Background
Christianity is the world’s largest religion, with practices and adherents found on every continent. However, few people are aware that the religion’s birthplace, where many regard its beginnings to have been, is Jerusalem. It is an ancient city with a long and intertwined history between Judaism, Christianity and Islam, all of which influence how the city is seen and beliefs that are held by its residents and visitors.
Throughout the centuries, Jerusalem has been recognised as an important pilgrimage destination for Christians, as it is where Jesus was allegedly crucified by the Romans, and following this his subsequent resurrection. While this is a cornerstone of Christianity, there is no definitive answer whether or not Christianity began in the city, as there is no concrete evidence to suggest this one way or the other.
Historical Context
In the time of Jesus, before it was converted to Christianity, Jerusalem was the capital of Judea, a Jewish kingdom. Jesus was a Jew and preached throughout the region to his followers who, as a result of his teachings, took a radical view on the principles of Judaism and began to practice them in a new way.
The religion was largely localised to the Jerusalem area, until the Second Jewish War (70AD). Jerusalem was besieged by the Romans and eventually fell, with a resulting Diaspora of the Jewish people to other parts of the world, including Europe, India and Africa. These Jews soon started to preach Christianity – though not necessarily in its full form yet – to a variety of other lands, helping to spread the word.
Expansion and Development
By the 4th century, the religion had grown and developed further and was moving away from its Jewish origins. Christianity was brought to the attention of the newly-established Roman Empire, which then declared it to be the religion of the empire in 313 AD. This was a historic moment in Christianity’s development and it marked its transition into becoming a global religion.
The expansion and development of the religion accelerated considerably afterwards, as the Roman’s abandoned their previous polytheistic ways and instead made Christianity the official religion of the Empire. This meant that followers of the religion were now granted greater freedom to practice it and, as a result, began to spread it to further parts of the world, bringing further cultural and religious changes with it.
Modern-Day Jerusalem
Today, Jerusalem is a melting-pot of beliefs, with Christianity, Judaism and Islam all having a vested interest in the city and its significance. Growing tensions have arisen between the three faiths in recent years, most notably in the form of politics, which has concerned many people across the globe.
Despite these divisions between the faiths, Jerusalem still serves as a spiritual city, with many visitors making a pilgrimage to it each year. Churches, mosques and synagogues are scattered throughout the city, a reminder of its status as a centre of religious importance and its role throughout history in spurring the growth of these powerful world religions.
Scholarly Analysis
Professors of Religious Studies and other academics have contrasting views when it comes to the origins of Christianity. While some argue that Christianity was started in Jerusalem, others believe it began further east in Galilee, where Jesus began his ministry.
Furthermore, there is debate as to whether or not something like ‘Christianity’ existed prior to Jesus’s travels and teachings in Judea. One notable scholar, Israel Knohl, proposes “Messianism” – a flowering of ancient Jewish messianic beliefs – as the precursor to Christianity.
Knohl’s views prompt debate among historians, some of whom suggest that when looking at the question of ‘where did Christianity begin’, it should be treated as a cultural event, rather than a single event. They suggest that it started gradually and that no single location can be attributed to its birth.
Archaeological Evidence
Archaeological evidence can shed some light on the origins of the religion. Excavations in Jerusalem, especially around the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Mount of Olives, have unearthed clues about the earliest disciples and followers of Jesus and their beliefs.
One of the most significant pieces of evidence uncovered is the last tomb that Jesus was believed to have been buried in, found in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Another is a first-century mosaic depicting a fish, which is often associated with Christianity as it was often used as a secret sign among early followers.
These findings offer insight into the development of Christianity in Jerusalem and can potentially serve as proof that it began in the city.
Theology and Theologians
Theologians agree that while Jerusalem is a site of great importance to Christianity, the religion likely did not originate in the city.
Theologians point to the theological teachings of Jesus and the writings of the early church fathers, such as Paul and the Gospels, to suggest that the core Christian teachings can be traced back to the ministry of Jesus in Galilee, and not in Jerusalem.
It is clear that Jerusalem holds a special place in Christianity, however there is no definitive answer to the question of where exactly it began.
Christian Interpretations and Interpretive Balance
Christian views on the origin of their religion are varied. For many, Jerusalem is seen as where it began, as it is where Jesus began his ministry and, ultimately, where the faith propagated from.
However, for some there is an emphasis on the fact that Christianity has evolved and grown over time. It has expanded to incorporate practices, beliefs and teachings spanning centuries and many different cultures, which cannot be attributed to a single person, place or experience. This suggests that while Jerusalem has a special importance to its followers, it should not be seen as the origin of Christianity.
Regional Impact in Jerusalem
The impact of Christianity on Jerusalem has been massive and enduring. Christianity is deeply embedded in the culture of the city and accounts for around 33 per cent of its population. The faith is also prominent in the political landscape, with many local issues and decisions heavily influenced by Christian beliefs.
In addition, Jerusalem is home to some of the oldest and most impressive churches, monasteries and cathedrals in the world. Tourists flock to the city to visit these iconic structures and learn more about the history of Christianity, with many making pilgrimages to mark important occasions in their faith.
Christianity has also impacted the economy of Jerusalem, with businesses catering to thousands of pilgrims from all over the world. Businesses range from accommodation and restaurants, to activities such as guided tours and boat rides along the river.
Interfaith Connections
The history of Christianity in Jerusalem is part of a much broader narrative of the relationship between faith and the city. As one of the holiest cities in the world, it has been a unique meeting place between different religions, allowing them to co-exist and interact amicably.
Over the centuries, there has been much collaboration and communication between faiths, particularly in the areas of architecture, art, literature and theology. A prominent example of this is the Dome of the Rock, a Muslim shrine located in Jerusalem. Built in 691 AD, it happens to be located in the same area as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of the oldest and most sacred Christian sites in the city.
This is a reminder of the long-standing relationship that all faiths have had with Jerusalem and the importance of understanding and respecting one another’s beliefs.
Impact of Religious Conflict
Unfortunately, the city has faced its fair share of unrest in recent times and the visits of Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem have dwindled as a result. Abuse of rights, discrimination and political polarisation have all been factors in the recent spike in tension and conflict between religious groups.
The sad truth is that this has had an impact on Christianity in the city, with many churches and other holy sites now closed due to the danger and instability in the area. This has had a knock-on effect on businesses that are dependent on the pilgrimage tourism, with some forced to shut down completely and others struggling to stay afloat.
The situation in Jerusalem is a sad reminder of the fragility of faith in the region and of the tension that exists between faiths that has endured for centuries.
