Christianity

~8 mins

Christianity is the world's largest religion, with 2.4 billion followers worldwide. It centres on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, whom Christians believe is the Son of God and saviour of humanity. Christianity emphasises love, forgiveness, salvation through faith, and eternal life with God.

1) Christianity exists because Christians believe God became human in Jesus Christ to save humanity from sin and death. Jesus lived in 1st-century Palestine, taught about God's love and forgiveness, was crucified by Roman authorities, and Christians believe he rose from the dead three days later. This resurrection is the foundation of Christian faith — proving Jesus's divinity and offering eternal life to believers. Christianity spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, becoming the dominant religion of the Western world.

2) The Trinity is Christianity's central doctrine — one God existing in three persons: Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit. This isn't three gods but one divine essence in three distinct persons who are co-equal and co-eternal. The Father creates, the Son redeems, and the Holy Spirit sanctifies, though all three are involved in everything. This mystery distinguishes Christianity from other monotheistic religions. The Trinity was formally defined at the Council of Nicaea (325 CE) to counter heresies that denied Jesus's full divinity.

3) The Bible is Christianity's holy book, containing the Old Testament (Hebrew scriptures shared with Judaism) and the New Testament (specifically Christian writings). The New Testament includes the four Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John) telling Jesus's story, Acts describing early church history, letters from apostles like Paul, and Revelation about the end times. Christians believe the Bible is divinely inspired, though they differ on interpretation — some read it literally while others see symbolic or metaphorical meanings in certain passages.

Related: Bible | New Testament | Gospels

4) Salvation in Christianity means being saved from sin and its consequences (spiritual death and separation from God) through faith in Jesus Christ. Christians believe all humans are born with original sin inherited from Adam and Eve, making them unable to reach God through good works alone. Jesus's death on the cross paid the penalty for human sin, and his resurrection conquered death. Salvation is received through faith, repentance, and accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior — it's considered God's free gift, not something earned.

Related: Salvation | Original Sin | Crucifixion

5) Baptism is the Christian sacrament of initiation, symbolising death to sin and rebirth in Christ. Most Christians practise infant baptism (believing it removes original sin and brings the child into God's family), whilst others practise adult baptism (emphasising personal faith and conscious decision). Methods include sprinkling, pouring, or full immersion in water. Baptism is seen as following Jesus's example and his command to baptise all nations. It's typically a public declaration of faith and entry into the Christian community.

Related: Baptism | Infant Baptism | Adult Baptism

6) The Eucharist (also called Communion or Lord's Supper) commemorates Jesus's last meal with his disciples before crucifixion. Christians eat bread and drink wine (or grape juice) as Jesus commanded: "Do this in remembrance of me." Catholics believe the bread and wine literally become Jesus's body and blood (transubstantiation), while Protestants generally view it as symbolic remembrance. Orthodox Christians hold a middle position. The Eucharist is central to Christian worship, representing unity with Christ and fellow believers.

7) Prayer is direct communication with God, fundamental to Christian life. Christians pray individually and collectively, following Jesus's example and his teaching of the Lord's Prayer ("Our Father who art in heaven..."). Prayer includes adoration (praising God), confession (admitting sins), thanksgiving (expressing gratitude), and supplication (making requests). Christians believe God hears and answers prayers, though not always as expected. Prayer can be formal (liturgical) or informal (conversational), silent or spoken aloud.

8) The Ten Commandments are moral laws God gave to Moses on Mount Sinai, forming the foundation of Christian ethics. They include worshipping only God, not making idols, not taking God's name in vain, keeping the Sabbath holy, honouring parents, and prohibitions against murder, adultery, stealing, false witness, and coveting. Jesus summarised them as loving God with all your heart and loving your neighbour as yourself. Whilst Christians believe salvation comes through faith not law-keeping, the commandments provide moral guidance for holy living.

9) Heaven and Hell are Christianity's understanding of eternal destinies after death. Heaven is perfect communion with God, described as a place of joy, peace, and worship without suffering or death. Hell is eternal separation from God, traditionally depicted as a place of torment and fire, though some Christians interpret it metaphorically as the natural consequence of rejecting God's love. Christians believe faith in Jesus determines one's destination — believers go to heaven, unbelievers to hell. Some denominations also teach purgatory as a state of purification before heaven.

10) The Second Coming refers to Jesus's promised return to earth to judge the living and the dead, establish God's kingdom fully, and create new heavens and earth. Christians believe Jesus will return visibly and gloriously, though they disagree about timing and details. Some expect the rapture (believers taken to heaven before tribulation), others believe in a millennial reign, and many focus on being ready whenever he comes. The Second Coming gives Christians hope during suffering and motivation for holy living and evangelism.

