COPS notes - Christianity philosophy
Reference source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity
Journalism source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/ataglance/glance.shtml

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Connections
1. What other belief systems influenced this one?
Judaism (Jesus was born from jewish environment and also the idea of monotheism was passed down), Greek philosophy (idea of “perfect god” concurrent in both belief system),
Zoroastrianism (concept of hell and heaven was introduced here), Buddhism (spread of buddhism helped people prepare for the concept of christianity). (reference)
2. What other belief systems did it influence?
The Christianity was founded at Middle East, and expanded to Syria, Mesopotamia, Asia
Minor. It influenced Judaism, Islam (shares ideas of importance of loving god and your neighbours. (reference)

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Origins
1. How did this belief system begin?
Christianity was initiated as a Jewish faction in the Levant of middle east at first century.
(reference) He performed miracles and preached about the love of God and Christianity. He was then crucified and resurrected and ascended to heaven. His disciples and followers began spreading the religion then. (journalism)
2. How do people who believe in it think the world began?
In the beginning, God created the light, the dark, and eventually, the world and the first humans, Adam and Eve. Adam and Eve were placed in garden of Eden. (reference)

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Primary Beliefs
1. What does it mean to be a member of each of the world belief systems?
Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Messiah. Christians worship at the church every coming sundays and keep the Sabbath day holy. They also pray very often, at meals time, before bed, or anytime they prefer. (video)
• Do they believe in one or more gods? Of so, what are they/it/he/she like?
Christianity is a monotheistic religion, therefore we only believe in God. God can be decided into three features: ‘God the Father’, ‘God the Son’ (Jesus the Messiah), ‘The Holy
Spirit’. (journalism)
2. How do people who follow the belief system think the world works?
When Jesus sacrificed himself on the cross, he did so to save us from the consequences of our sins. Our own and the sins of our ancestors (journalism) Most of the facts about Jesus come from Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. (video)
• What rules do they follow. What rituals and holidays do they celebrate?
Christians follow the Golden Rule and the 10 commandments and they celebrate or keep holy the Christmas (the birth of Jesus), and Easter (resurrection day of Jesus) When someone is ready to become a christian, he/she is baptized, purified with water.(journalism)

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