Christianity is one of the most widespread world religions. It is based on the principle of monotheism and was formed in the I-II century in the framework of Judaism. The central principle of this religion is that Jesus Christ is the only God who possesses the divine, not human power, who incarnated on Earth in the form of the Son of God in order to die for the sins of all people. At the same time, Christianity is not just a monotheistic faith. It also introduces into the principles of monotheism the idea of the trinity of a single person (God, Logos, Holy Spirit).
The emergence of Christianity. Briefly about early history
In the understanding of Christians themselves, their religion arose suddenly as a result of the ascension of Jesus Christ to the kingdom of heaven. However, one cannot fail to take into account the fact that Christian doctrine is a continuation of the centuries-old theology of the Jews, mixed with the myths of the Hellenes. So, Paul in his genuine messages of the New Testament back in the 50s. e. describes the "mysterious religion of Jesus." And judging by these scriptures, Paul knew nothing of the divine conception of Christ, nor of the Last Supper, nor of the resurrection after death. He did not speak explicitly about whether Jesus received baptism, although he quite often mentions baptism in the name of Christ.
After 20 years, the Gospel of Mark was able to reveal some of the features of Jesus' ministry. At the same time, the later gospels of Matthew and Luke are more based on previous teachings, but John sets out the story in a completely different way.
In the first centuries of our era, many of the written works on Christianity were recognized as unreliable and fraudulent. Various interpretations have led to the possibility of controversy surrounding the intricacies of theology. Dissent in the Christian church was put to an end when the very first creed was adopted at the First Council of Nicaea, convened by Emperor Constantine I in 325. And already in 380 in the Roman Empire, this religion acquired official status.
The characteristic features of Christianity
In this religion, there are such basic principles:
1. Spiritual monotheism with the doctrine of the trinity of Persons in one divine being.
2. God is absolutely perfect Spirit, God is love.
3. The human person is absolutely valuable and is an immortal spiritual being created by God in his own image.
4. The ideal purpose of man is a comprehensive endless spiritual improvement.
5. The spiritual principle dominates matter. And God is her master.
6. Evil is not in matter and is not created from it, but from the perverted will of angels and man.
7. Christianity is also the doctrine of the resurrection of the flesh and of the bliss attained by the righteous in an enlightened and eternal world.
8. The dogma of Christianity is the doctrine of the God-man who descended to Earth in order to save people from sin.
9. This religion is based on the general book, the Bible, and faith.
Thus, Christianity is also a religion of the harmony of matter and spirit. She does not demean any of the human activities, but she tries to ennoble them all.
What is Christianity as a creed?
First of all, it is the belief that the Savior of mankind, Jesus Christ, was God in the flesh, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. Living on Earth during the reign of Pontius Pilate, he knew suffering and was crucified. After his death, Jesus went to hell, and on the third day he rose from the dead and ascended into heaven. And now from there he will come to judge both the living and the dead.
The exact meaning of the word “Christianity” is rather vague. And in its interpretation, what historical and religious sources can be relied on or with whom the conversation is of great importance. Traditionally, its concept is stated in three main provisions: the Apostolic Symbol of Faith, the Nicene Symbol of Faith, the Athanasievsky Symbol of Faith. However, other provisions have been developed.
At different times, Orthodox, Catholics, Cathars, Gnostics, Protestants, Mormons, Quakers, and other religious groups were not considered Christian and were recognized as heretical. In most churches, heresy was considered a betrayal, which ultimately led to mass persecution, torture and murder.
The rescue
In Christianity, a person is recognized as being initially imperfect, which is easily amenable to temptation (the original sin of Adam and Eve). At the same time, everyone can receive salvation, which is given in the form of God's grace. It is necessary that people accept the presence of God after death. How exactly does this process take place? It is not completely clear, because there are several different statements: some believe that the most important thing is faith; others - that it must be confirmed by good deeds. Nevertheless, it is generally accepted that the death of Jesus Christ is atonement for the transgressions of all mankind.
Trinity
Most of the Christian world supports the concept of the Trinity, which is based on the fact that one God has three hypostases: God the Father (created the Universe), God the Son (Jesus Christ, who redeemed people), the Holy Spirit (saves human souls).
Trinitarianism, or the doctrine of the Trinity, is a generally accepted point of view for most Christians, but not for all. Thus, for example, unitarists recognize the existence of only the personality of the creator God. And the only Pentecostals consider Jesus Christ as the only God.
Thus, Christianity is one of the most fragmented religions, which contains many faiths.