Christianity

A monotheistic faith centered on Jesus of Nazareth, believed to be the Messiah (Christ) prophesied in the Hebrew scriptures. Christianity emerged from Judaism in the first century CE and became the world’s largest religion.

Core Beliefs

The Trinity

Christians affirm one God in three persons: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit. This doctrine distinguishes Christianity from both Judaism and Islam, which reject any division in God’s unity.

Incarnation

Christians believe Jesus is God incarnate—fully divine and fully human. Through him, God entered human history to accomplish salvation.

Atonement

Jesus’s death on the cross is understood as a sacrifice for human sin, reconciling humanity to God. Various theories explain how this atonement works (substitution, ransom, moral influence).

Resurrection

The bodily resurrection of Jesus on the third day is the cornerstone of Christian faith. It validates his claims, defeats death, and promises future resurrection for believers.

Salvation by Grace

Salvation is understood as a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ rather than earned through human effort (though traditions vary on the role of works).

Scripture

The Christian Bible consists of:

• Old Testament - The Hebrew scriptures (shared with Judaism)
• New Testament - The Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Revelation, recording Jesus’s life, the early church, and apostolic teaching

Historical Development

• Apostolic period - Jesus’s ministry, death, resurrection; spread by apostles
• Early church - Persecution, theological development, councils
• Christendom - State religion of Roman Empire (4th century)
• Medieval period - East-West schism (1054 CE)
• Reformation - Protestant-Catholic split (16th century)
• Modern era - Global missionary expansion, ecumenical dialogue

Major Traditions

Christianity encompasses three major branches and numerous denominations:

Eastern Orthodoxy

Centered in Greece, Russia, and Eastern Europe, emphasizing apostolic tradition, icons, and mystical theology.

Roman Catholicism

The largest Christian body (over 1.3 billion members), led by the Pope in Rome, centered on seven sacraments and magisterial authority.

Protestantism

Diverse traditions emerging from the 16th-century Reformation, emphasizing Scripture alone, faith alone, and the priesthood of all believers. Major Protestant families include:

• Lutheranism - Following Martin Luther; justification by faith alone
• Reformed/Calvinist - Emphasizing God’s sovereignty and predestination
• Anglicanism - Church of England tradition; via media between Catholic and Protestant
• Baptist - Believer’s baptism and congregational autonomy
• Methodism - Wesleyan tradition emphasizing holiness and social justice
• Pentecostalism - Spirit baptism, speaking in tongues, and charismatic gifts

Relation to Other Abrahamic Faiths

Christianity emerged from Judaism, sharing its scriptures while adding the New Testament. Christians see Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish messianic prophecy. Islam honors Jesus as a prophet but denies his divinity and crucifixion.