Difference between revisions of "Christianity"

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{{quote | text={{web_verse|john|3|16}}  [[John 3:16]]}}
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{{quote | text={{Bible verse|John|3|16|lang=WEB}}  [[John 3:16]]}}
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{{Infobox_Contents |  
 
{{Infobox_Contents |  
 
   topic_name = Christianity
 
   topic_name = Christianity
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* [[Current issues]], [[News]]
 
* [[Current issues]], [[News]]
 
* [[Cults and other religions]]
 
* [[Cults and other religions]]
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* [[Places]], [[Mission]], [[World-wide church directory]]
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* [[Places]], [[Mission]], [[World-wide church directory]] |
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opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}}} |
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opinion_pieces = {{short_opinions}} |
 
}}
 
}}
  
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''Synopsis:'' Christianity is the world's most widely practiced [[religion]] and although it has many [[denomination]]s and great diversity, all Christians are united in [[Jesus Christ]]. At the heart of Christianity is a loving creator [[God]] who is also our redeemer.
+
Christianity is the world's most widely practiced [[religion]] encompassing a rich diversity of traditions and expressions. Despite denominational differences, Christians are united in their faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Saviour of the world. At its heart, Christianity is not merely a moral system or a cultural tradition, but a living relationship with the [[Trinity|Triune God]], revealed supremely in the person and work of [[Jesus]] Christ.
 +
 
 +
===Etymology===
  
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==Main article==
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The term Christianity is derived from the Greek word Christ (Χριστός), meaning “Anointed One,” which is the equivalent of the Hebrew Messiah (מָשִׁיחַ). Christians are thus those who follow Jesus, the Christ. The word "Christian" doesn't appear in the entire Bible until the book of [[Acts of the Apostles|Acts]].
  
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[[Image:Mount sinai.jpg|thumb|Sunrise at [[Mount Sinai]] in [[Egypt]]. It was in this region that [[God]] revealed himself to [[Moses]] and showed his [[love]] and [[grace]] with the statement "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt and the slavery" in [[Exodus 20:2]].]]
+
===[[Essence of Christianity]]===
  
−
Christianity is the world's most widely practiced [[religion]]. At the heart of Christianity is a loving creator [[God]] who is also our redeemer.
+
Christianity is fundamentally the story of God’s initiative to reconcile fallen humanity to Himself. [[God]] created the world and everything in it ([[Genesis 1:1]]). God is a personal, holy, and loving Creator, eternally existing as one God in three persons - [[God the Father|Father]], [[Jesus|Son]], and [[Holy Spirit]] ([[Matthew 28:19]]).
  
−
The name comes from the [[Koine Greek|Greek]] word [[Christos]], meaning "annointed", a reference to [[Jesus]].
+
Humanity was created in God's image ([[Genesis 1:27]]) to live under his rule in relationship with Him. However, through sin and rebellion, humanity has turned away from God ([[Romans 3:23]]). The result of [[Sin|sin]] is spiritual death and separation from Him ([[Isaiah 59:2]]). Yet God, in His mercy, did not abandon His creation. Instead, He entered the world in the person of Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man ([[John 1:1]] and [[John 1:14]]).
  
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===[[Essence of Christianity]]===
+
Jesus lived a sinless life, proclaimed the good news of the [[Kingdom of God]], and willingly laid down His life on the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice for sinners ([[1 Peter 3:18]]). On the third day, Jesus rose bodily from the dead ([[Luke 24:6]]) demonstrating His victory over sin and death and confirming His divine identity.
  
