Christianity

• 1. Origins And Early Development

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  In the year 64 AD, a great fire consumed much of Rome, and Roman authorities turned their suspicion toward a small group of followers known as Christians. This event marked one of the earliest instances of state-sanctioned persecution against the movement that would eventually become the world's largest religion. Christianity began in the first century within the Roman province of Judaea as a sect of Second Temple Judaism. An early Jewish Christian community formed in Jerusalem under the leadership of three figures known as the Pillars of the Church: James the Just, Peter, and John. These leaders oversaw a community that initially insisted on close observance of Jewish commandments while attracting Gentile God-fearers who sought to join without fully converting to Judaism. Paul the Apostle solved this tension by preaching that salvation came through faith in Christ and participation in his death and resurrection via baptism. Before his conversion, Paul had persecuted these early believers, but after a dramatic experience, he became a missionary to the gentiles. His teachings helped shape an emerging identity for Christianity that was distinct from traditional Judaism. By the second century, Gentile Christianity slowly separated from Judaism, leaving behind Jewish Christians who continued to follow the Law of Moses including practices like circumcision. The term Christian itself originated in the city of Antioch where non-Jewish inhabitants first used it to describe followers of Christ around 43 AD. Ignatius of Antioch recorded the earliest use of the word Christianity around 100 AD. Early Christian teachers called Church Fathers such as Justin Martyr and Irenaeus produced theological works defending their faith against critics. Persecution remained intermittent until Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in 313 AD which decriminalized Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

• 2. Imperial Adoption And Schisms

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  Emperor Constantine's support for Christianity grew steadily throughout his life culminating in his own baptism on his deathbed. In 325 AD he convened the First Council of Nicaea to address theological disputes particularly Arianism which questioned the nature of Jesus' divinity. This council formulated the Nicene Creed still used today by Catholic Eastern Orthodox Lutheran Anglican and many Protestant churches. By 380 AD Nicene Christianity became the official state religion of the Roman Empire through the Edict of Thessalonica issued jointly by Theodosius I Gratian and Valentinian II. Once connected to imperial power the church gained wealth and could now own land while soliciting donations from the wealthy. The Byzantine Empire emerged as a peak period in Christian history with Constantinople leading the Christian world in size wealth and culture. During this era renewed interest in classical Greek philosophy increased literary output in vernacular Greek. Byzantine art and literature held preeminent place in Europe with enormous lasting cultural impact on the West. However theological disagreements eventually caused major splits within Christendom. The Church of the East rejected subsequent ecumenical councils after the third one remaining separate today under successors known as Assyrian Church of the East. Oriental Orthodoxy also split over differences in Christology during the fifth century. The most famous division occurred in 1054 when the Eastern Orthodox Church separated from the Catholic Church in what historians call the East-West Schism. Disagreements centered on administrative liturgical and doctrinal issues especially papal supremacy which Eastern Orthodox leaders opposed.

• 3. Medieval Expansion And Conflict

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  As the Western Roman Empire declined the papacy became a significant political player visible first in Pope Leo's diplomatic dealings with Huns and Vandals. Around 500 AD Benedict of Nursia established his Monastic Rule creating regulations for founding and running monasteries that would become powerful forces throughout Europe. These monasteries gave rise to early centers of learning particularly in Ireland Scotland and Gaul contributing to the Carolingian Renaissance of the ninth century. In the seventh century Muslim conquests took Syria including Jerusalem North Africa and Spain converting some Christian populations to Islam while placing others under separate legal status. Beginning in the eighth century Carolingian leaders sought greater political support from the Frankish Kingdom helping expand Christianity among Hungarians Germanic Celtic Baltic and Slavic peoples. By the eleventh century older cathedral schools evolved into universities like Oxford Paris and Bologna expanding curricula to include programs for clerics lawyers civil servants and physicians. Mendicant orders emerged bringing consecrated religious life out of monasteries and into growing urban settings. The Franciscans founded by Francis of Assisi and Dominicans founded by Dominic made significant contributions to developing great European universities. Another new order called Cistercians built large isolated monasteries that spearheaded settlement of former wilderness areas. Church building reached new heights culminating in Romanesque and Gothic architecture with construction of great European cathedrals. From 1095 under Pope Urban II the First Crusade launched military campaigns in the Holy Land responding to pleas from Byzantine Emperor Alexios I against Turkish expansion. These crusades ultimately failed to stop Islamic aggression yet contributed to Christian enmity during the Fourth Crusade when Constantinople was sacked. Internal conflicts between the Latin Church of Western Christianity and Eastern Greek branch resulted in permanent schism remaining to present day despite attempts at reunion through councils like Lyon in 1274 and Florence in 1439.

