History of Christianity
Christianity is one of the world’s oldest and largest religions, claiming around two billion adherents globally. Originating in the Levant region around 33 AD, it is traditionally founded on principles from the life and teachings of Jesus Christ as documented in the Bible. Since as early as the 4th-century, a central tenet of Christianity has been the notion of charity and service, which is thought to be an integral part of an individual’s actions and identity, and is even reflected in the iconic Lord’s Prayer (“Thy will be done”). As such, it can be argued that Christianity has long been more than just a religion, but a way of life.
Christian Teachings
A big component of Christianity is it’s teachings, which are essentially a combination of moral precepts, prayers and meditative practices. These encompassed actions and thoughts, outlining how adherents should behave and interact with the world around them. According to religious scholars, Christianity teaches both humility and charity, often encouraging people to put the needs of others before their own. For instance, in 1 John 3:17: ‘’If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity of him, how can the love of God be in him?’’. Christianity is also focused on moral, mental and spiritual growth, setting an example of individuals striving to become more perfect versions of themselves.
The Role of Faith
The practice of Christianity is closely tied to faith, which is a key concept of the religion. In Christianity, faith is fundamental to the relationship between people and God, with the Bible itself referring to faith as ‘’the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen’’ (Heb 11:1). Thus, it can be argued that Christianity requires a deep, personal faith, beyond just what is written in scripture. To really adopt Christianity as a way of life, adherents need to truly and deeply accept the truth of the teachings, no matter what personal struggles they may be facing.
Christianity and Society
It can be argued that Christianity and the Christian way of life have had a substantial impact on the world, in particular through the various social movements it has inspired. For example, the civil rights movement of the 1960s was heavily influenced by core Christian beliefs, such as service to others, equality and love for one’s neighbor. Christian beliefs were also crucial to timeless works of art, such as Michelangelo’s The Sistine Chapel, which were focused on depicting biblical stories and expressing aspects of Christian faith.
Engaging the Community
A cornerstone of Christianity is sharing its teachings with the community and engaging the people in meaningful conversations. It has historically been essential for people striving to lead an authentic Christian life to share their experiences with like-minded individuals, often taking part in Bible study or religious education classes. Christianity also encourages its followers to be active members of their local community, reaching out to people in need and taking part in activities that benefit the greater good.
Living Beyond Religion
There is no question that Christianity is an incredibly powerful religion, providing an essential means for its followers to connect with God. However, the Christian way of life is about more than just worship and belief, it is about living beyond religious practices and embracing a way of life that is rooted in love and humility. Although there are many misconceptions surrounding Christianity, its key beliefs provide the basis for a meaningful and fulfilling life, both for its practitioners and those they reach out to.
The Impact of Prayer
One of the main components of Christianity is prayer, which is an incredibly powerful concept that has affected billions of people around the world. According to one notable study, prayer promotes mental, physical and emotional health and even encourages social relationships. The act of praying for someone also creates an emotional connection, almost like a spiritual bond, between the two people involved. Prayer is also a significant factor in supporting one’s faith and bringing solace to those in distress. All of these factors highlight how prayer creates a strong sense of community and belonging in Christianity.
Spiritual Growth
The Christian way of life involves a deep personal journey of spiritual growth that individuals strive to undertake throughout their lives. This involves things such as reading and meditating on scripture, attending services, committing to a devotional practice, and cultivating one’s relationship with God. Further, Christianity encourages its followers to focus on cultivating inner peace and improving their emotional state, rather than solely focusing on external aspects of life.
The Power of Love
A main tenet of Christianity is focusing on the power of love, whereby adherents are encouraged to love and serve both themselves and their fellow human beings. This concept of unconditional love is something that Christianity has popularized, and many believers maintain that true love comes from God, which is demonstrated through the actions of those striving to live a Christian lifestyle. In addition to the traditional ‘’Golden Rule’’, Christianity also emphasises the importance of showing love and mercy towards oneself, as well as always being open to the love of God and our neighbours.
Physical and Mental Wellbeing
An overarching principle of following the Christian way of life is to design our lives in a way that promotes physical and mental wellbeing. This includes things such as eating healthily, exercising regularly, prioritising restful sleep, and managing our lives in such a way that allows spiritual nourishment. Further, Christianity encourages mindful reflection and contemplation, both of which help to reduce stress and strengthen our sense of purpose. Combining these factors can help individuals to lead a purposeful and spiritually-fulfilling life.
Promoting Change
The Christian way of life is as much about transforming our everyday practices as it is about following religious doctrine. This is demonstrated by the Christian principles of love, service and humility, which motivate adherents to be the change they wish to see in the world, and spread positive messages of forgiveness and inclusion. By taking on these principles and using them to inspire constructive change, it is possible to assist in the collective transformation of society.
Ongoing Commitment
In following the Christian way of life, it is important to commit to ongoing personal growth and spiritual nourishment. This involves things such as constantly striving to become a better version of oneself, forgiving oneself and others, and open-mindedly embracing new ideas. In addition, one must stay true to the core principles of Christianity, whilst being open to life’s chances and blessings.
