Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
National Capital Region
DIVISION OF CITY SCHOOLS – MANILA
Manila Education Center Arroceros Forest Park
Antonio J. Villegas St. Ermita, Manila

Introduction to World
Religions & Belief
Systems
CHRISTIAN RELIGION

Quarter 1- Week 5
Module 5
Most Essential Learning Competency:

Examine the brief history, core teachings, fundamental

beliefs, practices, and related issues of Christianity.

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 HOW TO USE THIS MODULE

Before starting the module, I want you to set aside other tasks that will disturb
you while enjoying the lessons. Read the simple instructions below to successfully
enjoy the objectives of this kit. Have fun!

1. Follow carefully all the contents and instructions indicated in every page of
this module.
2. Write on your notebook the concepts about the lessons. Writing enhances
learning, that is important to develop and keep in mind.
3. Perform all the provided activities in the module.
4. Let your facilitator/guardian assess your answers using the answer key card.
5. Analyze conceptually the posttest and apply what you have learned.
6. Enjoy studying!

PARTS OF THE MODULE

• Expectations - These are what you will be able to know after completing the
lessons in the module.
• Pre-test - This will measure your prior knowledge and the concepts to be
mastered throughout the lesson.
• Looking Back to your Lesson - This section will measure what learnings and
skills did you understand from the previous lesson.
• Brief Introduction - This section will give you an overview of the lesson.
• Discussion - This section provides a short discussion of the lesson. This aims
to help you discover and understand new concepts and skills.
• Activities - This is a set of activities you will perform with a partner.
• Remember - This section summarizes the concepts and applications of the
lessons.
• Check your understanding - It will verify how you learned from the lesson.
• Post-test - This will measure how much you have learned from the entire
module.

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 EXPECTATIONS

You will examine the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and
related issues of Christianity.

Specifically, this module will help you to:

• understand the unfolding of Christianity from the time of public ministry of its
central figure, Jesus;
• analyze the scriptural passages which accounts the public ministry of Jesus and
the ushering of the Christian church; and
• explain the significance of the Pentecost in the life of the church

Let us start your journey in learning more on Christian

religion.. I am sure you are ready and excited to answer the
Pretest. Smile and cheer up!

PRETEST

Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer and write it on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. Christianity as one of the largest and most practiced religion in the world
is founded in the life and teachings of _____.
a. Peter c. Paul
b. Jesus d. John the Baptist
2. When Jews were captivated by the Roman Empire in 63 BC they
experienced sufferings and oppression. They were anticipating for the
Messiah, whom they would be ________.
a. their savior c. their leader
b. their ruler d. their master
3. Christian faith is an offshoot of the _____ religion.
a. Confucian c. Buddhist
b. Judaic d. Hindu

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4. The book of Acts in the New Testament Bible recorded the day of the
Pentecost which for the Christians was significant because _____________.
a. it initiated Peter’s ministry.
b. it marked the mission of the church
c. it was the birth of the Christian church.
d. it was the first miracle happened right after the ascension of Jesus.
5. The word Messiah is taken from the Hebrew word "Mashiach,". This
literally means __________________.
a. the Master c. the Prophet
b. the Anointed One d. the Disciple
6. To preach, baptize and make disciples of all nations was the last command
of Jesus to His disciples and to every Christian today. This task is known
to Christendom as _______________.
a. the Great Task c. the Great Order
b. the Great Commandment d. the Great Commission
7. There were religious groups of Jews which arose as a reaction to the
oppressive rule of the Roman Empire. One of which staged series of pocket
guerilla resistance. This group refers to the ____________.
a. Zealots c. Sadducees
b. Nazarenes d. Pharisees
8. Jesus public ministry lasted about three and a half years. This began when
he was about thirty years of age and when he was baptized by his precursor
who is known as _______________.
a. John the Beloved c. John the Baptist
b. John the Nazarene d. John the Prophet
9. Jesus as the promised Messiah was descended from ______.
a. King Solomon c. King Herod
b. King Nebuchadnezzar d. King David
10. The life, passion, death, resurrection of Jesus, the central figure of
Christianity, were accounted in the first four books of the New Testament
Bible (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John) which is also known as the
__________.
a. Gospels c. Acts
b. History d. Epistles

Great, you finished answering the questions. You may request your
facilitator to check your work. Congratulations and keep on learning!

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 LOOKING BACK TO YOUR LESSON

“Text Me You”

Directions: Imagine you are texting your classmates about your recently- concluded
lesson. Write a summary of your key learning of the past lesson in text message form
(LOL, IMO, BTW).

BRIEF INTRODUCTION

Christian Faith

Christianity is a single largest and most widely practiced religion in the world
to date which has about 2.5 billion followers with diverse representations, beliefs and
practices. It began as an offshoot of Judaism during the first century. It all originated
with Jesus of Nazareth, the central figure of Christian religion who lived about 2000
years ago in Palestine and who was prophesied savior of not just His people, the
Jews, but also of the Gentiles.

Christian faith is mainly rooted in the life, death, resurrection and teachings
of Jesus who began his public ministry at the age of 30. For the next three years, He
preached, taught, performed signs and wonders and later commissioned his disciples
to go and to preach the world, baptizing and teaching them to observe all that He
had taught them.

