An Introduction to Christianity
An Overview of Christianity
Founded in the Middle East and Mediterranean in the first century CE, Christianity is the largest world religion with a world population estimated at 2.1-2.2 billion, with more than more than 200 million in the US). Christianity comprises Catholics, Orthodox and Protestants. Some view the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as Christian, but there is not general agreement about this. Christianity is built for most Christians around worship of God as uniquely given and revealed in a first century Galilean Jew named Jesus. Christians regard Jesus as the Christ (the Greek word for Messiah) and the one and only son of God. Christians generally believe that God sent Jesus to earth in order to save humans from sin through his life, death and resurrection. Most Christians believe that Jesus was born of a young woman who was a virgin, that he was crucified by Romans, and that he died, rose from the dead, ascended into Heaven and will come again for a final judgment of humanity.
Some Key Beliefs and Practices in Christianity
Prayer: Christians are to live lives marked by prayer. Jesus taught his followers a prayer that is often used, called “the Lord’s Prayer.”
Baptism: Baptism is practiced by all Christians, though with some varying methods and understandings. Baptism is usually understood as a cleansing from sin, as sharing in the death of Jesus and rising to new life, and as marking one’s belonging in the household (or family) of believers.
Communion: On Jesus’ last night before his crucifixion he shared a meal including bread and wine and instituted a practice that is central to the worship life of Christians. Sometimes called “Eucharist”, or “the Mass” or “Lord’s Supper”, this practice unites Christians with God and other believers in various ways and anticipates the “heavenly banquet” that God ultimately promises.
Stewardship: Christians see themselves as sent into the world to be a new creation and to serve the comprehensive new creation God is making. The notion of being a “steward” is that we are to be grateful for, and use well, all of the gifts we have received from God as we go out to make a godly difference. Showing effective care for others, spreading the good news about God, working for a more just society for everyone, generous sharing of goods and hospitality, and living faithful, healthy and moral personal lives all are forms of stewardship.
Christian Scriptures and Sources for Further Information
The key Holy Book for most Christians is the Holy Bible, comprising 66 books, divided into an Old (39 books) and New Testament (27 books). The Old Testament is very similar to the Jewish Bible (Tanakh), although the number of books and their order differ substantially. The New Testament contains four books called Gospels that detail the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Some Christians also include among their sacred writings a collection of books called the Apocrypha. In addition to these writings, Christians in some traditions also look to Church Teachings, Church History and Christian Tradition for guidance.
Selected Christian Holidays
The two major holidays for Christians are Christmas and Easter (and its related Holy days of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday). Christmas is observed on December 25 and marks the birth of Jesus; Easter honors the day on which Jesus conquered death and rose from the dead. Maundy Thursday marks events (including the Last Supper and the temptation of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemani) leading up to the Crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday. Christians in some traditions mark other calendar dates to honor events in the life of Jesus and other revered Biblical figures. Special reverence is given by a number of Christians to events in the history of “God’s Chosen People.” Another practice (not observed by all Christians) is to honor the lives and teachings of some men and women, called “Saints,” who exhibited special Holiness.
Further Information about Christianity
A helpful and widely accepted document about three core Christian ideas is titled Baptism, Eucharist and Ministry, published by the World Council of Churches in 1982.