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Christianity. Founder: Jesus 2 Billion Followers Much of what is known about Jesus is found in the Gospels, the first four books of the New Testament of the Bible. Jesus was born about 4 B.C. in Bethlehem, near Jerusalem.
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Christianity • Founder: Jesus • 2 Billion Followers • Much of what is known about Jesus is found in the Gospels, the first four books of the New Testament of the Bible. • Jesus was born about 4 B.C. in Bethlehem, near Jerusalem. • He was born of a virgin mother, Mary, who was told that she would give birth to a messiah.
Christianity, continued • Jesus grew up in Nazareth and worshiped God and followed Jewish law. • Assembled a group of twelve close followers, the apostles, to help him in his mission of preaching to villagers. • Crowds grew to hear his teachings and see miracles performed.
Christianity, continued • Preached in God and the Ten Commandments, obedience to God’s laws. • His mission was to bring spiritual salvation and eternal life to all who would believe. • Called himself the Son of God. • Betrayed by one of his disciples, Jesus was arrested by the Romans, tried and crucified on a cross. • The Bible states that he rose from the dead and commanded his disciples to spread his teachings, then ascended into heaven.
Christianity, continued • Following the death of their founder, the apostles and other disciples spread Jesus’ message and helped establish Christian communities.
Christianity, continued • Paul, a Jew, would become a convert to Christianity and would journey throughout the Mediterranean and set up churches. • In long letters to the Christian communities, he explained and expanded Christian teachings. These letters became part of the New Testament.