History
Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem in the state of Israel. Like that of many other
prophets, the birth of Jesus was foretold through an angelic announcement. The birth of
another king within the kingdom seem to have frightened King Herod (The actual king of the
Jews). So he ordered to kill all the babies born in his kingdom. Jesus was saved. Jesus is
the son of Virgin Mary and foster father Joseph.
Christians believe that the eternal and unchanging nature of God was bound up in the
humanity of Jesus. He was both truly God and truly human.
Christianity in India
Christianity was first brought into India only a few decades after the passing away of
Lord Christ. It was the apposite St. Thomas who is popularly believed to have introduced
Christianity into India around 1st century. Although, Christianity came very early to
India, it spread over the subcontinent much later in the shadow of the British flag. There
are several christian organisations working in India today. One of the most famous one's
is Mother Teresa's 'Homes for the dying destitute' in Kolkatta demonstrating their
involvement with the welfare of mankind. They have taken up several urban and rural
welfare projects.
Nearly half the number of Indians christians belong to Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Teachings of Jesus
God's power in the world was restored by Jesus through his teaching, forgiveness of
sins and healings. So much so that it seemed it was God who was speaking and acting
through him. This belief that "God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself
" led to the basic Christian doctrine that of the Incarnation , Christology, Trinity
and Atonement.
I. |
Doctrine of
Incarnation :
States that God was present every moment and aspect of life of Jesus and yet did not
destroy or overwhelm a real human life. |
| II. |
Doctrine of
Christology :
States that Jesus was no truly God and truly human. |
III. |
Doctrine of Trinity :
States that goes is always that which has been revealed through christ i.e. Father, Son
and Holy sprit |
IV. |
Doctrine of Atonement
:
States that the things that Jesus did during his lifetime in healing people and restoring
them to God, no matter how great their sins may have been, is now done for everyone who
has the faith that it can be so. |
Significance of the cross :
Cross has a very central significance in Christianity. Christians represent Christ
and Crucifixion with a cross. Many a time, even the icon of Christ is not portrayed only a
cross represents the act of crucifixion.
The Last Supper and Crucifixion :
The last supper was the last meal that Jesus ate with his disciples before his
death. He knew death was awaiting him since he taught with out the acceptance of the
Temple Authorities. He told his disciples as he broke the bread and poured the wine
"Take it and eat it, this is my body.... drink..... for this is my blood of the
covenant, poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."
After the last supper, Jesus prayed in the garden of Gethsemane to be spared from his
sufferings. Judas showed the high priest where Jesus was and Jesus was arrested.
Jesus was crucified outside Jerusalem at the time of the Passover, just before Sabbath.
The crucifixion was a slow and painful execution. Jesus was stripped, beaten and mocked,
crowned with a ring of thorns. He had to carry his own cross to the place of execution,
where he was nailed to it.
