Christianity

Jesus

Son of David, son of the carpenter, and Mary; Jesus of Nazareth.

First Miracle of Jesus

Turning water into wine at the Wedding of Cana.

Pontius Pilate

The Roman governor who found no justification for Jesus' execution.

Crucifixion

The ultimate punishment that Jesus faced despite Pilate's reluctance.

Crowned with Thorns

The mocking crown placed on Jesus' head prior to crucifixion.

Time of Crucifixion

Jesus was crucified at 9 in the morning.

Lent

The 40-day period of repentance and fasting before Easter.

Easter

Christian festival celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Christmas

A festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ.

Branches of Christianity

Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodoxy.

Martin Luther

A reformist leader who initiated the Protestant Reformation.

95 Theses

Martin Luther's arguments against the Catholic Church's practices.

Indulgences

Prayers and actions believed to release a soul from Purgatory.

St. Paul

A missionary who spread the word of God and authored many New Testament letters.

Constantine

The Roman army commander who legalized Christianity after a vision.

Battle of Milvian Bridge

The battle Constantine won, leading to the legalization of Christianity.

The Crusades

Wars fought to reclaim Jerusalem during the Middle Ages.

Great Schism

The split between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church.

Filioque Clause

The disputed part of the Nicene Creed regarding the Holy Spirit.

Mother Teresa

Humanitarian known for her work with the poor in India.

Pope John Paul II

Pope known for promoting interfaith dialogue and religious freedom.

Martin Luther King Jr

Civil rights leader inspired by his Christian faith.

Bethlehem

The birthplace of Jesus.

Jerusalem

The location of Jesus' death and resurrection.

Vatican City

The center of the Catholic Church and pope's location.

Lutheranism

Branch of Protestantism founded by Martin Luther.

Roman Catholic Church

The largest branch of Christianity, centered in Rome.

Eastern Orthodoxy

One of the three main branches of Christianity, emphasizing tradition.

Nobel Peace Prize

Award won by Mother Teresa for her humanitarian work.

Communism

Political ideology opposed by Pope John Paul II in Eastern Europe.

Christianity

Religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Judaism and Islam

Religions with which Pope John Paul II sought improved relations.

Doctrine of Salvation

The Christian belief concerning how individuals are saved.

Christian Pilgrimage

Spiritual journey to sacred places significant to Christianity.

Purgatory

A state of cleansing before entering heaven, according to Catholic belief.

Religious Freedom

The right to practice one's religion without interference.