Christianity is a major religion worldwide, particularly prevalent in Europe and America, and boasting the largest number of followers among all other religions.
Jesus of Nazareth, a Jewish teacher, founded Christianity by capitalizing on the existing Messianic aspirations in the region. He was born in Bethlehem, close to Jerusalem, and raised in Nazareth. His education was influenced by Pharisaic ideology and he practiced Judaism. Although his teachings initially targeted Jews, Jesus attracted followers who recognized him as their Messiah. During his travels in Judea, Jesus formed small groups of disciples and chose twelve individuals who became known as the twelve apostles.
Jesus traveled throughout the world preaching, generating great excitement among the people. In 30 CE, he made his way to Jerusalem where he was hailed by some as the Messiah while others rejected his claim and considered him a revolutionary figure. The Romans saw Jesus as a potential challenge to their authority and were cautious of any uprising, leading them to bring him before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, who eventually decided to crucify him. According to the gospels, Jesus then miraculously rose from his tomb and spent forty days teaching his disciples.
Prior to 45 CE, there was an individual named Peter who endeavored to propagate Christianity among Jews. In 45 CE, a Jewish man named Saul emerged. Born in Tarsus located in Asia Minor, Saul ventured to Judea where he studied under Raban Gamleael and became involved in the persecution of Christians. Over time, as per a legend, Saul was struck blind by a vision. While on a journey, Jesus appeared to him and questioned his persecution of Christians, resulting in Jesus blinding him. Following this encounter, Jesus instructed Saul to seek healing from a specific Christian. Saul followed this advice and subsequently changed his name to Paul, which signifies being healed.
Paul exerted significant influence in spreading Christianity among non-Jews and establishing it as a distinct religion. Between 45 and 65 CE, he embarked on a journey throughout the eastern Mediterranean region, disseminating the teachings of Jesus and founding Christian communities. He made a visit to Rome, where, as per tradition, he met his demise. Notably, Paul’s Epistles to Christian congregations hold great importance within the New Testament. The New Testament encompasses four gospels penned by Paul and a book of Revelation, in relation to the Torah constituting the Old Testament. Paul adamantly maintained that Jesus was not solely the Messiah for Jews but also a savior accessible to people of all races. Through adherence to Jesus’ teachings, individuals could attain salvation from the repercussions of their transgressions, evading damnation and instead experiencing the bliss of paradise in the afterlife.
In 100 CE, Christianity became recognized as a separate sect, forcing Christians to face a difficult choice of whether to continue following their beliefs despite the risks. Those who defied Roman religion and law faced persecution and were used as scapegoats. In 200 CE, a civil war erupted in the empire, leading many people to convert to Christianity, particularly among city dwellers. By the late 200s, the Christian church had grown so large that the government could no longer punish everyone, and Roman law officially accepted Christianity as a religious practice. The position of Christianity experienced significant improvement with the support of Emperor Constantine.
Both Christianity and Judaism embrace all individuals and do not discriminate based on wealth. They promote the idea of being good citizens and obeying laws, while also emphasizing the importance of charitable acts and caring for the less fortunate.
Christianity teaches that Jesus was the chosen Messiah and that every individual possesses inherent goodness. By praying to the Messiah, believers can receive forgiveness and redemption from their sins, both in this life and the hereafter, thereby enabling all people to attain salvation.
Christianity is a globally prevalent religion.
