Followers of the Christian religion base their beliefs on the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Christians believe in one God who created heaven, earth and the universe. The belief in one God originated with the Jewish religion. Christians believe that God loves everyone and wants all people to choose to live under His guidance to best fulfil their created purpose, which is to be in a relationship with Him. But, we have sinned by turning our backs on God to follow our own ways and other ‘truths’, and our relationship with God has been broken. Without God’s help, we cannot escape punishment for that sin and mend our relationship with God. Jesus was sent by God to show people that by trusting him they can return to a proper relationship with God. Although he was perfect, Jesus was executed by crucifixion, a punishment for criminals. He took our place, and took our punishment from God, so that we are free to come back into a loving relationship with God. Jesus rose bodily from the dead and met and ate with people for 40 days, showing the reality of life after death. This is why Jesus Christ is called the Saviour of the World.
There are many different churches, which are groups of Christians worshipping God, but they all hold to this core outline.
We believe that it is by God’s grace that Christians are able to be forgiven for their faults and for ignoring God, and to be guided by God to love others in the same way they themselves are loved by God. It is this Good News that they want to share by word and action.
Jesus quoted the Jewish scriptures that the greatest commandments are “to love the Lord your God with all your heart… and your neighbour as yourself”.
He taught a prayer now known as The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father, who is in heaven,
Hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread
And forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.
For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory
For ever and ever.
Amen.
To find out more, contact the Town Chaplains or visit a church. The main churches in Basingstoke are Roman Catholic, Protestant and charismatic. Most of them run introductory programmes that explain the basic beliefs and when all questions are welcome (look out for Alpha and Christianity Explored courses). Churches vary in their styles of worship and family-friendliness so you can find one that is convenient to reach and suits your style. You can find your nearest church here Or, speak to a Chaplain and see which one is recommended for you. Wherever you go you should expect a warm welcome and no pressure to join.
Town Chaplains are all Christians involved in local churches.