• 4. Reformation And Global Spread

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  Martin Luther initiated a major transformation of Western Christianity by posting his Ninety-five Theses in 1517 opposing the sale of indulgences. Printed copies spread rapidly throughout Europe challenging established church authority. In 1521 the Edict of Worms condemned and excommunicated Luther causing schism dividing Western Christendom into several branches. Other reformers including Zwingli Calvin Knox and Arminius further criticized Catholic teaching and worship creating movements collectively called Protestantism. This movement repudiated papal primacy traditional authority seven sacraments and other doctrines practices. The Reformation began in England in 1534 when King Henry VIII declared himself head of the Church of England. Starting in 1536 monasteries across England Wales and Ireland were dissolved. Radical Reformers like Thomas Müntzer and Andreas Karlstadt perceived both Catholic Church and Magisterial Reformation confessions as corrupted leading to Anabaptist denominations. In response to Protestant challenges the Catholic Church undertook substantial reform known as Counter-Reformation or Catholic Reform clarified doctrine through Council of Trent. Competition between Catholicism and Protestantism became deeply entangled with political struggles among European states resulting in conflicts where religion played key factor. Examples include Thirty Years War English Civil War French Wars of Religion intensifying Christian debate on persecution and toleration. Meanwhile discovery of America by Christopher Columbus in 1492 brought new wave of missionary activity spreading Christianity to Americas Oceania East Asia sub-Saharan Africa under impetus of colonial expansion. Lutheran spread into northern central eastern parts of present-day Germany Livonia Scandinavia while Anglicanism established itself in England in 1534. Calvinism introduced Scotland Netherlands Hungary Switzerland France with Arminianism gaining followers in Netherlands Frisia ultimately leading to outbreaks of religious violence establishing separate state churches throughout Europe.

• 5. Core Doctrinal Frameworks

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  Christianity centers belief that Jesus is Son of God Messiah prophesied in Old Testament and chronicled in New Testament. Christians hold that Jesus died crucified rose from dead three days later ascended heaven seated right hand Father will return fulfill Messianic prophecy including resurrection Last Judgment final establishment Kingdom God. The earliest creed used was simple statement Jesus is Lord continuing today within World Council Churches. Apostles Creed developed between second ninth centuries remains most widely accepted statement articles Christian faith used liturgically catechetically by Latin Church Catholic Lutherans Anglicans Western Rite Orthodox Presbyterians Methodists Congregationalists. Nicene Creed formulated largely response Arianism at Councils Nicaea Constantinople 325 381 ratified universal creed Christendom First Council Ephesus 431. Chalcedonian Definition developed Council Chalcedon 451 though rejected Oriental Orthodox taught Christ acknowledged two natures unconfusedly unchangeably indivisibly inseparably one divine one human perfectly united one person. Athanasian Creed received Western Church same status Nicene Chalcedonian says worship one God Trinity Unity neither confounding Persons nor dividing Substance. Most Christians accept use creeds subscribe at least one mentioned above though certain Evangelical Protestants reject creeds definitive statements faith agreeing substance. Core doctrine Trinity teaches one God three persons eternally co-existing: Father Son incarnate Jesus Holy Spirit together called Godhead. Greek word trias first seen sense works Theophilus Antioch his text reads Trinity God His Word Wisdom term possibly earlier use Latin equivalent trinitas appears afterwards explicit reference Father Son Holy Spirit Tertullian. In following century word general use found many passages Origen. Trinitarianism denotes Christians believe concept Trinity almost all denominations churches hold beliefs since third century theologians developed term facilitate apprehension New Testament teachings God being Father Son Holy Spirit.

