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Line 1: − '''Christianity''' is a religion taking its name from [[Jesus Christ]]. Adherents are called Christians. It seems that at first the religion was called The Way and the adherents were called Nazarenes (after the city of Nazareth where Jesus lived.) The name Christian arose in Antioch in the first century A. D. and its use spread. The three largest self-governing bodies of Christians are the Roman Catholic Church (approx. 1 billion baptized members), the Orthodox Church (approx. 300 million baptized members), and the Anglican Communion (approx. 77 million baptized members) which is part of [[Protestant]] Christianity. + + + + + − == Christian beliefs ==+ − Theologians, over two millennia, have debated on a definitive summary of the Christian faith. While its interpretations vary drastically, probably the most commonly accepted statement of faith is the [[Nicene Creed| Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed]] below: − + − Christians and Christian denominations disagree on many points of doctrine. According to an online Harris poll from 2003 99% of all American Christians believe in God, 96% in the [[Resurrection of Jesus Christ|resurrection of Jesus Christ]], 93% in Heaven, 93% in the virgin birth, 92% in the survival of the soul after death, 82% in Hell, 50% in ghosts, 27% in astrology and 21% in reincarnation. <ref>http://www.harrisinteractive.com/harris_poll/index.asp?PID=359</ref> Note that the latter two beliefs are in opposition to the religious dogma of most Christian denominations. − Nonetheless, the Nicene-Cconstantinopolitan Creed offers a general overall picture of what Christian theology looks like, and serves as a useful outline.+ − Other creeds may prove helpful in research. See also: the Apostle's Creed, Athanasian Creed.+ + − + − The God of the Christians is a triune being. Though there is only one Divine nature there are three Divine Persons: The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The three Persons are collectively called the Trinity or the Holy Trinity. Christians reject the idea that they are polytheists because of the oneness of the divine nature (or essence). Though to non-Christians and even many Christians, it might seem like an inconsequential dogma, the doctrine of the Trinity is central to all of Christian theology and life. This is especially true in the relationship between God and human beings. The major theme of the Bible is love. In the Old Testament the idea is expressed in the Hebrew word ''hessed'', which is variously translated as loyal love, tender mercy, steadfast love, mercy, goodness, etc. in the New Testament the same idea is expressed in the Greek word ''agape'', which is variously translated as love, compassion, charity, etc. The picture that the Biblical writers draw with these words is of a lover (God) who is entirely self-sufficient, needing nothing, and a beloved (human beings) in desperate need of salvation but unable to obtain it for himself. But God the lover is willing to suffer, knows He is going to suffer, even endure death to save the beloved human beings. This love of God for human beings is an extension of the love the Three Persons in the Trinity have for each other. Each loves the others infinitely. Their love for each other and for their creation is such that the Apostle John equates God and love, in an almost mathematical way saying, "God is love."+ − Addtionally, the God of the Christians is the creator of all things, is everywhere present, exists in all times, is transcendent, all-knowing (omniscient), just, all-powerful (omnipotent).+ − + − Christians hold that during the reign of Caeser Augustus the Son (e.g. the second Person of the Trinity) took flesh from a virgin woman and was incarnate as a man. He was born in the town of Bethlehem and was given the name Jesus. At the age of thirty he was baptized by his cousin, the Prophet John, and began to preach in the area Palestine. About three years after his baptism, he raised his friend Lazarus from the dead, prompting the Jewish power establishemnt to plot Jesus death. Jesus was crucified. He came back from the dead and was seen by over 500 people. He ascended to heaven. The four Gospels contain the records of some of what Jesus did and said, but he did much more than those four books relate, as the Apostle John admitted in his Gospel.+ + − ===Morality===+ − The fundamental principle in Christian moral teaching is love and forgiveness, as expressed by the life and teachings of Jesus Christ and the New Testament. Jesus summarized his teachings in two commandments from the Old Testament: − + − Constant debate has resulted as to how a person should express love for God in their moral behavior. This moral dialogue found expression in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul addressed such controversies as circumcision (Romans 2:25-29), eating meat that was sacrificed to pagan deities (1 Corinthians 8), speculating about myths and genealogies (1 Timothy 1:3-5), and observing ceremonial dates and seasons (Galatians 4:9-11). + − Regardless of a person's ethical interpretations, adherents commonly point to New Testament passages John 3:16 and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 as scriptural depictions of love. The former states that "God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." The latter characterizes love, saying "Love is patient, love is kind and is not jealous; love does not brag and is not arrogant, does not act unbecomingly; it does not seek its own, is not provoked, does not take into account a wrong suffered, does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."+ + − + + + + + + + + − + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − However, Jesus offered a solution to this Biblical dilemma in that by repentance of sins and faith in him (Jesus), their sins would be forgiven. He said that "...the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins." (Mark 2:10) Jesus also said, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." (Mark 2:17, and "Verily I say unto you, All sins shall be forgiven unto the sons of men" (Mark 2:28)+ − + + + + + − Christians are expected to continue living by Christ's teachings (John 8:31), as is appropriate for "children of Light" (Ephesians 5:8-10). Some believe that this is necessary in order to stay saved. However, this is a common misconception of the text. It is rather referring to proving that one is a child of God by their "fruit" (things that they do and how they behave). Christians in the Reformed tradition (following the teaching of the 16th century French lawyer John Calvin, as well as the faith outlined in the Belgic and Heidleberg Confessions) says that salvation is irrevocable and that it cannot be lost, if it was genuinely part of one's life to begin with. Reforemed Christians (often called Calvinists) often point to Romans 8:38-39 as validation of their belief: "For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39; NASB). According to Calvinists, the reason it cannot be lost by natural things is because salvation was obtained through a supernatural being, namely Jesus Christ. This does not negate Jesus' human side, only that he was both one-hundred percent God and one-hundred percent man, according to the Council of Chalcedon (A. D. 451). The Bible also makes it clear that mankind cannot earn their salvation, and that it is a free gift.+ + − == Resurrection of Jesus Christ ==+ − The [[Resurrection of Jesus Christ|resurrection of Jesus Christ]] is critical to the Christian faith. The Apostle Paul wrote, "if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain" (I Cor:15:14). Traditionally, Christianity has believed in a physical resurrection of Jesus Christ. <ref>http://www.iclnet.org/pub/resources/text/cri/cri-jrnl/crj0056a.txt</ref> + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − In recent history [[Christian apologetics|Christian apologists]] Gary Habermas is considered the foremost apologist for defending the resurrection of Jesus. <ref>http://www.garyhabermas.com/articles/dialog_rexperience/dialog_rexperiences.htm</ref><ref>http://www.tektonics.org/books/lichabrvw.html</ref><ref>http://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/Ted_Hildebrandt/NTeSources/NTArticles/CTR-NT/Habermas-Resurrection1-CTR.pdf </ref><ref>http://faculty.gordon.edu/hu/bi/Ted_Hildebrandt/NTeSources/NTArticles/CTR-NT/Habermas-Resurrection2-CTR.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.garyhabermas.com/articles/crj_explainingaway/crj_explainingaway.htm</ref><ref>http://www.apologetics.com/default.jsp?bodycontent=/articles/historical_apologetics/habermas-nt.html</ref> Dr. Habermas had a debate against the philosopher Anthony Flew regarding the resurrection which was chronicled in the work ''Did Jesus Rise from the Dead? The Resurrection Debate'' and the debate had a panel of debate judges. J. Hampton Keathley, III , Th.M. in his essay ''Evidences for the Resurrection'' wrote: "The decision of the judges were as follows. The panel of philosophers judging content cast four votes for Habermas who argued for the fact of the resurrection, none for Flew, and one draw. The panel of professional debate judges voted three to two, also in favor of Habermas, this time regarding the method of argumentation technique." <ref>http://www.bible.org/page.asp?page_id=639</ref>+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + − In recent history some notable defenders of the resurrection include: [[William Lane Craig]], [[Lee Strobel]], [[Josh McDowell]], [[Edwin M. Yamauchi]], [[N.T. Wright]] and [[Michael Horner]]. <ref>http://www.leaderu.com/offices/billcraig/menus/historical.html</ref><ref>http://www.leaderu.com/everystudent/easter/articles/josh2.html</ref><ref>http://www.leaderu.com/everystudent/easter/articles/yama.html</ref><ref>http://www.ntwrightpage.com/Wright_Early_Traditions.htm</ref><ref>http://www.michaelhorner.com/articles/resurrection/index.html</ref>+ + + + + + + + + + + + + − Legal scholars such as [[Simon Greenleaf]], [[John Warwick Montgomery]] and many others have asserted that western legal standards argue for the resurrection of Christ. <ref>http://www.bibleteacher.org/sgtestimony.htm</ref><ref>http://www.mtio.com/articles/bissart1.htm</ref><ref>http://lawreligionculturereview.blogspot.com/2005_01_01_lawreligionculturereview_archive.html</ref><ref>http://www.trinitysem.edu/journal/philjohnsonpap.html</ref> Defenders of the resurrection of Christ also cite many distinguished legal authorities regarding the historicity of the resurrection of Christ. <ref>http://www.ankerberg.com/Articles/apologetics/AP0302W3.htm</ref>+ − + − In what is called the [[Great Commission]], Jesus sent his disciples out into the world to preach the Gospel (literally "good news") and make disciples.+ − :'''Great Commission''' − :''But the eleven disciples proceeded to [[Galilee]], to the mountain which Jesus had designated. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in [[heaven]] and on [[earth]]." Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the [[#God the Father|Father]] and the [[#God the Son|Son]] and the [[#God the Holy Spirit|Holy Spirit]], teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."'' --[[Gospel According to Matthew|Matthew]] 28:16-20 [[New American Standard Bible|NASB]] − It should be noted, however, that Jesus said it was the Holy Spirit, not man, who was sent to convict the world concerning sin and righteousness (John 16:8). This relieves Christians of needing to worry when they evangelize. God is the one who gets the credit with the growth and maturity of the Church: "So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but God who causes the growth" (1 Corinthians 3:7).+ + + + + − == See also ==+ − '''Denominations'''+ − *[[Protestant]]+ − **[[Amish]]+ − **[[Baptist]]+ − **[[Church of England]] or ''Anglican Church'' − **[[Episcopal Church in the United States of America]] (or ''Episcopal Church'' or ''Episcopalians'') (Non-UK branch of the Anglican Church) − **[[Evangelicalism]] − **[[Fundamentalism]] − **[[Lutheran]] − **[[Methodist]] − **[[Presbyterian]] − **[[Liberal Christianity]] − **[[Mennonite]] − **[[Pentecostal]] − *[[Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints|Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] − − − '''Other articles'''+ − *[[Christian apologetics]] (Defense of Christianity) − *[[Conservative Christianity]] − *[[Persecution of Christians]] − *[[Judaism]] − + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + − + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +
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[[Image:Christianity_percentage_by_country.PNG|thumb|right|450px|Christianity percentage by country]]
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{{Christianity}}
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{{Portal|Christianity}}
'''Christianity''' is a [[Monotheism#Christian view|monotheistic]]<ref name="Monotheism">The [[Catholic Encyclopedia]], Volume IX, [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10499a.htm ''Monotheism'']; [[William F. Albright]], ''From the Stone Age to Christianity''; [[H. Richard Niebuhr]], ; About.com, [http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/monotheisticreligions/ ''Monotheistic Religion resources'']; Jonathan Kirsch, ''God Against the Gods''; Linda Woodhead, ''An Introduction to Christianity''; [[Columbia Encyclopedia|The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia]] [http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/society/A0833762.html ''Monotheism'']; The New Dictionary of [[Cultural literacy|Cultural Literacy]], [http://www.bartleby.com/59/5/monotheism.html ''monotheism'']; New Dictionary of Theology, [http://www.ntwrightpage.com/Wright_NDCT_Paul.htm ''Paul''] pp. 496-99;
<blockquote>I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the only-begotten, begotten of the Father before all ages. Light of Light; true God of true God; begotten, not made; of one essence with the Father, by whom all things were made; who for us men and for our salvation came down from heaven, and was incarnate of the Holy Spirit and the Virgin Mary, and became man. And He was crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered, and was buried. And the third day He rose again, according to the Scriptures; and ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father; and He shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead; whose Kingdom shall have no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life, who proceeds from the Father; who with the Father and the Son together is worshipped and glorified; who spoke by the prophets. In one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church. I acknowledge one baptism for the remission of sins. I look for the [[Resurrection|resurrection]] of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.</blockquote>
David Vincent Meconi, "Pagan Monotheism in Late Antiquity" in ''Journal of Early Christian Studies'' pp. 111–12</ref> [[religion]] centered on the life and teachings of [[Jesus|Jesus of Nazareth]] as presented in the [[New Testament]].<ref>[[BBC]], [http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/ ''BBC - Religion & Ethics - Christianity'']</ref> Christians believe Jesus to be the [[Son of God]] and the [[Messiah]] [[Bible prophecy|prophesied]] in the [[Old Testament]]. With an estimated 2.1 billion adherents in 2001, Christianity is the [[major religious groups|world's largest religion]].<ref name="Adherents">Adherents.com, [http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html ''Religions by Adherents'']</ref> It is the predominant religion in [[Europe]], the [[Americas]], [[Southern Africa]], the [[Philippines|Philippine Islands]] and [[Oceania]].<ref>See [[Christianity by country]] for a detailed list.</ref> It is also growing rapidly in Asia, particularly in [[Christianity in China|China]] and [[Christianity in Korea|South Korea]].<ref name=ChristianGrowth> WorthyNews.com, [http://www.worthynews.com/news-features/compass-china-survey.html ''Growth of Christianity in China'']; LutherProduction.com, [http://demo.lutherproductions.com/historytutor/basic/modern/stories/christ-korea.htm ''Growth in South Korea'']; Xhist.com, [http://www.kimsoft.com/1997/xhist.htm '' History of Christianity in Korea'']</ref>
Christianity shares its origins and many [[religious texts]] with Judaism, specifically the [[Tanakh|Hebrew Bible]], known to Christians as the [[Old Testament]].<ref name="sect1">{{nkjv|Acts|3:1|Acts 3:1}}; {{nkjv|Acts|5:27-42|Acts 5:27 – 42}}; {{nkjv|Acts|21:18-26|Acts 21:18 – 26}}; {{nkjv|Acts|24:5|Acts 24:5}}; {{nkjv|Acts|24:14|Acts 24:14}}; {{nkjv|Acts|28:22|Acts 28:22}}; {{nkjv|Romans|1:16|Romans 1:16}}; Tacitus, ''Annales'' xv 44; Josephus ''Antiquities'' xviii 3; Mortimer Chambers, ''The Western Experience Volume II'' chapter 5; ''The Oxford Dictionary of the Jewish Religion'' page 158. </ref> Like [[Judaism]] and [[Islam]], Christianity is classified as an [[Abrahamic religion]] (''see also, [[Judeo-Christian]]'').<ref name="J.Smith98">J.Z.Smith 98, p.276</ref><ref name="Anidjar2001">Anidjar 2001, p.3</ref>
The name ''"Christian"'' ([[Greek language|Greek]] {{polytonic|''Χριστιανός''}} [http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/strongs.pl?strongs=5546 Strong's G5546]), meaning ''"belonging to Christ"'' or ''"partisan of Christ"'',<ref>[http://www.lafayette.edu/press/magazine/June06/class.html Eric Ziolkowski, ''Making the familiar strange'']</ref> was first applied to the [[Disciple (Christianity)|disciples]] in [[Antioch]], as recorded in {{nkjv|Acts|11:26|Acts 11:26}}.<ref>E. Peterson, "Christianus" pp. 353-72</ref> The earliest recorded use of the term ''"Christianity"'' (Greek {{polytonic|''Χριστιανισμός''}}) is by [[Ignatius of Antioch]].<ref>Walter Bauer, ''Greek-English Lexicon''; Ignatius [http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/ignatius-magnesians-roberts.html Letter to the Magnesians] 10, [[Epistle to the Romans|Letter to the Romans]] ([http://www.ccel.org/fathers2/ANF-01/anf01-19.htm#P1838_311890 Roberts-Donaldson tr.], [http://earlychristianwritings.com/text/ignatius-romans-lightfoot.html Lightfoot tr.], [http://www.ccel.org/l/lake/fathers/ignatius-romans.htm Greek-text]). However, an [http://earlychristianwritings.com/text/ignatius-romans-roberts.html edition] presented on some websites, one that otherwise corresponds exactly with the Roberts-Donaldson translation, renders this passage to the interpolated inauthentic longer recension of Ignatius's letters, which does not contain the word "Christianity".</ref>
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===God===
==Beliefs==
[[Image:Vladimirskaya.jpg|right|thumb|200px|left|A depiction of Jesus and Mary, the [[Theotokos of Vladimir]] (12th century)]]
Although Christianity has always had a significant diversity of belief, mainstream Christianity considers certain core doctrines essential.
