Christianity

Christianity is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life, teachings, crucifixion, and believed resurrection of Jesus of Nazareth. It originated in the 1st century CE in the Levant under Roman rule and subsequently spread to become a global faith with diverse communities.

The Bible is its primary sacred text, comprising the Old Testament and the New Testament. Core beliefs include the divinity of Jesus, the doctrine of the Trinity, and salvation by grace through faith. Most Christians expect eternal life through Jesus’s atonement.

Worship typically centers on prayer, scripture reading, preaching, hymns, and the sacraments. Baptism and the Eucharist (Communion) are widely observed, though their meaning and number vary by tradition. Practices range from highly liturgical to more informal.

Christianity includes major branches such as Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism, with Anglican and several Oriental Orthodox churches as well. Authority structures differ: Catholics recognize the papacy; Orthodox churches rely on bishops in a conciliar model; many Protestants emphasize Scripture and the priesthood of all believers.

Historically, Christianity shaped and was shaped by culture, law, art, and education across continents. It has nurtured diverse denominations and movements and participates in ongoing ecumenical dialogue. It remains one of the largest global religions, with about 2.3 billion adherents.