Christianity And Christianity: The History Of Christianity

The history of Christianity is one that can be traced from the beginning of time. “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1 English Standard Version). The foundation of this religion is build upon the birth, life, death, and resurrection of a man named Jesus. Many Christians believe that he is the Son of God. Further, most additionally would agree that he is the second person in the trinity.

After Jesus’ death the Church of the early years saw many increase in followers and it was then that the name “Christians” started becoming more and more common. Though, due in large to the fact that Christianity was not as wide spread, these next few years following held with them many persecutions from those whom did not

Some of which are shared among the divisions, and some that are strictly for one branch; an example of that is Confessions. Confessions are a practice that is distinctive to Catholic and Orthodox branches, a time of confessing ones sins after baptism has occurred. A few examples of the beliefs and practices that are common to all divisions would be baptism, tithing, fasting, and communion. Baptism, while it is shared between the divisions, it can also be different in the process of which they are baptized and also the age. Some divisions, such as Baptists, baptize by fully emerging the body after becoming a Christian; “Believer’s Baptism”. This signifies the death of one’s old life and the being washed by the water to a new life in Christ – but this is only a symbol and does not save you. While others, such as Catholic, emphasize baptism of infants as to purify the infant of the original sins and to ensure the salvation of the child in the event of death. One that is another common tradition within Christianity and the last one that will be mentioned is tithing. Tithe means, “to give a tenth”. Within the Pentateuch, the first five books of the bible, we see the commands to give a tenth of what one has to the church; whether that be financially or in

Augustine and so many more. To briefly expound upon a few of the previously listed names, it is desired that this would give a little more insight in connection to the history, beliefs and differences within the divisions. Jesus was one of the most influential people, most divisions would concur that He is the Son of God, while also being fully God and fully human. Additionally believing that Jesus was sent to the earth to fulfill the prophecies of the Old Testament. Another significant man is Pope John Paul II. One thing that he is most well known, besides being one of the longest reigning popes, is for the way he reestablished stability for many Catholics following the Vatican II. Lastly, we will look at the Virgin Mary. The Virgin Mary is seen in all divisions as the mother of Jesus, the wife of Joseph. However, the significance of this birth and conception is one divine in nature, being that Mary had not had sexual relations in the conception of this child but it would be a child of the Holy Spirit. While Mary is a very significant person, to the Baptist division she is viewed strictly as the mother of Jesus; called to be the mother of Jesus by a virgin birth and significant in the story. However to the Catholic and Orthodox, we see a lot higher regard concerning