In this module, we will discuss the unfolding of the main events which led to the
birth of Christian church and its growth from Biblical accounts.

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DISCUSSIONS

Lesson
The Ushering
1 of Christianity

Historical Background

In 63 B.C., Judah, also called Judea, was subjugated by the Roman Empire, which was the last
in a long line of invasions starting with the Assyrians and the Babylonians, then the Persians and the
Greeks with Alexander the Great. Though Jews were governed by their own king approved by the
Rome, they still lived a miserable life from their conqueror. Their faith clashed with the polytheistic,
and pagan belief of the Romans. Many yearn to be delivered from captivity, and be free from the
oppression of their foreign rulers. So Jews at this juncture, resorted to different means in facing their
predicaments. Some became religious zealots who staged pockets of guerrilla resistance against their
oppressors while others were expectant of the eventual coming of the promised Messiah, whom some
believed then to be an earthly king, who would descend from king David, ruler of Israel in 900 B.C.,
and would set them free and led the re-establishment of Israel’s kingdom. Others went to Judean
wilderness, practiced ascetic lifestyle and devoted their lives in the study of the holy scriptures as they
also had their hope for the promised Messiah. From this general historical context Christianity gradually
unfolded.

Source: Conforming to Jesus.com

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 How did Christianity ensue? It ushered when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist at the
Jordan River near Bethany (John 1:28). Jesus was then publicly presented as the Messiah which means
the Anointed One or the savior. This event initiated also His public ministry and the calling of His
disciples.

One of those who followed and recognized Him as the Messiah was Andrew whose brother
was Peter whom he immediately relayed the news about the Messiah upon the testimony of John the
Baptist and his personal encounter with Jesus (John 1:29-42)

Jesus gathered a core band of Jewish followers to form his twelve disciples. The word disciple
refers to a learner, or a pupil of someone. It implies that the person not only accepts the views of the
teacher, but that he is also in practice an adherent (International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, n.d.). To
be a disciple of Christ according to Easton's Bible Dictionary one must believe his doctrine, rests on his
sacrifice, imbibes his spirit, and imitates his example.

Jesus taught His disciples and exposed them to his public ministry - preaching the Kingdom of
God while also performing wonders and signs, healing, and resurrecting the dead - and eventually, He
commissioned them to be His witnesses right before His ascension.

Highlights of Jesus pubic ministry can be found in the New Testament, particularly in the four
Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

The Four Gospels’ Records on the Life and Ministry of Jesus

Events Note Scriptural Accounts

The Baptism • Multiple Gospels note the Matthew 2, Mark 1, Luke 3
baptism of Jesus by a relative
named John the Baptist at
around the age of 30. This
marked the beginning of His
public ministry.
The Calling of • The first to follow Jesus and The First two disciples (John 1:35-51)
His Disciples recognized Him as the Messiah
was Andrew, the brother of Matthew Called to be a Disciple (Matthew
Peter. 9:9; Mark 2:13, 14; Luke 5:27, 28)

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 Jesus Ordains the Twelve Disciples (Mark
3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16)

Miracles • At least 35 miracles by Jesus First Leper Healed (Matthew 8:2-4;

are recorded in the New Mark 1:40-45; Luke 5:12-16)
Testament. He healed the sick,
the blind, and the lepers. Jesus Heals A Paralyzed Man
(Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke
5:17-26)

Jesus Heals a Man with a Withered

Hand (Matthew 12:9-14; Mark 3:1-
6; Luke 6:6-11)

Jesus Heals the Two Demoniacs of

Gadara (Matthew 8:28-9:1; Mark
5:1-20; Luke 8:26-39)

Jesus Heals a Blind and Dumb

Demoniac (Matthew 9:32-34)

Jesus Heals a Roman Officer’s

Servant (Matthew 8:5-13; Luke 7:1-
10)

Jesus Feeds 5,000 Men (Plus

Women and Children) (Matthew
14:13-21; Mark 6:33-44; Luke 9:10-
17; John 6:1-14)

Jesus Heals a Canaanite Woman's

Daughter (Matthew 15:21-28; Mark
7:24-30)

Jesus Feeds 4,000+ More (Matthew

15:29-39; Mark 8:1-10)

Jesus Heals a Blind Man at

Bethsaida (Mark 8:22-26)

Jesus Heals Demon-possessed Boy

(Matthew 17:14-21; Mark 9:14-29;
Luke 9:37-43)

Jesus Heals Man Who was Born

Blind (John 9:1-41)

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 Jesus Heals the Ten Lepers (Luke
17:11-19

• On three occasions, he raised

individuals from the dead. Jesus Heals the Suffering Woman &
Raises Jairus' Daughter from the
Dead (Matthew 9:18-26; Mark 5:21-
43; Luke 8:40-56

Jesus Raises a Widow’s Son (Luke

7:11-17)

The Death and the Resurrection of

Lazarus (John 11:1-44)

• He also showed power over Jesus Calms the Wind and the
nature, including stopping a Waves (Matthew 8:18, 23-27; Mark
storm and walking on water. 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25

Jesus Walks on the Water (Matthew

14:22-36; Mark 6:45-56; John 6:15-
24)

