It's the name given to people who follow the teachings and doctrines of Christianity, left by Jesus Christ.
This term appeared in the book of Acts of the Apostles in the New Testament of the Bible.
Christians believe there is just one god, whom they call Father, as Jesus Christ taught them. They recognize Jesus as the Son of God and believe that God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit form the Holy Trinity.
And it came to pass that a whole year they gathered in that church, and taught many people; and at Antioch the disciples were, for the first time, called Christians. (Acts 11:26)
What are Christian beliefs?
Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the Son of God - fully human and fully divine - and that by believing in him and following his teachings, they can inherit eternal life.
Christians also believe that Jesus died for mankind, that God raised him from the dead, and that Jesus will come again at the end of time.
Furthermore, Christians believe in the Trinity, or three parts of God: God the Father or Creator, God the Son (Jesus) or Redeemer, and God the Holy Spirit or Sanctifier. The Holy Spirit is the presence of God in the world.
What are Christian denominations?
Christianity is divided into three branches: Catholic, Protestant and (Eastern) Orthodox. Catholicism is led by the Pope and Catholic bishops around the world.
The Orthodox (or Eastern Orthodox) are divided into independent units governed by a Holy Synod; there is no central government structure similar to the pope.
There are numerous denominations within Protestant Christianity, many of which differ in their interpretation of the Bible and understanding of the church. Some of the many denominations that fall into the category of Protestant Christianity include:
- Baptist
- Episcopal
- Non-denominational
- Evangelist
- Methodist
- Presbyterian
- Pentecostal
- Lutheran
- Anglican
- Evangelical
- Assemblies of God
- disciples of Christ
- united church of Christ
- Seventh-day Adventist
- among others.
Although the many denominations of Christianity have different views, they defend traditions. separate and worship in different ways, the core of their faith is centered around life and teachings. Of Jesus.
Why are there so many different types of Christians?
From its beginnings with a small group of Jesus' followers, Christianity has spread throughout the world. Today, it is practiced by billions of people.
As with any large group, Christianity has experienced many interpretations, disagreements, and power struggles over the centuries.
These led to the growth of many different branches of Christianity, interpreting Jesus' life, death and resurrection in different ways.
See too:
- Christian Easter;
- Christian ethics;
- church;
- Theism;
- ecumenism;
- orthodox church;
- Cross.