Marriage

Author(s): Natubhai Shah
Publisher: UK Jain Academy

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CHRISTIAN BELIEFS AND CUSTOMS
Origin
Christianity began as a Jewish religious group about 2,000 years ago, following interpretations from the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Christians base their beliefs about Jesus on the Bible. This tells the story of His birth, life, teachings and death and resurrection. It is the most popular religion in the world with over 2 billion adherents and with 42 million in Britain in the UK there are many Christian denominations; these include: The Church of England (the Anglican Church); The Catholic Church; The Orthodox Churches, The Methodist Church; The United Reformed Church; The Baptist Union; The Salvation Army, The Pentecostal Churches, the Quakers and many other groups.
Beliefs
Christians believe that Jesus was the Son of God sent by Him to the earth to save humanity from the consequences of its sins; and believe that Jesus gave his life on the Cross (the Crucifixion) and rose from the dead on the third day (the Resurrection). Jesus's death and resurrection is at the very heart of the Christian faith. Christians believe that the soul is immortal and that death is not the end and that there is a life after earthly death. On the day of final judgement, there will be resurrection and all the souls will be reunited with their respective bodies and righteous ones will be sent to heaven; sinful ones will descend to hell. Christianity emphasises God's forgiveness even to sinful souls. Some groups believe that souls which, although stained by sins, have shown sincere repentance and have undergone penance are sent first in Purgatory (a sort of half-way station) for purification; and when purified, they ascend to heaven.
God
Christians believe that there is only one God. Many Christians also believe in the Trinity, God as having three elements: God the Father, God the Son and The Holy Spirit. God is considered to be present today through the work of the Holy Spirit. It is evident in the actions of believers, who love Him with both heart and mind. Love is the essence of Christian teachings and extends to one's fellow beings.
Rituals in Christianity will vary within the different denominations and are the result of differences in beliefs.
Baptism
This may mark initiation into the Christian life and consists of ceremonial bathing or the sprinkling of clean water on the forehead or the whole body, as an outward sign of an inward commitment to the teachings of Jesus. Depending on the group this will happen as a child or as an adult.
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