• 6. Rituals And Liturgical Practices

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  Christian practices vary among specific denominations include baptism Eucharist prayer confession confirmation burial rites marriage rites religious education children. Most denominations have ordained clergy lead regular communal worship services following pattern form known liturgy Justin Martyr described second-century Christian liturgy First Apology Emperor Antoninus Pius description remains relevant basic structure Christian liturgical worship. Christians assemble typically Sunday Lord's Day though other liturgical practices occur outside setting Scripture readings drawn Old New Testaments especially gospels Instruction given based readings sermon homily variety congregational prayers including thanksgiving confession intercession throughout service take forms recited responsive silent sung Psalms hymns worship songs church music may sung Services varied special events like significant feast days Nearly all forms worship incorporate Eucharist meal reenacted accordance Jesus instruction Last Supper followers do remembrance gave disciples bread saying This body wine saying This blood Early church Christians those yet complete initiation separated Eucharistic part service Some denominations Confessional Lutheran churches continue practice closed communion stating Congregation Denomination practices called close Communion meaning before you take Communion Churches ask take Communion Class first properly learn Communion all about offer communion united denomination sometimes individual church Catholics further restrict participation members state mortal sin Many other churches Anglican Methodist Free Methodist United Methodist practice open communion since view communion means unity rather end invite believing Christians participate Sacraments rite instituted Christ confers grace constituting sacred mystery term derived Latin word sacramentum translate Greek word mystery Views concerning rites sacramental act sacrament vary among traditions Cross Livingstone Oxford Dictionary Christian Church pp 1435ff Most conventional functional definition outward sign instituted Christ conveys inward spiritual grace through Christ Two most widely accepted Baptism Eucharist majority recognize five additional Confirmation Chrismation Eastern tradition Holy Orders ordination Penance Confession Anointing Sick Matrimony Seven Sacraments recognized High Church tradition notably Catholic Eastern Orthodox Oriental Orthodox Independent Catholic Old Catholic some Lutherans Anglicans. Other denominations typically affirm only Baptism Eucharist while Protestant groups Quakers reject sacramental theology Certain denominations Anabaptists use term ordinances refer rites instituted Jesus observe Seven ordinances taught many Conservative Mennonite Anabaptist churches include baptism communion footwashing marriage anointing oil holy kiss prayer covering Church East has two additional sacraments place traditional Matrimony Anointing Sick include Holy Leaven Melka sign cross Schwarzenau Brethren Anabaptist churches Dunkard Brethren Church observe agape feast lovefeast rite observed Moravian Church Methodist Churches Liturgical calendar Catholics Eastern Christians Lutherans Anglican other traditional Protestant communities frame worship around liturgical year cycle divides year series seasons theological emphases modes prayer signified different ways decorating churches colors paraments vestments clergy scriptural readings themes preaching even different traditions practices observed personally home Christian groups follow liturgical tradition often retain certain celebrations Christmas Easter Pentecost celebrations Christ's birth resurrection descent Holy Spirit upon Church respectively Few denominations Quaker Christians make use liturgical calendar Symbols Most Christian denominations generally practiced aniconism avoidance prohibition devotional images early Jewish Christians invoking Decalogue prohibition idolatry avoided figures symbols Cross today one most widely recognized symbols used earliest times Minucius Felix speaks cross Jesus familiar form likening objects crossbeam man arms outstretched prayer Octavius Minucius Felix chapter XXIX Tertullian book De Corona tells already tradition Christians trace sign cross foreheads At every forward step movement going in putting clothes shoes bathing sitting table lighting lamps couch seat ordinary actions daily life trace upon forehead sign Tertullian De Corona chapter 3 Although cross known early Christians crucifix did not appear until fifth century Among earliest Christian symbols fish Ichthys seems ranked first importance seen monumental sources tombs first decades second century popularity seemingly arose Greek word ichthys fish forming acrostic Greek phrase Iesous Christos Theou Yios Soter Jesus Christ Son God Savior concise summary Christian faith Other major Christian symbols chi-rho monogram dove olive branch symbolic Holy Spirit sacrificial lamb representing Christ's sacrifice vine symbolizing connection