12. What is Christianity?

Religiously Literate

With so many religions in the world it can be hard to keep up with what everyone believes. Religiously Literate is here to help! Join Jay and Ryan on this episode as we learn about the last of the Abrahamic faiths, Christianity.

In this episode we give a general overview of Christianity, including the history, beliefs, and practices shared by many Christians regardless of denomination.

SHOW NOTES:

Key Terms:

Apostolic succession: the belief that bishops and priests represent an uninterrupted lineage dating back to the apostles of Jesus
"The Word": This refers to a whole lot of different things that include, but are not always, readings directly from the Bible. Includes scriptural readings, hymns, prayers, and sermons/homilies given by clergy members and primarily serves as a mechanism for teaching about Jesus’ life and Christian beliefs.
Baptism: This is the primary means through which someone becomes incorporated into the “Body of Christ” or Christian community and is meant to be a celebratory public recognition of belief in and commitment to Jesus Christ as the Son of God (can also be baptized in recognition of the whole Trinity).
Communion: The sharing of bread and wine or grape juice among Christians. Meant to be a recognition of Jesus’ sacrifice through his death on the cross and resurrection.
Christmas: Annual festival commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. Typically celebrated on December 25th, but varies by tradition.
Lent: 40-day period of Christian fasting preceding Easter. Commemorating Jesus' 40-day fast in the desert.
Epiphany: Festival commemorating the arrival of the three Magi (wise men) after the birth of Jesus.
Advent: Roughly month-long period preceding Christmas celebrated as a time of anticipation leading up to the birth of Christ.
Fat (Shrove) Tuesday: Final day commemorating the period between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday.
Palm Sunday: Festival commemorating the arrival of Jesus in Jerusalem before his death. Celebrated the Sunday before Easter.
Easter: Holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Ash Wednesday: Day of prayer and fasting commemorating the beginning of Lent.
Maundy Thursday: The day during Holy Week commemorating the Washing of the Feet and the Last Supper of Jesus Christ.
Good Friday: Holiday commemorating the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ.
Pentecost: Festival that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles and followers of Jesus Christ.
Ascension: Holiday commemorating the departure of Christ from earth after his resurrection.
Glossolalia: Speaking in tongues
Trinity Sunday: First Sunday after Pentecost celebrating the Christian belief in the Trinity
Trinity: The Trinity is the belief in God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit
Synoptic gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke (meaning they “see each other,” from the Greek synopsis)

Timeline of Jesus' life: https://www.everlastingstrength.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/Life-of-Jesus-Timeline-Tabloid-11x17.jpg?x57201

Sources:

McGrath, Alister E. Christianity: an introduction. John Wiley & Sons, 2006.

Vaughn, Lewis. Anthology of World Religions: Sacred Texts and Contemporary Perspectives. (2017) Oxford University Press: New York.