Christianity in the Middle East Cedar Bennett

Location and Diffusion

Important Locations:

Jerusalem: Jerusalem is believed to be the place where Jesus did many of his teachings and also where the Last Supper occurred. Several churches have been built there, for several different religions, including Christianity. Jerusalem is referred to as a holy place for many people, especially those who practice religions that originated in the Middle East.

Bethlehem: Bethlehem is a very important location to Christianity, as it is the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Although today, it is mainly occupied by Muslims, a community of Palestinian Christians lives there and considers it their home.

Nazareth: Nazareth is known to be Jesus's hometown, and is very sacred to the Christian community. There are several holy sites located there, such as Mary's Well and the Church of Annunciation.

Left: 325-600 CE, Middle: 325-1000 CE, Right: Today (purple is Christianity)

Why did Christianity spread?

Christianity originally spread through people who had heard the teachings, as they traveled, moved, and traded, the ideas were spread. Once it was known as a stronger religion, people went on missions to teach and spread the religion. As new lands were discovered, the religion was brought with the people who went to settle, and it was spread to the native tribes in these places. As more and more people practiced Christianity, it became easier to spread, and today, it's one of the top religions in the world.

Key Components

Important People:

Jesus Christ: Jesus Christ is usually known to be the most important figure in Christianity. He was born Jewish, but became the central teacher of Christianity. Those who practice Christianity see him as the Son of God. His birth is celebrated on December 25, which is known to most as Christmas Day. Not much is known about his early life, but as he grew up, it's documented that he became an important religious figure. It's written that he spent 40 days and nights meditating and connecting with God, and rejecting the Devil three times. He became a teacher of God's lessons, and Jesus's teachings became famously the first of Christianity. Followers of Christianity see Jesus as the fulfilled Old Testament prophecy, and see the miracles he performed as proof that he is from God. He was crucified for spreading teachings of Christianity and pointing out sins in some of the Jewish leaders. The famous cross was significant, because it was what Jesus was hung on. To all Christians, Jesus is seen as a hero, as he died for his religion and for the people.

Constantine: Constantine was a great Roman emperor who is credited with converting the Roman Empire to Christianity. This was a huge step in spreading Christianity into the religion that it is today. The Roman Empire was one of the most powerful empires of it's time, and had a lot of impact on other civilizations. As religion shifted in Rome, churches were built and Christianity was taught. More and more people converted to this new religion, and eventually, people went on missions to bring Christianity to more places. Since Constantine encouraged the teaching of Christianity, it allowed the religion to spread further than it ever could've without him.

Martin Luther: Another every important figure in Christianity would be Martin Luther, who changed the religion by leading the Protestant Reformation. His actions brought a new, reformed kind of Christianity. In his time, the Roman Catholic Church was the greatest, but Martin Luther brought new ideas and interpretations of the bible, leading the reformation of the religion, and gaining followers of Lutheranism. Today, there are many different sections of Christianity, and many were influenced by the reformation from Martin Luther.

Important Texts:

The Bible: The Bible is definitely the most important text for the religion, Christianity. It includes sacred stories, lessons, and scriptures that summarize and help build the connection between God and humans. It is read and studied in churches.

Origin:

History: Christianity began with the teachings of Jesus Christ. it was adapted from the Jewish religion, as Jesus was originally born into a Jewish society. But Jesus pointed out the flaws in the Jewish leaders and demonstrated how to live a sinless life. Christianity spread after Jesus's death and became on the most popular religions in the world.

Basic Beliefs:

-There is only one God

-Jesus is the Son of God who was sent to save the world from death and sin

-If they believe in Jesus, God, and listen to the teachings, then they will have a good relationship with God

-The Trinity, which means that God has taken three forms, as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

-Life after death

-The Ten Commandments

Sects:

There are many different sects, or denominations of the Christian religion. A few of the biggest are:

-Catholic: Based on the beliefs from the original Roman Catholic Church

-Baptist

-Methodist

-Lutheran: Developed from the beliefs and reformations of Martin Luther

-Presbyterian: Also trace back to Protestant Reformation

-Protestant: One of the 3 main branches of Christianity, dating back to Protestant Reformation

-Mormon

Practices

How they practice, how often, and where:

- Church: Sunday Worship Service, and some churches hold more services on other days

-Many pray daily, such as before meals

-Studying scriptures

-Baptism is often done to younger children, but can be performed to adults and older children as well

-Communion

-Confirmation usually occurs around age 14

Rules followed:

-Specific rules differ slightly from religion to religion

-The Ten Commandments:

1. You shall have no other gods before me.

2. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven

or on earth.

3. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.

4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.

5. Honour your father and mother.

6. You shall not murder.

7. You shall not commit adultery.

8. You shall not steal.

9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbour.

10. You shall not covert your neighbour’s house...wife...etc.

-Jesus's Special Two Commandments: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” and “Love your neighbour as yourself”

Credits:

Created with images by Unsplash - "bible book cover leather texture" • MichaelGaida - "cross church faith" • falco - "church window church window" • biblevector - "jesus_11" • geralt - "cross sunset sunrise" • travelspot - "montalcino church church window" • fourbyfourblazer - "Prayer" • DrGBB - "Ten Commandments Tablets" • soyyo84 - "Jesús" • Hans - "ulm cathedral münster ulm"

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