Christianity began in the 1st century AD in Judea (Palestine-Israel) with the teachings of Jesus Christ, rapidly evolving from a Jewish sect into a global religion. After initial persecution in the Roman Empire, Christianity became the official state religion in the 4th century, then spread throughout the world through missionaries, colonialism, and the Reformation, forming three main branches: Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestantism.
Here are the key points of the complete history of Christianity:
The Beginnings and Jesus Christ
(1st Century CE):
Christianity is based on the life, teachings, death (c. 30-33 CE), and resurrection of Jesus. Christians believe Jesus is the Son of God and the promised Messiah.
The Early Church and Persecution (1st-3rd Centuries):
After Jesus' ascension, the apostles (especially Peter and Paul) spread the gospel throughout the Mediterranean. Despite persecution by the Roman Empire, the faith flourished among Jews and Gentiles.
Official Recognition and Councils
(4th Century):
Emperor Constantine the Great issued the Edict of Milan (313 CE), ending the persecution. In 380 CE, Emperor Theodosius I made Christianity the official religion of Rome. The Council of Nicaea (325 CE) was convened to affirm fundamental doctrines such as the Trinity.
The Great Schism (1054):
Theological and cultural differences led to the split of the Church into two: the Roman Catholic Church in the West (centered in Rome) and the Eastern Orthodox Church in the East (centered in Constantinople).
Middle Ages and Reformation (1517): During the Middle Ages, the Church had great influence in Europe. However, Martin Luther initiated the Protestant Reformation in 1517 as a protest against certain church practices, giving rise to the Protestant churches.
Global Spread (15th century - present): Through the Age of Discovery, European missionaries brought Christianity to the Americas, Africa, Asia, and Australia. In the 20th and 21st centuries, the focus of Christian growth shifted from the West to the "Global South" (Asia, Africa, and Latin America).
Today, Christianity is the world's largest religion with a wide variety of denominations, emphasizing biblical teachings and the love of Christ.
Christianity, major religion stemming from the life, teachings, and death of Jesus of Nazareth (the Christ, or the Anointed One of God) in the 1st century ce. It has become the largest of the world's religions and, geographically, the most widely diffused of all faiths. It has a constituency of more than two billion believers. Its largest groups are the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox churches, and the Protestant churches. The Oriental Orthodox churches constitute one of the oldest branches of the tradition but had been out of contact with Western Christianity and Eastern Orthodoxy from the middle of the 5th century until the late 20th century because of a dispute over Christology (the doctrine of Jesus Christ's nature and significance). Significant movements within the broader Christian world and sometimes transcending denominational boundaries are Pentecostalism, Charismatic Christianity, Evangelicalism, and fundamentalism. In addition, there are numerous independent churches throughout the world. See also Anglicanism; Baptist; Calvinism; Congregationalism; Evangelical church; Lutheranism; Oriental Orthodoxy; presbyterian; Reformed and Presbyterian churches. (according to the official Britannica article or journal)
According to international academics, the history of Christianity is studied as a historical, social, and cultural phenomenon, with a critical approach that distinguishes between the "historical Jesus" and the "Christ of faith." Christianity is seen as having its roots in a first-century Jewish movement in Palestine before developing into a universal religion.
The following is an outline of the history of Christianity based on international academic studies:
Jewish Movement
Jewish Context: Scholars agree that Christianity began as a sect within Second Temple Judaism in Judea, Roman Palestine. Jesus of Nazareth was Jewish, as were his first disciples.
Historical Jesus:
Focuses on the life and teachings of Jesus as a prophet, teacher, or apocalyptic figure who announced the Kingdom of God. Many contemporary scholars agree that Jesus existed and was crucified during the reign of Pontius Pilate. Death and Resurrection: Historically, this movement grew rapidly after Jesus' death (circa 30 CE), fueled by his followers' belief that he rose from the dead.
Apostolic Period:
Spread in the Roman Empire Paul's Role:
The Apostle Paul is recognized as a central figure in transforming the Christian movement from a Jewish sect to a religion that embraced non-Jews (Gentiles). He emphasized salvation through faith, rather than obedience to the Torah, distinguishing early Christianity from Judaism. Initial Spread: The first Christian communities emerged in Eastern cities of the Roman Empire such as Jerusalem, Antioch, and Ephesus.
Hellenistic Culture:
Early Christianity developed under the influence of Greco-Roman culture (Hellenism), which helped spread its teachings throughout the Mediterranean.
Ancient Christianity (2nd-4th Century AD) Persecution:
Christianity was initially perceived as a threat by Roman authorities, leading to periodic persecutions.
Formation of the Canon:
During this period, oral traditions began to be written down into the Gospels and Pauline letters, which would later form the New Testament.
Constantine and Nicaea:
A major shift occurred with the conversion of Emperor Constantine in the 4th century, who legalized Christianity (Edict of Milan 313). The Council of Nicaea (325 AD) was a crucial moment in formulating fundamental doctrine (Theology).
Global Development (Medieval to Modern) Great Schisms:
Christianity experienced schisms, including the East-West Schism (1054) that separated the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, and the Protestant Reformation (16th century).
Missions and Colonization:
The spread of Christianity throughout the world, including Asia, Africa, and the Americas, often went hand in hand with European colonization in the 16th to 20th centuries.
Academic Approaches vs. Faith International academics use historiographical methods to examine ancient documents, archaeology, and social contexts, not to prove the truth of faith, but rather to understand how religions were formed and developed.
Key Figures and Concepts in Academic Studies:
Historical Jesus studies:
Critical study of the life of Jesus.
Early Church history/Patristics:
Study of early Church history.
Pauline studies:
Study of the impact of Paul.