KS2 RE: Christianity Beliefs and Practices Guide

Core beliefs

Christians believe in one God, and in the Trinity — God as Father, Son (Jesus Christ) and Holy Spirit. They believe Jesus was the Son of God, who died on the cross and rose again, and that following his teachings shows the way to live a good life.

The Bible

The Bible is the Christian holy book, split into the Old Testament (written before Jesus) and New Testament (about Jesus' life and the early Church). Christians use it for guidance, worship and understanding their faith.

Worship and practices

Christians worship in a church, often on Sundays, and many take part in prayer, singing hymns and Holy Communion (remembering Jesus' last meal with his disciples). Baptism welcomes someone into the Christian faith.

Key festivals

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus, and Easter celebrates his death and resurrection — the most important festival in the Christian calendar.

Common mistakes

• Thinking Christians worship three separate gods — the Trinity is one God experienced in three ways.
• Mixing up the Old Testament and New Testament.
• Assuming Easter is less important than Christmas — for most Christians it is the more significant festival.