Christianity
by Beth Morrissey Christianity is the premier religion of the Western world, and in fact the largest religion in the entire world with over two billion followers. “Christians” are followers of any of the churches devoted to the teachings of Jesus Christ, and there are over 1,500 different branches of Christianity in the world today. Though each of these churches may hold different beliefs and styles of worship, there are many core similarities that define Christianity.
Christian Beliefs
Monotheism
 Christians believe in one God, called “Father” in keeping with Jesus’ teachings. However, though God is referred to in masculine terms, Christian doctrine holds that God is in fact genderless. Only through His grace can Christians “know” God, including that He created the world, and continues to be involved in the lives of, and have relationships with, the people inhabiting it. Unlike any human being, God is perfect, loves everyone unconditionally despite their faults, is everywhere and knows everything.
The Trinity/Trinitarianism
While Christians believe in only one God, they also believe that this God exists in three aspects – the Father (God), the Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit. These three aspects exist simultaneously, and this belief is often stated as “One God in Three Persons.”
Jesus as the Son of God
Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the Messiah, or Saviour, mentioned in the Old Testament who was sent to save the world from sin. Though a part of the Trinity, and therefore wholly God, Christians also believe that Jesus was the Son of God, a human being who lived on the Earth and died when he was crucified. Three days later, Jesus is believed to have risen from the dead. His life on Earth was the living example of how God wants humans to live.
Justification by Faith
 Christians believe that their devotion to Jesus Christ as the son of God, and their belief in his death and resurrection, lead them to the right relationship with God.
Eternal Life
After their earthly lives end, Christians believe that their souls will continue to an eternal life due to their belief in Jesus Christ’s resurrection.
Saints
Most Christians believe in the existence of saints, or people who lead exceptionally holy lives on Earth and go on to be associated with miracles after their deaths.
Sinners
Christians believe in sin, or actions that go against the teachings on moral conduct as determined by God and presented in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Since only God is perfect, human beings are therefore sinners. Roman Catholic doctrine differentiates between original sin, sin that everyone is born with and can only be remedied by baptism, and personal sin. Personal sin is further divided into mortal (grave) sins, and venial (lesser) sins. Only through confession to a priest can these sins be absolved.
Christian Worship
 Just as Jesus attended the synagogue with the Jewish community, Christians worship together in dedicated churches. Roman Catholic worship is called a mass, while most other Christian denominations call their formal worship a service. When worshiping together, Christians form a congregation. Led by a priest or minister, worship involves readings, prayers, music and sermons. Throughout this time, as Christians worship God, they believe that God is present with them.
Prayer
Christians pray in order to communicate with God. Prayers are both formal and ritualised, in order to be said by the group, and personal as determined by each individual person. Most prayers are directed to God, though some may be directed to Mary (as the Mother of Jesus Christ), or other Saints.
Eucharist
The Eucharist is a commemoration of the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples the night before his crucifixion. In some churches, mainly Protestant, bread and wine is consumed to metaphorically represent the body and blood of Christ that was sacrificed for the world. In others, mainly the Roman Catholic church, it is believed that the Eucharist is literally the body and blood of Christ shared with believers. Often the Eucharist is called Holy Communion.
Christian Milestones
Life in the Christian churches is marked with milestones including baptism, communion and confirmation.
Baptism
 Many Christian churches believe in infant baptism. This rite involves a priest or minister sprinkling water on the infant’s forehead and the child’s godparents making religious vows on his or her behalf. When a Christian name is bestowed on an infant at this time, the rite may also be called a christening.
Other Christian churches, including the Baptist church, believe that members should only be baptised when they are mature enough to understand the vows that they are themselves taking. Sometimes these baptisms involve the adult being fully immersed in a pool of water in order to symbolize their old life dying and them being born again into Christian faith.
Communion
Most Christian churches recognise the first time a member takes or receives the Eucharist for the first time. Often this is called First Communion, and there is special instruction given in preparation for this event.
Confirmation
When Christians who were baptised as babies are ready to become adults in their church, a confirmation ceremony often takes place. After instruction from a priest, minister or qualified member of the church, the Christian takes religious vows for his/herself.
Christian Denominations
The most popular forms of Christianity in the world today include:
Baptist
Church of England
Church of Ireland
Church of Scotland
Eastern Orthodox Church
Episcopalian
Methodist
Mormon/Church of Latter Day Saints
Pentecostal
Presbyterian
Protestant
Quaker
Roman Catholic
Salvation Army
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