===Jesus===
===Jesus Christ===
{{main| Jesus}}
As indicated by the name "Christianity", the focus of Christian theology is a belief in [[Jesus]] as the ''[[Messiah]]'' or ''[[Christ]]''. The title "Messiah" comes from the [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] word מָשִׁיחַ (''māšiáħ'') meaning "''the anointed one''" or "''King''." The Greek translation {{polytonic|''Χριστός''}} (''Christos'') is the source of the English word [[Christ (title)|''Christ'']].
Christians believe that, as the Messiah, Jesus was anointed as ruler and savior of humanity, and hold that Jesus's coming was the fulfilment of [[Messianic prophecies of Jesus|messianic prophecies]] of the [[Old Testament]]. The Christian concept of the Messiah differs significantly from [[Jewish Messiah|the contemporary Jewish concept]].<ref>Jewfaq.org, [http://www.jewfaq.org/moshiach.htm ''The Messiah'']</ref> The core Christian belief is that, through [[Death and Resurrection of Jesus|the death and resurrection of Jesus]], the perfect Son of God, mankind is reconciled to God and thereby attains salvation by grace and the promise of [[Immortality|eternal life]] to all who trust in Christ. The need for salvation was caused by [[original sin]].
"'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.' This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 22:37-39; Deuteronomy 6:5; Leviticus 19:18)
While there have been theological disputes over the nature of Jesus, most Christians believe that Jesus is [[Incarnation (Christianity)|God incarnate]] and "[[Hypostatic union|true God and true man]]" (or both fully divine and fully human). Jesus, [[Incarnation (Christianity)|having become fully human]] in all respects, including the aspect of [[death|mortality]], suffered the pains and temptations of mortal man, yet he did not sin. As fully God, he defeated death and rose to life again. According to the [[Bible]], "God raised him from the dead",<ref>{{bibleverse||Acts|2:24|NIV}}, {{bibleverse||Romans|10:9|NIV}}, {{bibleverse|1|Cor|15:15|NIV}}, {{bibleverse||Acts|2:31-32}}, {{bibleverse-nb||Acts|3:15}}, {{bibleverse-nb||Acts|3:26}}, {{bibleverse-nb||Acts|4:10}}, {{bibleverse-nb||Acts|5:30}}, {{bibleverse-nb||Acts|10:40-41}}, {{bibleverse-nb||Acts|13:30}}, {{bibleverse-nb||Acts|13:34}}, {{bibleverse-nb||Acts|13:37}}, {{bibleverse-nb||Acts|17:30-31}}, {{bibleverse|1|Cor|6:14}}, {{bibleverse|2|Cor|4:14}}, {{bibleverse||Gal|1:1}}, {{bibleverse||Eph|1:20}}, {{bibleverse||Col|2:12}}, {{bibleverse|1|Thess|1:10}}, {{bibleverse||Heb|13:20}}, {{bibleverse|1|Pet|1:3}}, {{bibleverse-nb|1|Pet|1:21}}</ref> he [[Ascension|ascended to heaven]], to the "right hand of God",<ref>{{bibleverse||Mark|16:19}}, {{bibleverse||Luke|22:69}}, {{bibleverse||Acts|2:33}}, {{bibleverse-nb||Acts|5:31}}, {{bibleverse-nb||Acts|7:55-56}}, {{bibleverse||Romans|8:34}}, {{bibleverse||Eph|1:20}}, {{bibleverse||Col|3:1}}, {{bibleverse||Hebrews|1:3}}, {{bibleverse-nb||Hebrews|1:13}}, {{bibleverse-nb||Hebrews|10:12}}, {{bibleverse-nb||Hebrews|12:2}}, {{bibleverse|1|Peter|3:22}}</ref> and will [[Second Coming|return again]]<ref>{{bibleverse||Acts|1:9-11}}</ref> to fulfil the rest of [[Messianic prophecy]] such as the [[Resurrection of the dead]], the [[Last Judgment]] and establishment of the [[Kingdom of God]] (See also [[Messianism]] and [[Messianic Age]]).
According to the [[Gospel]]s, Jesus was conceived by the [[Holy Spirit]] and [[Nativity of Jesus|born]] from the [[Mary (mother of Jesus)|the virgin Mary]]. Little of Jesus' childhood is recorded in the Gospels compared to his adulthood, especially the week before his death. The Biblical accounts of Jesus' ministry include [[Baptism of Jesus|his baptism]], [[Miracles attributed to Jesus|miracles]], [[Ministry of Jesus|teachings and deeds]].
===Death and Resurrection===
{{main|Death and Resurrection of Jesus}}
Jesus Christ affirmed, "By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35)
[[Image:Cristo Velázquez lou2.jpg|thumb|left|150px|The Crucifixion by Diego Velázquez (17th Century)]]
Most Christians consider the death of Jesus, followed by his resurrection, the cornerstone of their faith<ref>{{niv|1_Corinthians|15:13-17|1 Corinthians 15:13-17}}</ref> and the most important event in history.<ref>Gospelcom.net, [http://dailywisdom.gospelcom.net/dw_static/dw-level2.html ''The Most Important Event in History'']; World-faiths.com, [http://www.world-faiths.com/Christianity/christianity.htm ''Christianity'']; [[Hank Hanegraaff]], ''Resurrection: The Capstone in the Arch of Christianity''</ref>
According to the Gospels, Jesus and his followers went to Jerusalem the week of the [[Passover]] where they were [[triumphal entry|eagerly greeted]] by a crowd. In Jerusalem, Jesus [[Jesus and the Money Changers|cleansed the Temple]],<ref>According to the Synoptic Gospels ({{niv|Matthew|21:12-13|Matthew 21:12-13}} and parallel passages), this occurred in the last week of Jesus' life, but {{niv|John|2:13-17|John 2:13-17}} narrates a similar event early in his account of Jesus' ministry.</ref> and predicted its destruction<ref>{{niv|Matthew|24:1-2|Matthew 24:1-2}}, {{niv|Mark|13:2|Mark 13:2}}, {{niv|Luke|21:5-6|Luke 21:5-6}}</ref> - heightening conflict with the Jewish authorities who were plotting his death.<ref>{{niv|Mark|14:1|Mark 14:1}}</ref>
After sharing his [[Last Supper|last meal]] with his disciples, Jesus went to pray in the [[Garden of Gethsemane]] where he was betrayed by his disciple [[Judas Iscariot]] and [[Arrest of Jesus|arrested]] by the temple guard on orders from the [[Sanhedrin]] and the high priest [[Caiaphas]]. Jesus was [[Sanhedrin Trial of Jesus|convicted by the Sanhedrin]] of blasphemy and transferred to the [[Roman governor]] [[Pontius Pilate|Pilate]], who had him crucified for inciting rebellion. Jesus died by late afternoon and was entombed.
Christians believe that God raised Jesus from the dead on the third day, that Jesus appeared to his apostles and other disciples, [[Great Commission|commissioned]] his disciples to "make disciples of all nations, baptizing them [[In the Name of the Father|in the name of the Father]] and of the Son (Jesus) and of the Holy Spirit."<ref>{{niv|Matthew|28:19|Matthew 28:19}}</ref> and [[Ascension|ascended]] to [[heaven]]. Christians also believe that God sent the disciples the Holy Spirit (or [[Paraclete]]).<ref>{{niv|John|20:21-22|John 20:21-22}}, {{niv|Acts|2:1-4|Acts 2:1-4}}</ref>
===Salvation===
===Salvation===
The Bible teaches that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). This is often interpreted to mean that everyone has displeased God and is now separated from him in a kind of alienation and enmity that results from the fundamental conflict between selfish human interests and God's interests (Romans 8:5-8; James 4:4).
{{main|Salvation}}
Christians believe [[salvation]] is a gift by [[Divine grace|unmerited grace of God]], who sent Jesus as the savior. Christians believe that through faith in Jesus one can be saved from [[sin]] and spiritual [[death]]. The crucifixion of Jesus is explained as an [[Atonement|atoning]] [[Sacrifice#Sacrifice in Christianity|sacrifice]], which, in the words of the [[Gospel of John]], "takes away the sins of the world". Reception of salvation is related to [[justification (theology)|justification]].<ref>{{niv|Romans|6:23|Romans 6:23}}, {{niv|Ephesians|2:8-9|Ephesians 2:8-9}}</ref>
The operation and effects of grace are understood differently by different traditions. [[Catholicism]] and Eastern Orthodoxy teach the necessity of the [[free will]] to cooperate with grace.<ref>Catechism of the Catholic Church, [http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p3s1c3a2.htm Grace and Justification]</ref> [[Reformed theology]] places distinctive emphasis on grace by teaching that mankind is completely [[total depravity|incapable of self-redemption]], but the grace of God overcomes [[Irresistible grace|even the unwilling heart]].<ref>Westminster Confession, [http://www.pcanet.org/general/cof_chapvi-x.htm#chapx Chapter X];
[[Charles Spurgeon]], [http://www.spurgeon.org/calvinis.htm ''A Defense of Calvinism'']
</ref>
===The Trinity===
{{main|Trinity}}
[[Image:Andrej Rublëv 001.jpg|left|thumb|215px|The [[Hospitality of Abraham]] by Andrei Rublev: The three angels represent the three persons of God]]
Most Christians believe that God is spirit (''{{bibleverse||John|4:24}}''), an uncreated, [[Omnipotence|omnipotent]] and eternal being, the creator and sustainer of all things, who works the redemption of the world through his Son, Jesus Christ.
Against this background, belief in the [[Christology|divinity of Christ]] and the Holy Spirit was expressed as the doctrine of the [[Holy Trinity]],<ref>J.N.D. Kelly, ''Early Christian Doctrines'' pp. 87-90; T. Desmond Alexander, ''New Dictionary of Biblical Theology'' pp. 514-515; Alister E. McGrath, ''Historical Theology'' p. 61.</ref>, which describes the single Divine [[Ousia|''substance'']] existing as three distinct and inseparable ''persons'': the [[God the Father|Father]], the Son ([[Jesus|Jesus Christ]] the [[Jesus Christ the Logos|eternal Word]]), and the [[Holy Spirit]]. According to the doctrine, God is not divided in the sense that each person has a third of the whole; rather, each person is considered to be fully God (''see [[Perichoresis]]''). The distinction lies in their relations, the Father being unbegotten, the Son begotten of the Father, and the Holy Spirit proceeding.<ref>Vladimir Lossky [http://home.versatel.nl/chotki/God%20in%20Trin.htm ''God in Trinity'']; [[Loraine Boettner]], [http://www.caledonianfire.org/caledonianfire/Boettner/trinity/t5.htm ''One Substance, Three Persons'']</ref> "Begotten", in these formulae, does not refer to Mary's conceiving Jesus, but to the Son's relationship to the Father, which is described as being "eternally begotten" of the Father.
