Christians Believe What?

Maybe its just me, but it seems every day I hear people discussing what they think Christians believe and they are no where close.  Maybe its Harold Campings fault for making people think that all Christians were planning on being raptured last weekend.  Maybe there isn't a good place for people to get the straight facts without being confused with church words, feeling like they are being judged, attacked, or being condemned to the fiery pits of hell.  On the other hand maybe there is and people don't know about it, or maybe people don't actually care enough to find out what others believe.  I have no idea, but I'm going to start by giving people a place to learn and discuss.  Questions, comments, concerns etc are all welcomed and encouraged.  Bashing people, their beliefs and general rudeness are not!

One of my pet peeves has always been people who don't know what they believe and why they believe it.  I don't care if you are a Christian, Buddhist, Wiccan, Atheist, or don't even know what any of those words mean. If its your belief you should be able to articulate it and defend it.  The "My mom told me that's the way it was" or "Well I've always believed that" arguments doesn't fly as an adult.  That is why I will also try to give reasons for all statements made.  There are large books dedicated to the defense of Christianity (and I'm sure other religions/world views as well) and I'm not going to give all known evidence or even a lot of evidence because this is a blog not a book, but I will try to give a reasonable explanation.  That being said, feel free to ask questions leave comments etc.

Here is a quick summary of the main things Christians believe and what I will talk about in this blog...
1.  There is a God who created us and loves us.
2.  He sent his son Jesus to earth.  He was crucified, died, and rose from the dead.
3.  The story of God and his relationship with his people is recorded in the Bible.
4.  God is still around and active in the world and the live of those who follow him (he wants to be involved in the lives of those who don't follow him but he won't force himself into our lives).
5.   When we die we will be judged, we will go either to heaven or hell.  Our eternity does not depend on what we do, but in our relationship with God.