−
[[Christianity]] is about [[God]] reaching out his hand in friendship to mankind. Christians believe that the whole world and everything in it was created by God. God is a personal being, and by some mystery that we cannot understand, he is three, yet one: [[God the Father|Father]], [[Jesus|Son]] and [[Holy Spirit|Spirit]] (see the [[Trinity]]). He created people in his image, to [[love]] him. Yet every person has rebelled against God. Yet instead of turning his back on us, God became a man, [[Jesus]], who was born about 4 BC and lived among us. He taught a message of love throughout Palestine but public opinion turned against him and he was executed as a young man. He died because of us - the death that we should have died. He was crucified on a cross, but he rose from the dead, and now calls us to trust him, to love him and to [[repent]] of our rebellion. If we do this, then we our relationship with God becomes restored and we will live forever with God.
+
Jesus calls all people to repent of their sin, trust in Him for salvation, and follow Him as Lord ([[Mark 1:15]] and [[Romans 10:9]]). Through faith in Jesus, believers are justified, that is, declared righteous before God, and not by works, but by grace alone ([[Ephesians 2]]:[[Ephesians 2:8|8]]-[[Ephesians 2:9|9]]).
  
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Many non-Christians may think that being a Christian is about belonging to a particular [[church]] or following a certain set of rule. Most Christians however would agree that at its root, being a Christian means to be in a living relationship with [[Jesus Christ]].  
+
To be a Christian, then, is not merely to adhere to a moral code or belong to a religious institution, but to be born again by the Holy Spirit ([[John 3:3]]), adopted into God's family, and transformed by the ongoing work of grace. To be Christian is to know and walk with Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord, and Friend.
  
 
====[[Love]]====
 
====[[Love]]====
  
 
An underlying theme of Christianity is love, in particular, God's love for people. [[1 John 3:16]] tells us that Jesus' love was so great that he lay down his life for his us
 
An underlying theme of Christianity is love, in particular, God's love for people. [[1 John 3:16]] tells us that Jesus' love was so great that he lay down his life for his us
−
: ''{{web_verse|1 John|3|16}}
+
: ''{{Bible verse|1 John|3|16|lang=WEB}}
 
Early in the [[New Testament]] Jesus summarized the Law, saying that we should love God, and love our neighbour, in [[Mark 12]]:28-30
 
Early in the [[New Testament]] Jesus summarized the Law, saying that we should love God, and love our neighbour, in [[Mark 12]]:28-30
−
: ''{{web_verse|mark|12|28}}''
+
: ''{{Bible verse|mark|12|28|lang=WEB}}''
−
: ''{{web_verse|mark|12|29}}''
+
: ''{{Bible verse|mark|12|29|lang=WEB}}''
−
: ''{{web_verse|mark|12|30}}''
+
: ''{{Bible verse|mark|12|30|lang=WEB}}''
  
 
====[[Grace]]====
 
====[[Grace]]====
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[[Image:Biblewithlight.jpg|thumb|An open Bible.]]
 
[[Image:Biblewithlight.jpg|thumb|An open Bible.]]
  
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The Bible is the collection of documents acknowledged by Christians to be inspired by God. It contains 66 books and is divided into the [[Old Testament]] and the [[New Testament]]. It tells of the story of the [[creation]] of the universe and [[man]] by [[God]], the rebellion of man against God and his rescue plan for humanity through his Son, [[Jesus Christ]]. It tells of the history of the nation of Israel leading up to the time of Jesus, and then the formation of the early church following Jesus. Not only does it record history, it also contains stories and parables, poetry, proverbs and prophecy.
+
The Bible is the divinely inspired and authoritative word of God, comprised of 66 books, 39 in the [[Old Testament]] and 27 in the [[New Testament]]. Written by human authors under the guidance of the [[Holy Spirit]] ([[2 Timothy 3:16]] and [[2 Peter 1:21]]), it is without error in its original manuscripts and is the authority in all matters of faith and life.
 +
 
 +
The Bible tells the grand story of redemption: creation, fall, promise, fulfillment, and new creation. The Old Testament points forward to the coming of the Messiah through God’s covenant relationship with Israel. The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of those promises and details the birth and growth of the early Church.
 +
 
 +
The Bible includes various genres including historical narrative, poetry, wisdom literature, prophecy, gospel, and epistle. It calls readers not only to knowledge but also to faith, obedience and worship. The Bible is the standard by which all doctrine and experience must be tested.
  