Trinitarian Christian also conceive of salvation as one work of the triune God, in which "the three divine persons act together as one, and manifest their own proper characteristics."<ref>For an example from Reformed theology see: John Hendryx, [http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/monergism_short.html ''The Work of the Trinity in Monergism'']; for the Catholic view see: [http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p1s1c2a1.htm#50 Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraph 50)] part 1, section 2, Chapter Two.</ref>
Trinitarian Christians trace the orthodox formula of the Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — back to the resurrected Jesus himself, who used this phrase in the [[Great Commission]] ({{bverse|Matthew|28:16-20}}).
Most Christians believe the Holy Spirit inspired the Scriptures,<ref>Catechism of the Catholic Church, [http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p1s1c2a3.htm#II '' Sacred Scripture'']; ''Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy'', [http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/creeds/chicago.htm ''online text'']; {{niv|2_Timothy|3:16|2 Timothy 3:16}}; {{niv|2_Peter|1:21|2 Peter 1:21}}</ref> and that his active participation in a believer's life (even to the extent of "indwelling" within the believer), joining the believer's free actions with his own, is essential to living a Christian life.<ref>{{niv|John|16:7-14|John 16:7-14}}; {{niv|1_Corinthians|2:10|1 Corinthians 2:10ff}}</ref> In Catholic, Orthodox, and some Anglican theology, this indwelling is received through the sacrament called [[Confirmation (sacrament)|Confirmation]] or, in the East, [[Chrismation]]. Most Protestant traditions teach that the gift of the Holy Spirit is symbolized by baptism; however some (Baptists and comparable groups) do not attribute any sacramental significance to baptism. Pentecostal and Charismatic Protestants believe the [[baptism with the Holy Spirit]] is a distinct experience separate from other experiences like conversion or water baptism, and many Pentecostals believe it will always—or at least usually—be evident through [[glossolalia]] (speaking in tongues).
====Non-Trinitarians====
{{main|Nontrinitarianism}}
In antiquity, and again following the Reformation, several sects advocated views contrary to the Trinity. These views were rejected by many bishops such as [[Irenaeus]] and subsequently by the [[Ecumenical Council]]s. During the Reformation, though most Catholics, Orthodox, and Protestants accepted the value of many of the Councils, some groups rejected these councils as spiritually tainted.<ref>MacCulloch, ''Reformation'' pp. 185, 187</ref> [[Clement Ziegler]], [[Casper Schwenckfeld]], and [[Melchior Hoffman]] advanced the view that Christ was only divine and not human. [[Michael Servetus]] denied the divinity of Christ, as did others who were tried at Augsburg in 1527.<ref>MacCulloch, ''Reformation'' pp. 186-8</ref>
Modalists, such as [[Oneness Pentecostal]]s, regard God as a single person, with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit considered modes or roles by which the unipersonal God expresses himself.<ref>William Arnold, [http://www.apostolic.net/biblicalstudies/father.htm ''Is Jesus God the Father?'']; in this way they parallel ancient [[Sabellianism|Sabellians]], see: J.N.D. Kelly, ''Early Christian Doctrines'' pp. 119-123; Robert Letham, ''The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship'' pp. 97-98</ref>
[[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints|Latter-day Saints]] accept the divinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but deny that they are the same being, believing them to be separate beings united only in will and purpose.<ref>{{cite web | last =Hinckley | first = Gordon |title=First Presidency Message: The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost | work =Ensign | date = March, 1998|url=http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/1998.htm/ensign%20march%201998.htm/first%20presidency%20message%20the%20father%20son%20and%20holy%20ghost.htm?fn=document-frame.htm&f=templates&2.0| accessmonthday =September 8 | accessyear=2006}}</ref> (see [[Godhead (Latter Day Saints)|Godhead]])
Present day groups who do not consider Jesus to be God include [[Unitarianism|Unitarians]],<ref>On Unitarians, see: UUA.org, [http://www.uua.org/re/reach/fall01/curriculum/unitarian_views_of_jesus.html ''Unitarian Views of Jesus'']; on connection with Socinianism, see: sullivan-county.com, [http://www.sullivan-county.com/nf0/nov_2000/unitarian1.htm ''Socinianism: Unitarianism in 16th-17th Century Poland and Its Influence''] (Note that the icon at the top of the page expresses Trinitarian theology with a symbolic hand gesture); on this matter they parallel the ancient [[Ebionites]], see: J.N.D. Kelly, ''Early Christian Doctrines'' pp. 139</ref>
descendants of Reformation era [[Socinianism|Socinians]] and [[Jehovah's Witnesses]].<ref> [[Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania]], [http://www.watchtower.org/library/ti/article_05.htm '' What Does the Bible Say About God and Jesus?'']</ref>
===Scriptures===
{{main|Bible}}
Christianity regards the [[Bible]], a collection of [[Biblical canon|canonical]] books in two parts, the [[Old Testament]] and the [[New Testament]], as authoritative: written by human authors under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and therefore [[Biblical inerrancy|inerrant]].<ref> [[Catechism of the Catholic Church]], [http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p1s1c2a3.htm#II ''Inspiration and Truth of Sacred Scripture'' (§105-108)]; Second Helvetic Confession, [http://www.creeds.net/reformed/helvetic/c01.htm, ''Of the Holy Scripture Being the True Word of God'']; [[Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy]], [http://www.reformed.org/documents/icbi.html ''online text'']</ref> Protestants believe that the scriptures contain all [[Revelation|revealed truth]] necessary for salvation (See [[Sola scriptura]]).<ref> Thirty-nine Articles, [http://anglicansonline.org/basics/thirty-nine_articles.htm Art. VI]; [[Westminster Catechism]], [http://www.reformed.org/documents/larger1.html Q. 3]; [[James White]], [http://www.aomin.org/SolaTop.html ''Does The Bible Teach Sola Scriptura?'']</ref>
The Old Testament contains the entire Jewish [[Tanakh]], though in the Christian canon the books are ordered differently and some books of the Tanakh are divided into several books by the Christian canon. The Catholic and Orthodox canons include the Hebrew Jewish canon and other books (from the Septuagint Greek Jewish canon) which Catholics call [[Deuterocanonical books|Deuterocanonical]], while Protestants consider them [[Biblical apocrypha|Apocrypha]].<ref name="Canon">F.F. Bruce, ''The Canon of Scripture''; Catechism of the Catholic Church, [http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p1s1c2a3.htm#IV, ''The Canon of Scripture'' § 120]; Thirty-nine Articles, [http://anglicansonline.org/basics/thirty-nine_articles.html Art. VI]</ref>
The first four books of the New Testament are the [[Gospels]] ([[Gospel of Matthew|Matthew]], [[Gospel of Mark|Mark]], [[Gospel of Luke|Luke]] and [[Gospel of John|John]]), which recount the life and teachings of Jesus. The first three are often called [[Synoptic Gospels|synoptic]] because of the amount of material they share. The rest of the New Testament consists of a sequel to Luke's Gospel, the [[Acts of the Apostles]], which describes the very early history of the Church, a collection of letters from early Christian leaders to congregations or individuals, the [[Pauline epistles|Pauline]] and [[General epistles]], and the [[Apocalyptic literature|apocalyptic]] [[Book of Revelation]].<ref name="Canon"> </ref>
Some traditions maintain other [[Religious text|canons]]. The [[Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church]] maintains two canons, the Narrow Canon, itself larger than any Biblical canon outside Ethiopia, and the Broad Canon, which has even more books.<ref>Ethiopian Orthodox Old Testament, [http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/bible/ethold.stm ''The Bible: The Book That Bridges the Millennia'']
</ref>The [[Latter-day Saints]] hold the Bible and three additional books to be the inspired word of God: the [[Book of Mormon]], the [[Doctrine and Covenants]], and the [[Pearl of Great Price (Mormonism)|Pearl of Great Price]].<ref>The [[Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]], [http://scriptures.lds.org ''The Scriptures, Internet Edition'']</ref>
====Interpretation====
Though Christians largely agree on the content of the Bible, there is significant divergence in its interpretation, or [[exegesis]]. In antiquity, two schools of exegesis developed in [[Alexandria]] and [[School of Antioch|Antioch]]. Alexandrine interpretation, exemplified by [[Origen]], tended to read Scripture allegorically, while Antiochene interpretation adhered to the literal sense, holding that other meanings (called ''theoria'') could only be accepted if based on the literal meaning.<ref>J.N.D. Kelly, ''Early Christian Doctrines'' pp. 69-78.</ref>
Catholic theology distinguishes two senses of scripture: the literal and the spiritual, the latter being subdivided into the allegorical, moral, and [[Anagoge|anagogical]] senses. The literal sense is "the meaning conveyed by the words of Scripture and discovered by exegesis, following the rules of sound interpretation." The allegorical sense includes [[Typology (theology)|typology]], for example the [[Passage of the Red Sea|parting of the Red Sea]] is seen as a "type" of or sign of baptism;<ref>{{niv|1_Corinthians|10:2|1 Corinthians 10:2}}</ref> the moral sense contains ethical teaching; the anagogical sense includes eschatology and applies to eternity and the [[Apocalypse|consummation of the world]].<ref> Catechism of the Catholic Church, [http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p1s1c2a3.htm#III, ''The Holy Spirit, Interpreter of Scripture'' § 115-118]</ref> Catholic theology also adds other rules of interpretation, which include the injunction that all other senses of sacred scripture are based on the literal,<ref>Thomas Aquinas, [http://www.newadvent.org/summa/100110.htm ''Whether in Holy Scripture a word may have several senses?'']; c.f. Catechism of the Catholic Church, [http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p1s1c2a3.htm#III §116]</ref> that the historicity of the Gospels must be absolutely and constantly held,<ref>Second [[Vatican Council]], [http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19651118_dei-verbum_en.html ''Dei Verbum'' (V.19)]</ref> that scripture must be read within the "living Tradition of the whole Church",<ref> Catechism of the Catholic Church, [http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p1s1c2a3.htm#III ''The Holy Spirit, Interpreter of Scripture'' § 113]</ref> and that "the task of interpretation has been entrusted to the bishops in communion with the successor of Peter, the [[Bishop of Rome]]."<ref>Catechism of the Catholic Church, [http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p1s1c2a2.htm#III ''The Interpretation of the Heritage of Faith'' § 85]</ref>
Many Protestants stress the literal sense or [[historical-grammatical method]],<ref>R.C. Sproul, ''Knowing Scripture'' pp. 45-61; [[Greg Bahnsen]], [http://www.cmfnow.com/articles/pt173.htm ''A Reformed Confession Regarding Hermeneutics'' (art. 6)]</ref> even to the extent of rejecting other senses altogether. Martin Luther advocated "one definite and simple understanding of Scripture".<ref name="Foutz">Scott Foutz, [http://www.quodlibet.net/luther.shtml '' Martin Luther and Scripture'']</ref> Other Protestant interpreters make use of typology.<ref>E.g., in his [http://eword.gospelcom.net/comments/matthew/mh/matthew1.htm commentary on Matthew 1] (§III.3) [[Matthew Henry]] interprets the twin-sons of Judah, Phares and Zara, as an allegory of the Gentile and [[Jewish Christians]]. For a contemporary treatment, see W. Edward Glenny, [http://www.biblicalstudies.org.uk/article_typology_glenny.html ''Typology: A Summary Of The Present Evangelical Discussion'']</ref> Protestants characteristically believe that ordinary believers may reach an adequate understanding of Scripture because Scripture itself is clear (or "perspicuous"), because of the help of the Holy Spirit, or both. Martin Luther believed that without God's help Scripture would be "enveloped in darkness",<ref name="Foutz"> </ref> but [[John Calvin]] wrote, "all who refuse not to follow the Holy Spirit as their guide, find in the Scripture a clear light."<ref>John Calvin, [http://www.ccel.org/c/calvin/comment3/comm_vol45/htm/vii.iv.iv.htm '' Commentaries on the Catholic Epistles'' 2 Peter 3:14-18]</ref> The [[Helvetic Confessions|Second Helvetic Confession]] said, "we hold that interpretation of the Scripture to be orthodox and genuine which is gleaned from the Scriptures themselves (from the nature of the language in which they were written, likewise according to the circumstances in which they were set down, and expounded in the light of like and unlike passages and of many and clearer passages)." The writings of the Church Fathers, and decisions of Ecumenical Councils, though "not despise<nowiki>[d]</nowiki>", were not authoritative and could be rejected.<ref> Second Helvetic Confession, [http://www.creeds.net/reformed/helvetic/c02.htm ''Of Interpreting the Holy Scriptures; and of Fathers, Councils, and Traditions'']</ref>
===Creeds===
{{main|Creeds}}
Creeds, or concise doctrinal statements, began as baptismal formulas and were later expanded during the [[Christology|Christological]] controversies of the [[4th century|fourth]] and [[5th century|fifth centuries]]. The earliest creeds still in common use are the [[Apostles' Creed]] ([[Apostles' Creed#Latin text|text]] in Latin and Greek, with English translations) and Paul's creed of {{bibleverse|1|Cor|15:1-9}}.
