What Is Christianity?
The Founder: Jesus of Nazareth
Christianity traces its beginnings to Jesus of Nazareth, a historical figure whose existence is confirmed by sources outside the Bible. One of the earliest and most notable mentions comes from the first-century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, who described Jesus as a wise teacher and the one known as the Messiah. Josephus also noted his crucifixion under Roman authority and that his followers claimed he rose from the dead — though other historical records remain sparse.
Most of what is known about Jesus comes from the four Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — in the New Testament. These writings were not intended as biographies but as theological testimonies aiming to show Jesus as the Son of God and the world’s Savior. They portray him as both human and divine, embodying God’s presence in the world.
Core Christian Beliefs About Jesus
Christians affirm that Jesus is both fully human and fully divine — one person with two natures. This belief, called the Incarnation, holds that God became “flesh” in the person of Jesus. Through him, Christians believe they encounter the clearest expression of God’s love, compassion, and purpose for humanity.
Jesus’ ministry was radical for its time. He challenged rigid social and religious boundaries, reaching out to society’s marginalized — tax collectors, the sick, women, and those labeled sinners. His actions revealed a God who values mercy over status and love over law.
The Bible
The Christian Bible is a collection of writings regarded as sacred and inspired. It includes historical narratives, poetry, letters, and teachings written by multiple authors over centuries. While some Christians interpret the Bible literally, many understand it as a theological document — one that reveals God’s relationship with humanity rather than serving as a scientific or historical manual.
The Bible is divided into two major sections: the Old Testament (shared in part with Judaism) and the New Testament, which focuses on Jesus and the early Christian movement. The number of books differs by tradition — the Catholic Bible has seventy-three books, while the Protestant version contains sixty-six.
The Christian Community
The Christian Church emerged after Jesus’ resurrection, with the Book of Acts describing its first major moment: thousands were baptized after the disciples preached in many languages through the power of the Holy Spirit. Early followers formed communities across the Roman world, guided by leaders such as Paul, whose letters now form part of the New Testament.
These early churches faced challenges still relevant today — questions of morality, unity, leadership, and doctrine. Over time, different traditions developed, now known as denominations, which continue to share dialogue through what’s called ecumenical efforts.
Most Christian communities gather around two key elements: Word and Sacrament. “Word” refers to scripture reading and preaching, while “Sacrament” refers to sacred acts such as baptism and communion — described by Saint Augustine as “visible signs of invisible grace.”
Christian Teachings
The central teaching of Christianity is the Trinity — one God expressed in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This mystery underscores the belief that God is relational and present in different ways within the world.
Another cornerstone is salvation — the belief that humanity is reconciled to God through Jesus. Traditional Christianity taught that salvation is found through faith in Christ, though modern perspectives have broadened to explore ideas such as universal salvation and interfaith grace.
Living the Christian Faith
Christian life is seen as a journey of justification (being made right with God) and sanctification (growing in holiness). These concepts shape the moral and spiritual life of believers, emphasizing both inner transformation and outward love.
For Further Exploration
Confessions — Augustine of Hippo
Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time — Marcus Borg
The Story of Christianity — Justo L. González
Faith Seeking Understanding — Daniel Migliore
Introducing the New Testament — Mark Allan Powell