 
===[[Church]]===
 
===[[Church]]===
  
−
A [[church building]] is a building used in [[Christian]] [[worship]]. The term church also refers to the combined Christian community of believers.
+
A [[church building]] is a building used in [[Christian]] [[worship]]. The term church also refers to the combined Christian community of believers. Thus the Church is the community of all who have been redeemed through faith in Jesus Christ. It is described in Scripture as the body of Christ ([[1 Corinthians 12:27]]), the bride of Christ ([[Ephesians 5]]:25–27), and the temple of the Holy Spirit ([[1 Peter 2:5]]).
  
−
====[[Church history]]====
+
The church is called to gather for worship, preaching of the word, the celebration of the sacraments (or ordinances) of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and to be a light to the nations ([[Matthew 28]]:18–20).
  
−
Since the [[church]] was formed, major events and conflict, often over matters of [[doctrine]] have resulted in significant rifts in the church. One of the most notable debates in the Christian church has been the debate about [[salvation]] (being saved) by faith alone (belief in Jesus and nothing else) or through faith and good works (belief in Jesus ''and'' performing good deeds). This debate was the key issue in the [[Reformation]] of the sixteenth century and lead to the split of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] with the formation of [[Protestant]] churches such as the [[Lutheranism|Lutheran Church]].
+
====[[Church history]] and [[Denominations]]====
  
−
====[[Denominations]]====
+
While Christians are united spiritually in one body, the visible church is expressed in a multitude of local congregations and denominations.
  
−
Although there is only one universal Christian [[Church]], there are tens of thousands of [[Christian]] denominations or churches. These denominations have formed and divided since the time of [[Christ]], because Christians have had differences in beliefs and practices. Some of the main groups include [[Eastern Orthodoxy]], [[Roman Catholicism]] and the [[Protestant churches]] and [[Pentecostal churches]].
+
Since the [[church]] was formed, major events and conflict, often over matters of [[doctrine]] have resulted in significant rifts that resulted in the formation of these denominations. One of the most notable debates in the Christian church has been the debate about [[salvation]] (being saved) by faith alone (belief in Jesus and nothing else) or through faith and good works (belief in Jesus ''and'' performing good deeds). This debate was the key issue in the [[Reformation]] of the sixteenth century and lead to the split of the [[Roman Catholic Church]] with the formation of [[Protestant]] churches such as the [[Lutheranism|Lutheran Church]].
 +
 
 +
Among the largest traditions are Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism—including Reformed, Anglican, Baptist, Pentecostal, and non-denominational churches.
  
 
===[[Christian literature, art, music and media]]===
 
===[[Christian literature, art, music and media]]===
  
−
Throughout church history, people have devoted themselves to great works of literature and art for God's glory and honour.  
+
Throughout church history, people have devoted themselves to great works of literature and art for God's glory and honour. Today, a [[:Category:Media_Workers|number of Christians]] are creating works of art in a variety of media, music and visual mediums.
  
 
====[[Christian music]]====
 
====[[Christian music]]====
  
−
Since Christians have met together, they have sung to God and about God. Early Jewish Christians probably sung [[psalms]]. In later centuries, monophonic [[Gregorian chants]] were widely sung. During and following the Protestant [[Reformation]], hundreds of [[hymns]] were written by men like [[Martin Luther]] and [[Charles Wesley]]. In recent decades, [[Contemporary Christian Music]], Christian music in rock style, has become increasing popular.
+
Since Christians have met together, they have sung to God and about God. Early Jewish Christians probably sung [[psalms]]. In later centuries, monophonic [[Gregorian chants]] were widely sung. During and following the Protestant [[Reformation]], hundreds of [[hymns]] were written by men like [[Martin Luther]] and [[Charles Wesley]]. In recent decades, [[Contemporary Christian Music]], Christian music in rock style, has become increasingly popular. Today, a [[:Category:Music|number of Christians]] are creating music in a variety of genres.
  