{{wikisource|Nicene Creed}}
The [[Nicene Creed]], largely a response to [[Arianism]], was formulated at the Councils of [[First Council of Nicaea|Nicaea]] and [[First Council of Constantinople|Constantinople]] in 325 and 381 respectively,<ref> Catholics United for the Faith, [http://www.cuf.org/faithfacts/details_view.asp?ffID=191 ''We Believe in One God'']; Encyclopedia of Religion, ''Arianism''</ref> and ratified as the universal creed of Christendom by the [[Council of Ephesus]] in [[431]].<ref name=ephesus> Catholic Encyclopedia (vol. 5), [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05491a.htm ''Council of Ephesus'']</ref>
The [[Chalcedonian Creed]], developed at the [[Council of Chalcedon]] in 451,<ref> [[Matt Slick]], [http://www.carm.org/creeds/chalcedonian.htm ''Chalcedonian Creed'']; [[History of Christianity|Christian History]] Institute, [http://chi.gospelcom.net/DAILYF/2003/10/daily-10-08-2003.shtml ''First Meeting of the Council of Chalcedon'']</ref>
(though not accepted by the [[Oriental Orthodox]] Churches)<ref> [[British Orthodox Church]], [http://www.britishorthodox.org/113e.php The Oriental Orthodox Rejection of Chalcedon]</ref> taught Christ "to be acknowledged in two natures, inconfusedly, unchangeably, indivisibly, inseparably": one divine and one human, that both natures are perfect but are nevertheless [[Hypostatic union|perfectly united into one person]].<ref>Pope Leo I, [http://www.dailycatholic.org/history/4ecumen2.htm Letter to Flavian]</ref>
The [[Athanasian Creed]] ([[Athanasian Creed#English-Language Translations|English translations]]), received in the western Church as having the same status as the Nicene and Chalcedonian, says: "We worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity; neither confounding the Persons not dividing the Substance."<ref>Catholic Encyclopedia (vol. 2) [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02033b.htm ''Athanasian Creed'']</ref>
Most Protestants accept the Creeds. Some Protestant traditions believe Trinitarian doctrine without making use of the Creeds themselves,<ref>E.g., The [[Southern Baptist Convention]] gives no official status to any of the ancient creeds, but the [[Baptist Faith and Message]] says:
:The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.[http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfm2000.asp#ii]</ref> while other Protestants, like the [[Restoration Movement]], oppose the use of creeds.<ref>http://www.appiusforum.com/restoration.html "The History of the Church", Howard A. White</ref>
===Eschaton and afterlife===
{{main|Christian eschatology}}
Most Christians believe that upon the death of the body, the individual [[soul]], which is considered to be immortal, experiences the [[particular judgment]] and is either rewarded with [[heaven]] or condemned to [[hell]]. The elect are called "saints" (Latin ''sanctus'': "holy") and the process of being made holy is called sanctification. In Catholicism, those who die in a state of grace but with either unforgiven venial sins or incomplete [[penance]] undergo purification in [[purgatory]] to achieve the holiness necessary for entrance into heaven.
At the [[Second Coming|last coming of Christ]], the ''eschaton'' or [[end of time]], all who have died will be [[Resurrection of the dead|resurrected bodily from the dead]] for the [[Last Judgement]], whereupon Jesus will fully establish the [[Kingdom of God]] in fulfillment of [[Bible prophecy|scriptural prophecies]].<ref name="res"> See, e.g., [[Thomas Aquinas]], [http://www.newadvent.org/summa/5.htm ''Summa Theologicum, Supplementum Tertiae Partis''] questions 69 through 99; and John Calvin, [http://www.reformed.org/books/institutes/books/book3/bk3ch25.html ''Institutes of the Christian Religion'', Book Three, Ch. 25].</ref>
Some groups do not distinguish a particular judgment from the [[general judgment]] at the end of time, teaching instead that souls remain in stasis until this time (see [[Soul sleep]]). These groups, and others that do not believe in the [[intercession]] of saints, generally do not employ the word "saint" to describe those in heaven. [[Universal reconciliation|Universalists]] hold that eventually all will experience salvation, thereby rejecting the concept of an eternal hell for those who are not saved.
==Worship and practices==
===Christian life===
[[Image:Bloch-SermonOnTheMount.jpg|thumb|300px|right|[[Christians]] believe that [[Jesus]] is the mediator of the [[New Covenant]] (see [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=65&chapter=8&version=47 Hebrews 8:6])(and [http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1tim2:5&version=31 1Timothy2:5]). His famous [[Sermon on the Mount]] representing [[Mount Zion]] is considered by many Christian scholars to be the [[Typology (theology)|antitype]]<ref>See also [[Expounding of the Law#Antithesis of the Law|Antithesis of the Law]].</ref> of the proclamation of the [[Ten Commandments|Old Covenant]] by [[Moses]] from [[Mount Sinai]]]]
Christians believe that all people should strive to follow Christ in their everyday actions. For many, this includes obedience to the [[Ten Commandments]]<ref>For details, see [[Old Testament#Christian view of the Law]].<ref/>. For other individuals, they see [[The Old Law|the old law]] has been "done away with" and replaced with the New covenant. Jesus taught that the [[Ministry of Jesus#General Ethics|greatest commandments]] were to: "love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength", and to "love your neighbor as yourself".</ref> <ref>{{niv|matthew|22:37-40|Matthew 22:37-40}}</ref> This love includes such injunctions as "feed the hungry" and "shelter the homeless", and applies to [[Expounding of the Law#Love for enemies|friend and enemy alike]]. Though the relationship between charity and religious practice are sometimes taken for granted today, as [[Martin Goodman (historian)|Martin Goodman]] has observed, "charity in the Jewish and Christian sense was unknown to the pagan world."<ref>Martin Goodman, ''The Ruling Class of Judaea: The Origins of the Jewish Revolt Against Rome AD 66-70'', [[Cambridge University Press]], p.65 </ref> Other Christian practices include acts of [[piety]] such as [[prayer]] and Bible reading.
Christianity teaches that one can only overcome sin through divine grace: moral and spiritual progress can only occur with God's help through the gift of the [[Holy Spirit]] dwelling within the believer. Christians believe that by sharing in Christ's life, death, and resurrection, and by believing in Christ, they become dead to sin and are resurrected to a new life with Him.
===Liturgical worship===
[[Justin Martyr]] described second century Christian [[liturgy]] in his ''First [[Apologetics|Apology]]'' (''c''. 150) to [[Roman Emperor|Emperor]] [[Antoninus Pius]], and his description remains relevant to the [[basic structure]] of Christian liturgical worship:
[[Image:Thebible33.jpg|200px|left|thumb|The Holy Bible, [[Crucifix]], and [[Rosary]]]]
:"And on the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together to one place, and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read, as long as time permits; then, when the reader has ceased, the president verbally instructs, and exhorts to the imitation of these good things. Then we all rise together and pray, and, as we before said, when our prayer is ended, bread and wine and water are brought, and the president in like manner offers prayers and thanksgivings, according to his ability, and the people assent, saying Amen; and there is a distribution to each, and a participation of that over which thanks have been given, and to those who are absent a portion is sent by the deacons. And they who are well to do, and willing, give what each thinks fit; and what is collected is deposited with the president, who succours the orphans and widows and those who, through sickness or any other cause, are in want, and those who are in bonds and the strangers sojourning among us, and in a word takes care of all who are in need."<ref>Justin Martyr, [http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-firstapology.html ''First Apology''] §LXVII</ref>
Thus, as Justin described, Christians assemble for communal worship on Sunday, the day of the resurrection, though other liturgical practices often occur outside this setting. Scripture readings are drawn from the Old and New Testaments, but especially the Gospels. Often these are arranged on an [[annual cycle]], using a book called a [[lectionary]]. Instruction is given based on these readings, called a [[sermon]], or homily. There are a variety of congregational [[prayer]]s, including thanksgiving, confession, and intercession, which occur throughout the service and take a variety of forms including recited, responsive, silent, or sung. The [[Lord's Prayer]], or Our Father, is regularly prayed. The Eucharist (also called [[Holy Communion]], or the [[Lord's Supper]]) consists of a ritual meal of consecrated bread and wine, discussed in detail below. Lastly, a collection occurs in which the congregation donates money for the support of the Church and for [[Charitable organization|charitable work]].
Some groups depart from this traditional liturgical structure. A division is often made between "[[High church|High]]" [[church service]]s, characterized by greater solemnity and ritual, and "[[Low church|Low]]" services, but even within these two categories there is great diversity in forms of worship. [[Seventh-day Adventists]] meet on Saturday (the original [[Sabbath]]), while others do not meet on a weekly basis. [[Charismatic movement|Charismatic]] or [[Pentecostal]] congregations may spontaneously feel led by the Holy Spirit to action rather than follow a formal order of service, including spontaneous prayer. [[Society of Friends|Quakers]] sit quietly until moved by the Holy Spirit to speak. Some [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]] services resemble concerts with [[Christian rock|rock and pop music]], dancing, and use of multimedia. For groups which do not recognize a priesthood distinct from ordinary believers the services are generally lead by a [[minister of religion|minister]], [[preacher]], or [[pastor]]. Still others may lack any formal leaders, either in principle or by local necessity. Some churches use only [[a cappella]] music, either on principle (e.g. many [[Churches of Christ]] object to the use of instruments in worship) or by tradition (as in Orthodoxy).
Worship can be varied for special events like [[baptism]]s or [[wedding]]s in the service or significant [[Calendar of saints|feast days]]. In the [[Early Christianity|early church]] Christians and those yet to complete initiation would separate for the Eucharistic part of the worship. In many churches today, adults and children will separate for all or some of the service to receive age-appropriate teaching. Such children's worship is often called [[Sunday school]] or Sabbath school (Sunday schools are sometimes held before rather than during services).
====Sacraments====
{{main|Sacrament}}
{{seealso| Sacraments of the Catholic Church}}
[[Image:Fractio-panis1.JPG|right|thumb|200px|The [[Eucharist]]]]
A [[sacrament]] is a Christian rite that is an outward sign of an inward grace, instituted by Christ to sanctify humanity. Catholic, Orthodox, and some [[Anglicanism|Anglican]] Christians describe [[Christian worship]] in terms of seven sacraments: [[Baptism]], [[Confirmation (sacrament)|Confirmation]] or [[Chrismation]], [[Eucharist]] (communion), [[Penance]] (reconciliation), [[Anointing of the Sick]] (last rites), [[Holy Orders]] (ordination), and [[Catholic marriage|Matrimony]].<ref>For Catholicism: see ''Catechism of the Catholic Church'' §1210</ref> Many Protestant groups, following [[Martin Luther]],<ref>Martin Luther, ''Small Catechism''</ref> recognize the sacramental nature of baptism and Eucharist, but not usually the other five in the same way, while other Protestant groups reject sacramental theology. Latter-day saint worship emphasizes the symbolic role of rites, calling some ''[[Ordinance (Latter Day Saints)|ordinances]]''. Though not sacraments, [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostal]], [[Charismatic movement|Charismatic]], and [[Holiness Churches]] emphasize "[[gifts of the Spirit]]" such as [[spiritual healing]], [[prophecy]], [[exorcism]], [[glossolalia]] (speaking in tongues), and [[laying on of hands]] where God's grace is mysteriously manifest.
====Eucharist====
{{main|Eucharist}}
The [[Eucharist]] (also called [[Holy Communion]], or the [[Lord's Supper]]) is the part of liturgical worship that consists of a consecrated meal, usually bread and wine. Justin Martyr described the Eucharist as follows:
:"And this food is called among us Eukaristia [the Eucharist], of which no one is allowed to partake but the man who believes that the things which we teach are true, and who has been washed with the washing that is for the remission of sins, and unto regeneration, and who is so living as Christ has enjoined. For not as common bread and common drink do we receive these; but in like manner as Jesus Christ our Saviour, having been made flesh by the Word of God, had both flesh and blood for our salvation, so likewise have we been taught that the food which is blessed by the prayer of His word, and from which our blood and flesh by transmutation are nourished, is the flesh and blood of that Jesus who was made flesh."<ref>Justin Martyr, [http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-firstapology.html ''First Apology''] §LXVII</ref>
Orthodox, Roman Catholics, Lutherans, and many Anglicans believe that the bread and wine become the body and blood of Christ (the doctrine of the [[Real Presence]]). Most other Protestants, especially Reformed, believe the bread and wine ''represent'' the body and blood of Christ. These Protestants may celebrate it less frequently, while in Catholicism the Eucharist is celebrated daily. Catholic and Orthodox view communion as indicating those who are already united in the church, restricting participation to their members not in a state of [[mortal sin]]. In some Protestant churches participation is by prior arrangement with a church leader. Other churches view communion as a means to unity, rather than an end, and invite all Christians or even anyone to participate.
====Liturgical Calendar====
{{main|Liturgical year}}
In the New Testament [[Paul of Tarsus]] organised his missionary travels around the celebration of [[Pentecost]]. (Acts 20.16 and 1 Corinthians 16.8) This practice draws from Jewish tradition, with such feasts as the [[Feast of Tabernacles]], the [[Passover]], and the [[Jubilee (Biblical)|Jubilee]]. Today Catholics, Eastern Christians, and traditional Protestant communities frame worship around a [[Liturgical year|liturgical calendar]]. This includes [[Holy Day of Obligation|holy days]], such as [[Solemnity|solemnities]] which commemorate an event in the life of Jesus or the [[saint]]s, periods of [[fasting]] such as [[Lent]], and other pious events such as [[memoria]] or lesser festivals commemorating saints. Christian groups that do not follow a liturgical tradition often retain certain celebrations, such as [[Christmas]], [[Easter]] and [[Pentecost]]. A few churches make no use of a liturgical calendar.