Teachings • The New Testament records (Matthew 7:28-29)

people's amazement at the
teachings of Jesus

• Large portions of the Gospels Jesus Gives the Sermon on the

include the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1 - 8:1; Luke
Mount (Matthew 5-7) and many 6:17-49)
of the parables, which were
stories with a spiritual purpose.
Jesus Teaches in the Temple (John
7:14-52)

Jesus Preaches from Peter's Boat

and Calls for Disciples (Matthew
4:18-22 Mark 1:16-20 Luke 5:1-
11)

Suffering and • In fulfilment of Isaiah 53 and Matthew 26:2, 19; 27:31-56

Death other prophecies, Jesus suffered Mark 15:24-41
at the hands of His enemies. Luke 23:24-49
• He was arrested, beaten, and John 19:16-37
nailed to a cross after the
Jewish leaders handed Him
over for a death sentence at the
approval of the Roman leader

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 Pilate.

• The death of Jesus was made

clear due to both the impact of
His sufferings, His pierced side
(John 19:34), His death cry
(Luke 23:46-48), Pilate's
confirmation (Mark 15:44-45),
that He was embalmed in about
75 pounds of spices (John
19:39), and that He remained in
the tomb three days
The • The New Testament records on Matthew 28: 1-20
Resurrection multiple occasions that the Mark 16
tomb was empty on the third Luke 24:1-7
day and that many eyewitnesses John 20 and 21
claimed to see Jesus alive
again.

The Great • In Galilee, at a certain Matthew 28:16-20

Commission and mountain, the eleven disciples
the Ascension met with Jesus to worship him
and were given the command to
preach and make disciples.

• After 40 days, Jesus ascended Mark 16:19-20

into heaven with the promise Luke 24:36-53
that He will be with them until Acts 1:6-111
the end.

The Birth of Christian Church

In the book of Acts, you can read the dramatic founding of the Christian church which began during
the day of the Pentecost.

Now when the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in
one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty
wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to
them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all
filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave
them utterance (Acts 2:1-4).

From this account, there are several significant things you can note according Don Stewart (2007):

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1. Fulfillment of Prophecy
On the Day of Pentecost prophecy was fulfilled. Acts 2:1 literally reads, "As the Day of
Pentecost was being fulfilled." What was fulfilled was the prophecy given by both Jesus and
John the Baptist concerning the coming of the Holy Spirit. John had earlier said of Jesus: Ten
days before Pentecost Jesus reiterated the prediction and the coming of the Holy Spirit was also
to give power to the believers: When Pentecost occurred, the Holy Spirit came as promised,
baptizing the believers into Christ and giving them power to be His witnesses.
2. Beginning of The Church Age
Pentecost was also the birthday of the church. The Old Testament period of law was concluded
and a new era began. Those who believe in Jesus as Messiah during this present age become
part of the body (or bride) of Christ known as the church. The church age began at Pentecost
and will conclude when Christ comes back for His own.

3. Signs Following
The Day of Pentecost also witnessed signs which followed the coming of the Holy Spirit. As
Jesus had predicted those who believed spoke with new tongues:

And these signs shall follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they
will speak with new tongues (Mark 16:17)

4. First Converts

The Day of Pentecost also saw the first converts to the Christian church. When Simon Peter
delivered his sermon proclaiming that Christ had risen, some three thousand people became
converted.

Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand
souls were added to them (Acts 2:41

ACTIVITIES
Activity 1.1 Scripture Survey
We now know for a fact that Christianity was founded in the life and teachings
of its central figure, Jesus. His public ministry which last for about three and
a half year (BibleTimeLines.com) paved the way for the birth of the Christian
church. The New Testament Bible, particularly the four Gospels and the book
of Acts, provided accounts on the public ministry of Jesus and the eventual

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 birth of the Christian church on the day of the Pentecost.

Objective: Trace the key events from the New Testament Bible which led to
the ushering of Christian faith.
Directions:
1. Secure a copy of the New Testament Bible.
2. Arrange the events listed below which led to the inauguration of the
Christian faith and identify supporting passages from the New
Testament Bible that account for it.
3. Use the graphic organizer below.

The Events in the Inauguration of Christianity

 The Day of the Pentecost

 Baptism of Jesus
 The Great Commission and the Ascension
 The Passion Death and Resurrection
 Public Ministry (Preaching, Performing of Signs and Wonders)

Initiating Events

Event 1 ____________________________________________
Scriptural Accounts: _______________________________

Event 2 ____________________________________________
Scriptural Accounts:________________________________

Event 3 _____________________________________________
Scriptural Accounts:_________________________________

Event 4 ______________________________________________
Scriptural Accounts:_________________________________

Event 5 _____________________________________________
Scriptural Accounts:_________________________________

The Inauguration of Christian Faith

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 Activity 1.2 Letter Writing (Critical thinking, Character, Communication)
Objective: Articulate ones’ thought in the public ministry of Jesus
Directions: Imagine you are a resident of Judea during the time of Jesus.
Write a letter to a friend describing Jesus’ public ministry, particularly, His
preaching and performing of signs and wonders.

