What Is Christianity?What Is Christianity?

A Review of the Essentials

What Is Christianity?

Introduction: 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: HistoryI-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 & SubdivisionsI-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 coloniesP: by leaders/theologies: Lutheran, Reformed…

3) Groups within Catholicism:religious orders & societies (monastic, mendicant, apostolic, etc.), lay groups

What Is Christianity?

I-C: DemographicsI-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 TextsII-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 BeliefsII-B: Core Theological Beliefs (Dogmas & Doctrines) (Dogmas & Doctrines)

1) One God in Three Persons (Trinity): Father / Almighty / CreatorSon / Jesus / Christ / Savior / LordHoly 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 TeachingsII-C: Core Ethical Teachings (Commandments & Precepts)(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 PracticesII-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 OrganizationIII-A: Church Organization

1) Churches & Denominations:historical divisions: always! esp. 1054, 1517but 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 RegulationsIII-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 RelationsIII-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?