Are you curious about Christianity but don’t know where to start? Maybe you’ve heard about Jesus, the Bible, and church but aren’t sure what it all means? You’re not alone! Christianity is a rich and complex faith that has touched millions of lives across the globe, and understanding its core beliefs can transform your life, too! It doesn’t matter what your background is or what you already know about Christianity. This ‘Christianity for beginners’ guide is here to help you embark on your journey of discovery.
What is Christianity?
Christianity is a monotheistic religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is the largest of the major religions in the world, with over two billion followers. Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God who came to earth to save humanity from sin, which is essentially the nature of salvation. The faith emphasizes a personal relationship with God and the hope of eternal life.
Origins of Christianity
Christianity’s central figure is Jesus Christ, a Jewish teacher who lived in the first century A.D. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are chronicled in the New Testament of the Bible. His teachings centered around the Kingdom of God, the need for people to repent, God’s love for mankind, and forgiveness. Early Christians, primarily Jewish converts, believed Jesus was the promised Messiah who would bring salvation to humanity.
The faith spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire, thanks to the efforts of apostles like Paul. He traveled extensively to preach the Gospel. The letters of the Apostles, which form a significant part of the New Testament, provided guidance and encouragement to early Christian communities. Despite facing persecution, Christianity grew rapidly.
Basic Tenets of Christianity
Christianity teaches that there is one God who exists in three Persons: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. This concept, known as the Trinity, is unique to Christianity and central to its theology. Christianity holds that Jesus is the Son of God and the Savior who offers redemption from sin. Each person of the Trinity is fully God, yet there is only one God. This mystery, while challenging to comprehend fully, is foundational to Christian belief.
The concept of sin and redemption is pivotal in Christian belief. Sin — which basically means: stepping out of God’s will — separates humanity from God. But through Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, believers receive forgiveness and are reconnected with God. This reconnection also brings eternal life, and is referred to as redemption.
Love and compassion are part of the Christian lifestyle, with Jesus’ commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” serving as a guiding principle for Christian conduct.
Key Beliefs in Christianity
Understanding the key beliefs of Christianity is essential to grasping its essence. These beliefs form the foundation of the Christian faith and guide the lives of believers towards their personal relationship with God.
The Trinity
The trinity works together in the creation, the plan of salvation, and in sustaining the world. Christianity holds that God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit created the universe. After mankind became separated from God through sin, God the Father sent the Son (Jesus) to earth to redeem humanity by dying in their place. God the Holy Spirit guides and empowers believers and, for example, inspired the writers of the Bible. This unity and diversity within the Godhead reflect the relational nature of God.
Salvation, a.k.a. Redemption or Atonement
Salvation is a cornerstone of Christian faith. Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross to atone for humanity’s sins. This act of atonement reconciles humans with God, bridging the gap caused by sin. Salvation is seen as a gift from God, received through faith in Jesus Christ. It cannot be obtained by ‘works’.
Eternal life is a significant aspect of Christian belief. Those who accept Jesus as their Savior are promised eternal life with God; people who do not, however, will not be able to dwell in God’s presence. The ‘place where God is not’ is known as ‘hell’. The assurance of salvation provides hope and purpose for believers, motivating them to live according to God’s will.
The Bible as Sacred Text
The Bible is the sacred text of Christianity. Note: copies of the printed book themselves aren’t considered ‘holy’ as in Islam. Bible authorship is not literally attributed to God, but to prophets and known followers of Jesus Christ who received the ‘inspired Word of God’. The Bible provides an understanding of God, guidance, wisdom, and revelation. Bible study is recommended for all Christians, as it helps them to understand and apply Biblical teachings in their daily lives.
Printed Bibles will usually contain two sections, known as the Old Testament and the New Testament. It is also possible to obtain the New Testament as a ‘stand-alone’ publication.
In total, the Bible comprises 66 individual ‘books’ written by approx. 40 different authors.
The First or Old Testament contains Jewish scriptures including well-known books like Genesis, Psalms, and Isaiah. The New Testament focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus, with the Gospels (by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and letters (‘Epistles’) from apostles like Paul.
Christians interpret the Bible in various ways. Some take a literal approach, believing the text should be understood as written. Others use an allegorical method, finding deeper spiritual meanings. Contextual interpretations consider historical and cultural contexts. Different denominations emphasize different interpretations, leading to varied teachings and practices.
