What Is Christianity?

Christianity is one of the world's most widespread faith traditions, and at its center are the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. This page summarizes, neutrally and encyclopedically, when Christianity emerged, what its main book is and into which main traditions it divides. The aim is not to defend or criticize a belief but to answer a frequently asked question clearly and in a balanced way; afterward you can read the relevant chapters here for free.

When and how did Christianity begin?

Christianity arose in the first century, around the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Its first followers were his disciples and the community around him; the faith soon spread to different cities. According to the book of Acts in the New Testament, Jesus' followers were first called "Christians" in the city of Antioch (Antakya, in present-day Hatay). This page does not enter into historical or theological debates; it only describes the general framework.

What is Christianity's main book?

Christianity's main book is the Bible. The Bible consists of two main parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament. The first four books of the New Testament, the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John), recount the life and teaching of Jesus. For Christians these texts are the central source of the faith; although different traditions differ in the details of interpretation, the Bible is the shared foundation.

What are the main traditions (denominations) of Christianity?

Over the centuries Christianity diversified into a few main traditions: the Catholic, Orthodox (including Greek Orthodox) and Protestant churches are the largest groups, and there are also long-established Eastern churches such as the Armenian and Syriac. These traditions differ in forms of worship, church order and some teachings; what they share is placing Jesus Christ at the center of the faith. This site lists the churches of Kadıköy by these denominations.

What do Christians value? (general and neutral)

Broadly speaking, Christian traditions place the person and teaching of Jesus Christ — and, with varying emphasis by tradition, his death and resurrection — at the center of the faith; love, forgiveness and service to one's neighbor are frequently prominent themes. But these emphases vary from tradition to tradition, and this page does not defend any one interpretation. The best way to understand the subject accurately is to read the texts in their own context.

Where can I read about Christianity firsthand?

If you want to read the account at the center of Christianity firsthand, Luke or John from among the Gospels for the life and teaching of Jesus, and Acts for the emergence of the first community, are good starting points. You can read these chapters here, free and ad-free.

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What is Christianity?

Christianity is one of the world's most widespread faith traditions, with the life and teaching of Jesus Christ at its center. It emerged in the first century and over time diversified into different traditions (denominations).

Where were followers first called "Christians"?

According to the book of Acts in the New Testament, Jesus' followers were first called "Christians" in the city of Antioch (Antakya).

What is Christianity's main book?

Christianity's main book is the Bible, consisting of two main parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament. The first four books of the New Testament, the Gospels, recount the life of Jesus.

What are the main denominations of Christianity?

The main traditions are the Catholic, Orthodox (including Greek Orthodox) and Protestant churches, along with Eastern churches such as the Armenian and Syriac. These traditions differ in some teachings and forms of worship; this page advocates none of them.

Where can I start reading about Christianity?

Luke or John from the Gospels for the life of Jesus, and Acts for the emergence of the first community, are good starting points. You can read these chapters here for free.