This discussion is an introduction to the Christian religion. It is an overview of the important beliefs that define Christianity. The religion is based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, who is held by Christians to be “the Christ,” a title that means “the Messiah” (anointed one, as a king). The life and teachings of Jesus are contained in the Christian Bible’s New Testament.
Christianity shares some beliefs with other religions, particularly Judaism and Islam. All three believe in one God who created the universe. This God is said to be active in history, guiding and teaching his people.
Jesus was a Jew, and Christianity originally developed as a part of Judaism. While authorities differ over the exact dates, Jesus lived from about 3 BCE to 30 CE. He lived and taught in Palestine, primarily (though not exclusively) among fellow Jews. Christianity separated from Judaism about 30 CE for two major reasons:
Christian Beliefs
Christianity tends to put great importance on proper belief. The term "orthodox" (meaning "right belief") is used to describe beliefs that are in agreement with the standards set up by the Christian community.
Most Christian denominations have standards of belief or doctrines that its members are expected to accept. The more traditional groups expect their leaders to advocate orthodox positions; that is, those positions that have been formally established in the past. In some denominations, such as Catholicism, tradition as well as scripture is regarded as a valid basis for the tenets of the faith. Others use only the Bible’s scriptures as a basis for the belief structure. The many varieties of Christian denominations provide a lot of diversity in interpretation and teaching of the sacred text.
The most controversial aspects of Christianity tend to be beliefs about what Jesus taught. Most of his teachings were about how his followers should live. These teachings are documented in the Bible’s New Testament books called the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. However, denominations often will differ in translating and interpreting what Jesus originally taught about how to become and what it means to be a Christian. The remainder of the New Testament (other than the Gospels) provides the basis for the rest of each denomination’s teachings.
God the Creator
Christians believe in one God, who created the universe and sustains it in existence. God is a person but also a spirit. That is, he exists outside the normal physical universe. Human beings are created in the image of God. This is perhaps intended to imply humans share with God a rational nature, an ability to make responsible decisions, and a capability for forming relationships.
The Christian concept of God is that of a single being capable of interacting with others. The notion of God as Father is one of the primary teachings of Jesus. The concept of God as a personal being with human attributes led to the concept of the Trinity, which is one of the more distinctive and controversial ideas in Christianity. It is briefly discussed below.
Jesus the Christ
Jesus is said to have been a teacher who taught in Galilee and Jerusalem in the time of the Roman Empire. He is held by Christians to be the Son of God, who lived and died for mankind and was raised from the dead. Most of Jesus' actions and teachings were in accord with any first century Jewish priest who might have become the High Priest of Judaism. The main difference between Jesus’ teaching and that of a Jewish High Priest was that Jesus took on an independent and personal role as a prophet. Some scholars maintain that this role developed after his death and was read back into the accounts of his life. However, Christians see Jesus as embodying God. He is a human vehicle for God to be present. Every account of Jesus in the Gospels depicts him as playing a role beyond that of a normal teacher. He announced the coming of the Kingdom of God and healed the sick. He forgave people's sins, something that only God can do. In the Gospel according to John, he says, "I and the Father are one." However, he clearly was also a human being who saw God as distinct from himself.
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