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

5 W’s and 1 H Chart of Christianity Directions:

Considering the knowledge you have acquired in this lesson, identify names, terms,
date and other information you could list to fill the 5 W’s and 1 H chart below. Use
the information you have listed to write any of the following as your final output for
this lesson: (Critical Thinking, Communication, Creativity)
1) News Paper Article
2) Flyer or advertisement
3) Diary or Journal Entry
4) Comic Strip
5) Infographic

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 REMEMBER
• Christianity – it ushered in the public ministry of Jesus which lasted about
three and half years by preaching, teaching, performing signs and wonders
and commissioning his disciples to preach the gospel, to baptize and to make
disciples of all nations. It was given birth in the day of the Pentecost which
account can be found in the New Testament Bible, particularly, in Acts 2:1-
41.
• Jesus is the central figure of the Christianity. In His life, death and
resurrection, and teachings, were Christian faith is founded.
• John the Baptist – precursor of the coming messiah.
• Andrew – the first disciples who believed in Jesus as the Messiah.
• Peter – brother of Andrew whom he sought right after he found the Messiah.

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 • Disciples – refers to the followers of Jesus whom he taught and commissioned
to preach the gospel.
• Messiah – meaning the savior or the anointed one.
• Zealots – religious group who carried out series of pocket resistance against
the Roman Empire.
• Church – referring to the assembly of people.
• Great Commission – the order of Jesus to His disciples to preach the gospel,
to baptize and make disciples of all nations in the name of the Father, the Son
and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:18-20).
• The day of the Pentecost – the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to indwell the
disciples as prophesied in the Old Testament and fulfilled on the same event
as accounted in the New Testament Bible, particularly in Acts 2:1-4, and said
to be the birth of the Christian church.
• Gospels - The names of the books about the life of Jesus in the Bible: Matthew,
Mark, Luke and John.

POST TEST
Directions: Multiple Choice: Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen
letter on a separate sheet.

1. John the Baptist played an important role in the ushering of Christianity

because ____________________________________________.
a. he was one of the zealots.
b. he was the prophesied Messiah.
c. he was the one who baptized Jesus.
d. he was instrumental in the beginning of public ministry of Jesus.
2. Reading from the passage in Acts 2:1-41, the day of the Pentecost was a
significant event in Christianity because ______________________________.
a. it ushered the birth of the Christian church.
b. it marked the mission to be carried out by the church.
c. it initiated the ministry of Peter to the Jews and the Greeks.
d. it was the first miracle happened right after the ascension of Jesus in
heaven.
3. The first to follow Jesus and believed him to be the Messiah ____.
a. Andrew c. James
b. Peter d. John the Baptist

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4. The zealots were one of the religious groups which emerged as a reaction to
the oppressive Roman rule. What was the role of the zealots in the time before
the advent of Jesus and during His ministry?
a. They led in the collaboration with the Roman rulers.
b. They were Jews who were satisfied with the Roman rule.
c. They led the staging of pocket guerilla resistance against the Roman
rule.
d. They were Jews who live the ascetic life in the Judean wilderness
anticipating the coming of the Messiah.
5. Christianity as one of the largest and most practiced religion in the world is
founded in whose life and teachings?
a. Peter c. Paul
b. Jesus d. John the Baptist
6. When Jews were captivated by the Roman Empire in 63 BC they experienced
sufferings and oppression. They were anticipating for the Messiah, whom they
would be ________.
a. their savior c. their leader
b. their ruler d. their master
7. Christian faith is an offshoot of which religion?
a. Confucianism c. Buddhism
b. Judaism d. Hinduism

8. The word Messiah is taken from the Hebrew word "Mashiach,". This literally
means __________________.
a. the Master c. the Prophet
b. the Anointed One d. the Disciple.
9. To preach, baptize and make disciples of all nations was the last command by
Jesus to His disciples and to every Christian today. This task is known to
Christendom as _______________.
a. the Great Task c. the Great Order
b. the Great Commandment d. the Great Commission
10. Jesus public ministry lasted about three and a half years. This began when
he was about thirty years of age and when he was baptized by his precursor
who is known as _______________.
a. John the Beloved c. John the Baptist
b. John the Nazarene d. John the Prophet

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 EXPECTATIONS

You will examine the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and
related issues of Christianity.

Specifically, this module will help you to:

• analyze the fundamental beliefs, and practices of Christian faith
• discuss the schism that ensued in Christianity
• conduct interview on the common beliefs of Christian churches

PRETEST

Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer and write it on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. In 1054 Christianity was split into two main divisions. These were
___________________________________________.
a. the Eastern Orthodox church and the Oriental Orthodox church
b. the Eastern Orthodox church and the Roman Catholic church
c. the Roman Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Church
d. the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant Churches
2. The history of Christianity was marked by great schism and further divisions
which make it at present be divided to three major denominations,
namely______________, __________________, and _________.
a. Anglican, Baptist, and the Roman Catholics
b. Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and the Protestant
c. Judaism, Islam, and Christianity
d. Calvinist, Evangelicals, and the Catholics
3. What did the resurrection of Jesus from dead prove for Christians?
a. It proved that Jesus defeated death and sin and that they too, will be
raised from the dead.
b. It proved that Jesus stayed with his disciples as accounted by the Four
Gospels of the New Testament Bible.
c. It proved that Jesus would come back to reign with saints.
d. It proved that Jesus ascended to heaven.
4. Christianity believes and worships one God. This means it is a ___________
religion.
a. monotheistic c. theistic
b. polytheistic d. atheistic