 
====[[Christian movies]]====
 
====[[Christian movies]]====
  
−
Some of the most well-known movies have strong [[Christian]] themes. One of the earliest Christian movies was [[The Ten Commandments (movie)|The Ten Commandments]] by [[Cecil B. DeMill]]. In 2004, [[The Passion of the Christ]], describing the night of [[Jesus]]' death was a film that made a world-wide impact. In 2005, the movie [[The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]] was being released based on the famous book by [[C.S. Lewis]].
+
Some of the most well-known movies have strong [[Christian]] themes. One of the earliest Christian movies was [[The Ten Commandments (movie)|The Ten Commandments]] by [[Cecil B. DeMill]]. In 2004, [[The Passion of the Christ]], describing the night of [[Jesus]]' death was a film that made a world-wide impact. In 2005, the movie [[The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe]] was being released based on the famous book by [[C.S. Lewis]]. Today, a [[:Category:Film|number of Christians]] are producing films in a variety of genres.
  
−
====[[Christianity and the internet]]====
+
====[[Christianity and the Internet]]====
  
−
Since the beginning of the world wide web, Christians have been involved in creating websites dedicated to different aspects of [[Christianity]]. Some of the most important ones have been sites containing the [[Bible]] in different versions like [[BibleGateway]] ([http://www.biblegateway.com biblegateway.com])
+
Since the beginning of the world wide web, Christians have been involved in creating websites dedicated to different aspects of [[Christianity]]. Some of the most important ones have been sites containing the [[Bible]] in different versions like [[BibleGateway]] ([http://www.biblegateway.com biblegateway.com]). Today, a [[:Category:Media_Workers|number of Christians]] are creating web sites, applications and social networking resources.
  
 
===[[Religious clothing and symbols]]===
 
===[[Religious clothing and symbols]]===
Line 90: Line 97:
  
 
However, the Bible also makes clear that the every person has rebelled against God and sins. In the [[Romans|Book of Romans]] it says that "all have sinned". Later however, the author goes on to tell us that we can be forgiven and appear without sin before God, and that this is through the faith in [[Jesus]] and his death and resurrection.
 
However, the Bible also makes clear that the every person has rebelled against God and sins. In the [[Romans|Book of Romans]] it says that "all have sinned". Later however, the author goes on to tell us that we can be forgiven and appear without sin before God, and that this is through the faith in [[Jesus]] and his death and resurrection.
 +
 +
===The Christian Life===
 +
 +
The Christian life is one of ongoing discipleship, growing in holiness, love, and obedience through the work of the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love their neighbours as themselves ([[Matthew 22]]:37–39).
 +
 +
Christians are also called to engage in mission, proclaiming the gospel to every nation ([[Acts 1:8]]).
 +
 +
This calling is not only the task of clergy or missionaries but the calling of every follower of Jesus. As salt and light ([[Matthew 5]]:13–16), Christians are to reflect God’s character in every sphere of life, including work, family, politics, and the arts.
  
 
===The [[Persecuted Church]], [[Mission]] and [[Places|Christianity around the world]]===
 
===The [[Persecuted Church]], [[Mission]] and [[Places|Christianity around the world]]===
  
−
The world's 5 inhabited continents contain almost 7 billion people. The population is increasing rapidly, and it doubled between 1960 and 2000. There are 237 independent states. 66 of these have significant restrictions on religious belief. About 30% of the world's population call themselves [[Christian]] (2 billion people), 20% call themselves [[Muslim]] (1.3 billion people), 15% are [[non-religious]] (1 billion) and 13% call themselves [[Hindu]]. Although [[Europe]] is rapidly becoming secular and non-religious, the majority of Christians live in areas where European settlement or missionary work has been significant. [[Asia]] is the least evangelised continent. Of Christians, there are about 1 billion [[Roman Catholic]], 700 million [[Protestant]] and 550 million [[Eastern Orthodox]] Christians.
+
The world's 5 inhabited continents contain more than 8 billion people. The population is increasing rapidly, and it doubled between 1960 and 2000. There are almost 300 independent states and almost 100 of these have significant restrictions on religious belief. Christianity remains the largest religion globally, with over 2.3 billion adherents. This means that 32% of the world's population call themselves Christian, whereas 21% call themselves [[Muslim]] (1.3 billion people), 15% are [[non-religious]] (1 billion) and 13% are [[Hindu]].
 +
 
