Background
Jesus Christ is the figure at the heart of Christianity, a religion which has been practiced for over two millennia. He is widely acknowledged as the founder of Christianity, with his teachings and beliefs having formed the cornerstone of the church. Despite being around for such a long period, there is still much debate surrounding Jesus’ life and identity. This article will examine who Jesus was and how he is considered the founder of Christianity.
History of Jesus
It is believed that Jesus was born in the 1st century in Bethlehem, Judea and lived until the age of 33. Jesus was derived from the Greek Yēsous and the Hebrew Yeshua, both meaning ‘God is Salvation’, making him the saviour of humanity. He was raised as a Jewish child and his teachings were very much influenced by Jewish traditions, laws and beliefs. As Jesus grew up and started preaching to the multitudes, he attracted attention causing his enemies to conspire against him, leading to his eventual crucifixion. After his death, his disciples and believers were seen as subversive and they were persecuted, but Christianity continued to grow.
Jesus’ Teachings
The core principles of Christianity are deeply rooted in Jesus’ teachings. He preached peace, love and equality, urging people to forgive one another and to treat others with kindness. He also held quite radical views for his time, calling for radical social change and challenging the oppressiveness of certain patriarchal power structures. He advocated for wealth redistribution, encouraged people to care for the vulnerable in society and denounced any belief system that reinforced divisions between people. His teachings were and still are central to Christianity and form the basis of its moral code.
Jesus’ Impact
The impact of Jesus’ teachings and example was profound, as can be seen from their lasting influence down the centuries. His message of love and nonviolent resistance has resonated with people from different backgrounds and religious beliefs and his philosophy has become an inspiration for many. His claim to be the Son of God and the belief in his resurrection has become the main component of Christian faith.
Jesus’ Legacy
Today, Jesus’ legacy is to be seen everywhere. He is considered to be the founder of Christianity and this religion is practiced by more than two billion people all around the world. He is also respected and followed by people of other religions and spiritual paths. The Church of JesusChrist is central to Christianity, with its doctrines, liturgy and sacraments having been developed in response to Jesus’ teachings. Through his legacy, Jesus is remembered as the founder of Christianity and a symbol of hope and faith.
The Divinity of Jesus
The divinity of Jesus has been a matter of debate throughout the centuries. Jesus himself has made many claims of his own divinity, such as “No man can come to me except the Father who sent me draws him” (John 6:44). From this, some have argued that Jesus was himself God, whilst others have proposed that he was merely a messenger from God. Regardless of what individual followers of Christianity may believe, Jesus is central to their faith, inspiring them to live lives of love and justice.
The Image of Jesus
As well as being the founder of Christianity, Jesus has become an icon in his own right. His image has been used in art, literature, and music down the ages and has been particularly popular in the Western world. Depictions of Jesus as a benevolent figure are seen in churches and chapels, in books and on TV, reinforcing his status as a man of peace and compassion.
Contemporary Representations of Jesus
Today, Jesus appears in many different guises with each artist giving their own unique interpretation of him. While some choose to depict him as an adult, others portray him as a child or even an animal or a figure which appears to be larger than life. In some cases, Jesus is presented in a comedic fashion, while in others his presence is regarded with reverence and awe.
Conclusion
Despite the many questions and controversies surrounding Jesus, there is no denying his central role in the history of the world. He continues to exert a profound influence through his teachings and is considered by many to be the founder of Christianity. His image is used in artwork and literature, and his divinity has been the subject of debate for centuries. Ultimately, it is up to each individual to make up their own mind about Jesus and his relevance to their personal faith.
