The origins of Christianity date back more than 2,000 years. 
Originating from a man from Nazareth named Jesus Christ. Followers of the religion are called Christians, which literally means "follower of Christ". Christians regard Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the Messiah - the one promised in the Old Testament. The philosophy holds that humankind has been in a state of sin since the first humans, Adam and Eve, turned their backs on God. This sin is rectified by the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Today's Christians belong to three broad groupings: Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant.
Population:
World - 1.9 billion
United States - 159 million
Tenets:
- There is only one God and He created the universe and all things in it.
- The Ancient Israelites were God's chosen people, to whom he gave a complete set of laws to govern their behavior until the arrival of Jesus.
- Everyone has eternal life. Eternal life in heaven, or salvation, involves the forgiveness of sins by God. Some Christians believe that faith alone is sufficient for salvation; others believe good works are sufficient. Some believe that both are necessary.
- In spite of sin, a person's relationship with God can be restored because of Jesus' death and resurrection.
- Jesus was God in human form and is part of a single deity that exists as a Trinity of three separate personalities: The Father, the Son (Jesus Christ) and the Holy Spirit.
Links
Interfaith Ministries has compiled this information from various resources. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .