[[Genesis 17|17]]
[[Genesis 18|18]]
[[Genesis 19|19]]
[[Genesis 20|20]]
[[Genesis 21|21]]
[[Genesis 22|22]]
[[Genesis 23|23]]
[[Genesis 24|24]]
[[Genesis 25|25]]
[[Genesis 26|26]]
[[Genesis 27|27]]
[[Genesis 28|28]]
[[Genesis 29|29]]
[[Genesis 30|30]]
[[Genesis 31|31]]
[[Genesis 32|32]]
[[Genesis 33|33]]
[[Genesis 34|34]]
[[Genesis 35|35]]
[[Genesis 36|36]]
[[Genesis 37|37]]
[[Genesis 38|38]]
[[Genesis 39|39]]
[[Genesis 40|40]]
[[Genesis 41|41]]
[[Genesis 42|42]]
[[Genesis 43|43]]
[[Genesis 44|44]]
[[Genesis 45|45]]
[[Genesis 46|46]]
[[Genesis 47|47]]
[[Genesis 48|48]]
[[Genesis 49|49]]
[[Genesis 50|50]]

==Commentary==

Genesis is the first book of the [[Bible]]. It is a book of beginnings - the beginning of the universe and how people spoiled it, and the beginning of [[God]]'s plan to restore it through the beginning of a nation. It tells us about God, who was before time, and is the creator of everything there is. Genesis tells us that God created [[Adam]] and [[Eve]] in his image, but that they spoiled this creation, by wilful disobedience, bringing death to mankind. The book tells the stories of early humans including [[Noah]] and the Flood and [[Abraham]] and his descendants.

===[[Historical understandings of Genesis]]===

There is some disagreement among Christians regarding the historical nature of the book. Questions naturally arise such as: "Was there a garden?", "Was their a fall with the serpent?", "Was there a world-wide flood, or a local flood?", "Was there really a tower of Babel?". Disagreement arise partly because of the way in which the book is read, in particular, which genre the reader feels most appropriately fits the book. Some Christians, especially in the Developing World and the United States, read the book as literal history, and thus understand the world to be around 8,000 years old. They see all of the Creation story to be factually accurate. At the other end of the spectrum, other Christians see the genre, at least of the first few chapters of Genesis, in a more parabolic or metaphorical way. These Christians do not necessarily believe in a literal Adam or Eve, but see the creation story as making a number of points, including God as creator, with humans rebelling against their creator.

Smart peoples' understanding: A bunch of ludicrous bullshit that serves as an easy, comprehensible way to explain the beginning of mankind that involves no actual THOUGHT whatsoever. Basically, an excuse to avoid not thinking about the origins of the universe.

===Authorship===

It has traditionally been accepted that Moses was the author of Genesis. Some scholars suggest however that multiple authors were involved in the writing and compilation of Genesis.

===Main Themes===

====Key Word: Beginning====

====Man's Sin====

====The Divine Covenant====

====Initial Steps Toward Redemption====

====The Early history of the Chosen Race of the Covenant====

===Outline===

====The Biblical Account of Creation====

=====Of the Universe=====

[[Genesis 1]]:1-25

=====Of the Human Race=====

[[Genesis 1]]:26-31 and [[Genesis 2]]:18-24

====The Story of Early Man====

====Temptation and the Fall, The First Messianic Promise====

[[Genesis 3]]:1-24

=====Cain and Abel=====

[[Genesis 4]]:1-26

=====Genealogy and Death of the Patriarchs=====

[[Genesis 5]]:1-32

==Quotes==

==Links==

{{returnto}} [[Christianity]] -> [[Bible]] -> [[Old Testament]] -> [[Books of the Law]]

[[Category:Books of the Old Testament]]
[[Category:Books of The Law]]
[[Category:Commentary]]

Christianity

2009-10-03T20:58:25Z

LEGION:

{{quote | text={{Bible verse|John|3|16|lang=WEB}} [[John 3:16]]}}
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Christianity
[[Image:Christians at lourdes.jpg|thumb|center|Christians in a procession at [[Lourdes]].]] |
subtopics = [[God]], [[Jesus Christ]], [[Essence of Christianity]]
* [[Bible]], [[Christian literature, art, music and media]]
* [[Church]], [[Church history]], [[Denominations]]
* [[Famous Christians]]
* [[Christian doctrine and debates]], [[Grace]], [[Love]]
* [[Current issues]], [[News]]
* [[Cults and other religions]]
* [[Places]], [[Mission]], [[World-wide church directory]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
}}

Christianity is the world's most widely practiced [[religion]] and although it has many [[denomination]]s and great diversity, all Christians are united in [[Jesus Christ]]. At the heart of Christianity is a loving creator [[God]] who is also our redeemer.

