What Is Christianity? A Review of the Essentials

What Is Christianity? Introduction: Christianity is a major world religion, –A“Western” religion (w/ Judaism & Islam) –The largest world religion today (ca. 2 billion) It is based on belief that Jesus of Nazareth is the “Christ” ( “Messiah”) & the “Son of God.” Like most other major world religions, Christianity has several core aspects: –I) History & Development –II) Core Beliefs & Practices –III) Structures & Regulations

What Is Christianity? I-A: History 1)Historical Background: Abraham, Israelites, Hebrews, Jews, OT 2)Historical Foundation: Jesus of Nazareth (crucified ca. AD 30) & his first disciples/apostles 3)Historical Development: Tradition preserved/adapted 2000 years (interplay of both old & new, ancient & modern)

What Is Christianity? I-B: Branches & Subdivisions 1)Major Christian Branches: (Eastern) Orthodox, (Roman) Catholic, Anglican, Protestant, Restorationist, etc. 2)Orthodox, Anglicans, Protestants: O: by nation & language: Greek, Russian… A: by nations: esp. former British colonies P: by leaders/theologies: Lutheran, Reformed… 3)Groups within Catholicism: religious orders & societies (monastic, mendicant, apostolic, etc.), lay groups

What Is Christianity? I-C: Demographics 1)Number of Christians World-wide: ~ 2 billion in 2000; ~ 33% of world population 2)Subdivisions: 1 bill. Catholics; 500 mill. Protestant/Anglican; 250 mill. Orthodox; 250 mill. Other 3)% of Populations: 48% Africa; 85% N. America; 93% S. America; 9% Asia; 76% Europe; 85% Oceania

What Is Christianity? II-A: Foundational Texts 1)The Bible: official collection of books, in two parts: both Old Testament & New Testament 2)The Creeds: short professions of faith, defined by first two Ecumenical Councils: Nicea & Constantinople 3)Other Writings: writings of Church leaders throughout history, esp. founders of orders & denominations

What Is Christianity? II-B: Core Theological Beliefs (Dogmas & Doctrines) 1)One God in Three Persons (Trinity): Father / Almighty / Creator Son / Jesus / Christ / Savior / Lord Holy Spirit / Giver of Life / Paraclete 2)World & Humans: created by God, in God’s image, with free will; originally good, but corrupted by sin/death; 3)Church, Salvation, Eschatology: community of believers; body of Christ; resurrection of the body; eternal life

What Is Christianity? II-C: Core Ethical Teachings (Commandments & Precepts) 1)Foundational Principles: do good & avoid evil; love God, others, self; develop an “informed conscience” 2)Sexual Morality: dual purpose of sex; consistent ethic of life; human relationships; central role of family 3)Social Ethics: dignity of each person; common good; care of the poor/needy; work, participation, property

What Is Christianity? II-D: Religious Practices 1)Calendar, Feasts, & Festivals: Advent & Christmas; Lent & Easter; saints’ days; local & universal festivals 2)Public / Communal Worship: official liturgies, rites, rituals, Sacraments, esp. Baptism & Eucharist; Sunday worship 3)Private / Individual Spirituality: prayer, devotions, pilgrimages, asceticism, retreats, pious/spiritual practices, etc.

What Is Christianity? III-A: Church Organization 1)Churches & Denominations: historical divisions: always! esp. 1054, 1517 but also reunifications & mergers 2)Structures with each Church: indiv. parishes/congregations, local dioceses, national conferences, international associations 3)Leaders within each Church: bishops (incl. Pope, cardinals), priests, deacons, lay ministers; pastors, elders, etc.

What Is Christianity? III-B: Internal Regulations 1)Membership: Who can join? What is the process? (evangelization; catechesis; initiation) 2)Leadership: How are leaders chosen? Who is eligible? 3)Discipline: What are members’ & leaders’ obligations? Sanctions and punishments? (Canon Law)

What Is Christianity? III-C: External Relations 1)Ecumenical Relations: dialogues between Christian denominations; bilateral & international groups (WCC) 2)Inter-religious Relations: dialogues with other major world religions; esp. with Judaism & Islam (historically close) 3)Church/State Relations: cooperation or tensions with political, social, economic, and other secular institutions?

What Is Christianity? REVIEW I.History & Development  Historical Foundations & Development  Branches, Divisions, Demographics II.Core Beliefs & Practices  Foundational Texts: Bible, Creeds, etc.  Central Teachings: Theological & Ethical  Common Practices: Liturgical & Spiritual III.Structures & Regulations  Organization, Leadership, Membership  Internal Rules; External Relations