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 5. In AD 313, Christianity was legalized in the Roman Empire by the Edict of
Milan. Who was the emperor responsible for the issuance of this edict?
a. Nero c. Justinian
b. Augustus d. Constantine
6. Christianity believes that Jesus is the _____________ and he came to save the
lost.
a. Prophet c. Nazarene
b. Angel d. Son of God
7. Which Christian doctrine teaches that there is one God who eternally exists
as three distinct persons- the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit?
a. Christology c. Divinity
b. Eschatology d. Trinity
8. Justification by faith is one of the Christian doctrines. This means that by
believing in Jesus, His death and resurrection, one can have
__________________________________.
a. the forgiveness from sins
b. the status of being an angel
c. the membership in church
d. the pass to heaven.
9. In Christianity, worship services vary depending on traditions and theological
views of the church. However, there are some common elements that
characterize the worship of almost all Christian churches. Which is not
included from the common elements?
a. Meeting everyday c. Prayer
b. Teaching in the form of a sermon or homily d. Bible reading
10. One of the major Christian festivals is the celebration of the birth of Jesus
which is observed yearly on the 25th of December and on the 7th of January
for Orthodox. To which does it refer?
a. Valentine’s Day d. All Saints’ Day
b. Easter Day d. Christmas Day

LOOKING BACK TO YOUR LESSON

Tri Questions

Direction: Recall the past lesson on the ushering of Christianity and answer the
questions below.
1. What was the day of the Pentecost as accounted by the book of Acts in
chapter 2?
2. Why it was considered the birthday of the Christian church?
3. How many were converted to Christianity according to verse 41?

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 BRIEF INTRODUCTION

The Christians’ Distinctive

In the previous lesson you have learned that Christianity is the largest and
the most widely practiced religion in the world which has about 2.5 billion followers
or about one-third of the total world population. This figure, however, is
complemented by another fact that Christianity is broadly divided into three major
branches or denominations and further divided into a numerous sect, each with their
own specific ways of practices and teachings. Nonetheless, all are united in the
acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour and as they based their
teachings on the holy scripture, the Bible.

In this module, we will discuss the Christian churches by its general divisions,
and common beliefs, practices, and traditions.

DISCUSSIONS

Lesson
The Christian
2 Distinctives

Main Division

During the first century in the Roman province Judea, Christianity began as a Second Temple
Judaic as Jesus’ apostles and their followers were scattered around the Levant, Europe, Anatolia,
Mesopotamia, Transcaucasia, Egypt, and Ethiopia because of the persecution (Christianity, 2020). They
were able to attract more gentile believers which led to a gradual departure from Jewish customs and

20
eventual ending of Temple-based Judaism after the Fall of Jerusalem in AD 70.

In AD 313, Emperor Constantine the Great legalized Christianity in the Roman Empire by the
Edict of Milan. In AD 380, Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire until AD
1054 when the Great Schism ensued between what would become Eastern Orthodox Church in the East
and the Roman Catholic Church in the West due to differing theological and political stance. Another
split occurred in the 16th century which involved the Roman Catholic and the Protestant Reformation.

At present there are three major historic and theologically distinctive streams of Christianity –
Roman Catholic, Protestant and Eastern Orthodox.

Christianity to date has 2.51 billion populations with the following breakdown according to its
major denominations (List of Christian denominations by number of members, 2020)

 Catholicism – 1.329 billion

 Protestantism – 900 million
 Eastern Orthodoxy – 230 million
 Oriental Orthodoxy – 62 million
 Non-Trinitarian Restorationism – 35 million
 Miscellaneous branches – 2 million

Christianity at a Glance

Name Means followers of Christ (Greek christos, Messiah)

Place Founded Southern Levant (modern-day Israel, Palestine, and Jordan)

Date Founded c. 30 CE

Founder(s) Jesus, Peter, Paul

Major Roman Catholic; Eastern Orthodox; Protestant

Branches

Texts Bible (Hebrew Bible + New Testament)

Symbols Cross, dove, anchor, fish, alpha/omega, chi rho

Source: religionfacts.com

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Major Beliefs

a. God

Christianity is a monotheistic religion. It acknowledges that there is only one God whom they
worship. By nature, God is a Spirit and He is a living and personal God (Samms, 1996). In Genesis
1:26, God created man according their image and likeness. The image and likeness are referring to
personal characteristics which both God and man share as basic characteristics of personality.
According to Samms (1996), personality consists of three basic characteristics: intellect, emotions, and
will.

So, the God whom Christians worship is not like other gods that are impersonal. In fact, He
possesses qualities such as being holy, love, mercy, grace, compassion, longsuffering, and kindness or
goodness while also has the following attributes.

• Omnipresent – this means that God is present in all places and at the same time.
• Omniscient – this means that God knows all things.
• Omnipotent – this means the ability of God to do everything.

