Young Wrexham

Christianity

Christianity is the most popular religion in the world, with over two billion followers world-wide. The UK is traditionally a Christian country with around 33 million people in Wales and England considering themselves to be Christian.

Christianity was established about 2000 years ago, after the death of Jesus Christ, who Christians believe was the son of God.

Beliefs

Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Messiah, the only son of God sent to earth as a saviour, as promised in the Old Testament.

• The teachings of Jesus Christ form the most important part of the Christian faith. Christians believe that he was sent by God to redeem us from sin
• The cross is the main symbol of Christianity. It represents the wooden cross where Jesus died, and is a reminder to Christians that Jesus was a human being who understands our suffering
• After Jesus died, Christians believe that he came back to life after three days to give his disciples instructions about how to carry on his teachings
• This is known as the Resurrection

The Christian God is made up of three parts, known as the Holy Trinity. The three parts are:

• The Father (God)
• The Son (Jesus)
• The Holy Ghost, or the Holy Spirit

Christians believe that it is possible to achieve Eternal Life after death through Jesus Christ. By believing in Jesus and living a Christian life, they will have life after death

• Christians believe that a person must be baptised to become a member of the church in God's eyes. Jesus was baptised, and the ceremony shows the world a person's commitment to Christianity
• Generally people are baptised when they are children, but a person who wishes to become a Christian can be baptised at any age
• During Christian worship, people eat bread and drink wine during a ceremony called Communion. This represents the actions of Jesus during his last supper on earth. He told his disciples to eat bread to represent his flesh, and as a reminder that he was human as we are, and to drink wine to represent the blood that he shed for humans when he died on the cross

Customs

Different branches of the Christian church have slightly different beliefs. For instance Roman Catholic and Orthodox Christians believe that it is possible for saints to appeal to God on behalf of people on earth. Therefore some saints have shrines or prayers offered to them.

• Christian places of worship are generally called churches, but some types of Christians use different names. Quakers have a Meeting House, Jehovah's Witnesses have a Kingdom of Heaven, while Baptists worship in a chapel
• Christian leaders are called priests or ministers. The Christian church has a hierarchal structure for its ministers, which means some are seen as more important than others. In Britain, the leader of the Protestant church is the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the leader of the Roman Catholic church is called the Pope
• The Christian holy book is called the Bible. Christians follow the teachings in the Bible to try to live a holy life
• Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, and is one of the most important festivals in the Christian calendar. The festival marks the day when Jesus was born to the Virgin Mary
• Important customs at Christmas include the giving of gifts, which represent the gifts that were given to Jesus by the Three Wise Men
• Easter marks the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It the most important time of year for Christians. Churches are decorated with flowers and bright colours
• Easter celebrations last for one week, from Palm Sunday, when Jesus entered Jerusalem, to Easter Sunday, when Jesus was reborn. During holy week, there are several other important days. Good Friday marks the day of the crucifixion, when Jesus died on the cross
• There are many different groups, or denominations, of Christians. The main ones are Protestants, Roman Catholics and Orthodox Christians
• Within these groups are smaller groups. Different kinds of Protestants include Anglicans, Baptists, Evangelicals, Lutherans and Methodists