Exercises

Date: 2015-10-07; view: 422.

4___________________________________

Estimates of the total number of Protestants are very uncertain, partly because of the difficulty in determining which denominations should be placed in these categories, but it seems clear that Protestantism is the second largest major group of Christians after Catholicism in number of followers (although the Orthodox Church is larger than any single Protestant denomination).

A special grouping are the Anglican churches descended from the Church of England and organised in the Anglican Communion. Some Anglican churches consider themselves both Protestant and Catholic.

5___________________________

All Christians believe Jesus is the son of God, God having become man and the savior of humanity. Christians, therefore, commonly refer to Jesus as Christ or Messiah.

The foundation of Christian theology is expressed in the early Christian ecumenical creeds, which contain claims predominantly accepted by followers of the Christian faith.These professions state that Jesus suffered, died from crucifixion, was buried, and resurrected from the dead to open heaven to those who believe in him and trust him for the remission of their sins (salvation). They further maintain that Jesus bodily ascended into heaven where he rules and reins with God the Father.

6______________________________

Christianity regards the Bible, a collection of canonical books in two parts (the Old Testament and the New Testament), as the authoritative word of God. The New Testament mentions several resurrection appearances of Jesus on different occasions to his twelve apostlesanddisciples, before Jesus' Ascension to heaven. Jesus' death and resurrection are commemorated by Christians in all worship services, with special emphasis during Holy Week which includes Good Fridayand Easter Sunday

Most denominations teach that Jesus will return to judge all humans, living and dead, and grant eternal life to his followers. He is considered the model of a virtuous life and physical incarnation of God. Christians call the message of Jesus Christ the Gospel ("good news") and hence refer to the earliest written accounts of his ministry as gospels.

According to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spiritand born from the Virgin Mary. Little of Jesus' childhood is recorded in the canonical Gospels while his adulthood, especially the week before his death, are well documented in the Gospels contained within the New Testament.

7_________________________________________

Christian churches, denominations, and sects are divided regarding the number and operation of the sacraments. Sacraments are generally held to have been instituted by Jesus Christand representa rite, that mediates grace of God. They are usually administered by the clergy to a recipient or recipients. Administering the rite priests use such things as water, oil, and bread and wine, which are blessedorconsecrated.

The two most widely accepted sacraments are Baptism and the Eucharist, however, the majority of Christians recognize seven Sacraments or Divine Mysteries: Baptism, Confirmation (Chrismation in the Orthodox tradition), and the Eucharist, Holy Orders, Reconciliation of a Penitent (confession), Anointing of the Sick, and Matrimony.

8_______________________________________________

As of the early 21st century, Christianity has between 1.5 billion and 2.2 billion adherents.Christianity represents about a quarter to a third of the world's population and is the world's largest religion. In addition, Christianity is the state religion of several countries.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Russian_Orthodox_Church