===Symbols===
Today the best-known Christian symbol is the [[Christian cross|cross]], which refers to the method of Jesus' execution.<ref>Catholic-reources.org, [http://catholic-resources.org/Art/Koch-ChristianSymbols.htm ''Christian Symbols'']</ref> Several varieties exist, with some denominations tending to favor distinctive styles: Catholics the [[crucifix]], Orthodox the [[crux orthodoxa]], and Protestants an unadorned cross. An earlier Christian symbol was the '[[ichthys]]' fish (Greek Alpha - α) symbol and anagram. Other text based symbols include '[[Christogram|IHS or ICXC]]' and '[[Labarum|chi-rho]]' (the first two letters of the word Christ in Greek). In a modern [[Latin alphabet|Roman alphabet]], the Chi-Rho appears like an ''X'' (Chi - χ) with a large ''P'' (Rho - ρ) overlaid and above it. It is said [[Constantine I and Christianity|Constantine]] saw this symbol prior to converting to Christianity (see History and origins section below). Another ancient symbol is an [[anchor]], which denotes faith and can incorporate a cross within its design.
==History and origins==
{{main|History of Christianity}}
{{seealso|Timeline of Christianity|Early Christianity}}
{{Seealso|Christian philosophy|Christian art|Christian literature|Christian music|Christian architecture}}
[[Image:Nicaea icon.jpg|right|thumb|An icon depicting the [[First Council of Nicaea]]]]
In the mid-first century, Christianity spread beyond its Jewish origins under the leadership of the Apostles, especially [[Saint Peter|Peter]] and [[Paul of Tarsus|Paul]]. Within a generation an episcopal hierarchy can be seen, and this would form the structure of the Church.<ref>Catholic Encyclopedia, [http://www.newadvent.org/fathers/3801.htm ''Canons of the Council of Nicaea''], especially canon 6.</ref>Christianity spread east to Asia and throughout the Roman Empire, despite [[Persecution of Christians|persecution]] by the Roman Emperors until its [[Edict of Milan|legalization]] by [[Constantine I (emperor)|Emperor Constantine]] in 313. During his reign, questions of orthodoxy lead to the convocation of the first Ecumenical Council, that of [[First Council of Nicaea|Nicaea]].
In 391 [[Theodosius I]] established [[Nicene]] Christianity as the official and, except for [[Judaism]], only legal religion in the [[Roman Empire]]. Later, as the [[political structure]] of the empire collapsed in the West, the Church assumed political and cultural roles previously held by the Roman aristocracy. Eremitic and Coenobitic [[monasticism]] developed, originating with the hermit [[Anthony the Great|St Anthony of Egypt]] around 300. With the avowed purpose of fleeing the world and its evils ''in contemptu mundi'', the institution of monasticism would become a central part of the medieval world.<ref>Jo Ann H. Moran Cruze and Richard Gerberding, ''Medieval Worlds'' pp. 118-119</ref>
Christianity became the established church of the Axumite Kingdom (presently encompassing Eritrea and Northern Ethiopi ) under king Ezana in the 4th century through the efforts of a Syrian Greek named Frumentius, known in Ethiopia as Abba Selama, Kesaté Birhan ("Father of Peace, Revealer of Light"), thus making Ethiopia one of the first christian state even before most of Europe. As a youth, Frumentius had been shipwrecked with his brother Aedesius on the Eritrean coast. The brothers managed to be brought to the [[royal court]], where they rose to positions of influence and converted Emperor Ezana to Christianity, causing him to be baptised. Ezana sent Frumentius to Alexandria to ask the Patriarch, [[Athanasius of Alexandria|St. Athanasius]], to appoint a bishop for Ethiopia. Athanasius appointed Frumentius himself, who returned to Ethiopia as Bishop with the name of Abune Selama.
During the [[Migration Period]] of [[Late Antiquity]], various [[Germanic peoples]] adopted Christianity. Meanwhile, as western political unity dissolved, the linguistic divide of the Empire between Latin-speaking West and the Greek-speaking East intensified. By the [[Middle Ages]] distinct forms of Latin and Greek Christianity increasingly separated until [[Cultural identity|cultural differences]] and disciplinary disputes finally resulted in the [[East-West Schism|Great Schism]] (conventionally dated to 1054), which formally divided [[Christendom]] into the Catholic west and the Orthodox east. [[Western Christianity]] in the [[Middle Ages]] was characterized by cooperation and conflict between the [[Secularism|secular]] rulers and the Church under the [[Pope]], and by the development of [[Scholasticism|scholastic theology and philosophy]].
Beginning in the [[7th century]], [[Islam]] began a long series of military conquests of Christian areas, and it quickly conquered areas of the [[Byzantine Empire]], [[Asia Minor]], Palestine, Syria, Egypt, [[North Africa]], and even southern [[Spain]]. Numerous military struggles followed, including the [[Crusades]], the Spanish [[Reconquista]], the [[Fall of Constantinople]] and the aggression of the [[Ottoman Empire|Turks]].
[[Image:Martin Luther by Lucas Cranach der Ältere.jpeg|right|thumb|125px|Martin Luther]]
In the early [[16th century|sixteenth century]], increasing discontent with corruption and immorality among the clergy resulted in attempts to reform the Church and society. The [[Protestant Reformation]] began after [[Martin Luther]] published his [[95 theses]] in 1517, whilst the [[Roman Catholic Church]] experienced internal renewal with the [[Counter-Reformation]] and the [[Council of Trent]] (1545-1563). During the following centuries, competition between Catholicism and Protestantism became deeply entangled with political struggles among European states. Meanwhile, partly from missionary zeal, but also under the impetus of [[Colonialism|colonial expansion]] by the European powers, Christianity spread to the Americas, Oceania, [[East Asia]], and [[sub-Saharan Africa]].
In the Modern Era, Christianity was confronted with various forms of [[skepticism]] and with certain modern [[Ideology|political ideologies]] such as [[liberalism]], [[nationalism]], and [[socialism]]. This included the [[anti-clericalism]] of the French Revolution, the Spanish Civil War, and general hostility of Marxist movements, especially [[Russian Revolution|the Russian Revolution]].
===Persecution===
{{main|Persecution of Christians}}
{{main|Historical persecution by Christians}}
Christians have frequently suffered from [[Religious persecution|persecution]]. Starting with [[Jesus]], the early Christian church was persecuted by state and religious establishments from its earliest beginnings. Notable early Christians such as [[Saint Stephen|Stephen]], eleven of the Apostles as well as [[Paul of Tarsus|Paul]] died as martyrs according to tradition. Systematic Roman persecution of Christians culminated in the [[Diocletian#Persecution of Christians|Great Persecution]] of Diocletian and ended with the [[Edict of Milan]].<ref>ChristianityToday.com [http://ctlibrary.com/3744 ''313 The Edict of Milan'']</ref> Persecution of Christians persisted or even intensified in other places, such as in [[Sassanids|Sassanid Persia]].<ref>Macro History, [http://www.fsmitha.com/h1/ch22c.htm ''The Sassanids to 500 CE'']</ref> Later Christians living in [[Islam]]ic countries were subjected to various legal restrictions, which included taxation and a ban on building or repairing churches. Christians at times also suffered violent persecution or confiscation of their property<ref>(Lewis (1984) p. 26)</ref>
There was persecution of Christians during the [[French Revolution]] (see [[Dechristianisation of France during the French Revolution]]).<ref>Mortimer Chambers, ''The Western Experience'' (vol. 2) chapter 21</ref> State restrictions on Christian practices today are generally associated with those authoritarian governments which either support a majority religion other than Christianity (as in [[Muslim]] states),<ref>Paul Marshall, ''Their Blood Cries Out''; Worldnetdaily.com, [http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=24886 ''Christians persecuted in Islamic nations'']</ref> or tolerate only churches under government supervision, sometimes while officially promoting state [[atheism]] (as in [[North Korea]]). The [[People's Republic of China]] allows only government-regulated churches and has regularly suppressed [[house churches]] and underground Catholics. The public practice of Christianity is outlawed in [[Status of religious freedom in Saudi Arabia|Saudi Arabia]]. Areas of persecution include other parts of the [[Middle East]], the [[Sudan]], and [[Kosovo]].<ref>see [http://www.persecution.org/newsite/index.php persecution.org];[http://www.christianmonitor.org/ christianmonitor.org]; and Cliff Kincaid, [http://www.aim.org/media_monitor/4610_0_2_0_C/ aim.org ''Christians Under Siege in Kosovo'']</ref>
Christians have also been perpetrators of persecution against other religions and other Christians. Christian mobs, sometimes with government support, destroyed [[Paganism|pagan]] temples and oppressed adherents of paganism (such as the philosopher [[Hypatia of Alexandria]], who was murdered by a Christian mob). Also, [[Jewish]] communities have periodically suffered violence at Christian hands. Christian governments have suppressed or persecuted groups seen as heretical, later in cooperation with the [[Inquisition]]. Denominational strife escalated into [[religious wars]]. [[Witch hunts]], carried out by secular authorities or popular mobs, were a frequent phenomenon in parts of [[early modern Europe]] and, to a lesser degree, North America.
==Christian divisions==
There is a diversity of [[doctrine]]s and practices among groups calling themselves Christian. These groups are sometimes classified under [[Christian denomination|denomination]]s, though for theological reasons many groups reject this classification system.<ref>S. E. Ahlstrom characterized [[denominationalism]] in America as “a virtual ecclesiology” that “first of all repudiates the insistences of the Roman Catholic church, the churches of the 'magisterial' Reformation, and of most sects that they alone are the true Church." Ahlstrom p. 381. For specific citations, on the Roman Catholic Church see the ''Catechism of the Catholic Church'' §816; other examples: Donald Nash, [http://www.crownhillchurch.com/Why_the_Churches_of_Christ_Are_Not_A_Denomination.pdf#search=%22church%20of%20christ%20not%20a%20denomination%22 Why the Churches of Christ are not a Denomination]; Wendell Winkler, [http://www.thebible.net/introchurch/ch4.html Christ's Church is not a Denomination]; and David E. Pratt, [http://www.biblestudylessons.com/cgi-bin/gospel_way/denominations.php What does God think about many Christian denominations?]</ref> Christianity may be broadly represented as being [[Schism (religion)|divided]] into three main groupings:<ref>Encyclopedia Britannica, [http://www.britannica.com/ebc/article-9360716 Christianity]</ref>
* [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholicism]]: The [[Roman Catholic Church]], the largest single body, includes the [[Latin Rite]] and totals more than 1 billion baptized members.<ref name="Adherents" />
* [[Eastern Christianity]]: [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]es, [[Oriental Orthodoxy|Oriental Orthodox Churches]], the 100,000 member [[Assyrian Church of the East]],<ref>Nichols, ''Rome and the Eastern Churches'', pp. 27-52</ref> and others with a combined membership of more than 300 million baptized members.<ref name="Adherents" />
* [[Anglican Communion|Anglicanism]]: The Anglican Communion is a group of Anglican and [[Episcopal Church]]es that are descended from the [[Church of England]]. Most Anglicans don't consider themselves Protestant or Catholic but believe that the Church of England always existed and wasn't formed during the Reformation but rather broke away from the Church of Rome.
* [[Protestantism]]: Groups such as [[Lutheranism|Lutherans]], [[Reformed]]/[[Presbyterian]]s, [[Congregational church|Congregational]]/[[United Church of Christ]], [[Evangelicalism|Evangelical]], [[Charismatic movement|Charismatic]], [[Baptist]]s, [[Methodist]]s, [[Nazarene]]s, [[Anabaptist]]s, [[Seventh-day Adventists]] and [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostals]]. The oldest of these separated from the Roman Catholic Church in the 16th century [[Protestant Reformation]], followed in many cases by further divisions. Estimates of the total number of Protestants are very uncertain, partly because of the difficulty in determining which denominations should be placed in this category, but it seems to be unquestionable that Protestantism is the second major branch of Christianity (after Roman Catholicism) in number of followers.<ref name="Adherents" />
Some Protestants identify themselves simply as ''Christian,'' or ''born-again Christian''; they typically distance themselves from the [[confessionalism (religion)|confessionalism]] of other Protestant communities<ref>Confessionalism is a term employed by historians to describe "the creation of fixed identities and systems of beliefs for separate churches which had previously been more fluid in their [[self-understanding]], and which had not begun by seeking separate identities for themselves — they had wanted to be truly Catholic and reformed." [[MacCulloch]], ''Reformation'' p. xxiv</ref> by calling themselves "non-denominational" — often founded by individual pastors, they have little affiliation with historic denominations. Others, particularly some Anglicans, eschew the term Protestant and thus insist on being thought of as Catholic, adopting the name "Anglo-Catholic."<ref>Thus distinguishing themselves, though "not too much", from "Roman" Catholics — MacCulloch ''Reformation'' p. 510</ref> Finally, various small communities, such as the [[Old Catholic Church|Old Catholic]] and [[Independent Catholic Churches]], are similar in name to the Roman Catholic Church, but are not in [[Communion (Christian)|communion]] with the [[Holy See|See of Rome]]. The Roman Catholic Church was simply called the "Catholic Church" until other groups started considering themselves "Catholic". The term "Roman Catholic" was made to distinguish the Roman Catholics from other groups.<ref>http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/03449a.htm "Catholic", Herbert Thurston, ''Dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus'', The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume III. Published 1908. New York: Robert Appleton Company.</ref><ref>http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13121a.htm "Roman Catholic", The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume XIII. Published 1912. New York: Robert Appleton Company. First published in The Month, Sept 1911.</ref>
[[Restorationism|Restorationists]], are historically connected to the Protestant Reformation,<ref>Ahlstrom's summary is as follows: Restorationism has its genesis with Thomas and [[Alexander Campbell]], whose movement is connected to the German Reformed Church through Otterbein, Albright, and Winebrenner (p. 212). American [[Millennialism]] and [[Adventist|Adventism]], which arose from Evangelical Protestantism, produced certain groups such as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (p. 387, 501-9), the Jehovah's Witness movement (p. 807), and, as a reaction specifically to [[William Miller]], Seventh Day Adventism (p. 381).</ref> do not usually describe themselves as "reforming" a [[Christian Church]] continuously existing from the time of Jesus, but as ''restoring'' the Church that they believe was lost at some point. Restorationists include [[Churches of Christ]] with 2.6 million members, [[Disciples of Christ]] with 800,000 members,<ref> ''Statistical Report: Annual Council of the General Conference Committee Silver Spring, Marlyand, October 6—11, 2006''</ref> [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] with 12 million members,<ref name="Adherents" /> and [[Jehovah’s Witnesses]] with 6.6 million members.<ref>JW-Media.org [http://www.jw-media.org/people/statistics.htm#Jehovah%Witness%Membership%2005 Membership 2005]</ref> Though Restorationists have some superficial similarities, their doctrine and practices vary significantly.
