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'''Christianity''' is a [[religion]] that follows the teachings of [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]], as described in the books of the [[New Testament]]. It is currently the world's largest religion, with over two billion members. Some forms of Christianity posits that anyone who does not accept Jesus Christ as their personal lord and savior will end up in hell. Other forms say that [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]] is the ultimate judge of who goes to Heaven or Hell.<ref>http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/second-coming-of-christ.htm</ref>

'''Christianity''' is a [[religion]] that follows the teachings of [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]], as described in the books of the [[New Testament]]. It is currently the world's largest religion, with over two billion members. Some forms of Christianity posits that anyone who does not accept Jesus Christ as their personal lord and savior will end up in hell. Other forms say that [[God]], with [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]] at his side,  is the ultimate judge.<ref>http://www.allaboutjesuschrist.org/second-coming-of-christ.htm</ref>

== Beliefs ==

== Beliefs ==

Most Christians believe that [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]] died for their sins and rose from the dead three days after dying. Because of this Christians believe that they must be "born again" spiritually by confessing their sins, taking [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]] as their personal lord and savior, and trying not to sin again.

All Christian denominations teach that [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]] died at the cross and rose from the dead three days after dying. The three most common views are that Jesus had to die to either cleanse humanity from Adam's [[Original Sin]] (predominantly Catholic teaching), that he had to die for '''our''' sins (predominantly Protestant teaching), or that [[Jesus]] was a sacrifice to defeat death or [[Satan]] (predominantly Lutheran teaching).  Most Christian denominations hold to a trinitarian belief in God, and a minority to a unitarian belief.  Similarly, most believe in a conditional salvation, that is, salvation only on the condition of accepting Jesus Christ as you personal savior, while  a minority holds to the position of universal salvation.

Not all Christians and Christian denominations share the same set of beliefs. According to an online Harris poll from 2003 <ref>http://www.harrisinteractive.com/harris_poll/index.asp?PID=359</ref> 99% of all American Christians believe in God,  96% in the resurrection of [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]], 93% in [[Heaven| Heaven]], 93% in the [[Virgin Birth|virgin birth]], 92% in survival of the soul after death, 82% in [[Hell|Hell]], 50% in [[Ghosts|ghosts]], 27% in [[Astrology|Astrology]] and 21% in [[Reincarnation|reincarnation]]. Note, that the latter two beliefs are in opposition to the religous dogma of many Christian [[Christian denominations|denominations]].  Most Christians hold to a trinitarian belief in God, and a minority to a unitarian belief.  Similiarly, most beleive in a conditional salvation, that is, salvation only on the condition of accepting Jesus Christ.  A Minority hold to the position of universal salvation.

As there are different teachings between denominations, there are also different beliefs among practicing Christians. According to an online Harris poll from 2003 <ref>http://www.harrisinteractive.com/harris_poll/index.asp?PID=359</ref> 99% of all American Christians believe in God,  96% in the resurrection of [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]], 93% in [[Heaven| Heaven]], 93% in the [[Virgin Birth|virgin birth]], 92% in survival of the soul after death, 82% in [[Hell|Hell]], 50% in [[Ghosts|ghosts]], 27% in [[Astrology|Astrology]] and 21% in [[Reincarnation|reincarnation]]. Note, that the latter two beliefs are in opposition to the religious dogma of many Christian [[Christian denominations|denominations]].  

== Controversy ==

== Controversy ==

Some Christians, mostly [[fundamentalist Christians]], believe that [[abortion]], [[homosexuality]], [[premarital sex]], and the [[theory of evolution]] are morally wrong. Prominent exponents of secular humanism, but also moderate Christians, tend to characterize the fundamentalists' stance on sexual morality, gender equality, and the teaching of evolution as intractable, prejudicial and sometimes even as immoral. This has caused political problems, given the significant influence of fundamentalist Christians. It should be noted that fundamentalist Christians are a small, but rapidly growing minority.

Some Christians, mostly [[conservative Christians]], believe that [[abortion]], [[homosexuality]], [[premarital sex]], and the [[theory of evolution]] are morally wrong. Prominent exponents of secular humanism, but also moderate Christians, tend to characterize the fundamentalists' stance on sexual morality, gender equality, and the teaching of evolution as intractable, prejudicial and sometimes even as immoral. This has caused political problems, given the significant influence of conservative Christians, especially of fundamentalist groups. It should be noted that fundamentalist Christians are a small, but rapidly growing minority.

== See also ==

== See also ==

*[[Roman Catholic Church]] (Western branch of the Catholic Church)

*[[Roman Catholic Church]] (Western branch of the Catholic Church)

*[[Orthodox Church]] (Eastern branch of the Catholic Church)

*[[Orthodox Church]] (Eastern branch of the Catholic Church)

*[[Christian apologetics]] (Defenses of Christianity)

*[[Lutheran Church]]

*[[Evangelical Christians]]

*[[Conservative Christianity]]

*[[Conservative Christianity]]

*[[fundamentalist Christians]]

*[[Fundamentalist Christians]]

*[[Liberal Christianity]]

*[[Liberal Christianity]]

*[[Judaism]]

*[[Judaism]]