Christianity developed out of Judaism in the 1st century
C.E. It is founded on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus
Christ, and those who follow him are called "Christians."
Christianity has many different branches and forms with accompanying variety in
beliefs and practices. The three major branches of Christianity are Roman
Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism, with numerous subcategories
within each of these branches. Until the latter part of the 20th century, most
adherents of Christianity were in the West, though it has spread to every
continent and is now the largest religion in the world. Traditional Christian
beliefs include the belief in the one and only true God, who is one being and
exists as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, and the belief that Jesus is the divine
and human Messiah sent to the save the world. Christianity is also noted for
its emphasis on faith in Christ as the primary component of religion. The
sacred text of Christianity is the Bible, including both the Hebrew scriptures
(also known as the Old Testament) and the New Testament. Central to Christian
practice is the gathering at churches for worship, fellowship, and study, and
engagement with the world through evangelism and social action.
Christianity can
also be used as an umbrella term as many sects of Christianity exist all over
the world. Aside from the agreed upon fundamental beliefs mentioned above, some
Christians ascribe to different cultures, customs, doctrines, and practices
that differ from church to church. Patheos' library acts as a compendium of
resources to help people understand what these different branches believe.
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