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EnglishAbout ChristianityWhat is Christianity?

What Is Christianity?

Christianity is a faith centered on Jesus Christ, who Christians believe is the Son of God and Savior of humanity. It teaches that through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, people can have a restored relationship with God. The core message is love for God and others, forgiveness, and hope of eternal life. The Bible is its sacred text. Christianity is open to all, regardless of background, and invites everyone to believe and receive the gift of salvation.

Core Beliefs

  • God: Christians believe in One God, in Three Persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit.
  • Jesus Christ: fully God and fully human, whose life, teachings, death, and resurrection are central to the faith.

    Jesus’ life, deeds, and teachings can be found in the four canonical gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John (the first 4 books in the New Testament of the Bible) .

  • Salvation: The belief that faith in Jesus brings forgiveness of sins and eternal life with God.
  • The Bible: The sacred scripture, divided into the Old Testament and New Testament, guiding beliefs and practices.

Practices

  • Worship: Christians gather for prayer, singing, and teaching, often on Sundays.
  • Prayer: Communicating with God, both individually and together.
  • Baptism and Communion: Symbolic acts representing faith and remembrance of Jesus.

Major Branches/Denominations

  • Catholic Church: The largest branch, led by the Pope, with a strong tradition and global presence.
  • Orthodox Church: Ancient churches mainly in Eastern Europe and the Middle East, emphasizing tradition and liturgy.
  • Anglican Church: Originating from the Church of England, which was split from the Catholic church, combining elements of Catholic and Protestant traditions, with a global Anglican Communion.
  • Protestantism: Includes many denominations such as Lutheran, Calvinist (Reformed), Baptist, Methodist, and others, which split from the Catholic Church.
  • Evangelicalism: A movement found across many denominations, emphasizing:
    • Personal conversion (being “born again”)
    • The authority of the Bible as the ultimate guide for faith and life
    • Active sharing of faith (evangelism)
  • Other Denominations: Includes various independent, interdenominational, and newer Christian groups that may have unique beliefs or practices, but generally affirm the core tenets of Christianity.

Christianity Worldwide

Christianity is practiced by over 2.3 billion people globally, comprising around 28.8% of the world population. Its adherents, known as Christians, are estimated to make up a majority of the population in 157 countries and territories, with large populations in the Americas (US, Canada, Latin Americas), Europe, Australia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of Asia.

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