In this Grade 6 lesson from History Alive! The Ancient World, students explore the core beliefs and practices of Christianity, including the Holy Trinity, the Resurrection, and salvation. The lesson also covers how the early church split into the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches during the Great Schism of 1054, and how the Reformation gave rise to Protestant denominations. Students examine how these beliefs and historical developments continue to shape the lives of Christians worldwide.
Section 1
Christians Form Core Beliefs
At the heart of Christianity is the belief in one God. This God is understood as three distinct persons in one being: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This concept is known as the Trinity.
Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God who came to Earth. His death and Resurrection—rising from the dead three days later—are the most important events in the Christian story.
Section 2
The Christian Church Splits into Branches
For a long time, most Christians belonged to one church. Over time, disagreements grew between leaders in the western and eastern parts of the old Roman Empire. In 1054, the church officially split. This Great Schism created the Roman Catholic Church in the West and the Eastern Orthodox Church in the East.
Hundreds of years later, some Christians felt the Roman Catholic Church needed to change. In 1517, a priest named Martin Luther called for reforms. His actions began the Protestant Reformation, a movement that led to the creation of many new Christian groups.
Section 3
Christians Practice Sacred Rituals
Christians practice special ceremonies called sacraments to express their faith. These sacred rituals mark important moments in a person's spiritual life and connect them to God and the community.
One key sacrament is Baptism, which often uses water to symbolize a person's formal entry into the Christian church. It is an initiation rite that welcomes new members.
Section 4
Christians Mark Time with Worship and Holidays
Christians regularly gather in churches for worship, often on Sundays. This day is significant because it marks the day they believe Jesus was resurrected from the dead.
The Christian calendar also includes important holidays that celebrate key events in Jesus's life. Christmas is the celebration of Jesus's birth. The most important holiday is Easter, which celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus. These celebrations help Christians remember the central stories of their faith.
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Section 1
Christians Form Core Beliefs
At the heart of Christianity is the belief in one God. This God is understood as three distinct persons in one being: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This concept is known as the Trinity.
Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God who came to Earth. His death and Resurrection—rising from the dead three days later—are the most important events in the Christian story.
Section 2
The Christian Church Splits into Branches
For a long time, most Christians belonged to one church. Over time, disagreements grew between leaders in the western and eastern parts of the old Roman Empire. In 1054, the church officially split. This Great Schism created the Roman Catholic Church in the West and the Eastern Orthodox Church in the East.
Hundreds of years later, some Christians felt the Roman Catholic Church needed to change. In 1517, a priest named Martin Luther called for reforms. His actions began the Protestant Reformation, a movement that led to the creation of many new Christian groups.
Section 3
Christians Practice Sacred Rituals
Christians practice special ceremonies called sacraments to express their faith. These sacred rituals mark important moments in a person's spiritual life and connect them to God and the community.
One key sacrament is Baptism, which often uses water to symbolize a person's formal entry into the Christian church. It is an initiation rite that welcomes new members.
Section 4
Christians Mark Time with Worship and Holidays
Christians regularly gather in churches for worship, often on Sundays. This day is significant because it marks the day they believe Jesus was resurrected from the dead.
The Christian calendar also includes important holidays that celebrate key events in Jesus's life. Christmas is the celebration of Jesus's birth. The most important holiday is Easter, which celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus. These celebrations help Christians remember the central stories of their faith.
Book overview
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Continue this chapter