 +
Christians are found on every continent, with rapid growth occurring in Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia. By contrast, many traditionally Christian nations in Europe and North America are experiencing secularization. [(Pew Research Centre (2012).
  
 
==Quotes==
 
==Quotes==
−
 
−
''John Lennon'' - Evening Standard (London, 4 March 1966)
 
−
: [[Christianity]] will go. It will vanish and shrink. I needn't argue with that; I'm right and I will be proved right. We're more popular than [[Jesus]] now; I don't know which will go first — rock and roll or Christianity.
 
  
 
''[[C.S. Lewis]]''
 
''[[C.S. Lewis]]''
 
: I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.
 
: I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.
  
−
[[Martin Luther King]]
+
[[Martin Luther King, Jr.]]
 
: My parents would always tell me that I should not hate the white man, but that it was my duty as a [[Christian]] to love all.
 
: My parents would always tell me that I should not hate the white man, but that it was my duty as a [[Christian]] to love all.
  
 
==Links==
 
==Links==
 +
* [http://www.askchristians.org AskChristians.org] - Discuss today's toughest topics with those who hold the same beliefs but not necessarily the same ideas!
 
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity Wikipedia - Christianity]
 
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity Wikipedia - Christianity]
 +
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity BBC Religion & Ethics - Christianity]
 
* [http://www.thinkapologetics.com ThinkApologetics.com]
 
* [http://www.thinkapologetics.com ThinkApologetics.com]
 +
* [http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture/Religion_and_Spirituality/Faiths_and_Practices/Christianity Yahoo Directory on Christianity]
 +
* [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03712a.htm CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Christianity]
 +
* [http://christianity.about.com/ It's all About Christianity]
 +
* [http://www.christianforumsite.com/ ChristianForumSite.com] - Post & discuss Christian topics - Bible studies, entertainment, prayer, testimonies, publications and news
 +
* [http://www.crosssearch.com/ www.crosssearch.com]
 +
* [http://www.believerscafe.com more than 35,000 free Christian webpages]
 +
* [http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/christian-resources.html Not Just Bibles A Guide to Christian Resources on the Internet]
 +
* [http://www.iclnet.org/ The Internet Christian Library]
 +
* [http://www.crosswalk.com/ crosswalk.com] 
 +
* [http://www.ccel.org ccel.org Public Domain Christian Repository]
 +
* [http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/wittenberg/wittenberg-home.html Project Wittenberg - Home to works by and about Martin Luther and other Lutherans]
  
 
{{returnto}} [[Main Page]]
 
{{returnto}} [[Main Page]]
 +
[[Category:Religions]]

Latest revision as of 02:14, 18 October 2026

For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. John 3:16
Christianity
Christians in a procession at Lourdes.
RELATED TOPICS
SERMONS, ESSAYS AND OPINIONS
CONTENTS

Christianity is the world's most widely practiced religion encompassing a rich diversity of traditions and expressions. Despite denominational differences, Christians are united in their faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Saviour of the world. At its heart, Christianity is not merely a moral system or a cultural tradition, but a living relationship with the Triune God, revealed supremely in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Etymology

The term Christianity is derived from the Greek word Christ (Χριστός), meaning “Anointed One,” which is the equivalent of the Hebrew Messiah (מָשִׁיחַ). Christians are thus those who follow Jesus, the Christ. The word "Christian" doesn't appear in the entire Bible until the book of Acts.

