Christianity

Who was Jesus Christ?

A Jewish religious leader regarded by most Christian branches as God himself, also seen as an important prophet in Muslim tradition and precursor of Prophet Muhammad.

Christ

Not originally Jesus' name but a title from the Greek word 'christos', meaning 'The anointed one,' analogous to the Hebrew 'Meshiah'. Early followers believed Jesus was the Messiah and used 'Jesus Christ' or 'Christ Jesus' together as his name.

Region of Jesus's life

North and Central Palestine, which was under Roman control since the 1st century BCE.

When was Jesus born?

The sources state Jesus's birth occurred 'in the days of Herod the king [Herod the Great]'. The exact year is uncertain, but he could not have been born later than 4 BCE.

Did Jesus leave written records?

Like other ancient teachers, Jesus left no written records, though the gospel of John mentions him writing something in the sand.

Earliest Christian records mentioning Jesus's life

The earliest records are the letters ascribed to Saint Paul, some dating to approximately 65 CE.

Canonical Gospels

A group of four gospels accepted by Christian tradition as inspired by God: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Synoptic Gospels

Three of the canonical gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) whose content presents many similarities.

The “Q” source

A hypothetical source of Jesus's teaching believed to have been used by the authors of Matthew and Luke in addition to Mark.

What was Jesus's profession?

Matthew and Mark state that his father, Joseph, was a carpenter, and Mark adds that this was also Jesus's profession.

Core ethical views of Jesus

Jesus summed up his ethical views in the double command concerning love: to love God with all one's heart, soul, and mind, and to love one's neighbor as oneself.

Who was Paul and what is his significance?

Paul was a follower of Jesus Christ who converted on the road to Damascus, and he is appreciated as an actual founder of the religious movement that became Christianity.

Paul's view on the Law of Moses for Gentiles

Paul believed his job was to bring the 'good news' to the Gentiles and argued they need not be subject to circumcision, dietary laws, or Sabbath regulations.

First recorded official persecution of Christians by the Roman Empire

In 64 CE, when Emperor Nero blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome.

The Great Persecution

The last and most severe persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire, lasting from 302–311 CE.

Edict of Milan (313 CE)

An announcement by Constantine and Licinius granting tolerance to all religions, including Christianity.

Nicene Creed (325 CE)

A statement of Christian belief composed by an ecumenical council under Emperor Constantine I, accepted as authoritative by most Christian groups.

Trinity

The teaching that the one God comprises three distinct, eternally co-existing persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.

Sacraments

Rites instituted by Christ that mediate grace, constituting a sacred mystery.

Baptism

The ritual act using water by which a person is admitted to membership of the Church.

The Eucharist

A ritual where bread and wine are consumed as a memorial of Jesus's sacrificial death.

Intercessory Prayer

Prayer offered for the benefit of other people. Its effectiveness derives from the power of God, not the status of the one praying.