Christianity Religion History
The word “Christianity” is built from the word “Christ”. The religion is monotheistic, meaning that Christian followers believe in one God known as Jesus Christ; as revealed in the New Testament of the Bible. Those who follow Christianity are known as Christians, and they believe that Jesus is the Son of God. They also believe that Jesus is the Messiah that is revealed in the Hebrew Bible. This is a common parallel that these two religions share.
The core belief shared among Christians is that Jesus suffered on the cross, died, and was resurrected to bring salvation for the sins of the people. After resurrection, Christians believe that Jesus ascended to Heaven, and will one day return to this Earth to pass judgment on those who are living and dead, and grant immortality to those who have followed Him and His teachings. His life, his teachings, and his deeds are considered the model for the most virtuous life. The lessons and teachings of Jesus Christ are known as the Gospel.
Christianity is an Abrahamic religion, just as Judaism and Islam are the same. Christianity began as a Jewish sect and began to grow and expand throughout the Mediterranean in a short number of decades. Today, it is perhaps the most prominent Western religion, shaping both culture and values. There are approximately 1.5 billion to 2.1 billion adherents in the world today, making it among the world’s largest and most important religions.
Starting as a Jewish sect in the eastern Mediterranean halfway through the first century, it began to develop more fully during the leadership of the 12 Apostles, including St. Peter and Paul the Apostle. From the very beginning of their religious practices, Christians were subject to much persecution at the hands of the Roman Empire.
There are a number of core beliefs that Christians share, including the death and resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God, and that His atonement and resurrection are the most important events in human history. God’s grace is the source of eternal salvation for those who believe in Him and follow his teachings.
Being one of the most prominent religions in the world today, there are a number of different sub-sects of Christianity, offering different denominations and beliefs about varying aspects of the religion and its history. All in all, the core beliefs of Christianity are shared and practiced among all Christian denominations.
Like most major religions, Christianity is believed to be not only a set of beliefs, but a way of life and a community where those beliefs are shared. Church is attended once a week or more, and reading of the bible and other forms of scripture study and prayer are greatly encouraged.