Related: Second Coming | Rapture | Millennialism

11) The Catholic Church is Christianity's largest single denomination, with 1.3 billion members worldwide. Catholics believe the Pope (Bishop of Rome) is Christ's representative on earth and successor to the apostle Peter, giving him authority to interpret scripture and define doctrine. Catholic distinctives include seven sacraments, veneration of Mary and saints, belief in purgatory, and the authority of church tradition alongside scripture. The Catholic Church has a hierarchical structure with the Pope at the head, followed by cardinals, bishops, and priests.

12) Protestantism emerged from the 16th-century Reformation when reformers like Martin Luther challenged Catholic teachings and practices. Protestants believe in salvation by faith alone (sola fide), scripture alone as authority (sola scriptura), and the priesthood of all believers (everyone can approach God directly without priestly mediation). Major Protestant denominations include Lutheran, Reformed, Baptist, Methodist, and Pentecostal churches. Protestantism emphasises personal relationship with God, biblical authority, and simplified worship compared to Catholic liturgy.

13) Eastern Orthodox Christianity separated from Roman Catholicism in 1054 CE (the Great Schism) over theological and jurisdictional disputes. Orthodox Christians reject papal supremacy, believing in the equality of bishops and the authority of ecumenical councils. They emphasise theosis (becoming like God through divine grace), use icons in worship, and have married priests (though bishops must be celibate). Major Orthodox churches include Greek, Russian, Serbian, and Romanian Orthodox. Orthodox Christianity is prevalent in Eastern Europe, Russia, and parts of the Middle East.

14) Christian worship varies by denomination but typically includes prayer, scripture reading, preaching, singing hymns or contemporary songs, and communion. Catholic and Orthodox worship follows liturgical traditions with set prayers and rituals, while Protestant worship ranges from formal liturgy to informal contemporary styles. The Christian Sabbath is Sunday (commemorating Jesus's resurrection), when most Christians gather for corporate worship. Worship aims to glorify God, build up believers, and proclaim the gospel to unbelievers.

15) Christian missions involve spreading the gospel message worldwide, following Jesus's Great Commission to "make disciples of all nations." Missionaries have established churches, schools, hospitals, and social programmes globally, though their work has been controversial when linked to colonialism or cultural imperialism. Modern missions emphasise partnership with local churches, cultural sensitivity, and holistic ministry addressing spiritual and physical needs. Christianity has become a global religion largely through missionary activity over two millennia.

16) Christian holidays celebrate key events in Jesus's life and Christian history. Christmas (December 25) commemorates Jesus's birth, though the exact date is unknown and the holiday incorporates pre-Christian traditions. Easter celebrates Jesus's resurrection and is Christianity's most important holiday, with dates varying based on lunar calculations. Other significant observances include Lent (40-day preparation for Easter), Palm Sunday (Jesus's triumphal entry into Jerusalem), Good Friday (crucifixion), and Pentecost (Holy Spirit's coming). Different denominations emphasise different holidays and traditions.

Related: Christmas | Easter | Lent

17) Christian marriage is viewed as a sacred covenant between one man and one woman, reflecting Christ's relationship with the church. Traditional Christian teaching emphasises marriage's purposes as companionship, procreation, and mutual support. Divorce is generally discouraged, though Protestant churches are more accepting than Catholic or Orthodox churches. Christian weddings include vows before God and community, prayers for the couple, and often communion. Contemporary debates focus on gender roles, divorce and remarriage, and same-sex relationships, with denominations taking varying positions.

18) Christian ethics emphasise love as the supreme virtue, following Jesus's teaching to love God and neighbour. The Golden Rule ("treat others as you want to be treated") guides Christian behaviour, along with virtues like compassion, forgiveness, humility, and justice. Christians are called to care for the poor, visit the sick, welcome strangers, and work for peace and justice. Social gospel movements have applied Christian principles to issues like slavery, civil rights, poverty, and environmental protection, though Christians sometimes disagree on specific applications.

19) Saints in Christianity are people recognised for exceptional holiness and closeness to God. Catholic and Orthodox churches formally canonise saints and encourage their veneration and intercession, believing saints can pray for believers and perform miracles. Protestants generally reject saint veneration, believing all Christians are saints and only Christ mediates between God and humanity. Famous saints include Mary (Jesus's mother), Peter and Paul (apostles), Augustine (theologian), and Francis of Assisi (mystic). Saints serve as role models and sources of inspiration for Christian living.

20) Christian art and architecture have profoundly influenced Western culture. Early Christians used symbols like the fish (ichthys), cross, and chi-rho to identify themselves during persecution. Medieval Gothic cathedrals reached toward heaven with soaring spires, stained glass windows told biblical stories to illiterate populations, and religious paintings depicted sacred scenes. Renaissance masters like Michelangelo and Da Vinci created masterpieces with Christian themes. Christian music includes ancient chants, classical compositions, hymns, and contemporary worship songs, all aimed at glorifying God and edifying believers.

