Christianity (from the Greek word Xριστός, Khristos, "Christ", literally "anointed one") is a monotheistic religion[1] based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Testament.[2]
Christians believe Jesus is the son of God, God having become man and the savior of humanity. Christians, therefore, commonly refer to Jesus as Christ or Messiah.[3]
Adherents of the Christian faith, known as Christians,[4] believe that Jesus is the Messiah prophesied in the Hebrew Bible (the part of scripture common to Christianity and Judaism). The foundation of Christian theology is expressed in the early Christian ecumenical creeds, which contain claims predominantly accepted by followers of the Christian faith.[5] These professions state that Jesus suffered, died from crucifixion, was buried, and was resurrected from the dead to open heaven to those who believe in him and trust him for the remission of their sins (salvation).[6] They further maintain that Jesus bodily ascended into heaven where he rules and reigns with God the Father. Most denominations teach that Jesus will return to judge all humans, living and dead, and grant eternal life to his followers. He is considered the model of a virtuous life, and both the revealer and physical incarnation of God.[7] Christians call the message of Jesus Christ the Gospel ("good news") and hence refer to the earliest written accounts of his ministry as gospels.
Christianity began as a Jewish sect[8][9] and is classified as an Abrahamic religion.[10][11][12] Originating in the eastern Mediterranean, it quickly grew in size and influence over a few decades, and by the 4th century had become the dominant religion within the Roman Empire.
During the Middle Ages, most of the remainder of Europe was Christianized, with Christians also being a (sometimes large) religious minority in the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of India.[13] Following the Age of Discovery, through missionary work and colonization, Christianity spread to the Americas, Australasia, and the rest of the world, therefore Christianity is a major influence in the shaping of Western civilization.
As of the early 21st century, Christianity has between 1.5 billion[14][15] and 2.2 billion adherents.[16][17] Christianity represents about a quarter to a third of the world's population and is the world's largest religion.[18] In addition, Christianity is the state religion of several countries.[19]
Contents |
|
TIME
Later, as Christianity gained popularity, worshippers held group prayers in public every Christmas. But after the Japanese government took control of Korea ...
North Korean guards detail border arrest of Americans National
all 454 news articles »
250px x 188px | 11.60kB
[source page]
Click to enlarge New lines are being drawn and redrawn every day In Eastern Europe In Russia Among Christians over issues like abortion
Rick Rosendall
Sun, 03 Jan 2010 19:40:00 GM
What possesses some people to be such busybodies? Brit Hume, on Fox New this morning, offered this advice to scandal-plagued golfer Tiger Woods: The extent to which he can recover seems to me depends on his faith. He is said...
Q. It seems that Paul's take on things differ a bit and a Christianity without Paul would be kind of interesting. Or, okay, I know people are going to say that you can't have Christianity without Paul so in other words, is there any Pro-Jesus but No-Paul religion out there? I really don't know any way to put this without getting someone in a tizzy but that honestly isn't my intention.
Asked by The Passenger - Tue Apr 28 21:51:19 2009 - - 10 Answers - 0 Comments
A. I know of no Church Christians who do not quote Paul on a regular and recurring basis. That is why I do not go to church. I am a Sermon on the Mount Christian. We do not believe in church buildings. In fact, mainly we do not even know each other.
Answered by Uncle Wayne - Tue Apr 28 22:06:51 2009