===Etymology===

The name "Christianity" comes from the [[Koine Greek|Greek]] word [[Christos]], meaning "annointed", a reference to [[Jesus]].

===[[Essence of Christianity]]===

[[Christianity]] is about [[God]] reaching out his hand in friendship to mankind. Christians believe that the whole world and everything in it was created by God. God is a personal being, and by some mystery that we cannot understand, he is three, yet one: [[God the Father|Father]], [[Jesus|Son]] and [[Holy Spirit|Spirit]] (see the [[Trinity]]). He created people in his image, to [[love]] him. Yet every person has rebelled against God. Yet instead of turning his back on us, God became a man, [[Jesus]], who was born about 4 BC and lived among us. He taught a message of love throughout Palestine but public opinion turned against him and he was executed as a young man. He died because of us - the death that we should have died. He was crucified on a cross, but he rose from the dead, and now calls us to trust him, to love him and to [[repent]] of our rebellion. If we do this, then we our relationship with God becomes restored and we will live forever with God.

Many non-Christians may think that being a Christian is about belonging to a particular [[church]] or following a certain set of rules. Most Christians however would agree that at its root, being a Christian means to be in a living relationship with [[Jesus Christ]].

Christianity is the belief that a two-thousand-year-old jewish zombie can make you live forever if you symbolically eat his flesh and drink his blood, telepathically tell him that you accept him as your master and kill or enslave all the Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Satanists, Daoists, and every other person who isnt a white anglo-saxon christian and remove an evil force from your soul that is present in humanity because a rib-woman was convinced by a talking snake to eat an apple off a magical tree in a wonderland.
====[[Love]]====

An underlying theme of Christianity is love, in particular, God's love for people. [[1 John 3:16]] tells us that Jesus' love was so great that he lay down his life for his us
: ''{{Bible verse|1 John|3|16|lang=WEB}}
Early in the [[New Testament]] Jesus summarized the Law, saying that we should love God, and love our neighbour, in [[Mark 12]]:28-30
: ''{{Bible verse|mark|12|28|lang=WEB}}''
: ''{{Bible verse|mark|12|29|lang=WEB}}''
: ''{{Bible verse|mark|12|30|lang=WEB}}''

====[[Grace]]====

Another key concept in Christianity is grace. Grace is [[God]]'s [[love]] poured out on undeserving humanity. The doctrine about grace teaches us that although all people have fallen short of the glory of God and have [[sin]]ned and turned away from God, God loves us still. Nothing we do can restore us to a right relationship with God. It is only through faith in [[Jesus Christ]], in his death and resurrection that we can return to God. This gift of restoration of right relationship with God is called grace.

===[[Bible]]===
[[Image:Biblewithlight.jpg|thumb|An open Bible.]]

The Bible is the collection of documents acknowledged by Christians to be inspired by God. It contains 66 books and is divided into the [[Old Testament]] and the [[New Testament]]. It tells of the story of the [[creation]] of the universe and [[man]] by [[God]], the rebellion of man against God and his rescue plan for humanity through his Son, [[Jesus Christ]]. It tells of the history of the nation of Israel leading up to the time of Jesus, and then the formation of the early church following Jesus. Not only does it record history, it also contains stories and parables, poetry, proverbs and prophecy.

===[[Church]]===

A [[church building]] is a building used in [[Christian]] [[worship]]. The term church also refers to the combined Christian community of believers.

