Christianity - An introduction
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Questions answered
Why did God allow his Son, Jesus Christ, to be killed?
Christians believe that God sent Jesus to live as a human being in order to save humanity from the consequences of its sins - the bad things humanity had chosen to do which had separated them from God.
Christians believe that through the death and resurrection of Jesus this broken relationship with God is restored.
What are some of the Christian rites of passage?
Infant Baptism
In some Christian denominations babies are baptised as a symbol of welcome and belonging to the famiy of the Church. In this ceremony water is sprinkled on the baby's head as a symbol of new life and of being washed clean from sin. Parents and godparents promise to bring the baby up in the Christian faith following Jesus's example.
Adult baptism
In some denominations people are not baptised until they are old enough to make the promise to follow Jesus Christ for themselves. Christians try to follow Jesus's example. He was baptized as an adult by John the Baptist. The story of the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan can be read in the Bible in Matthew Chapter 3, verses 13-17.
Confirmation
In denominations where babies are baptised, children may be confirmed in their early teens. Confirmation is a ceremony in church in which the young person reconfirms the promises to follow Jesus that were made on their behalf at baptism.
What do Christianity and Judaism have in common?
Christianity and Judaism share the same roots. The Old Testament and the Torah (Jewish Holy Book) have the same content.
The Jews are awaiting the coming of a Messiah or Saviour, while Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the Saviour and are now waiting for his second coming.