Christianity is one of the world’s major religions, based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes faith in Jesus as the Son of God and Savior of humanity.

Key Beliefs

  • Monotheism: Belief in one God, who exists as the Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit (the Trinity).
  • Jesus Christ: Central figure; believed to be the Son of God who was crucified, died, and resurrected for the salvation of humanity.
  • Salvation: Through faith in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross.
  • The Bible: Sacred text divided into the Old Testament and New Testament.

Main Branches of Christianity

  • Catholicism:
    • Led by the Pope in Rome.
    • Emphasizes the sacraments, especially the Eucharist.
  • Protestantism:
    • Originated from the Reformation.
    • Focuses on scripture (the Bible) and faith alone for salvation.
  • Orthodox Christianity:
    • Eastern traditions with a focus on liturgy and the original Church traditions.
    • Led by patriarchs rather than a single leader.

Important Texts

  • The Bible:
    • Old Testament: Shared with Judaism; includes creation, law, and prophecy.
    • New Testament: Focuses on the life of Jesus, his teachings, and the early Christian church.

Core Practices

  • Prayer: Communication with God, both personal and communal.
  • Sacraments: Sacred rituals like Baptism and the Eucharist (Holy Communion).
  • Worship: Regular gatherings for prayer, scripture reading, and singing hymns.
  • Charity: Helping the needy, reflecting Jesus’ teaching to love others.

Major Holidays

  • Christmas: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ (December 25).
  • Easter: Commemorates the resurrection of Jesus from the dead.
  • Good Friday: Observes the crucifixion of Jesus.

Symbols

  • The Cross: Represents the crucifixion of Jesus and his sacrifice.
  • Ichthys (Fish): An ancient Christian symbol representing Jesus Christ.
  • Dove: Symbol of the Holy Spirit and peace.

Places of Worship

  • Churches: Central gathering places for Christians to worship and pray.
  • Cathedrals: Larger, more ornate churches, typically in cities.
  • Chapels: Smaller places of worship, often found in schools, hospitals, etc.

Key Figures

  • Jesus Christ: Founder and central figure of Christianity.
  • The Apostles: Early followers of Jesus who spread his teachings.
  • The Saints: Holy individuals recognized for their virtuous lives and miracles (particularly in Catholicism and Orthodoxy).

Spread of Christianity

  • Global Influence: Over 2 billion followers worldwide.
  • Missionary Work: Spreading Christian teachings to other regions.