====[[Church history]]====

Since the [[church]] was formed, major events and conflict, often over matters of [[doctrine]] have resulted in significant rifts in the church. One of the most notable debates in the Christian church has been the debate about [[salvation]] (being saved) by faith alone (belief in Jesus and nothing else) or through faith and good works (belief in Jesus ''and'' performing good deeds). This debate was the key issue in the [[Reformation]] of the sixteenth century and lead to the split of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] with the formation of [[Protestant]] churches such as the [[Lutheranism|Lutheran Church]].

====[[Denominations]]====

Although there is only one universal Christian [[Church]], there are tens of thousands of [[Christian]] denominations or churches. These denominations have formed and divided since the time of [[Christ]], because Christians have had differences in beliefs and practices. Some of the main groups include [[Eastern Orthodoxy]], [[Roman Catholicism]] and the [[Protestant churches]] and [[Pentecostal churches]].

[[Image:Mount sinai.jpg|thumb|Sunrise at Mount Sinai in Egypt]]

===[[Christian literature, art, music and media]]===

Throughout church history, people have devoted themselves to great works of literature and art for God's glory and honour.

====[[Christian music]]====

Since Christians have met together, they have sung to God and about God. Early Jewish Christians probably sung [[psalms]]. In later centuries, monophonic [[Gregorian chants]] were widely sung. During and following the Protestant [[Reformation]], hundreds of [[hymns]] were written by men like [[Martin Luther]] and [[Charles Wesley]]. In recent decades, [[Contemporary Christian Music]], Christian music in rock style, has become increasing popular.

====[[Christian movies]]====

Some of the most well-known movies have strong [[Christian]] themes. One of the earliest Christian movies was [[The Ten Commandments (movie)|The Ten Commandments]] by [[Cecil B. DeMill]]. In 2004, [[The Passion of the Christ]], describing the night of [[Jesus]]' death was a film that made a world-wide impact. In 2005, the movie [[The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]] was being released based on the famous book by [[C.S. Lewis]].

====[[Christianity and the Internet]]====

Since the beginning of the world wide web, Christians have been involved in creating websites dedicated to different aspects of [[Christianity]]. Some of the most important ones have been sites containing the [[Bible]] in different versions like [[BibleGateway]] ([http://www.biblegateway.com biblegateway.com])

===[[Religious clothing and symbols]]===

There are no requirements in [[Christianity]] about what we should wear, although, in many denominations there are special uniforms for those involved in the organisation and running of the denomination. Many Christians also wear symbols of their faith, such as a cross or [[crucifix]]. In many countries with predominant [[Eastern Orthodox]] and [[Roman Catholic]] populations, people may erect a [[shrine]] or symbol of an aspect of their faith that is important to them. In the [[Reformation]], there was a backlash against these symbols which were often seen as [[idol]]s.

===[[Christian doctrine and debates]]===

Doctrine means a set of beliefs or teaching. Various [[Creeds]] and catechisms have been written as statements of the beliefs of different Christians. Today there are still considerable differences in understanding on major themes in Christianity like [[justification]], [[salvation]] and [[grace]].

Christians believe in one God who is yet three persons as described above. They also believe that [[Jesus]] was both a man and both God, and that he bore the [[sin]]s of mankind on the cross and was resurrected three days later.

Christianity is primarily are religion of [[love]]. It is about God's love for us, and our response. We are asked to respond by loving God with our whole hearts, and loving our neighbours, including our enemies, as ourselves.

However, the Bible also makes clear that the every person has rebelled against God and sins. In the [[Romans|Book of Romans]] it says that "all have sinned". Later however, the author goes on to tell us that we can be forgiven and appear without sin before God, and that this is through the faith in [[Jesus]] and his death and resurrection.

===The [[Persecuted Church]], [[Mission]] and [[Places|Christianity around the world]]===

The world's 5 inhabited continents contain almost 7 billion people. The population is increasing rapidly, and it doubled between 1960 and 2000. There are 237 independent states. 66 of these have significant restrictions on religious belief. About 30% of the world's population call themselves [[Christian]] (2 billion people), 20% call themselves [[Muslim]] (1.3 billion people), 15% are [[non-religious]] (1 billion) and 13% call themselves [[Hindu]]. Although [[Europe]] is rapidly becoming secular and non-religious, the majority of Christians live in areas where European settlement or missionary work has been significant. [[Asia]] is the least evangelised continent. Of Christians, there are about 1 billion [[Roman Catholic]], 700 million [[Protestant]] and 550 million [[Eastern Orthodox]] Christians.

