kristne

Kristne is the term used in Danish and Norwegian to refer to adherents of Christianity. The corresponding adjective is kristen, and the plural noun kristne is commonly used to speak of Christians as a group. The word derives from Latin Christianus and Greek Christianos and has been part of the Nordic languages since the Middle Ages.

Historically, Christianity began in the 1st century CE in the region of Judea and spread through the Roman Empire and beyond. Over centuries it developed into several major branches, including Catholicism and Orthodoxy. The Protestant Reformation in the 16th century led to the emergence of Protestant traditions, which in Nordic countries contributed to the establishment of Lutheranism as a dominant tradition in places like Denmark and Norway. Today, kristne encompass a wide range of denominations, including Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and evangelical groups.

Beliefs commonly shared by kristne include recognizing Jesus Christ as central to salvation, the authority of the Bible, and practices such as baptism and the Eucharist in many denominations. However, doctrine and worship can vary significantly between churches, ranging from liturgical traditions to more informal, contemporary services.

Globally, there are about 2.3 billion Christians, with significant populations in Europe, the Americas, Africa, and parts of Asia. In Nordic countries, kristne have historically shaped culture, law, and holidays, yet contemporary societies are increasingly secular or multi-faith. Contemporary issues for kristne include ecumenism, interfaith dialogue, and the relationship between church and state, alongside debates over morality and social values within various denominations.