Essence of Christianity

Christianity is fundamentally the story of God’s initiative to reconcile fallen humanity to Himself. God created the world and everything in it (Genesis 1:1). God is a personal, holy, and loving Creator, eternally existing as one God in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

Humanity was created in God's image (Genesis 1:27) to live under his rule in relationship with Him. However, through sin and rebellion, humanity has turned away from God (Romans 3:23). The result of sin is spiritual death and separation from Him (Isaiah 59:2). Yet God, in His mercy, did not abandon His creation. Instead, He entered the world in the person of Jesus Christ, fully God and fully man (John 1:1 and John 1:14).

Jesus lived a sinless life, proclaimed the good news of the Kingdom of God, and willingly laid down His life on the cross as a substitutionary sacrifice for sinners (1 Peter 3:18). On the third day, Jesus rose bodily from the dead (Luke 24:6) demonstrating His victory over sin and death and confirming His divine identity.

Jesus calls all people to repent of their sin, trust in Him for salvation, and follow Him as Lord (Mark 1:15 and Romans 10:9). Through faith in Jesus, believers are justified, that is, declared righteous before God, and not by works, but by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-9).

To be a Christian, then, is not merely to adhere to a moral code or belong to a religious institution, but to be born again by the Holy Spirit (John 3:3), adopted into God's family, and transformed by the ongoing work of grace. To be Christian is to know and walk with Jesus Christ as Savior, Lord, and Friend.

Love

An underlying theme of Christianity is love, in particular, God's love for people. 1 John 3:16 tells us that Jesus' love was so great that he lay down his life for his us

By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers.

Early in the New Testament Jesus summarized the Law, saying that we should love God, and love our neighbour, in Mark 12:28-30

One of the scribes came, and heard them questioning together. Knowing that he had answered them well, asked him, "Which commandment is the greatest of all?"
Jesus answered, "The greatest is, 'Hear, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one:
you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' This is the first commandment.

Grace

Another key concept in Christianity is grace. Grace is God's love poured out on undeserving humanity. The doctrine about grace teaches us that although all people have fallen short of the glory of God and have sinned and turned away from God, God loves us still. Nothing we do can restore us to a right relationship with God. It is only through faith in Jesus Christ, in his death and resurrection that we can return to God. This gift of restoration of right relationship with God is called grace.

Bible

An open Bible.

The Bible is the divinely inspired and authoritative word of God, comprised of 66 books, 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. Written by human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:21), it is without error in its original manuscripts and is the authority in all matters of faith and life.

The Bible tells the grand story of redemption: creation, fall, promise, fulfillment, and new creation. The Old Testament points forward to the coming of the Messiah through God’s covenant relationship with Israel. The New Testament reveals Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of those promises and details the birth and growth of the early Church.

The Bible includes various genres including historical narrative, poetry, wisdom literature, prophecy, gospel, and epistle. It calls readers not only to knowledge but also to faith, obedience and worship. The Bible is the standard by which all doctrine and experience must be tested.

Church

A church building is a building used in Christian worship. The term church also refers to the combined Christian community of believers. Thus the Church is the community of all who have been redeemed through faith in Jesus Christ. It is described in Scripture as the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:27), the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:25–27), and the temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 2:5).

The church is called to gather for worship, preaching of the word, the celebration of the sacraments (or ordinances) of baptism and the Lord’s Supper, and to be a light to the nations (Matthew 28:18–20).

Church history and Denominations

While Christians are united spiritually in one body, the visible church is expressed in a multitude of local congregations and denominations.

Since the church was formed, major events and conflict, often over matters of doctrine have resulted in significant rifts that resulted in the formation of these denominations. One of the most notable debates in the Christian church has been the debate about salvation (being saved) by faith alone (belief in Jesus and nothing else) or through faith and good works (belief in Jesus and performing good deeds). This debate was the key issue in the Reformation of the sixteenth century and lead to the split of the Roman Catholic Church with the formation of Protestant churches such as the Lutheran Church.