Is there a ‘best way’ to read the Bible: yes, there is. The point of reading the Bible is to develop a personal relationship with God, and to ‘get to know’ God. The Bible was written by people who knew God, and by allowing their words to introduce you to His nature and His characteristics, you will discover the loving Father who is also the Almighty Creator.
Bible study groups are common, helping individuals understand Scripture and apply it to their lives.
Over the centuries, the original Bible manuscripts have been translated into many languages, and within these languages, many different versions exist. These are not meant to contain revised content, but use different language (modern, simplified, more explanatory etc.) to say exactly the same thing.
Practices in Christianity
Christian practices vary widely because they can be specific to certain denominations, but share common elements that foster spiritual growth and community.
Worship Services and Styles
Worship services are central to Christian life. These gatherings often include prayer, singing, Bible reading and preaching. Sunday is the primary day of worship for most Christians, commemorating Jesus’ resurrection. Services provide an opportunity for believers to connect with God and each other, reinforcing their faith and sense of community.
Baptism symbolizes entry into the Christian faith, often involving the individual’s immersion in water to denote a radical departure from the former ‘sinful self’ (‘repenting’). It signifies spiritual cleansing and rebirth.
Lord’s Supper: Jesus’ Last Supper with His disciples is commemorated by believers consuming bread and wine or grape juice. The practice may also be referred to as ‘Communion’. The bread symbolizes the ‘body of believers’ that Christians have become part of, and the wine reminds believers of the blood shed by Christ on the cross.
Worship styles vary widely among Christians. Some prefer traditional liturgical forms, with structured rituals and ceremonies. Others opt for contemporary, informal worship, with modern music and spontaneous prayer. As the New Testament does not provide a format for worship, cultural context influences Christian practices, leading to diverse expressions of faith. For example, African churches often incorporate vibrant music and dance, while Asian Christians may blend traditional customs with Christian teachings.
Prayer and Meditation
Prayer is a way for Christians to communicate with God, expressing gratitude, seeking guidance, and interceding for others. Prayer can be spontaneous or follow set forms, such as the Lord’s Prayer.
Meditation often involves reflecting on Scripture (the Bible), allowing believers to internalize God’s word and apply it to their lives. Both prayer and meditation can be personal or communal, offering a means to deepen one’s faith and connection with God.
Reading the Bible is something you can do in your own home, as well, but most worship services will include time to read one or more sections of the Bible. Verses can be read as they are, or may be clarified or serve as the starting point for a sermon.
History of Christianity
The history of Christianity is rich and varied, marked by significant events and figures.
Early Christianity
Christianity began as a small Jewish sect in the 1st century, with Jesus’ disciples spreading the Good News of Redemption (a.k.a. the Gospel). Persecution was common, as early Christians faced opposition from both Jewish and Roman authorities. Despite this, the faith grew, attracting followers from diverse backgrounds.
The conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine in the 4th century was a turning point, allowing the Christian religion to become the state religion of the Roman Empire. It is important to note that although Constantine adopted the Christian faith, he continued to practice pagan rituals and was chiefly interested in Christianity as a means to safeguard the peace in his empire. Whilst he may be credited for his role in advancing Christianity, he certainly wasn’t a religious scholar, theologian or member of the clergy, and he was not instrumental in theological debate. As such, his role is often overstated.
Early church councils, such as the Council of Nicaea, articulated core Christian doctrines, including the nature of the Trinity and the divinity of Jesus.
Christianity in the second millennium A.D.
Christianity became a diverse faith, with various so-called ‘denominations’ (= different churches) and practices reflecting different interpretations of core beliefs. It is important to note that Jesus Christ did not create a ‘diverse faith’.
Different eras, regional differences and in particular, interpretational differences, caused the Church to split into denominations on several occasions. In some instances, denominations became ‘the label’ by which warring parties were identified or identified themselves. Nevertheless, it was highly uncommon for believers to go to war over religious differences.
Christianity in the current millennium
Christianity is practiced on every continent, with significant growth in Africa and Asia. There are currently 2.3 billion Christians in the world.
Christianity continues to evolve, facing new challenges and opportunities in the modern world.