==Quotes==

''John Lennon'' - Evening Standard (London, 4 March 1966)
: [[Christianity]] will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue with that; I'm right and I will be proved right. We're more popular than [[Jesus]] now; I don't know which will go first — rock and roll or Christianity.

''[[C.S. Lewis]]''
: I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.

[[Martin Luther King, Jr.]]
: My parents would always tell me that I should not hate the white man, but that it was my duty as a [[Christian]] to love all.

==Links==
* [http://www.askchristians.org AskChristians.org] - Discuss today's toughest topics with those who hold the same beliefs but not necessarily the same ideas!
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity Wikipedia - Christianity]
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity BBC Religion & Ethics - Christianity]
* [http://www.thinkapologetics.com ThinkApologetics.com]
* [http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture/Religion_and_Spirituality/Faiths_and_Practices/Christianity Yahoo Directory on Christianity]
* [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03712a.htm CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Christianity]
* [http://christianity.about.com/ It's all About Christianity]
* [http://www.christianforumsite.com/ ChristianForumSite.com] - Post & discuss Christian topics - Bible studies, entertainment, prayer, testimonies, publications and news
* [http://www.crosssearch.com/ www.crosssearch.com]
* [http://www.believerscafe.com more than 35,000 free Christian webpages]
* [http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/christian-resources.html Not Just Bibles A Guide to Christian Resources on the Internet]
* [http://www.iclnet.org/ The Internet Christian Library]
* [http://www.crosswalk.com/ crosswalk.com]
* [http://www.ccel.org ccel.org Public Domain Christian Repository]
* [http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/wittenberg-home.html Project Wittenberg - Home to works by and about Martin Luther and other Lutherans]

{{returnto}} [[Main Page]]
[[Category:Religions]]

Christianity

2009-10-03T20:33:28Z

LEGION:

{{quote | text={{Bible verse|John|3|16|lang=WEB}} [[John 3:16]]}}
{{Infobox_Contents |
topic_name = Christianity
[[Image:Christians at lourdes.jpg|thumb|center|Christians in a procession at [[Lourdes]].]] |
subtopics = [[God]], [[Jesus Christ]], [[Essence of Christianity]]
* [[Bible]], [[Christian literature, art, music and media]]
* [[Church]], [[Church history]], [[Denominations]]
* [[Famous Christians]]
* [[Christian doctrine and debates]], [[Grace]], [[Love]]
* [[Current issues]], [[News]]
* [[Cults and other religions]]
* [[Places]], [[Mission]], [[World-wide church directory]] |
opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
}}

Christianity is the world's most widely practiced [[religion]] and although it has many [[denomination]]s and great diversity, all Christians are united in [[Jesus Christ]]. At the heart of Christianity is a loving creator [[God]] who is also our redeemer.

===Etymology===

The name "Christianity" comes from the [[Koine Greek|Greek]] word [[Christos]], meaning "annointed", a reference to [[Jesus]].

===[[Essence of Christianity]]===

[[Christianity]] is about [[God]] reaching out his hand in friendship to mankind. Christians believe that the whole world and everything in it was created by God. God is a personal being, and by some mystery that we cannot understand, he is three, yet one: [[God the Father|Father]], [[Jesus|Son]] and [[Holy Spirit|Spirit]] (see the [[Trinity]]). He created people in his image, to [[love]] him. Yet every person has rebelled against God. Yet instead of turning his back on us, God became a man, [[Jesus]], who was born about 4 BC and lived among us. He taught a message of love throughout Palestine but public opinion turned against him and he was executed as a young man. He died because of us - the death that we should have died. He was crucified on a cross, but he rose from the dead, and now calls us to trust him, to love him and to [[repent]] of our rebellion. If we do this, then we our relationship with God becomes restored and we will live forever with God.

Many non-Christians may think that being a Christian is about belonging to a particular [[church]] or following a certain set of rule. Most Christians however would agree that at its root, being a Christian means to be in a living relationship with [[Jesus Christ]].

