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Christianity
Love of God and neighbour, grace, and the life and teaching of Jesus.
Introduction
Christianity emerged in first-century Judea among followers of Jesus of Nazareth and is today the world's largest religious tradition, with Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant and many other communities. Its central claims concern who Jesus is, what his death and resurrection mean, and how people are reconciled to God.
Its scripture is the Bible: the Hebrew Scriptures (which Christians call the Old Testament) together with the New Testament — four Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, letters attributed to Paul and others, and Revelation. Different churches differ on the canon (for example the deuterocanonical books), on translation, and on how scripture relates to tradition and reason.
Because of this diversity, the Guide describes broad emphases that most Christians share while noting where Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant readings diverge.
Primary scriptures
Four accounts of Jesus' life, teaching, death and resurrection.
Torah, Prophets and Writings shared with Judaism, including Genesis, Psalms and Isaiah.
Letters of Paul, Peter, John and others to early churches — for example Romans and 1 Corinthians.
The story of the early church and an apocalyptic vision of renewal.
Major concepts
Grace
God's unearned favour toward humanity, central to Paul's letters and to Reformation theology.
The Kingdom of God
The heart of Jesus' preaching — God's reign breaking into the world, present and still to come.
Trinity
The classical Christian understanding of one God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Incarnation and Resurrection
The belief that God became human in Jesus and that his resurrection defeats death.
Love of neighbour
Jesus' summary of the law: love God and love your neighbour as yourself (Matthew 22:37–40).
Relevant passages
Passages the Guide cites for the questions in the library, each linked to a public reference edition.
Forgiveness
Forgiving others is linked to receiving God's forgiveness.
Forgive one another as God in Christ has forgiven you.
Death & the afterlife
The body is raised imperishable and spiritual.
Suffering
God answers Job from the whirlwind without explaining his suffering.
Suffering produces endurance, character and hope.
'My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.'
Purpose of life
Love God; love your neighbour as yourself.
Do justice, love kindness, walk humbly with God.
Created for good works prepared beforehand.
Meaning of life
'The end of the matter... Fear God, and keep his commandments.'
'I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.'
Losing one's life for Christ's sake to find it.
God & ultimate reality
In the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Enemies & conflict
'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.'
Do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you.
Feed your enemy; overcome evil with good.
Love
Love God with all your heart; love your neighbour as yourself.
'Love is patient; love is kind... it endures all things.'
'Whoever does not love does not know God, for God is love.'
Right & wrong
The Ten Commandments: God speaks the law to Israel.
'Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God.'
The law's requirements are 'written on their hearts'; conscience bears witness.
Peace & stillness
'Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.'
Prayer with thanksgiving; 'the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding'.
'Come to me, all you who are weary... you will find rest for your souls.'
Grief & loss
'Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.'
Do not grieve 'as others do who have no hope'; the dead will be raised with Jesus.
'He will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more.'
Frequently asked questions
What is the Christian Bible made of?
The Old Testament (the Hebrew Scriptures, 39 books in Protestant Bibles and more in Catholic and Orthodox canons) and the New Testament (27 books). Translations such as the NRSV, ESV, NIV and KJV differ in wording; the Guide links to the NRSVUE for reference.
Do all Christians read scripture the same way?
No. Catholic and Orthodox churches read scripture alongside church tradition and councils; many Protestants emphasise scripture alone; interpretive approaches range from literal to historical-critical.
What does Christianity say about other religions?
Views vary widely, from exclusivist to inclusivist and pluralist positions. The Guide reports these differences rather than choosing among them.
Ask the Guide about Christianity
Answers are AI-assisted, drawn from nine traditions and linked to original sources. No account needed.
The Scripture Guide uses artificial intelligence to help organize and explain religious texts and traditions. AI-generated responses may contain errors or omissions. When accuracy is important, consult the original scripture and authoritative sources.