The Origins of Christianity
Christianity is one of the major religions practiced in the world today and is closely related to Judaism and Islam. The religion originated from the teachings of a Jewish preacher and teacher—Jesus of Nazareth—in the early first century CE. Christianity, as most people know it today, was born out of Judaism in Palestine. Jesus lived and taught in and around the towns of Bethlehem, Jericho, and Nazareth and around the Sea of Galilee.
Jesus’s teachings and messages spread quickly in the region, influenced by the Roman Empire and its cultural norms. His followers formed communities and churches, adopting the new faith and growing it into the worldwide phenomenon it is today. As a result, Christianity holds a multitude of denominations, including Protestantism, Catholicism, and Orthodoxy.
The Bible, a compilation of sacred texts gathered together over centuries, is the central religious text for Christians today and is divided into two main divisions: the Old Testament, which mostly refers to Jewish scripture, and the New Testament, which is the preaching of Jesus and his immediate followers. In the New Testament, Jesus is portrayed as an enlightened teacher, the son of God, and the messiah. This book serves as the foundation of Christian — as well as Jew — beliefs.
The Beliefs of Christians
In general, Christians believe in God, the one true almighty ruler, and in Jesus as the savior, who died for the sins of humankind. They also believe that Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. Furthermore, Christians place much emphasis on the moral virtues, such as love and forgiveness. Believers often have a strong sense of responsibility to act in a moral and ethical manner and to serve God through their lives.
In addition to its beliefs, Christianity has an incredibly rich tradition of culture and art. People of faith express their beliefs in the form of hymns, paintings, sculptures, and architecture. Christianity’s many denominations also have unique services and rituals that further underscore the importance of what many Christians call the greatest commandment: loving thy neighbor.
Deeply connected to the religion are the Christian holidays known as Advent and Easter. Through these traditions, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus and his resurrection. Furthermore, they also share communion. This is a ritual in which bread and wine are shared in remembrance of Jesus’s death and resurrection.
Christianity in the 21st Century
Christianity remains one of the world’s largest and most widely practiced religions. Over 2.2 billion people worldwide identify as Christians and there are thought to be over 200 different denominations of the faith—all with unique customs and interpretations of scripture. As a result, Christianity is seen as a diverse and inclusive faith with a long and rich history.
Despite its worldwide prevalence, Christianity is a source of tension in many parts of the world. In some regions, Christians are persecuted for their faith, especially in countries where the state religion may be Islam or another non-Abrahamic faith. Similarly, tensions exist between some denominations of Christianity, with some evangelical Protestant groups characterized by anti-LGBTQ and anti-Muslim sentiment.
Christianity is also a contentious topic in regards to women’s rights, as there remain widespread disagreements over women’s role in the Church, especially in regards to ordination and positions of leadership. In many faith communities, these issues are gaining attention and traction as women push for more rights and recognition within the Church.
The Significance of Jesus
For Christians, Jesus is the center of the faith, representing divine love and compassion towards all people. His teachings and life have been central to the interpretation of scripture, the teachings and creeds of the Church, and the lives of believers. The core message of Jesus is of reuniting people to God, and of one single, united humanity, with all members equal before God.
The historical Jesus, and his life, still carries a unique spiritual significance for Christians, who regard Jesus as an extraordinary teacher, healer, and prophet. Though two thousand years may have passed since his life, Jesus still lives today in the lives of his followers.
Christianity and Social Justice
In recent decades, the concept of social justice has become central to progressive readings of scripture. Whereas other religious texts can carry a conservative message, Christian scripture has been used to argue in favor of equality, compassion, and peace. It has become a central rallying-point for many activists, who argue that the teachings of Jesus call on believers to fight against unjust systems and to act as stewards of their fellow man.
In a global context, Christianity provides some people with a sense of purpose and activism. This sense of global solidarity and action are seen in many religious orders and missionary work in the present day, often involving the feeding of the poor, educational initiatives, and other forms of humanitarian aid.
Contemporary Cultural Relevance
Christianity’s cultural impact is visible everywhere from literature and art to music and film. From J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings to Mery Streep’s award-winning depictions of Mother Theresa in the film adaptation of The Mission, the religion influences popular media. Similarly, religious stories, such as those of the Annunciation and Adam and Eve, are frequently found on the silver screen.
Furthermore, from classic hymns to contemporary pop and gospel, Christian music has had a starring role in the development of music as an art form. Disciples of a variety of contemporary musicians of faith, leading the charge in popular music today and effectively sharing their faith with a global audience.
Christianity in the Digital Age
The rise of digital technology in the 21st century has impacted the way Christians communicate and interpret scripture. In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the use of video-conferencing and streaming services to deliver sermons, lectures, and other religious events to believers, no matter where they are. Furthermore, technology has given rise to new trends in activism and social justice, allowing people from all over the world to take part in collective efforts.
Sites such as Twitter, YouTube, and Reddit are popular for discussing Christianity and debating religious views. Similarly, virtual church services are becoming increasingly popular, giving people access to religious materials, services, and teachings that they may not normally have access to.
The Place of Science in Christianity
In recent decades, there has been an increased willingness on the part of the Church to accept, discuss, and incorporate scientific research into their beliefs. Some theologians have argued that, rather than being opposed to one another, Christianity and science should be seen as complementary fields of study, both relevant to understanding and improving the world.
The Roman Catholic Church, for example, has shown support for various fields of scientific research, including astrology, astronomy, and evolution. They accept the idea that faith and science can work together to improve society, celebrate the beauty and wonder of creation, and protect the environment.
Christ and the Environment
In recent years, the concept of stewardship — or taking responsibility for the environment — has become increasingly popular among Christians. The idea is that Christians have a moral imperative to act as stewards of the earth and its inhabitants. Consequently, religious organizations have put a lot of focus on promoting green initiatives and sustainable development.
These initiatives have a wide range of goals, such as conserving water, reducing pollution, and protecting wildlife habitats. Furthermore, some religious organizations have established their own green certification programs, which businesses and development projects must adhere to in order to be certified as “Christian-friendly”.
The Future of Christianity
It is difficult to predict the future of Christianity in the 21st century. Though it is still the largest faith in the world, some estimates point to a decrease in its global prevalence, especially in the West. This is due to a variety of factors, including increased secularization, competition from other religious beliefs, and a lower birth rate in Christian-majority countries.
It remains to be seen whether Christianity can survive in the digital age and if it will adapt to a changing world. What is certain, however, is that Christianity has been a major force in the development of culture and history, and its influence is sure to continue.
