Christianity

Christianity began with the death of Jesus Christ more than two millennia ago and has remained one of the most powerful forces affecting history throughout that time. Originally a sub-sect of Judaism found in Israel, Christians grew to number over 2 billion by the year 2000. While western nations adopted Christianity in the greatest numbers previously, more believers can now be found in eastern countries as well. The Church, the largest institutionalized religious group in the world, came about due to the spread.

Non-Christians frequently have questions about the beliefs and practices of people who practice Christianity. They might ask: What are Christian’s beliefs about the universe, the realm of spirits, afterlife, people in general and God? What characteristics do they value and how do they create their moral code? Who are the leaders and how are people converted to Christianity? People interested in comparative religions will seek to discover the similarities and differences between this and the two other larger faiths in the world: Judaism and Islam.

Christianity is founded on the monotheistic belief that there is just one God who created the entire universe. (e.g. John 1:1-3, Col. 1:16-17, cf. Gen. 1:1). He is omniscient, or all-knowing, omnipresent, or all-present, omnipotent, or all-powerful and omnibenevolent, or all good based on various Bible teachings. He is holy, merciful, graceful, eternal and unchanging.

While the Christian God is just one God, He is composed of a Trinity: the Father, the Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Prior to 325 AD, when religious leaders met at the Council of Nicaea, there was a sect called Arianism, which stated that Jesus Christ was not truly part of God. The Council decided and affirmed that He was, and the beliefs of Christians through the ages reflect that.