Christianity
The world's largest religion, Christianity is centered on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It teaches that through faith in Jesus, humanity can be reconciled with God.
Founded
~30 CE
Origin
Roman province of Judea (modern-day Israel/Palestine)
Followers
2.4 billion
Founder
Jesus of Nazareth; institutionalized by Paul and the Apostles
Featured Verse
“
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16 (NIV)
Core Beliefs
- Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died for humanity's sins and rose from the dead
- Salvation — eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ
- The Trinity — God as Father, Son (Jesus), and Holy Spirit
- Grace — God's unmerited favor, not earned by works alone
- Resurrection — the dead will rise; Christ's resurrection is the model
Concept of God
Monotheistic Trinity — one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. God is personal, loving, and intervenes in history.
Afterlife
Heaven (eternal life with God) for the saved. Hell (eternal separation from God) for the unsaved. Purgatory in Catholic tradition.
Prayer
Personal prayer, the Lord's Prayer, liturgical worship, Sunday mass/service
Sacred Texts
Dominant in
126 countriesData: Pew Research Center, World Religion Database, UN Population Division (2024 est.)
Key Figures
Jesus of Nazareth
Son of God, central figure of Christianity
Paul the Apostle
Wrote most of the New Testament epistles, spread Christianity
Augustine of Hippo
Theologian, shaped Western Christian thought
Key Holidays
Christmas
Birth of Jesus Christ (December 25)
Easter
Resurrection of Jesus — the most important Christian holiday
Good Friday
Crucifixion of Jesus
Pentecost
Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles
Ash Wednesday
Beginning of Lent — 40 days of fasting and repentance