The Names of God

Hammond, (as cited by Samms) lists three categories of Hebrew name of God to know more
about the personality of God.

1. General Names
• El (singular) – has “strength” as its underlying thought. It occurs some 250 times. It
occurs in phrases such as El Elyon, “The Most High”. El Olam, “The Everlasting God”,
and El Shaddai, “God Almighty”

•Elohim (plural) occurs over 2000 times and implies “The God of Creation” ,
“Providence” and “Supreme Ruler”
2. The Covenant Name
• Jehovah (Yahweh) is God’s most frequently used name in the Old Testament, and
occurs some 7000 times. It means, “The Self-existing One”
3. Compound Name
• Names occurring in combination with Jehovah, such as:
• Jehovah-Jireh, “The Lord Will Provide”
• Jehovah-Nissi “ The Lord, My Banner”
• Jehovah-Tsidkenu “The Lord Our Righteousness”

b. Jesus

Christians acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God who was sent to save humanity from the
penalty of sin which is death. He is also recognized as fully human and fully divine and that through

22
believing in him and following his teachings they can inherit eternal life.

c. Justification by faith

Christians believe in justification by faith - that through their belief in Jesus being the Son of
God, and in his death and resurrection, they can be at peace with God and receive forgiveness once and
for all through the death of Jesus Christ.

For the Roman Catholic this doctrine is complemented by good works.

d. The Trinity

Generally, Christians do believe in the doctrine of Trinity. According to Perman (2006) this
doctrine means that there is one God who eternally exists as three distinct Persons — the Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit. Stated otherwise, God is one in essence and three in person. These definitions express
three crucial truths:

 The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are distinct Persons;

 each Person is fully God; and
 there is only one God.

e. Life after death

Christian belief about life after death is based on the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians
believe that Jesus’ death and resurrection are part of God’s divine redemptive plan to save the world.
Through the death of Jesus on the cross, the penalty of sin which is death was paid and by which the
relationship of men with God was restored.

For Christians the death and resurrection of Jesus proved that he conquered sin and death.
Though all may face death, but those who put their faith and hope in Jesus will subsequently share
with Jesus resurrection and be given everlasting life in heaven.

Religious Observances, Festivals, and Days of Significance

1. Christian Worship

In Christianity, worship is any act that shows reverent devotion or love for God and can be
conducted corporately or individually by praying, singing of hymns and/or praises, and reading the
Bible. Though the corporate or congregational worship can be conducted on any time of the day or night
but the usual is Sunday morning.

According to Christian Worship (2020), present day worship is diverse depending on traditions and
theological views of the church. Actual worship services have some elements that are universal,
however, style and content varies greatly relative to history and differing emphases of the various
denominations of Christianity. Below are the common elements of worship that characterize the
worship of almost all Christian churches as mentioned in the article.

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Common Elements
 Meeting on Sunday (Sabbath in Christianity; Sabbath in seventh-day churches is an exception)
 Bible Readings
 Communion or the Eucharist
 Music, either choral or congregational, either with or without instrumental accompaniment
 Prayer
 Teaching in the form of a sermon or homily
 A collection or offering

2. Christian Festivals and Days of Significance:

a. Christmas – generally, Christian churches celebrates the birth of Jesus yearly on the 25th of
December and on the 7th of January for Orthodox. This celebration is matched with other
traditions such as the singing of carols, hanging of Christmas decors, and gift giving.

b. Easter – most of Christian denominations celebrate this festival which may fall at different
dates each year, during March and April. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ on
the third day after his crucifixion. It begins on Maundy Thursday, the night before Jesus died,
then is celebrated on Good Friday, the day Jesus died. It will last on Sunday, the Easter Day,
with joyful celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

c. All Saints’ Day - According to Feast of the Holy Trinity (2020), “All Saints’ Day, also called
All Hallows’ Day, Hallowmas, or Feast of All Saints, in the Christian church is a day
commemorating all the saints of the church. It is celebrated on November 1 in the Western
churches and on the first Sunday after Pentecost in the Eastern churches. In Roman Catholicism,
the feast is usually a holy day of obligation”

3. Other important religious practices to Christians:

 The Eucharist, Communion, Lord’s Supper: these are different words for the same ritual of
commemoration of Jesus’ last meal with his disciples.
 Baptism or some other form of initiation
 Prayer meeting

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 ACTIVITIES
Activity 2.1 My Personal Creed
Objective: to reflect and articulate one’s beliefs on major doctrines
Directions: Examine your own beliefs with regards to the following boxed words
and answer the corresponding questions that follows. You may choose to interview
anyone of your choice for this activity if you are from another religious group.

God What do I believe in God?

Jesus What do I believe in Jesus?

Spirit What do I beleive in the Holy Spirit?

Church What do I believe about church?

Forgiveness What do I beleive about forgiveness?

Everlasting Life What do I beleive about life everlasting?

Activity 2.2 Survey Interview on Beliefs of Christian Denominations and Sects

Objective: To analyze the beliefs of Christian denominations and sects

Directions: Using the chart below, conduct a survey interview with your
classmates.

25
Instructions: Fill out the chart below based on the interviews you had with your
classmates. For Each belief write a Y for “Yes” an N for “No” and M for “Maybe”
under each denomination or sects.

