Christianity
Monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ
Overview
Christianity is the world's largest religion, with over 2.4 billion followers. It centers on the belief that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the savior of humanity. Christians believe in the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and follow the teachings of the Bible.
Key Beliefs
- Jesus Christ is the Son of God and savior of humanity
- The Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
- Salvation through faith in Christ
- The Bible as the inspired word of God
- Eternal life through resurrection
Core Practices
- Regular worship services
- Prayer and meditation
- Baptism and communion
- Charitable giving
- Study of scripture
Related Traditions
Evangelical Protestant
Evangelical Protestantism emphasizes the authority of Scripture, conversion, personal devotion, and active evangelism. Historically emerging from the Reformation and subsequent awakenings, Evangelicals span many denominations but share a focus on the gospel, Scripture, and mission.
Mainline Protestant
Mainline Protestant traditions (e.g., Methodist, Presbyterian, some Lutheran and Reformed bodies) balance Scripture, reason, and tradition, with attention to social witness and ecumenical engagement.
Roman Catholic
The Catholic Church embodies a sacramental, liturgical, and hierarchical tradition tracing to the apostles. It affirms Scripture and Tradition under the magisterium, with a global communal identity and a strong social teaching.
Eastern Orthodox
Eastern Orthodoxy preserves the ancient Christian faith through apostolic succession, sacramental worship, and mystical theology. It emphasizes theosis (divinization), iconography, and the authority of ecumenical councils.
Pentecostal & Charismatic
Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity emphasizes the active work of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts (especially speaking in tongues), and experiential worship. It spans many denominations and traditions.
Anabaptist
Anabaptist traditions emphasize believer's baptism, pacifism, community, and separation from the world. They include Mennonites, Amish, and Hutterites, focusing on discipleship and simple living.
Anglican
Anglicanism balances Catholic and Protestant elements, emphasizing the via media (middle way). It values Scripture, tradition, and reason, with diverse worship styles from high church to low church.
Lutheran
Lutheranism emphasizes justification by faith alone, the priesthood of all believers, and the authority of Scripture. It values sacraments, liturgy, and theological education.
Reformed
Reformed Christianity emphasizes God's sovereignty, predestination, and covenant theology. It values systematic theology, preaching, and ordered worship.
Methodist
Methodism emphasizes personal holiness, social justice, and practical Christianity. It values both personal piety and social engagement.
Baptist
Baptist traditions emphasize believer's baptism, congregational autonomy, religious freedom, and the authority of Scripture. They value personal faith and local church governance.
Latter-day Saint
Latter-day Saint traditions (including Mormonism) emphasize restoration of the original Christian church, additional scriptures, and modern revelation. They value family, service, and continuing revelation.
Lutheran (ELCA)
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America is the largest Lutheran denomination in the US, emphasizing grace, sacraments, social justice, and ecumenical cooperation. It balances traditional Lutheran theology with contemporary social engagement.
Lutheran (LCMS)
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is a conservative Lutheran denomination emphasizing biblical inerrancy, traditional Lutheran theology, and confessional orthodoxy. It maintains strict adherence to Lutheran confessions and practices closed communion.
Lutheran (WELS)
The Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod is a conservative Lutheran denomination emphasizing biblical inerrancy, traditional Lutheran theology, and strict confessional orthodoxy. It practices closed communion and maintains conservative social positions.
Lutheran (Norwegian)
Norwegian Lutheranism emphasizes traditional Lutheran theology, sacraments, and liturgy. It maintains strong connections to Scandinavian Lutheran traditions and emphasizes the priesthood of all believers.
Lutheran (Swedish)
Swedish Lutheranism emphasizes traditional Lutheran theology, sacraments, and liturgy. It maintains strong connections to Scandinavian Lutheran traditions and emphasizes the priesthood of all believers.
Lutheran (Finnish)
Finnish Lutheranism emphasizes traditional Lutheran theology, sacraments, and liturgy. It maintains strong connections to Scandinavian Lutheran traditions and emphasizes the priesthood of all believers.
Lutheran (German)
German Lutheranism emphasizes traditional Lutheran theology, sacraments, and liturgy. It maintains strong connections to Reformation-era Lutheran traditions and emphasizes the priesthood of all believers.
Compare related traditions
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