Materials

• Class notes (see bolded text in Instructional Activities below)
• Brief background on the origins of Christianity
• Heavy poster paper
• Scissors
• Markers
• Tape
• Copy of handout of “Learning Cube for the Christian Religion” (Attachment B)
• Overhead projector (optional)

Instructional Activities

1. Review content covered to this point in the unit.
   
   
2. Explain to students that Christianity is one of the dominant religions in the world today. Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism are the other main world religions. Further, explain that Judaism, Christianity and Islam have the same general geographic origin in the Middle East. Ask students to share examples of when religion may have been a factor in international conflicts.
   
   
3. Provide a brief background on the origins of Christianity. Put the following notes on the board or overhead:
   
   Origins of Christianity
   • Roots in Judaism
   • Leader is Jesus of Nazareth, proclaimed as the Messiah
   • Conflicts with the Roman Empire polytheism
   
   
4. Pass out poster paper and handout of “Learning Cube for the Christian Religion.” Instruct students to develop learning cubes on the Christian religion. The following information should be reflected on the cubes:
   • Beliefs, traditions, and customs of Christianity
      – Monotheism
      – Jesus as both Son and incarnation of God
      – Life after death
      – New Testament, containing accounts of the life and teachings of Jesus, as well as the writings of early Christians
      – Christian doctrine established by early church councils
   
   
5. Display the cubes around the room until the assessment session.