[[Image:ChristianityBranches.svg|600px|thumb|center||A simplified chart of historical developments of major groups within Christianity]]
====Mainstream Christianity====
[[Mainstream]] Christianity is a widely used<ref>Appx 112k [http://www.google.co.uk/search?q=%22Mainstream+Christianity%22 GHits]</ref> term, used to refer to collectively to the common views of major denominations of Christianity (such as [[Roman Catholicism]], [[Protestantism]], [[Anglicanism]], [[Orthodox Christianity]]) as against the particular tenets of other sects or [[Christian denomination]]. The context is dependent on the particular issues addressed, but usually contrasts the [[orthodox]] majority view against [[heterodox]] minority views. In the most [[common sense]], "mainstream" refers to [[Nicene Christianity]], or rather the traditions which continue to claim adherence to the [[Nicene Creed]].<ref>"[[The Nicene Creed]] is the profession of the Christian Faith common to the Catholic Church, to all the Eastern Churches separated from Rome, and to most of the Protestant denominations." The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume XI. Published 1911. New York: Robert Appleton Company.[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/11049a.htm]</ref><ref>"Christian statement of faith that is the only ecumenical creed because it is accepted as authoritative by the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, and major Protestant churches."
''Nicene Creed'' [[Encyclopædia Britannica]]. 2007. Encyclopædia Britannica Online.[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9055702]</ref>
Some groups identifying themselves as Christian deviate from the [[tenets]] considered basic by most Christian organizations. These groups are often considered [[Christian heresy|heretical]], or even non-Christian, by many mainstream Christians. This is particularly true of [[Nontrinitarianism|non-trinitarians]].
==== Ecumenism ====
{{main|Ecumenism}}
{{unreferenced|section called "Ecumenism"|date=February 2007}}
Most churches have long expressed ideals of being reconciled with each other, and in the [[20th Century]] Christian [[ecumenism]] advanced in two ways. One way was greater cooperation between groups, such as the [[Edinburgh Missionary Conference]] of Protestants in [[1910]], the Justice, Peace and Creation Commission of the [[World Council of Churches]] founded in [[1948]] by Protestant and Orthodox churches, and similar national councils like the [[National Council of Churches in Australia]] which also includes Roman Catholics.
The other way was institutional union with new [[United and uniting churches]]. [[Congregational church|Congregationalist]], [[Methodist]], and [[Presbyterian]] churches united in 1925 to form the [[United Church of Canada]] and in 1977 to form the [[Uniting Church in Australia]]. The [[Church of South India]] was formed in 1947 by the union of [[Anglicanism|Anglican]], [[Methodism|Methodist]], [[Congregational church|Congregationalist]], [[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian]], and [[Reformed Church|Reformed]] churches.
Steps towards union on a global level have also been taken in 1965 by the Catholic and Orthodox churches mutually revoking the excommunications that marked their [[East-West Schism|Great Schism]] in 1054; the [[Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission]] (ARCIC) working towards full communion between those churches since 1970; and the [[Lutheran World Federation|Lutheran]] and [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholic]] churches signing The [[Joint Declaration on the Doctrine of Justification]] in 1999 to address conflicts at the root of the [[Protestant Reformation]]. In 2006 the [[World Methodist Council|Methodist church]] also adopted the declaration.
==Current controversies and criticisms==
<!-- Hello. This section is the product of extensive discussion on [[Talk:Christianity]]. Please consider passing proposed changes through the Talk page before making them here. Thank you.-->
{{main|Criticism of Christianity}}
{{See also|Criticism of the Bible}}
There are many controversies surrounding Christianity as to its influences and history.
Jesus Christ taught that "unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). Evangelical Protestants often use the terms "saved" and "born again" interchangeably. Other Christians, notably the Roman Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church use the phrase ''born again'' as a synonym for baptized. "Jesus answered, Amen, amen, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (John 3:5)
*Although historians generally agree that [[historicity of Jesus|Jesus existed]], a few writers propose that [[Jesus as myth|Jesus is a myth]],<ref>Kenneth Latourette, ''Christianity'' p. 394; [[E. A. Wallis Budge]], ''Egyptian Religion''</ref> and have aimed at reconstructing the [[historical Jesus]]. Some such writers depict Jesus as a metaphor for [[Religious experience|spiritual awakening]] or a fictional figure based on [[Egyptian mythology|Egyptian religion]].
*Some writers consider [[Paul of Tarsus|Paul]] to be the founding figure of Christianity, pointing to the extent of his writings and the scope of his [[Missionary|missionary work]].<ref>David Wenham, ''Paul: Follower of Jesus or Founder of Christianity?''</ref> See also [[Pauline Christianity]].
*Members of the [[Jesus Seminar]], and other Biblical scholars, have argued that the historical Jesus never claimed to be divine. They also reject the historicity of the [[empty tomb]] and thus a bodily resurrection, and several other events narrated in the gospels. They assert that Gospel accounts describing these things are probably literary fabrications.<ref>"The empty tomb is a fiction - Jesus did not raise ''(sic)'' bodily from the dead." front flap of ''Acts of Jesus''.</ref>
*Adherents of [[Judaism]] generally believe that followers of Christianity misinterpret passages from the [[Old Testament]], or [[Tanakh]]. (See also [[Judaism and Christianity]].)
*[[Islam|Muslims]] believe that the Christian doctrine of the Trinity is incompatible with [[Tawhid|monotheism]], and they reject the Christian teaching that Jesus is the Son of God, though they affirm the [[Virgin Birth|virgin birth]] and view him as a prophet preceding Muhammad.<ref>Gary Miller, [http://thetruereligion.org/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=122 ''A concise reply to Christianity''].</ref> The Qur'an also uses the title "Messiah", though with a different meaning.<ref>Qur'an, 3:46.</ref><ref>;;[http://www.christiananswers.net/q-eden/quran-jesus.html Mike Tabish, ''What does the Qur'an say about Isa (Jesus)?'']</ref> Muslims dispute the historical occurrence of the crucifixion of Jesus (believing that while a crucifixion occurred, it was not of Jesus).<ref>Answering-Christianity.com, [http://www.answering-christianity.com/crucified.htm ''What does the Holy Qur'an say about Jesus (peace be upon him)''].</ref> Muslims also believe that while Islam's holy book, the [[Quran]], is the word of God, today's [[Bible]] has been corrupted because it has gone through a human editing process.<ref>Answering -Christianity.com [http://answering-christianity.com/contra.htm]</ref>
==See also==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-1-of-3}}
* [[Antinomianism]]
* [[Christian apologetics]]
* [[Christian anarchism]]
* [[Christian calendar]]
* [[Christian communism]]
* [[Christian emigration]]
* [[Christian eschatology]]
* [[Christian existentialism]]
* [[Christian meditation]]
* [[Christian mysticism]]
* [[Christian mythology]]
* [[Christian Perspectives on Human Sexuality]]
* [[Christian symbolism]]
* [[The stories of Christianity|Christian stories]]
{{Col-2-of-3}}
* [[Christian Views About Women]]
* [[Christianity and anti-Semitism]]
* [[Christianity and Freemasonry]]
* [[Christianity by country]]
* [[Christianity in Africa]]
* [[Christianity in China]]
* [[Church]]
* [[Conservative Christianity]]
* [[Criticism of Christianity]]
* [[Emerging Church]]
* [[Historicity of Jesus]]
* [[Homosexuality and Christianity]]
* [[John 3:16]]
{{Col-3-of-3}}
* [[Judaism and Christianity]]
* [[Liberal Christianity]]
* [[List of Christians]]
* [[List of notable converts to Christianity]]
* [[List of Christian Missionaries]]
* [[List of religions]]
* [[Matthew 10:34]]
* [[New Testament view on Jesus' life]]
* [[Progressive Christianity]]
* [[Religious ministry (Christian)|Religious ministries]]
* [[Sabbath]]
* [[Theonomy]]
{{Col-end}}
== Evangelism ==
===History and denominations===
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{{Col-1-of-2}}
* [[Christian theology]]
* [[Wikipedia:Wikiportal/Eastern Christianity|Eastern Christianity portal]]
* [[Great Schism]]
* [[Protestant Reformation]]
{{Col-2-of-2}}
* [[Restorationism]]
* [[List of Christian denominations]]
* [[Social Gospel]]
* [[Third Church]]
*[[Roman Catholic Church]] (Does not regard itself as a denomination, but claims to be the only Church established by Jesus)
*[[Orthodox Church]] (Does not regard itself as a denomination, but claims to be the only Church established by Jesus)
{{Col-end}}
==References==
==Notes==
<div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:3; column-count:3;">
<references/>
<references/>
</div>
==Bibliography==
====Primary sources====
<div class="references-small">
* The [[Bible]]: [http://www.biblegateway.com/ BibleGateway.com] -- [http://www.vatican.va/archive/bible/index.htm Sacred Scripture] -- [http://www.bible.org/netbible/index.htm New English Translation]
</div>
{{col-begin}}
{{col-1-of-2}}
<div class="references-small">
'''A'''
*"''Once More, Once More: Derrida, the Jew, the Arab''" by Gil Anidjar, introduction to: {{cite book |last=Derrida |first=Jacques |authorlink=Jacques Derrida |editor=Gil Anidjar |title=Acts of Religion |url=http://www.arsdisputandi.org/index.html?http://www.arsdisputandi.org/publish/articles/000080/index.html |year=2001 |publisher=Routledge |location=New York & London |isbn=0-415-92400-6/0-415-92401-4 |pages=436}}
* {{cite web|last=Arnold III|first=William|title=Is Jesus God the Father?|url=http://www.apostolic.net/biblicalstudies/father.htm|accessdate=2006-09-07}}
*{{cite book |url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02033b.htm |title=Athanasian Creed |publisher=Catholic Encyclopedia voulme II |year=1909 |origdate=4th century |accessdate=2006-10-25}}
*{{cite web | last = Aquinas | first = Thomas | authorlink = Thomas Aquinas | title = Summa Theologica | url = http://www.newadvent.org/summa/ | accessdate = 2006-10-06}}
'''B'''
*{{cite web |url=http://www.sbc.net/bfm/bfm2000.asp#ii |title=Baptist Faith and Message |publisher=Southern Baptist Convention |accessdate=2006-10-25}}
* {{cite web |last=Boettner |first=Loraine | authorlink = Loraine Boettner |title=One Substance, Three Persons |url=http://www.caledonianfire.org/caledonianfire/Boettner/trinity/t5.htm |accessdate=2006-05-29}}
* {{cite book |last=Bullinger |first=Heinrich |authorlink= Heinrich Bullinger |coauthors=and others |title = Second Helvetic Confession |origyear=1564 | |location= Basel, Switzerland |url =http://www.ccel.org/creeds/helvetic.htm |accessdate=2006-10-21 }}
'''C'''
*{{cite book | last = Calvin | first = John | authorlink = John Calvin | title = Commentary on the Catholic Epistles | origdate=1551 | url = http://www.ccel.org/c/calvin/comment3/comm_vol45/htm/vii.iv.iv.htm | accessdate = 2006-10-07}}
*{{cite book |last=Calvin |first=John |url=http://www.reformed.org/books/institutes/books/book3/bk3ch25.html |title=Institutes of the Christian Religion |accessdate=2006-09-10}}
*{{cite book | title = Catechism of the Catholic Church | publisher = United States Catholic Conference — Libreria Editrice Vaticana | year = 1994, 1997 | location = Città del Vaticano and Washington D.C. | url = http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/ | id = English: hardcover No. 5-109, softcover No. 5-110 |accessdate=2006-10-21 |others=promulgated by Pope John Paul II}}