Belief

Roman Catholic

Witness
Jehovah’s

Iglesia ni Cristo

Born Again Christian

Baptist

Church of God

Seventh Day Adventist

Belief in One God

Belief in the Holy Trinity

Belief in Jesus as the Son of God

Belief in Justification by Faith

Belief in the Resurrection

Belief in the Bible as the Word of God

Belief in the Judgement and the

Reign of Christ

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Reflection

Directions: Read and analyze the passage below. Write a reflection on how these
great commandments would change individuals and transform our society to be
better. You may consider the following questions: (Critical Thinking, Communication,
Character)
• How does your right relationship with God change you as a person?
• Would it change how you trust Him with your time, talent, and treasures?
Explain.
• How would it change your relationship with your immediate family and with
your neighbors if we try to really love that way?
• How would things change in your community?

26
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second
is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ - Matthew 22:37-39 New International
Version (NIV)

REMEMBER
• Christianity began as a Second Temple Judaic which grew as the disciples and
apostles were scattered due to persecution by the Romans.
• In AD 70, Jerusalem was destroyed which led to a gradual ending of Temple-based
Judaism.
• Constantine the Great made Christianity legal in the Roman Empire in AD 313.
• Edict of Milan was a proclamation issued by Constantine the Great which officially
established Christianity as religion within the Roman Empire.
• Great Schism came about due to differing theological and political stance between the
Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches in 1054 AD.
• Roman Catholic, Protestant and Eastern Orthodox are the three main division of
Christianity to date.
• Monotheistic the admission that there is only one God.
• Trinity Christian doctrine that there is one God who eternally exists as three distinct
Persons — the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
• Jesus is acknowledged as the Son of God.
• Justification by Faith the forgiveness of sin by faith in Christ atoning sacrifice on the
cross which for Roman Catholic Church is complemented by good works.
• Resurrection the belief of Christians that they will subsequently share with Jesus
resurrection from the dead as they put their faith in His atoning sacrifice on the cross.
• Christmas, Easter, and All Saints’ Days are the common festivals of Christianity and
are observed respectively, on every 25th of December, at different dates each year
during March and April, and every 1st of November.

27
 POST TEST

Directions: Choose the letter of the best answer and write it on a separate sheet of
paper.

1. In 1054 Christianity was split into two main divisions. These were
a. the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant Churches
b. the Eastern Orthodox church and the Roman Catholic church
c. the Roman Catholic Church and the Oriental Orthodox Church
d. the Eastern Orthodox church and the Oriental Orthodox church

2. The history of Christianity was marked by great schism and further divisions
which make it at present be divided to three major denominations, namely,
______________, __________________, and _________.
a. Judaism, Islam, and Christianity
b. Calvinist, Evangelicals, and the Catholics
c. Anglican, Baptist, and the Roman Catholics
d. Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic, and the Protestant
3. What did the resurrection of Jesus from the dead prove for Christians?
a. It proved that Jesus ascended to heaven.
b. It proved that Jesus would come back to reign with saints.
c. It proved that Jesus defeated death and sin and that they too, will be
raised from the dead.
d. It proved that Jesus stayed with his disciples as accounted by the Four
Gospels of the New Testament Bible.
4. Christianity believes and worships one God. This means it is a ___________
religion.
c. monotheistic c. theistic
d. polytheistic d. atheistic
5. In AD 313, Christianity was legalized in the Roman Empire by the Edict of
Milan. Who was the emperor responsible for the issuance of this edict?
c. Nero c. Justinian
d. Augustus d. Constantine

28
6. Christianity believes that Jesus is the _____________ and he came to save the
lost.
a. Prophet c. Nazarene
b. Angel d. Son of God
7. Which Christian doctrine teaches that there is one God who eternally exists
as three distinct persons- the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit?
a. Christology c. Divinity
b. Eschatology d. Trinity
8. Justification by faith is one of the Christian doctrines. This means that by
believing in Jesus and His death and resurrection one can have
__________________________________.
a. the forgiveness from sins
b. the status of being an angel
c. the membership in church
d. the pass to heaven.
9. In Christianity, worship services vary depending on traditions and theological
views of the church. However, there are some common elements that
characterize the worship of almost all Christian churches. Which is not
included from the common elements?
a. Meeting everyday c. Prayer
b. Teaching in the form of a sermon or homily d. Bible reading
10. One of the major Christian festivals is the celebration of the birth of Jesus
which is observed yearly on the 25th of December and on the 7th of January
for Orthodox. To which does it refer?
a. Valentine’s Day d. All Saints’ Day
b. Easter Sunday d. Christmas