Christianity is the belief that a 2009-year-old Jewish zombie will give you eternal life if you act nice to people and drink his blood and eat his flesh... and killl all the Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Satanists, Daoists, and every other person who isnt a white anglo-saxon protestant.

====[[Love]]====

An underlying theme of Christianity is love, in particular, God's love for people. [[1 John 3:16]] tells us that Jesus' love was so great that he lay down his life for his us
: ''{{Bible verse|1 John|3|16|lang=WEB}}
Early in the [[New Testament]] Jesus summarized the Law, saying that we should love God, and love our neighbour, in [[Mark 12]]:28-30
: ''{{Bible verse|mark|12|28|lang=WEB}}''
: ''{{Bible verse|mark|12|29|lang=WEB}}''
: ''{{Bible verse|mark|12|30|lang=WEB}}''

====[[Grace]]====

Another key concept in Christianity is grace. Grace is [[God]]'s [[love]] poured out on undeserving humanity. The doctrine about grace teaches us that although all people have fallen short of the glory of God and have [[sin]]ned and turned away from God, God loves us still. Nothing we do can restore us to a right relationship with God. It is only through faith in [[Jesus Christ]], in his death and resurrection that we can return to God. This gift of restoration of right relationship with God is called grace.

===[[Bible]]===
[[Image:Biblewithlight.jpg|thumb|An open Bible.]]

The Bible is the collection of documents acknowledged by Christians to be inspired by God. It contains 66 books and is divided into the [[Old Testament]] and the [[New Testament]]. It tells of the story of the [[creation]] of the universe and [[man]] by [[God]], the rebellion of man against God and his rescue plan for humanity through his Son, [[Jesus Christ]]. It tells of the history of the nation of Israel leading up to the time of Jesus, and then the formation of the early church following Jesus. Not only does it record history, it also contains stories and parables, poetry, proverbs and prophecy.

===[[Church]]===

A [[church building]] is a building used in [[Christian]] [[worship]]. The term church also refers to the combined Christian community of believers.

====[[Church history]]====

Since the [[church]] was formed, major events and conflict, often over matters of [[doctrine]] have resulted in significant rifts in the church. One of the most notable debates in the Christian church has been the debate about [[salvation]] (being saved) by faith alone (belief in Jesus and nothing else) or through faith and good works (belief in Jesus ''and'' performing good deeds). This debate was the key issue in the [[Reformation]] of the sixteenth century and lead to the split of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] with the formation of [[Protestant]] churches such as the [[Lutheranism|Lutheran Church]].

====[[Denominations]]====

Although there is only one universal Christian [[Church]], there are tens of thousands of [[Christian]] denominations or churches. These denominations have formed and divided since the time of [[Christ]], because Christians have had differences in beliefs and practices. Some of the main groups include [[Eastern Orthodoxy]], [[Roman Catholicism]] and the [[Protestant churches]] and [[Pentecostal churches]].

[[Image:Mount sinai.jpg|thumb|Sunrise at Mount Sinai in Egypt]]

===[[Christian literature, art, music and media]]===

Throughout church history, people have devoted themselves to great works of literature and art for God's glory and honour.

====[[Christian music]]====

Since Christians have met together, they have sung to God and about God. Early Jewish Christians probably sung [[psalms]]. In later centuries, monophonic [[Gregorian chants]] were widely sung. During and following the Protestant [[Reformation]], hundreds of [[hymns]] were written by men like [[Martin Luther]] and [[Charles Wesley]]. In recent decades, [[Contemporary Christian Music]], Christian music in rock style, has become increasing popular.

====[[Christian movies]]====

Some of the most well-known movies have strong [[Christian]] themes. One of the earliest Christian movies was [[The Ten Commandments (movie)|The Ten Commandments]] by [[Cecil B. DeMill]]. In 2004, [[The Passion of the Christ]], describing the night of [[Jesus]]' death was a film that made a world-wide impact. In 2005, the movie [[The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]] was being released based on the famous book by [[C.S. Lewis]].

