From a small gathering in Jerusalem into a worldwide religion of over two billion believers, the story of Christianity is at once both an historical phenomenon and a living culture. It started as a modest congregation focused on the person of Jesus Christ and then gradually developed and expanded to the diverse traditions, systems of thought, and cultures presented here.
1. The Nature and Character of Christianity
A defining characteristic is its concentration on Jesus Christ as not only historical in nature but as well as existing in the present. As far as faith is concerned, it involves both trust in Christ and the elements within Christian belief as well. It is both a religion and a cultural system in which practices, ideas, and artifacts are handed down from ancient communities to date. The church, which represents the body of believers, is the channel though which all is relayed. Contemporary scholars locate Christianity within what is referred to as the monotheistic systems that inherently refuse polytheisms as well as atheists. Salvation or redemption is one component within its theology in which believers are aliens from God with deliverance from Jesus Christ in between.
2. Historical Foundations
Many historians believe that Jesus died between the years of 30-33 AD. Jesus’ arrest, trials before Pontius Pilate, crucifixion, and resurrection are depicted in the ‘New Testament.’ The biographies of Jesus Christ are found in the ‘Gospel of Matthew,’ ‘Gospel of Mark,’ ‘Gospel of Luke,’ and ‘Gospel of John.’ The early history of the church during those days is given in the ‘Acts of the Apostles.’ Even apostle Paul was initially a persecutor of the Christians but became the foremost missionary during those days of the ‘Roman Empire’ and founded many churches there. He wrote thirteen books of the ‘New Testament.’ During the rule of the ‘Emperor Nero’and the ‘Great Persecution of 303 AD.,’ the Romans persecuted the early Christians very seriously. The conversion of ‘Emperor Constantine’ resulted in the ‘Edict of Milan of 313 AD,’ wherein he gave ‘ religious tolerance.’ The ‘Nicene Creed’ was the first step toward ‘unification of Christian doctrines.’
3. Great Schism and Crusades
During A.D. 1054 realized a division between the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church due to theological and political differences. During the Crusades (1095-1230), there is an attempt by the Christian communities to retake Jerusalem from the Muslim control; this effort temporarily succeeded but failed to hold the city under their control.
4. The Protestant Reformation
The Reformation began in 1517 when Martin Luther posted his 95 Theses. In any case, Martin Luther viewed the Bible alone as the most excellent authority. Several people abandoned the Catholic Church and founded the Protestants. Others, like John Calvin and Ulrich Zwingli, gave to the diversification of Protestant ideology by promoting the sovereignty of God.
5. Roman Catholicism
Emphasize liturgical worship, saints, and seven sacraments, which include baptism, Eucharist, and penance. Teach on the statement of transubstantiation in the Eucharist and justification, an infusion of righteousness of Christ to enable good works. Key people include Thomas Aquinas, Francis of Assisi, and Mother Theresa.
6. Eastern Orthodoxy
The Eastern Orthodox churches are organized by national or regional synods. They place their highest importance in their liturgy, termed the Divine Liturgy, the veneration of icons, and the theosis, which denotes the attainment of union with God. They do allow bishops to be celibate while allowing priests to be married. Added books in their canon include Psalm 151 and 3 Maccabees.
7. Anglicanism
Anglicanism came from the English Reformation with a via media that tries to get a balance between the Catholic traditions and Protestant doctrine. Worship is based on the Book of Common Prayer, with baptism and Eucharist being recognized within its two acknowledged sacraments. The form of government is episcopalian with the Archbishop of Canterbury at its head.
8. Lutheranism
Lutheranism follows Martin Luther’s teachings on the practice of liturgical worship, justification by faith alone, the true presence of Christ at the eucharist table, and distinction law and gospel in Bible interpretation. The Book of Concord represents Lutheranism in general.
9. Presbyterianism
Presbyterianism comes from the theology of John Calvin and is ruled by a group of elders with Calvinistic teaching on the power of grace and election. Preaching is the central act of the church’s gathering, with the Lord’s Supper observed with varying frequency. Infant baptism is also observed as the sign of the covenant.
10. Methodism
It traces its roots to John Wesley and places specific emphasis on holy living, prevenient grace, and attaining Christian perfection. The polity of the Methodist church is basically connexional, thereby connecting the local church with a conference. A pattern that involves hymns and preaching characterizes its worship service.
11. Baptist Traditions
The emphasis on baptism of the believer, congregational government, and membership in a regulative church is held by Baptists. Non-liturgical worship is a distinct Baptist practice emphasizing preaching, singing, and ordinances. Baptists are promoting religious liberty.
12. Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements
It places an emphasis on spirit baptism, gifts of healing and tongues, and revelatory worship. This branch of Christianity was born from revival movements of the early 20th century and has developed exponentially, especially in the Global South, making it one of the most racially diverse versions of Christianity.
13. Non-Denominational Churches
Such autonomous churches have diverse worship styles, which may model Baptist or Evangelical Free churches. They have a congregational form of government and their own statement of faith, which is typically evangelical. The diversity in Christianity ranging from elaborate worship to simple worship styles, in government from hierarchical to congregational testifies to both its ancient heritage and its adaptability to varying cultures. However, in all forms of Christianity, it is Jesus Christ who is its essential core.
