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The Christian Faith Explained
by Rebekkah Sullivan
http://www.focuschristian.com
Christianity is one of the largest religious cultures in
the world, sharing that distinction with Muslims, Hindus,
and Buddhists. Like other faiths, Christianity is based on
one main series of events, although there are outgrowths of
varying sects and denominations that differ due to
distinctive interpretations of biblical passages. As with
any spiritual group, there are conservatives, moderates,
and radicals.
All Christians believe that a person called Jesus of
Nazareth lived in the country we now know as Israel
approximately 2,000 years ago. Basic Christian beliefs
are centered on Jesus~ teachings about personal sin and the
need to seek God~s forgiveness, as well as the need to love
others and to follow the teachings of the bible. Following
on the Old Testament that outlines Jewish law and prophecy,
the New Testament offers four different but converging
accounts of the life of Jesus Christ who Christians believe
to be the Messiah prophesied about in the Old Testament.
Other New Testament books describe the growth of the early
church and the spread of Christianity throughout the known
world despite tremendous opposition. The final chapter,
along with scattered references throughout Old and New
Testaments, outlines the second coming of Christ that will
usher in the end times for this world.
Many Christians accept the Bible, both Old and New
Testaments, as the divinely inspired Word of God without
error. However, there are those who refuse to accept some of
the teachings, believing them to have cultural reference for
the times in which they were written rather than for people
today.
It was the Catholic Church (Roman and Orthodox) that formed
the earliest church structure that created close political
ties with European rulers down through history. As excesses
crept into the church, a Protestant Reformation developed
in the 16th century that led to a purified stream of
Christian practice that came to be known as Protestantism.
Today the two denominations remain sharply divided although
efforts are made to show respect to each view.
Most Christians will believe and practice Jesus~ teachings
as well as those throughout the Bible. They make efforts to
do good to others and to bring unbelievers to Christianity
through personal example and missionary outreach.
Protestants and Catholics worship on Sundays in church
buildings, and most look forward to Jesus second coming
when believers will join Christ as chaos breaks out on the
earth. There are sects, however, that worship on Saturday
instead of Sunday. Some view Jesus as a good teacher rather
than as the Son of God. You can learn more by visiting
online sites or visiting a church of your choice.
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