*{{cite book |url=http://www.carm.org/creeds/chalcedonian.htm |title=Chalcedonian Creed |publisher=Christian Apologetics & Research Ministry |origdate=451 |accessdate=2006-10-25}}
*{{cite web | title = Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy |year=1978 | url = http://www.spurgeon.org/~phil/creeds/chicago.htm | accessdate = 2006-08-26 }}
'''D'''
*{{cite web| title = Dei Verbum | year=1962 | url = http://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_const_19651118_dei-verbum_en.html | accessdate = 2006-10-26 |publisher=Second Vatican Council}}
'''G'''
*{{cite book |title=Geneva Confession |url=http://www.studylight.org/his/ad/cac/con/geneva.html |accessdate=2006-10-20 |origyear=1537}}
'''H'''
*{{cite web | last =Hinckley | first = Gordon | authorlink = Gordon B. Hinckley |title=First Presidency Message: The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost | work =Ensign | date = March, 1998|url=http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Ensign/1998.htm/ensign%20march%201998.htm/first%20presidency%20message%20the%20father%20son%20and%20holy%20ghost.htm?fn=document-frame.htm&f=templates&2.0| accessdate =2006-09-08}}
* {{cite web |last=Hendryx |first=John |title=The Work of the Trinity in Monergism |url=http://www.monergism.com/thethreshold/articles/onsite/monergism_short.html |accessdate=2006-05-29}}
'''I'''
*{{cite book |last=Ignatius of Antioch |authorlink= Ignatius of Antioch |title=Letter to the Magnesians |url=http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/ignatius-magnesians-roberts.html |accessdate=2006-10-22 }}
*{{cite book |last=Ignatius of Antioch |authorlink= Ignatius of Antioch |title=Letter to the Romans |url=http://www.ccel.org/fathers2/ANF-01/anf01-19.htm#P1838_311890 |others=Roberts-Donaldson English translation |accessdate=2006-10-22}}
</div>
{{col-2-of-2}}
<div class="references-small">
'''J'''
*{{cite book |last=Josephus |first=Flavius |title=Antiquities |authorlink=Josephus}}
*{{cite book |last=Justin Martyr |origdate=150 |title=First Apology |others=trans. Roberts-Donaldson |url=http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/justinmartyr-firstapology.html |accessdate=2006-08-01}}
'''L'''
*{{cite book |url=http://www.dailycatholic.org/history/4ecumen2.htm |title=Letter to Flavian, patriarch of Constantinople |publisher=dailycatholic.org |accessdate=2006-10-25 |last=Leo the Great |authorlink=Pope Leo I}}
*{{cite web |last=Lossky |first=Vladimir | authorlink = Vladimir Lossky |title=God in Trinity |url=http://home.versatel.nl/chotki/God%20in%20Trin.htm |accessdate=2006-05-29}}
*{{cite book |last=Luther |first=Martin |title=Small Catechism}}
'''M'''
* {{cite web | title = Moshiach: The Messiah | url = http://www.jewfaq.org/moshiach.htm
| accessdate = 2006-08-26 |publisher=JewFaq.org |year=1998-2001}}
'''N'''
* {{cite web |last=Nash |first=Donald |url=http://www.crownhillchurch.com/Why_the_Churches_of_Christ_Are_Not_A_Denomination.pdf#search=%22church%20of%20christ%20not%20a%20denomination%22 |format=pdf |title=Why the Churches of Christ are not a Denomination |accessdate=2006-10-22 }}
*{{cite book |title=Nicene Creed |others=Greek and English translation |accessdate=2006-10-07 |url=http://www.bergen.edu/faculty/gcronk/creeds3.html |origdate=325 and 381}}
'''P'''
* {{cite web |last=Pratte |first=David E. |url=http://www.biblestudylessons.com/cgi-bin/gospel_way/denominations.php |year=1986 |accessdate=2006-10-22 |title=What Does God Think About Many Christian Denominations? }}
'''S'''
*''Religion, Religions, Religious'', essay by [[Jonathan Z. Smith]], published in book: {{cite book |editor=[[Mark C. Taylor]] |title=Critical Terms for Religious Studies |origyear=1998 |url=http://www.press.uchicago.edu/Misc/Chicago/791572.html |publisher=University of Chicago Press |isbn=978-0226791562 |chapter=fifteen |pages=430}}
* {{cite web |last=Spurgeon |first=Charles |authorlink= Charles Spurgeon |title=A defense of Calvinism |url=http://www.spurgeon.org/calvinis.htm |accessdate=2006-05-29}}
'''T'''
* {{cite book | title = Thirty Nine Articles of the Church of England | origdate= 1563 | url=http://anglicansonline.org/basics/thirty-nine_articles.html |accessdate=2006-10-10}}
* {{cite book |last=Tacitus |title=[[Annals (Tacitus)|Annales]] |authorlink=Tacitus}}
'''U'''
* {{cite web | title =Unitarian Views of Jesus | url =http://www.uua.org/re/reach/fall01/curriculum/unitarian_views_of_jesus.html | accessdate =2006-09-08}}
'''W'''
* {{cite book |title=Westminster Confession |origdate=1643 |publisher=The Committee for Christian Education & Publications |url=http://www.pcanet.org/general/cof_contents.htm |accessdate=2006-10-23}}
* {{cite web | title =What Does the Bible Say About God and Jesus? | work =Should You Believe in the Trinity? | publisher =Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania | date =1989 | url =http://www.watchtower.org/library/ti/article_05.htm|accessdate = 2006-09-07}}
* {{cite web |last=Winkler |first=Wendell |url=http://www.thebible.net/introchurch/ch4.html |title=Christ's Church is not a Denomination |year=1981 |publisher=Star Bible Publications |location=Fort Worth, Texas |accessdate=2006-10-22}}
</div>
{{col-end}}
====Secondary sources====
{{col-begin}}
{{col-1-of-2}}
<div class="references-small">
'''A'''
* {{cite book |last=Ahlstrom |first=Sydney E. |title=A Religious History of the American People |publisher=Yale University Press |location=New Haven and London |year=1972 }}
* {{cite book |title=From the Stone Age to Christianity: Monotheism and the Historical Process |edition=2nd edition |last=Albright |fist=William F. |year=1957}}
* {{cite book |first=T. Desmond |last=Alexander |coauthors=Brian S. Rosner, D. A. Carson, Graeme Goldsworthy |title=New Dictionary of Biblical Theology |publisher=InterVarsity Press |year=2000}}
*{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.bookrags.com/Arianism |title=Arianism |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia of Religion |year=2001-2006 |publisher=Macmillan Reference USA |accessdate=2006-05-05}}
'''B'''
* {{cite book |last=Bauer |first=Walter |authorlink=Walter Bauer |title=Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature |edition=2ed. |year=1979 }}
* {{cite book | last=Bokenkotter |first=Thomas | title=A Concise History of the Catholic Church | location=New York | publisher=Doubleday | year=2004 }}
* {{cite book | last = Bruce | first = F.F. | title = The Canon of Scripture | publisher = InterVarsity Press | date = 1988 | location = Downers Grove, Ill. | ISBN = 083081258X}}
*{{cite book|last = Budge|first = E. A. Wallis|authorlink = E. A. Wallis Budge|year = 1900|title = Egyptian Religion|publisher = Kessinger}}
'''C'''
*{{cite book |last=Cannistraro |first=Philip V. |coauthors=John J. Reich | title=The Western Perspective: A History of Civilization in the West - Volume A To 1500 | location=New York | publisher=Harcourt Brace College Publishers | year=1999 }}
*{{cite book |title=Catholic Encyclopedia |origyear=1913 |url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/index.html |publisher=The Encyclopedia Press |accessdate=2006-10-20 }}
*{{cite book |last=Chadwick |first=Henry |title=East and West: the Making of a Rift in the Church |publisher=Oxford University Press |year=2003 }}
*{{cite book | last = Chambers | first = Mortimer | coauthors = Crew, Herlihy, Rabb, Woloch | title = The Western Experience Volume II: The Early Modern Period | edition = 1st | year = 1974 | publisher = Alfred A. Knopf | id = ISBN 0-394-31734-3}}
*{{cite encyclopedia |encyclopedia=Encyclopedia Britannica |title=Christianity |url=http://www.britannica.com/ebc/article-9360716 |accessdate=2006-07-01}}
* {{cite book |last=Clark |first=Kelly James |url=http://www.calvin.edu/academic/philosophy/virtual_library/articles/clark_kelly_j/trinity_or_tritheism.pdf |format=pdf |title=Virtual Library of Christian Philosophy |chapter=Trinity or Tritheism |publisher=Philosophy Department, Calvin College |accessdate=2006-05-18}}
*{{cite book |last = Cohen|first = Mark|authorlink = Mark Cohen|year = 1995 |title = Under Crescent and Cross: The Jews in the Middle Ages. |publisher = Princeton University Press |id = ISBN 0-691-01082-X }}
*{{cite book |last=Cruz |first=Jo Ann H. Moran |coauthors=Richard Gerberding |title=Medieval Worlds: An Introduction to European History 300-1492 |publisher=Houghton Mifflin Company |year=2004 }}
'''D'''
*{{cite web |publisher=Princeton University |url=http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=christianity |title=Dictionary.com |chapter=Christianity |accessdate=2006-05-18}}
'''E'''
*{{cite book |last=Ellegard |first=Alvar |year=1999 |title=Jesus One Hundred Years Before Christ}}
*{{cite book |title=Easton’s Bible Dictionary |year=1897 |url=http://www.sacred-texts.com/bib/ebd/ebd082.htm |chapter=Christian |accessdate=2006-10-25}}
'''F'''
*{{cite book |last=Ferguson|first=Niall|title=Colossus: The Rise and Fall of the American Empire |publisher=Penguin Books| year=2005 |id=ISBN 0-14-101700-7}}
*{{cite book |last=Fuller|first=Reginald H.|title=[[Reginald H. Fuller#The Foundations of New Testament Christology (1965)|The Foundations of New Testament Christology]] |publisher=Scribners| year=1965 |id=ISBN 0-00-641874-0}}
'''G'''
*{{cite book | title=The Story of Christianity |last=Gonzalez |first=Justo L. | year=1984, 1985, 1999 | id=ISBN 1-56563-522-1}}
'''H'''
* {{cite book |title=Resurrection: The Capstone in the Arch of Christianity |first=Hank |last=Hanegraaff |publisher=Word Publishing }}
*{{cite web |last=Henry |first=Matthew |url=http://eword.gospelcom.net/comments/matthew/mh/matthew1.htm |title=Commentary on Matthew 1}}
* {{cite book |url=http://www.bartleby.com/59/5/monotheism.html |title=The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy |edition=Third Edition |last=Hirsch, Jr. |first=Joseph F. |coauthors=James Trefil Kett |publisher=Houghton Mifflin Company |year=2002 }}
'''J'''
* {{cite book |last=Johnson |first=Paul |authorlink=Paul Johnson (writer) |title=A History of Christianity | location=New York | publisher=Touchstone | year=1979|id= ISBN 0-684-81503-6}}
'''K'''
* {{cite book|last=Kelly|first=J.N.D.|title=Early Christian Doctrines|publisher=Prince Press|date=1960, reprint Aug 2004|location=Peabody, Massachusetts|id=ISBN 1-56563-911-1}}
* {{cite book |title=God Against the Gods: The History of the War Between Monotheism and Polytheism |first=Jonathan |last=Kirsch |year=2004}}
</div>
{{col-2-of-2}}
<div class="references-small">
'''L'''
* {{cite encyclopedia |last=Latourette |first=Kenneth Scott |encyclopedia=Collier's Encyclopedia |title=Christianity |volume=vol. 6 |location=New York |publisher=Macmillan Educational Company |year=1990}}
* {{cite book|last =Letham|first =Robert|title =The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology, and Worship|publisher =P&R Publishing|date =2004|location =Phillipsburg, New Jersey|id=ISBN 0-87552-000-6}}
*{{cite book |last = Lewis |first = Bernard |authorlink = Bernard Lewis |year = 1987 |title = The Jews of Islam |publisher = Princeton University Press |id = ISBN 0-691-00807-8 }}
* {{cite book | title=Mere Christianity |last=Lewis |first=C.S | authorlink = C. S. Lewis | id=ISBN 0-06-065292-6}}
'''M'''
* {{cite book |last=MacCulloch |first=Diarmaid |title=[[The Reformation: A History]] |publisher=Penguin Group |location=New York |year=2003 |id=ISBN 0-670-03296-4}}
*{{cite book |last=Mack |first=Burton |year=2001 |title=The Christian Myth: Origins, Logic, and Legacy. Social formation of myth making}}
*{{cite book |last=Marshall |first=Paul |title=Their Blood Cries Out |coauthors=Lela Gilbert |publisher=W Publishing Group}}
* {{cite book |first=Alister E.|last=McGrath |title=Historical Theology |publisher=Blackwell |year=2000 }}
* {{cite journal |last=Meconi |first=David Vincent |title=Pagan Monotheism in Late Antiquity (review) |journal=Journal of Early Christian Studies |volume=vol. 8 |year=2000 |issue=Spring, number 1}}
* {{cite book | title=Christian Theology: An Introduction |last=McGrath |first=Alister | id=ISBN 0-631-22528-5}}
* {{cite book | title=Christian Theology Reader |last=McGrath |first=Alister | id=ISBN 0-631-20637-X}}