21) Monasticism developed as some Christians sought deeper spiritual life through withdrawal from worldly concerns. Monks and nuns take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, living in communities dedicated to prayer, study, and service. Famous monastic orders include Benedictines, Franciscans, Dominicans, and Jesuits, each with distinctive focuses and rules. Monasteries preserved learning during the Dark Ages, operated schools and hospitals, and provided social services. While primarily Catholic and Orthodox, some Protestant communities have adopted monastic-style living.

22) Christian theology is the systematic study of God and religious truth based on scripture and tradition. Major theological concepts include the nature of God (Trinity), the person of Christ (fully God and fully human), salvation (how humans are reconciled to God), and eschatology (end times). Theologians like Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, and Calvin shaped Christian thought. Contemporary theology grapples with modern challenges like science, pluralism, and social justice while maintaining core Christian beliefs.

Related: Christian Theology | Augustine | Aquinas

23) The early Christian church faced persecution under Roman rule until Emperor Constantine legalised Christianity in 313 CE with the Edict of Milan. Christianity became the Roman Empire's official religion under Theodosius I in 380 CE. Early church councils defined orthodox doctrine against heresies like Arianism (denying Jesus's divinity) and Gnosticism (claiming secret spiritual knowledge). The apostolic fathers and church fathers established Christian theology, liturgy, and organisation that influenced Christianity for centuries.

24) Christian denominations differ on various theological and practical issues while sharing core beliefs about Jesus Christ. Major divisions include Catholic, Orthodox, and Protestant branches, with hundreds of specific denominations within Protestantism. Differences involve church authority (papal vs. biblical vs. traditional), sacraments (number and meaning), salvation (role of faith vs. works), worship style, and social issues. Despite differences, most Christians affirm the Nicene Creed and work together through ecumenical movements promoting unity and cooperation.

25) Women in Christianity have played crucial roles throughout history, though their leadership opportunities have varied by denomination and era. The New Testament mentions female disciples, deacons, and church leaders like Phoebe and Priscilla. Some denominations ordain women as priests or pastors, while others restrict ordained ministry to men based on biblical interpretation. Christian women have been missionaries, mystics, reformers, and theologians. Contemporary debates focus on gender equality, women's ordination, and inclusive language in worship and scripture.

26) Christian education encompasses religious instruction, moral formation, and academic learning rooted in Christian worldview. Sunday schools teach biblical knowledge to children and adults, whilst Christian schools integrate faith with secular subjects. Theological seminaries train clergy and religious leaders. Universities like Oxford, Cambridge, and Harvard were founded by Christians to advance learning and faith. Christian education aims to develop the whole person — intellectual, spiritual, moral, and social — preparing students for service to God and neighbour.

27) Christian social action applies gospel principles to address poverty, injustice, and human suffering. Christians have established hospitals, orphanages, schools, and relief organisations worldwide. The social gospel movement emphasised Christianity's responsibility for social reform, whilst liberation theology focuses on God's preferential option for the poor. Christian organisations like World Vision, Samaritan's Purse, and Catholic Charities provide humanitarian aid globally. Christians are motivated by Jesus's example of caring for the marginalised and his command to love neighbours as themselves.

28) Christian mysticism seeks direct, personal experience of God through contemplative prayer, meditation, and spiritual disciplines. Mystics like John of the Cross, Teresa of Avila, and Meister Eckhart described stages of spiritual development and union with God. Mystical practices include lectio divina (divine reading), contemplative prayer, and spiritual direction. While sometimes viewed with suspicion by institutional churches, mysticism has enriched Christian spirituality and influenced theology, art, and literature throughout history.

29) Christianity's relationship with science has been complex, ranging from conflict to cooperation. Medieval Christian scholars preserved and advanced Greek learning, while the scientific revolution included devout Christians like Newton and Kepler who saw science as revealing God's glory. Conflicts arose over issues like heliocentrism and evolution, but many Christians accept scientific findings while maintaining faith in God as creator. Contemporary discussions focus on evolution, bioethics, climate change, and the relationship between scientific and religious ways of knowing.

30) Christianity today faces challenges and opportunities in a globalised, pluralistic world. Challenges include secularisation in the West, persecution in some countries, internal divisions, and scandals that damage credibility. Opportunities include growth in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, interfaith dialogue, social media evangelism, and addressing global issues like poverty and climate change. Contemporary Christianity emphasises contextual theology, cultural adaptation, and authentic discipleship whilst maintaining core biblical truths. The faith continues evolving whilst claiming unchanging truth in Jesus Christ.

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