29
 REFERENCES

Online Sources
Stewart, D. (24 Apr, 2007). What Happened on the Day of Pentecost?.
Retrieved from
https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don_stewart/don_stewart_441.cfm
Stewart, D. (24 Apr, 2007). What Was the Chronology of the Events
Surrounding the Death of Christ?. Retrieved
from https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don_stewart/don_stewart_246.cf
m
History.com (8 October, 2019). Christianity Retrieved
from https://www.history.com/topics/religion/history-of-christianity
CompellingTruth (n.d.). What were the key events in the life of Jesus?.
Retrieved from: https://www.compellingtruth.org/print/key-events-life-
Jesus-PF.html
ReligionFacts.com (5 Mar. 2017). Christianity. Retrieved
from: http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity
Stewart, D. (24 Apr, 2007). What Happened on the Day of Pentecost?.
Retrieved from
https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don_stewart/don_stewart_441.cfm
Stewart, D. (24 Apr, 2007). What Was the Chronology of the Events
Surrounding the Death of Christ?. Retrieved
from https://www.blueletterbible.org/faq/don_stewart/don_stewart_246.cf
m
History.com (8 October, 2019). Christianity Retrieved
from https://www.history.com/topics/religion/history-of-christianity
CompellingTruth (n.d.). What were the key events in the life of Jesus?.
Retrieved from: https://www.compellingtruth.org/print/key-events-life-
Jesus-PF.html

(n.d.). All Saints' Day | Definition, History, & Facts | Britannica. Retrieved
from https://www.britannica.com/topic/All-Saints-Day

https://www.etymonline.com/word/religion

30
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religion_and_geography#cite_note-
Kong20109)

Books:

Samms, Robert L. Bible Doctrines A Practical Study Course for Christian Workers.
Church Strengthening Ministry. 1996

Morris, Sr. Charles H. Baptist Distinctive and Polity. Church Strengthening Ministry.
1994

McKinney, Laurence O. (1994). Neuroethology: Virtual Religion in the 21st Century

retrieved from https://www. Amazon.com>Nuerotheology-Virtual-2

Ramos, Christine Carmela R. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person.Rex

Bookstore.2016

Cornejo, Nigel L., et al. Fundamentals of World Religions. MaxCor Publishing House,
Inc., 2019

Serapio, Maria Perpetua Arcilla. Introduction to World Religions for Senior High
School. Mindshapers Co., Inc. 2016

Vega, Violeta A. et al. Social Dimensions of Education. Lorimar Publishing Inc., 2009

Ramos, Christine Carmela, PhD. Introduction to the Philosophy of the Human Person.
Rex Bookstore.2016

Newberg, Andrew (2010). Principles of Neurotheology. Retrieved

from www.npr.org>2010/12/15>neurotheology-where-religi...

Acknowledgements

Writer: Alejandrino C. Alac- Teacher III

Editor: Amalia C. Solis - EPS
Reviewers: Gener Irinco, Jeriel Apurillo, Paciano B. Ferrer (Content)
Virginia Pike (Language)
Management Team: Maria Magdalena M. Lim-Schools Division
Superintendent-Manila, Aida H. Rondilla-Chief Education Supervisor
Lucky S. Carpio-EPS and Lady Hannah C. Gillo, Librarian II-LRMS

31
 REFLECTIVE LEARNING SHEET
Name ____________________________________________ Grade and Section ___________
School: ______________________ Date: _____________ Subj. Teacher: _______________

Quarter: 1 Module No.: 5 Week No.: 1

MELC: Examine the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices, and
related issues of Christianity.

Objectives: to critically and accurately answer the questions below as a manifestation

of essential understanding of the recently concluded lesson

Directions: Now that you are through in this first lesson, the birth and the flourishing
of Christianity, try to answer the following questions as far as you can recall.

1. Who is Jesus? Try to list words as possible as you can to describe him and
choose one from your list which you think best describe him in light of
Christian beliefs.

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________

2. How did his ministry begin? Cite specific instances that describe the events
when he started his ministry. You may quote passages from the Bible.

32
 ___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

3. How did his ministry catch the attention of the public and attract his own
adherents? Give specific passages that illustrate how he was able to gather
crowds and eventually his disciples.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

4. What things did Jesus do that confirm his being the messiah for Christians?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

5. What was his last command for his disciples when he ascended to heaven?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

6. Describe the events that took place in the day of the Pentecost.
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

7. Why was it considered as the birthday of the Christian Church?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

33
 REFLECTIVE LEARNING SHEET
Name ____________________________________________ Grade and Section ___________
School: ______________________ Date: _____________ Subj. Teacher: _______________

Quarter: Module No.: I Week No.: 2

MELC: Examine the brief history, core teachings, fundamental beliefs, practices,
and related issues of Christianity
Objectives: to critically and accurately answer the questions below as a
manifestation of essential understanding of the recently concluded lesson.
Directions: Read and answer the following questions. You may consult other
sources of information or interview a Christian for the relevant answers to this
activity.

1. What does the cross symbolizes in Christianity?

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

2. What is the significance of the death and resurrection of Jesus for Christians?
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

3. How do beliefs about the afterlife and judgement influence Christians?

__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________

34
 ANSWER KEY

Lesson 1
PRETEST POSTTEST
1. b 1. d
2. a 2. a
3. b 3. a
4. c 4. c
5. b 5. b
6. d 6. a
7. a 7. b
8. c 8. b
9. d 9. d
10. a 10. c

Lesson 2
PRETEST POSTTEST
1. c 1. c
2. b 2. d
3. a 3. d
4. a 4. c
5. d 5. d
6. d 6. d
7. d 7. d
8. a 8. a
9. a 9. a
10. d 10. d

35