Among the largest traditions are Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism—including Reformed, Anglican, Baptist, Pentecostal, and non-denominational churches.

Christian literature, art, music and media

Throughout church history, people have devoted themselves to great works of literature and art for God's glory and honour. Today, a number of Christians are creating works of art in a variety of media, music and visual mediums.

Christian music

Since Christians have met together, they have sung to God and about God. Early Jewish Christians probably sung psalms. In later centuries, monophonic Gregorian chants were widely sung. During and following the Protestant Reformation, hundreds of hymns were written by men like Martin Luther and Charles Wesley. In recent decades, Contemporary Christian Music, Christian music in rock style, has become increasingly popular. Today, a number of Christians are creating music in a variety of genres.

Christian movies

Some of the most well-known movies have strong Christian themes. One of the earliest Christian movies was The Ten Commandments by Cecil B. DeMill. In 2004, The Passion of the Christ, describing the night of Jesus' death was a film that made a world-wide impact. In 2005, the movie The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was being released based on the famous book by C.S. Lewis. Today, a number of Christians are producing films in a variety of genres.

Christianity and the Internet

Since the beginning of the world wide web, Christians have been involved in creating websites dedicated to different aspects of Christianity. Some of the most important ones have been sites containing the Bible in different versions like BibleGateway (biblegateway.com). Today, a number of Christians are creating web sites, applications and social networking resources.

Religious clothing and symbols

There are no requirements in Christianity about what we should wear, although, in many denominations there are special uniforms for those involved in the organisation and running of the denomination. Many Christians also wear symbols of their faith, such as a cross or crucifix. In many countries with predominant Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic populations, people may erect a shrine or symbol of an aspect of their faith that is important to them. In the Reformation, there was a backlash against these symbols which were often seen as idols.

Christian doctrine and debates

Doctrine means a set of beliefs or teaching. Various Creeds and catechisms have been written as statements of the beliefs of different Christians. Today there are still considerable differences in understanding on major themes in Christianity like justification, salvation and grace.

Christians believe in one God who is yet three persons as described above. They also believe that Jesus was both a man and both God, and that he bore the sins of mankind on the cross and was resurrected three days later.

Christianity is primarily are religion of love. It is about God's love for us, and our response. We are asked to respond by loving God with our whole hearts, and loving our neighbours, including our enemies, as ourselves.

However, the Bible also makes clear that the every person has rebelled against God and sins. In the Book of Romans it says that "all have sinned". Later however, the author goes on to tell us that we can be forgiven and appear without sin before God, and that this is through the faith in Jesus and his death and resurrection.

The Christian Life

The Christian life is one of ongoing discipleship, growing in holiness, love, and obedience through the work of the Holy Spirit. Believers are called to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love their neighbours as themselves (Matthew 22:37–39).

Christians are also called to engage in mission, proclaiming the gospel to every nation (Acts 1:8).

This calling is not only the task of clergy or missionaries but the calling of every follower of Jesus. As salt and light (Matthew 5:13–16), Christians are to reflect God’s character in every sphere of life, including work, family, politics, and the arts.

The Persecuted Church, Mission and Christianity around the world

The world's 5 inhabited continents contain more than 8 billion people. The population is increasing rapidly, and it doubled between 1960 and 2000. There are almost 300 independent states and almost 100 of these have significant restrictions on religious belief. Christianity remains the largest religion globally, with over 2.3 billion adherents. This means that 32% of the world's population call themselves Christian, whereas 21% call themselves Muslim (1.3 billion people), 15% are non-religious (1 billion) and 13% are Hindu.

Christians are found on every continent, with rapid growth occurring in Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia. By contrast, many traditionally Christian nations in Europe and North America are experiencing secularization. [(Pew Research Centre (2012).

Quotes

C.S. Lewis

I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

My parents would always tell me that I should not hate the white man, but that it was my duty as a Christian to love all.

Links


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