Denominations
There isn’t one single Christian Church. There are several major denominations such as Catholicism, the Eastern Orthodox church, and Protestantism. While each denomination shares the key beliefs of Christianity, each also has different beliefs and practices. For example, Catholics emphasize the authority of the Pope and Catholic sacraments, while Protestants do not acknowledge the authority of a Pope and prioritize Scripture and individual faith. Please visit our article on Christian denominations.
Sects or cults are an unintended – but usually very local – phenomenon within Christianity. They often form from disagreements within denominations, leading to further diversity with a range of worship styles and theological perspectives. Over the years, the word ‘cult’ has acquired a negative connotation. This is because cults often engage in questionable practices that have little to do with the teachings of Christ (such as belief in ‘Messiah-like’ leaders).
Challenges and Controversies
Christians face persecution in many parts of the world, with believers experiencing violence and discrimination. In the Western world, debates exist on issues like gender roles and sexuality, with different denominations holding diverse views.
The Church also grapples with modern ethical questions, such as bioethics and environmental stewardship.
Role of Christianity in Society
Christianity influences art, culture, and politics. Many Christians engage in social justice work, addressing issues like poverty, racism, and human rights.
Christian organizations provide humanitarian aid in times of crisis. The Church often acts as a moral and ethical guide, shaping societal values and norms. Local churches usually engage in charity work for the homeless and destitute, but are also known to organize social gatherings for the elderly, refugees, alcoholics, etc. Christians do not engage in the above because their faith ‘forces’ them to, but because the love of Christ inspires them to do so.
Resources for Beginners
If you’re new to Christianity, numerous resources can help you deepen your understanding and grow in your faith.
Recommended Websites
Websites like Biblword.net and Bible.com offer accessible introductions to Christian beliefs. Reading plans help to start your day with a Biblical contemplation.
Online courses, such as the free mentored lessons offered on our Learnnn platform can help you explore Christian theology, history and writings. Many churches provide introductory classes, offering a supportive environment for learning and growth, too.
Online Communities
Christian forums offer support and discussion, allowing you to connect with others on a similar journey. Social media groups, such as those on Facebook and Reddit, provide spaces for sharing experiences and seeking advice. We would recommend that you find a suitable church near you. But if that’s not an option, be cautious. Not all individuals commenting on Christian matters are Christians, and not all Christians will point you to Biblical truths. If you are truly interested in becoming a Christian yourself, why not register for one of our free Bible courses? After completing the first lesson you will be assigned a personal mentor who will be able to help you more relevantly than internet forums.
Online prayer chains offer spiritual support, allowing you to request and offer prayers.
Finding a Christian Community Near You
Finding a local Christian community can provide support and encouragement as you explore your faith. The role of a church, put simply, is to enable believers to worship God together, be a community, and learn about Scripture from sermons.
Community centers often host Christian events, such as Bible studies, prayer meetings, and social gatherings. These events provide opportunities to connect with other believers and learn more about the faith.
Many churches offer newcomer welcome programs, providing an introduction to the faith and the community. These programs often include classes on Christian beliefs and practices, as well as opportunities to meet other newcomers and long-time members.
Some countries have online directories, such as ChurchFinder and FaithStreet in the USA, to help you locate nearby congregations. These websites provide information on churches’ beliefs, worship styles, and programs, helping you find a community that fits your needs. Most countries do not have such directories, but GlobalRize volunteers may be able to help you find a suitable church. If you’re seriously considering joining a church and need help, please use this link for our church seeker form.
Summary and Final Thoughts
By exploring Christianity’s origins, key tenets, and expressions, you can gain a deeper understanding of this influential faith. Whether you’re seeking spiritual growth, community, or are simply curious about Christianity, this guide provides a solid foundation for your journey.
The best way to start with Christianity is by allowing yourself to become familiar with Jesus and what He taught. Try reading the New Testament of the Bible – new, modern translations are available online and easy to read. We can recommend bible.com.
Other follow-up steps would be to visit a local church, speak with Christians about their faith, and seek guidance from a pastor or Christian mentor. It’s important to ask questions, explore your faith, and build a relationship with God through study and prayer.
What aspects of Christianity intrigue you the most, and how do you think understanding them could impact your life?
Feel free to share your thoughts and questions in the comments below. Your journey of discovery is just beginning, and there’s so much more to explore and learn!