Christianity

Christianity is the largest and longest established religion in the United Kingdom. It dates back about 2,000 years and has approximately one billion followers worldwide. Christianity was founded by the followers of Jesus Christ and is ethnically and denominationally diverse. Christians see their life as a journey, which will end with them being with God for eternity. Their journey will include birth, baptism, marriage and death. These rites of passage have a variety of rituals attached to them.

Scriptures

The Bible is the main religious text. It contains the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament speaks of God as the ruler of the Universe and the New Testament is about Jesus and the development of Christianity. The final book Revelation describes the end of time. Some believe the Bible to be the literal words of God whilst others see them as human writings informed by the Spirit of God. Some denominations have additional texts. Additionally the Apostles’ Creed is an early statement of Christian belief and the Nicene Creed is the profession of faith.

Key Beliefs

Different denominations have a variety of beliefs. These are the key beliefs that most agree on:

  • One God - who caused all creation to happen and who remains involved with the life of this world;
  • Jesus Christ – Son of God who came to earth to save humans from the consequences of their sins. Jesus was fully human when he experienced this world;
  • Crucifixion – Jesus was tortured and gave his life to save humanity;
  • Resurrection – Jesus rose from the dead on the third day after his Crucifixion and ascended to heaven 40 days later in the presences of his disciples;
  • The Doctrine of Trinity – God manifests in three ways: the Father, the son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit
  • Judgement Day - Christians believe they will be judged on how they have lived their life;
  • Life after death - continuation of the soul life after death

Buddhist’s follow the five precepts:

  • Refrain from harming living beings;
  • Refrain from taken what is not given;
  • Refrain from sexual misconduct and misuse of the senses;
  • Refrain from harmful speech;
  • Refrain from drink and drugs which cloud the mind.

Christianity shares a number of beliefs with Judaism and Islam, such as a belief in one God.

Denominations

There are other 9,000 Christian denominations on the World Christian database with more being added every year. Each denomination has its own rules, practises and beliefs. Below is information on the denominations most likely to be found in the United Kingdom and whose beliefs are compatible with the Newcastle City for Peace charter. For more information about these or other denominations go to www.worldchristiandatabase.org. Anglican – Churches with historical connection to the Church of England or similar beliefs, worship and church structure. Book of Common Pray is the key expression of Anglican faith. One branch of Western Christianity. Independent from the Roman Catholic Church. Middle ground between Roman Catholicism and Protestantism. Apostles’ Creed is the baptismal symbol and the Nicene Creed is statement of Christian faith. Ceremonies include baptism, confirmation and communion.

Baptist – Fifth largest Christian church in the world. 40 million members worldwide. 150,000 members in Great Britain. Term ‘Baptist’ comes from the practice of immersion in water. Bible not church tradition or religious creed should guide all matters of faith. Church is made up of believers and should be governed by believers not figures like bishops. Celebrate 400th anniversary in 2009.

Church of England – Largest Christian Church in Great Britain. State Church of England. Divided into two provinces headed by Archbishops of Canterbury and York. Part of the Anglican Communion. Largest Christian denomination in the country. Established by Henry VIII. Monarch is the Supreme Governor. Jesus is the theological head. Performs a number of official functions including state weddings and funerals, acts of remembrance and coronations. Church and State are linked, has a law making role in Britain with twenty-six bishops sitting in the House of Lords.

Church of Scotland – Protestant Church that became the established Church of Scotland in 1560 and has over 600,000 members. Third largest Christian Churh in Great Britain.

Lutheran – Formed by Martin Luther in the 16th Century. Between 60 and 70 million members worldwide. Believe that God is a Trinity – the Creator, Saviour and Comforter of all that exist. God’s eternal love is a gift not something to earn. God accepts us the way we are and accepts our failings.

Methodist – Fourth largest Christian Church in Britain. 20 million members worldwide. Beliefs reflect orthodox Christianity based around 4 ideas: doctrine of original sin; universal salvation; assurance and Christian perfection.

Metropolitan Community Church – A Christ- centred and inclusive community with a commitment to spiritual and personal growth through worship, prayer and action. Welcomes all regardless of Gender, Age, Sexual Orientation, Race, Ethnicity or Ability.

Mormon – Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Has substantial differences to other Christ centred churches. 190,000 members in UK. Believe human beings can become like Gods but remain subordinate to God. Believe in eternal life stretching either side of life on earth. Believe in living prophets. Have a custom of tithing which means members give one-tenth of their annual income to the Church.

Orthodox – One of the three main Christian groups. 200 million followers worldwide. Draw on Greek, Middle-Eastern, Russian and Slav culture. Differs from other Churches in way of life and worship. Holy Spirit is works through the whole body of the Church. Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on 7 January.

Pentecostal - Form of Christianity that emphasises the work of the Holy Spirit and direct experience of the presence of God by the believer. Fastest growing Christian group in the UK.

Protestant – One of the three main Christian groups. Believes the Bible rather than the ecclesiastical interpretation is the final authority. Faith alone rather than good works is sufficient for salvation. Many of the other denominations sit under the protestant umbrella, for example Lutheran, Methodist and Baptist. Many non-denominational Churches are classed as protestant.

Quaker – Also known as the Society of Friends. Believe there is something of God in everyone. Value all people equally. Quakers actively work on issues concerned with Human Rights, Social Justice, Peace, Freedom of Conscience, the environment and community life. Bible is an inspirational book but not the only one. Don’t celebrate Christian festivals.

Roman Catholic – One of the three Christian groups the Catholic Church based in Rome and headed by the Pope is the oldest institution in the Western world. More than a billion Catholics worldwide. Believe in divinity of Jesus Christ. Only ordain celibate men to the priesthood. Devoted to the Virgin Mary, Christ’s mother. Opposed to contraception. Condemn abortion as destruction of human life.

Salvation Army – Protestant Christian Church with over 1.6 million members worldwide. Officers wear a military style uniform. Famous for work with people who have fallen on hard times. Offers help to the elderly, the young, offenders, drug addicts, disabled people and provides food and shelter for homeless people.

United Reform – Shares the tradition and belief of major Christian denominations. Bible is supreme authority. Respect the individual, majority are not always right. Embraces a variety of opinions.

 

Worship

Traditional day of worship is Sunday. Churches have been built since 3rd Century but Christians can worship anywhere. Services are performed by priests, ministers or pastors depending on the denomination, in some churches lay people can conduct services.

Diet and dress

Most Christian denominations do not forbid and particular food or drink. Some don’t allow alcohol, tobacco, or stimulants such as tea or coffee. Traditionally Christians fast or give something up for lent. Hands should be washed before mealtimes and a short prayer or ‘grace’ may be said. There is no particular dress.

Points to remember

  • Not all denominations have the same rules
  • Some Christians pray daily, particularly before sleep

Festivals

    The main festivals are:
  • Palm Sunday;
  • Ascension Day;
  • Advent;
  • Christmas;
  • Some denominations celebrate Saints’ days


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