The core of the Christian faith revolves around the life and teachings of Jesus, a Jewish man who emerged 2,000 years ago in Judea. Christianity evolved from Jewish traditions influenced by Roman culture. Jesus, born to a virgin named Mary, preached love and compassion. With no writings left by Jesus, information comes primarily from the four canonical gospels. He preached forgiveness and salvation, leading to his crucifixion due to claims of being the King of Jews. Resurrected by God, Jesus ascended into Heaven, ushering in the Holy Spirit to guide humanity. Paul’s inclusion of non-Jews was crucial in shaping Christianity. Persecuted under Roman rule until Constantine’s conversion, Christianity became the official religion by the 4th century.
Doctrinal debates defined the Christian Church, like the Council of Chalcedon affirming Jesus’s dual nature. The Trinity addresses the divine nature of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The split between Catholicism and Orthodoxy stemmed from disagreements over the Holy Spirit’s origin. The Middle Ages saw the Crusades, a series of religious wars, and the Protestant Reformation led by Martin Luther, dividing the Western Church. The movement promoted Bible authority over tradition and sparked a period of cultural and intellectual growth.
Christianity spread globally through missions during European expansion, adapting to local cultures and languages. Today, Christianity is the most widespread religion, with many denominations and traditions. Despite evolving interpretations, Jesus’s message of compassion and forgiveness endures as a guiding force, remaining impactful over two millennia.