Christian Christ many others derive passages New Testament Baptism ritual act use water person admitted membership Church Beliefs vary among denominations whether act spiritual significance Catholic Eastern Orthodox Lutherans Anglicans hold doctrine baptismal regeneration affirms creates strengthens person faith intimately linked salvation Baptists Plymouth Brethren view purely symbolic external public declaration inward change taken place spiritually efficacious Secondly differences opinion methodology mode act immersion total submersion affusion pouring aspersion Those hold first view may adhere tradition infant baptism Orthodox Churches all practice infant baptism always baptize total immersion repeated three times name Father Son Holy Spirit After proclamation faith baptismal water prayed blessed sign goodness God creation person baptized also prayed blessed sanctified oil sign creation God holy good solemn proclamation Alleluia God praised person immersed three times water name Father Son Holy Spirit Lutheran Church Catholic Church also practice infant baptism usually affusion using Trinitarian formula Anabaptist Christians practice believer's baptism adult chooses receive ordinance after making decision follow Jesus Mennonites Amish Hutterites use pouring administer believer's baptism Schwarzenau Brethren River Brethren traditions baptize immersion Prayer Gospel Saint Matthew Jesus taught Lord Prayer seen model Christian prayer injunction Christians pray thrice daily given Didache recited Christians 9 am 12 pm 3 pm Second century Apostolic Tradition Hippolytus instructed Christians pray seven fixed prayer times rising lighting evening lamp bedtime midnight third sixth ninth hours day associated Christ's Passion Prayer positions including kneeling standing prostrations used these seven fixed prayer times days early Church Breviaries Shehimo Agpeya used Oriental Orthodox Christians pray canonical hours facing eastward direction prayer Apostolic Tradition directed sign cross used minor exorcism baptism ablutions before praying fixed prayer times times temptation Intercessory prayer offered benefit other people Many intercessory prayers recorded Bible including Apostle Peter behalf sick persons prophets Old Testament favor other people Epistle James no distinction made intercessory prayer ordinary believers prominent Old Testament prophet Elijah Effectiveness prayer Christianity derives power God rather status one praying Ancient church Eastern Western Christianity developed tradition asking intercession deceased saints remains practice most Eastern Orthodox Oriental Orthodox Catholic some Lutheran Anglican churches Apart certain sectors latter two denominations Churches Protestant Reformation rejected prayer saints largely basis sole mediatorship Christ reformer Huldrych Zwingli admitted offered prayers saints until reading Bible convinced idolatrous According Catechism Catholic Church Prayer raising mind heart God requesting good things Book Common Prayer Anglican tradition guide provides set order services containing set prayers scripture readings hymns sung Psalms Frequently Western Christianity when praying hands placed palms together forward feudal commendation ceremony At other times older orans posture may used palms elbows up Marriage Most Christian churches world only support marriage between man woman Some allow local churches decide blessings same-sex marriage Jeffrey S. Siker Homosexuality Religion Encyclopedia Greenwood Publishing Group USA 2007 p 147 Some international networks Affirming churches support blessings same-sex marriage Association Welcoming Affirming Baptists Our Church Members awab.org USA accessed the 16th of August 2025 Ecumenical Catholic Church Mexico accessed the 16th of August 2025 Metropolitan Community Church visitmccchurch.com USA accessed the 16th of August 2025 Reconciling Ministries Network Methodist rmnetwork.org USA accessed the 16th of August 2025 Covenant Network Pentecostal thecovenantnetwork.com USA accessed the 16th of August 2025 Scriptures Like other religions adherents beliefs biblical interpretations vary Christianity regards biblical canon Old Testament New Testament inspired word God Traditional view inspiration God worked human authors produced what God wished communicate Greek word referring inspiration theopneustos literally means God-breathed Some believe divine inspiration makes present Bibles inerrant others claim inerrancy original manuscripts although none extant Still maintain particular translation inerrant King James Version Second Helvetic Confession Chicago Statement Biblical Inerrancy online text Closely related view biblical infallibility limited inerrancy affirms Bible free error guide salvation may include errors matters history geography science Canon Old Testament accepted Protestant churches Tanakh Hebrew Bible shorter that accepted Orthodox Catholic churches include deuterocanonical books appear Septuagint Orthodox canon slightly larger Catholic Protestants regard latter apocryphal important historical documents help inform understanding words grammar syntax