====[[Christianity and the Internet]]====

Since the beginning of the world wide web, Christians have been involved in creating websites dedicated to different aspects of [[Christianity]]. Some of the most important ones have been sites containing the [[Bible]] in different versions like [[BibleGateway]] ([http://www.biblegateway.com biblegateway.com])

===[[Religious clothing and symbols]]===

There are no requirements in [[Christianity]] about what we should wear, although, in many denominations there are special uniforms for those involved in the organisation and running of the denomination. Many Christians also wear symbols of their faith, such as a cross or [[crucifix]]. In many countries with predominant [[Eastern Orthodox]] and [[Roman Catholic]] populations, people may erect a [[shrine]] or symbol of an aspect of their faith that is important to them. In the [[Reformation]], there was a backlash against these symbols which were often seen as [[idol]]s.

===[[Christian doctrine and debates]]===

Doctrine means a set of beliefs or teaching. Various [[Creeds]] and catechisms have been written as statements of the beliefs of different Christians. Today there are still considerable differences in understanding on major themes in Christianity like [[justification]], [[salvation]] and [[grace]].

Christians believe in one God who is yet three persons as described above. They also believe that [[Jesus]] was both a man and both God, and that he bore the [[sin]]s of mankind on the cross and was resurrected three days later.

Christianity is primarily are religion of [[love]]. It is about God's love for us, and our response. We are asked to respond by loving God with our whole hearts, and loving our neighbours, including our enemies, as ourselves.

However, the Bible also makes clear that the every person has rebelled against God and sins. In the [[Romans|Book of Romans]] it says that "all have sinned". Later however, the author goes on to tell us that we can be forgiven and appear without sin before God, and that this is through the faith in [[Jesus]] and his death and resurrection.

===The [[Persecuted Church]], [[Mission]] and [[Places|Christianity around the world]]===

The world's 5 inhabited continents contain almost 7 billion people. The population is increasing rapidly, and it doubled between 1960 and 2000. There are 237 independent states. 66 of these have significant restrictions on religious belief. About 30% of the world's population call themselves [[Christian]] (2 billion people), 20% call themselves [[Muslim]] (1.3 billion people), 15% are [[non-religious]] (1 billion) and 13% call themselves [[Hindu]]. Although [[Europe]] is rapidly becoming secular and non-religious, the majority of Christians live in areas where European settlement or missionary work has been significant. [[Asia]] is the least evangelised continent. Of Christians, there are about 1 billion [[Roman Catholic]], 700 million [[Protestant]] and 550 million [[Eastern Orthodox]] Christians.

==Quotes==

''John Lennon'' - Evening Standard (London, 4 March 1966)
: [[Christianity]] will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue with that; I'm right and I will be proved right. We're more popular than [[Jesus]] now; I don't know which will go first — rock and roll or Christianity.

''[[C.S. Lewis]]''
: I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.

[[Martin Luther King, Jr.]]
: My parents would always tell me that I should not hate the white man, but that it was my duty as a [[Christian]] to love all.

==Links==
* [http://www.askchristians.org AskChristians.org] - Discuss today's toughest topics with those who hold the same beliefs but not necessarily the same ideas!
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity Wikipedia - Christianity]
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity BBC Religion & Ethics - Christianity]
* [http://www.thinkapologetics.com ThinkApologetics.com]
* [http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture/Religion_and_Spirituality/Faiths_and_Practices/Christianity Yahoo Directory on Christianity]
* [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03712a.htm CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Christianity]
* [http://christianity.about.com/ It's all About Christianity]
* [http://www.christianforumsite.com/ ChristianForumSite.com] - Post & discuss Christian topics - Bible studies, entertainment, prayer, testimonies, publications and news
* [http://www.crosssearch.com/ www.crosssearch.com]
* [http://www.believerscafe.com more than 35,000 free Christian webpages]
* [http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/christian-resources.html Not Just Bibles A Guide to Christian Resources on the Internet]
* [http://www.iclnet.org/ The Internet Christian Library]
* [http://www.crosswalk.com/ crosswalk.com]
* [http://www.ccel.org ccel.org Public Domain Christian Repository]
* [http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/wittenberg-home.html Project Wittenberg - Home to works by and about Martin Luther and other Lutherans]

{{returnto}} [[Main Page]]
[[Category:Religions]]