* {{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/society/A0833762.html |encyclopedia=Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia |title=Monotheism |edition=6th ed. |year=2006 |publisher=Columbia University Press }}
* {{cite book |last=Munro |first=Greg |url=http://dlibrary.acu.edu.au/research/theology/ejournal/aejt_2/Greg_Munro.htm |accessdate=2006-10-21 |id= ISSN 1448–632 |publisher=Australian E-Journal of Theology |title=A Book Review of "A World History of Christianity" (ed. Adrian Hastings) |year=2004}}
'''N'''
* {{cite book |title=Rome and the Eastern Churches: a Study in Schism |location=Edinburgh |year=1992 |last=Nichols |first=A.}}
* {{cite book |title=Radical Monotheism and Western Culture |last=Niebuhr |first=H. Richard |year=1960 }}
'''O'''
* {{cite encyclopedia |last=Oden |first=Thomas |encyclopedia=Systematic Theology: an ecumenical trilogy |volume=(1) |title=The Living God |year=1992 |id=ISBN 0-06-066363-4}}
* {{cite encyclopedia |last=Oden |first=Thomas |encyclopedia=Systematic Theology: an ecumenical trilogy |volume=(2) |title=The Word of Life |year=1992 |id=ISBN 0-06-066364-2}}
* {{cite encyclopedia |last=Oden |first=Thomas |encyclopedia=Systematic Theology: an ecumenical trilogy |volume=(3) |title=Life in the Spirit |year=1994 |id=ISBN 0-06-066362-6}}
'''P'''
* {{cite book |last=Pelikan |first=Jaroslav | authorlink = Jaroslav Pelikan |year=1971-1989 |title=The Christian Tradition: A History of the Development of Doctrine }}
* {{cite book |first=E. |last=Peterson |chapter=Christianus |title=Miscellanea Giovanni Mercati I, Studi e testi |location=Vatican City |year=1946}}
'''R'''
* {{cite book |last=Robertson |first=Archibald |authorlink=Archibald Robertson |url=http://ditext.com/robertson/christianity.html |title=The Origins of Christianity |accessdate=2006-10-20 |year=1954, 1962 }}
'''S'''
*{{cite book | last = Sproul | first = R.C. | authorlink = R. C. Sproul | title = Knowing Scripture | publisher = InterVarsity Press | date = 1977 | location = Downers Grove, Ill. | pages = 45-61 | ISBN = 0877847339}}
'''T'''
* {{cite book |last=Tomkins |first=Stephen |year=2005 |title=A Short History of Christianity |location=Lion}}
'''V'''
* {{cite book |editor=Vermes, Geza and Martin D. Goodman (ed.) |title=The Essenes according to the Classical Sources |location=Sheffield |publisher=Oxford Centre for Postgraduate Hebrew Studies and JSOT Press |year=1989}}
'''W'''
*{{cite book |last=Wenham |first=David |title=Paul: Follower of Jesus or Founder of Christianity? }}
*{{cite book |title=An Introduction to Christianity |first=Linda |last=Woodhead |year=2004 }}
'''Y'''
*{{cite book |title=The Decline of Eastern Christianity Under Islam: From Jihad to Dhimmitude: Seventh-Twentieth Century |last=Ye'Or |first=Bat |publisher=Fairleigh Dickinson University Press}}
'''Z'''
* {{cite book |title=The Oxford Dictionary of the Jewish Religion |editor=R. J. Zwi Werblowsky and G. Wigoder (eds.) |location=New York |year=1997 |id=ISBN 0-19-508605-8}}
</div>
{{col-end}}
====Popular Media====
{{col-begin}}
{{col-1-of-2}}
<div class="references-small">
'''B'''
*{{cite web | last = Bahnsen | first = Greg | authorlink = Greg Bahnsen | title = A Reformed Confession Regarding Hermeneutics | url = http://www.cmfnow.com/articles/pt173.htm | accessdate = 2006-10-06}}
'''C'''
*{{cite web |url=http://www.christianmonitor.org |title=christianmonitor.org |accessdate=2006-10-25}}
*{{cite web |url=http://catholic-resources.org/Art/Koch-ChristianSymbols.htm |publisher=CatholicResources.org |title=Christian Symbols |accessdate=2006-10-25}}
*{{cite web |title=Christianity |url=http://www.world-faiths.com/Christianity/christianity.htm |publisher=world-faiths.net |accessdate=2006-10-22 }}
*{{cite web |url=http://christianity.about.com |title=Christianity - General and How to Live the Christian Faith |publisher=About.com, The New York Times Company }}
*{{cite web |title=Christian Today Library |url=http://ctlibrary.com |publisher=ChristianityToday.com |accessdate=2006-10-26}}
*{{cite web |url=http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=24886 |title=Christians persecuted in Islamic nations |accessdate=2006-10-25 |publisher=Worldnetdaily.com}}
'''D'''
*{{cite web |title=New Government Statistics on China's Christians |publisher=WorthyNews.com |last=Davenport |first=Paul |url=http://www.worthynews.com/news-features/compass-china-survey.html |accessdate=2006-10-22}}
'''E'''
*{{cite web |url=http://news.amnesty.org/index/ENGAFR640172005 |publisher=amnesty.org |title= Eritrea: Government must end religious persecution |accessdate=2006-10-25}}
'''F'''
*{{cite web |url=http://chi.gospelcom.net/DAILYF/2003/10/daily-10-08-2003.shtml |title=First Meeting of the Council of Chalcedon |publisher=Christian History Institute |year=1999-2006 |accessdate=2006-10-25}}
*{{cite journal | last = Foutz | first = Scott David | title = Martin Luther and Scripture | journal = Quodlibet Online Journal | publisher = Society of Online Christian Theology and Philosophy | url = http://www.quodlibet.net/luther.shtml | accessdate = 2006-10-06}}
'''E'''
*{{cite web | title = Ethiopian Orthodox Old Testament | work = The Bible: The Book That Bridges the Millennia | url = http://gbgm-umc.org/umw/bible/ethold.stm | accessdate = 2006-10-09}}
'''G'''
*{{cite web | last = Glenny | first = W. Edward | title = Typology: A Summary Of The Present Evangelical Discussion | date = March 1997 | url = http://www.biblicalstudies.org.uk/article_typology_glenny.html | accessdate = 2006-10-10}}
*{{cite web|title=Gnostics, Gnostic Gospels, & Gnosticism|url=http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/gnostics.html| accessdate=2006-05-30}}
*{{cite web |title=Growth of Christianity in South Korea |publisher=LutherProductions.com |url=http://demo.lutherproductions.com/historytutor/basic/modern/stories/christ-korea.htm |accessdate=2006-10-22 }}
'''J'''
* {{cite web |title=Jehovah's Witnesses Membership Statistics |url=http://www.jw-media.org/people/statistics.htm#Jehovah%Witness%Membership%2005 |accessdate=2006-10-22}}
</div>
{{col-2-of-2}}
<div class="references-small">
'''K'''
*{{cite web |url=http://www.kimsoft.com/1997/xhist.htm |publisher=Xhist.com |title=History of Christianity in Korea |first=Andrew E. |last=Kim |accessdate=2006-10-22}}
*{{cite web |url=http://www.aim.org/media_monitor/4610_0_2_0_C/ |publisher=aim.org |accessdate=2006-10-25 |title=Christians Under Siege in Kosovo |last=Kincaid |first=Cliff |year=2006}}
'''M'''
*{{cite web |last=Miller |first=Gary |url=http://thetruereligion.org/modules/wfsection/article.php?articleid=122 |title=A concise reply to Christianity |publisher=thetruereligion.org |accessdate=2006-10-26}}
'''O'''
*{{cite web |url=http://www.britishorthodox.org/113e.php |title=Oriental Orthodox Rejection of Chalcedon |publisher=British Orthodox Church |accessdate=2006-10-25 |year=2006}}
'''P'''
*{{cite web |url=http://www.persecution.org/newsite/index.php |title=persecution.org |accessdate=2006-10-25}}
'''R'''
*{{cite web |url=http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html |publisher=Adherents.com |title=Religions by Adherents |accessdate=2006-05-18}}
*{{cite web |title=ReligionFacts.com |url=http://www.religionfacts.com |accessdate=2006-10-25 |publisher=Religion Facts }}
'''S'''
*{{citeweb |title=Sassanids, to 500 |publisher=Macro History |url=http://www.fsmitha.com/h1/ch22c.htm |accessdate=2006-10-26}}
*{{cite web | title =Socinianism: Unitarianism in 16th-17th Century Poland and Its Influence | url =http://www.sullivan-county.com/nf0/nov_2000/unitarian1.htm | accessdate = 2006-09-07}}
*{{cite web |title=Statistical Report: Annual Council of the General Conference Committee Silver Spring, Marlyand, October 6—11, 2006 |url=http://www.adventistarchives.org/docs/Stats/ACRep2006.pdf |year=2006 |accessdate=2006-11-16 }}
'''T'''
*{{cite web |url=http://dailywisdom.gospelcom.net/dw_static/dw-level2.html |publisher=Gospelcom.net |title=The Most Important Event in History |accessdate=2006-10-23 }}
*{{cite web | publisher= The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints | title = The Scriptures, Internet Edition | url = http://scriptures.lds.org | accessdate = 2006-10-06}}
'''W'''
*{{cite web |url=http://www.cuf.org/faithfacts/details_view.asp?ffID=191 |title=We Believe in One God...: The Nicene Creed at Mass |publisher=Catholics United for the Faith |year=2004 |accessdate=2006-10-25}}
*{{cite web | last = White | first = James | authorlink = James White (theologian) | coauthors = Gerry Matatics | title = Does The Bible Teach Sola Scriptura? | date = November, 1992 | url = http://www.aomin.org/SolaTop.html | accessdate = 2006-10-09}}
* {{cite book |url=http://www.ntwrightpage.com/Wright_NDCT_Paul.htm |title=New Dictionary of Theology |last=Wright |first=David F. |coauthors=Sinclair B. Ferguson, J.I. Packer }}
</div>
{{col-end}}
==Further reading==
{{wikiquote|Christianity}}
{{Commonscat}}
* [http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/ From Jesus to Christ] Perspectives on Jesus and early Christianity from various academics.
* [http://www.bethinking.org bethinking.org Christianity] Treating Christianity as a whole worldview or perspective and looking at the relationship between historic Christianity and contemporary thought.
* [http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/HC02Ae03.html Asia is becoming one of the largest Christian populations in the world in the next 30 years].
* {{cite web | url = http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/christianity/index.shtml | title = Christianity | work = Religion & Ethics | publisher = BBC | accessdate = 2006-04-12}}
* [http://www.bidstrup.com/bible.htm ''The Bible And Christianity - The Historical Origins''] An essay by Scott Bidstrup.
* [[Gillian Clark]], ''Christianity and Roman Society'', Cambridge University Press, 2004, ISBN 0-521-63386-9
* McCabe,J. 'A History of The Popes', (1939), RPA, London.
==External links==
* [http://www.biblegateway.com Bible Gateway] The Bible online.
* [http://www.newadvent.org/ New Advent] A collection of resources including the Church Fathers, the ''Summa Theologica'', the Catholic Encyclopedia, and others.
* [http://www.monergism.com/ Monergism.com] Theological articles grouped by topic.
* [http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/index.htm ReligionFacts.com: Christianity] Fast facts, glossary, timeline, history, beliefs, texts, holidays, symbols, people, etc.
* [http://www.wikichristian.org WikiChristian], a wiki book on Christianity, church history and doctrine, and [[Christian art]] and music
* [http://sor.cua.edu Syriac Orthodox Resources] Large compendium of information and links relating to Oriental Orthodoxy.
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[[jv:Kristen]]
[[kn:ಕ್ರೈಸ್ತ ಧರ್ಮ]]
[[ka:ქრისტიანობა]]
[[kk:Христиандық]]
[[kw:Kristoneth]]
[[rw:Kristendomu]]
[[sw:Ukristo]]
[[ku:Xirîstiyanî]]
[[la:Religio Christiana]]
[[lv:Kristietība]]
[[lb:Chrëschtentum]]
[[lt:Krikščionybė]]
[[li:Christendóm]]
[[ln:Boklísto]]
[[jbo:xi'ojda]]
[[hu:Kereszténység]]
[[mk:Христијанство]]
[[ml:ക്രിസ്തുമതം]]
[[mt:Kristjaneżmu]]
[[mi:Whakapono Karaitiana]]
[[mzn:Messihvar]]
[[ms:Kristian]]
[[mo:Крештинизм]]
[[my:ခရစ္ယာန္ဘာသာ]]
[[nl:Christendom]]
[[nds-nl:Christendom]]
[[ja:キリスト教]]
[[pih:Kreschenitii]]
[[no:Kristendom]]
[[nn:Kristendommen]]
[[nrm:Chrêtchienneté]]
[[oc:Cristianisme]]
[[uz:Masihiylik]]
[[pa:ਈਸਾਈ ਦੀਨ]]
[[ps:عيسويت]]
[[pms:Cristianésim]]
[[nds:Christendom]]
[[pl:Chrześcijaństwo]]
[[pt:Cristianismo]]
[[ro:Creştinism]]
[[qu:Kristiyanu iñiy]]
[[ru:Христианство]]
[[sco:Christianity]]
[[sq:Feja e Krishterë]]
[[ru-sib:Христьянсво]]
[[scn:Cristianèsimu]]
[[si:කිතු දහම]]
[[simple:Christianity]]
[[sk:Kresťanstvo]]
[[sl:Krščanstvo]]
[[cu:Хрїстїаньство]]
[[sr:Хришћанство]]
[[sh:Hrišćanstvo]]
[[fi:Kristinusko]]
[[sv:Kristendom]]
[[tl:Kristyanismo]]
[[ta:கிறிஸ்தவம்]]
[[tt:Xristianlıq]]
[[th:คริสต์ศาสนา]]
[[vi:Kitô giáo]]
[[tg:Дини Насронӣ]]
[[tpi:Kristen]]
[[tr:Hıristiyanlık]]
[[uk:Християнство]]
[[wa:Crustinnisse]]
[[vls:Christndom]]
[[yi:קריסטנטום]]
[[yo:Kirisẹ́ńdọ̀mù]]
[[zh-yue:基督敎]]
[[diq:İsewitine]]
[[zh:基督教]]