LibGuides: FP Library Book Lists: Christianity & Christian Representation

Christianity & Christian Representation

Christianity is a religion based on the worship of Jesus of Nazareth as the son of God and promised savior (or "messiah")* who was sent by God to help save humanity from the consequences of sin. The most important text in Christianity is the Bible which contains the Old Testament (or Hebrew Bible) and the New Testament which tells the story of Jesus' life, teachings, suffering, and sacrifice.

Christianity also centers belief in the Holy Trinity: Jesus, God, and the Holy Spirit, believed to be a guide and helper to humanity. Though the Holy Trinity includes three figures and there are many other figures of reverence in Christian thought,* Christianity is a monotheistic religion, meaning Christian teachings specify that there is only one God.

Christians sometimes go to church to practice, but different groups express their faith in different ways. The cross (or crucifix) symbolizes Christianity and is associated with Jesus' death and resurrection necessary to his role as messiah.

There are many different denominations of Christianity including Roman Catholicism, Protestantism, and Eastern Orthodoxy. Important Christian holidays include Three Kings Day, Christmas, and Easter (included in our Holidays & Seasons section).

Early Sunday Morning by Denene Millner; Vanessa Brantley-Newton (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9781534476530
Sundays are June's favorite days because she gets to spend it with Mommy, Daddy, and her brother, Troy. Next Sunday is more special than most, because she will be leading the youth choir in front of her entire church. June loves to sing. She sings loud, silly songs with Daddy, she sings to herself in front of the bedroom mirror, but performing in front of the entire congregation is another thing altogether. As her special moment approaches, June leans on the support of her whole community to conquer her fear of singing in front of the congregation.
Christianity by Philip Wilkinson; Steve Teague (Photographer); Michael Tambini
ISBN: 9780756622466
Text and photographs explore the faith of Christianity from its origins to its role in the 21st century.
Who Is Pope Francis? by Stephanie Spinner; Who HQ; Dede Putra (Illustrator)
ISBN: 9780451533364
Jorge Mario Bergoglio, aka Pope Francis, from Argentina, is the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first from the Southern Hemisphere. Since being elected pope he has shown a humbler, less formal approach to his office than his predecessors: a warm style that has been referred to as "no frills." His common touch and accessibility, as well as his insistence that the church be more open and welcoming, has quickly endeared him not only to Roman Catholics but to millions of others around the world.
Don't Let Auntie Mabel Bless the Table by Vanessa Brantley Newton
ISBN: 9781609050290
Auntie Mabel and her family and friends have gathered for their big Sunday dinner and can't wait to dig into a delicious, mouthwatering meal. Before they can begin, Auntie Mabel starts--and doesn't stop!--blessing everyone and everything she surveys: the yams and Brussels sprouts, the table and chairs--even the president of the United States!*

* Messiah is a Hebrew word meaning "annointed one."

**The Holy Spirit is often depicted as a white dove haloed in golden light.

***Some of the other figures of reverence in Christian belief include the Virgin Mary (mother of Jesus), and numerous saints each with their own names and associations and considered significant for their piety and sacrifice (some examples include Saint George, Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint John and Saint Catherine of Sienna).