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-- Christian Review Christianity is the religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who lived in Palestine when it was part of the Roman Empire. Christianity has since spread throughout the world and is the domi- nant religion. of the Western Hemispere. Christians believe that God sent Jesus to the world as the Savior and that people can achieve salvation through Jesus. 8; Disciples Jesus traveled throughout Palestine with a group of followers called disciples. He chose 12 of them- the apostles- to spread His doctrine. Jesus preached justice toward others and humility toward God. He also preached mercy and brotherhood, and told of God's love for all creatures. The Jewish religious leaders of Jesus' time considered His claim to the Messiah (promised deliverer of the Jews) to be blasphemy. The Roman authorities believed that Jesus' claim to be king of the Jews was treason. Asa result, He was tried, con- demned to death, and crucified. After His death, beginning on the first Easter morning, His followers reported seeing Him alive. Resurrection This rising from the dead- the Resurrection- is a basic doctrine of the Christian. faith. Christians believe Jesus remained on earth for 40 days after His Resurrec- tion and then ascended into Heaven. At Pentecost, 50 days after Easter, the disciples reported that the Holy Spirit had entered them, enabling them to. perform unusual deeds, such as speaking in many languages. Some Christians believe the church began at this time. The Bible The Bible is the most sacred book of Christianity. Christians accept both the Old Testament and the New Testa- ment of the Bible. Some Christians also accept as part of the Bible a collection of writings called the Apocrypha. The Old Testa- ment begins with the creation of the world and tells of the ancient Israelites. The New Testament records the life of Jesus and deals with the developments of the early church and the meaning of faith in Jesus. The books of the Apocrypha cover a variety of subjects, including Jewish history and philosophy. Christian groups split Splits among various Christian groups led to the development of three major divisions in Christianity: the Roman Catholic Church, the Protestant denominations, and the Eastern Or- thodox churches. The largest Protestant denominations include Baptists, Congregationalists, Episcopalians, Lutherans, Methodists, and Presbyterians. The Eastern Orthodox churches are the major Christian churches in Greece, Russia, eastern Europe, and western Asia. Roman Catholics regard the Pope, who is the bishop of Rome, as their spiritual leader. A Catholic's faith is based on the Bi- ble and on church teachings put forth by the popes, by church councils, and in statements called creeds and dogmas. HIGHVIEW ANIMAL CLINIC DR. BENZ DR. PETERSON Most Protestants believe the Bible should be the only authority for their religion. Eastern Orthodox beliefs are based on the Bible and on holy tradi- tion (doctrines worked out mostly dur- ing the early centuries of Christianity). Worship services The three major divisions vary in other respects, including worship services. The central act of worship for Catholics is the Eucharist, also called the Mass, which is a celebration of the Lord's Supper that includes the distribution of Holy Communion- the body and blood of Christ in the form of bread and wine. Protestant services generally stress teaching the word of God through sermons. Eastern Orthodox churches perform various services, including the Divine Liturgy, also called the celebration of the Eucharist, which recalls Christ's entire life and includes the taking of Holy Communion. neaRereraia Here's hoping you experience the gifts of love, peace and brotherhood this Christmas. Mountain View Interiors & Terrace Bay Woodcraft Barristers & Solicitors Office Closed Dac 99/R6 ton lan 29/27 On Christmas day, and every day, our very best to all our clients. ZAITZEFF, ARNONE & SOMERLEIGH IN CASE OF EMERGENCY CALL TOLL FREE 41-R00-465-329019 Your patronage has been a source of pride and happiness for us. Many thanks and a ~ very Merry Christmas. To All our Friends and Customers on the Northshore ZAP'S AUTO GLASS & TERRACE BAY CLEANERS