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RELIGIONS
CHRISTIANITY
Eternal India
encyclopedia
*
The birth of Jesus divides history into B.C. (Before Christ) and
A.D. t After Death).
*
More than one-third of the world's population profess Christi-
anity.
*
Widest spread; enjoys following in 246 countries.
*
CRUX IMMISS A (Latin Cross) Base stem is longer than other
three arms.
Symbol of Christian faith, represents supreme
sacrifice, crucifixion of Jesus by Romans who
nailed him to the Cross at Calvary.
Origin
: Place
Bethlehem
Founder
: JESUS CHRIST
Global Following : 1,869,751,440(33.5%)
Global Spread
: All Continents (270 countries)
Predominant
: Europe, N and S America
Nos. in {'000)
Africa
Asia
Europe
Latin
North
Oceania Eurasia
America
America
,
341.208 300,383 409,653
443,056
241
,
147
22,686
11 1
,
618
,
CHRONOLOGY
Early Period up to 500 A.D.
*
Church mainly within the Roman Empire. A few churches
established outside, e.g., India.
*
Separation of churches outside Roman Empire during 3rd
and 4th C for both theological and political reasons.
*
Nestorian and Jacobite churches in East Syria and Persia.
Also establishment of Coptic Church in Egypt and Armenian
Church in Armenia.
*
Christians severely persecuted by Roman government until
conversion of Emperor Constantine in early 4th C. 4th & 5th
C main body of Church closely related to Roman
Government. Became established religion of the empire.
*
Main doctrines of Christian 'orthodoxy’ formulated by
Ecumenical Councils. 1st was at Nicaea in 325. Christian
creeds written. Nicene and Apostles.
*
Church highly decentralized, closely related to a variety of
cultures in different regions. Efforts beginning to be made
to establish central authority to counteract sectarian activity.
Recognition of five Patriarchal Churches. Jerusalem
(mainly honorary), Antioch, Alexandria, Constantinople
and Rome.
Medieval Period 500 to 1500 A.D.
*
Church adversel affected by the disintegration of the
Roman Empire.
*
Gradual division, finalised in the 11th C, between Eastern
Church (called Eastern Orthodox Church) and Western
Church. Eastern Church a loose federation of four
Patriarchates with symbolic headship of Patriarch of
Constantinople. Western Church consisted of the
Patriarchate of Rome.
*
Eastern Church flourished during early part of period under
glories of Byzantine Empire.
*
Western Church suffered serious setbacks during early part
of period. Because of the political and cultural anarchy of
the times, they were known as the 'Dark Ages.'
*
Much of territory previously dominated by Christians came
under Islamic rule during 7th & 8th C.
*
Conflict between Christendom and Islam constant during
the period, but especially intense during the time when
Western rulers launched a series of crusades (11th through
15th C) for the purpose of regaining Christian control over
the holy sites in Palestine.
*
During later part of the period Eastern Church increasingly
overwhelmed by Islam, culminating in the fall of
Constantinople to the Turks in 1453.
*
Russia converted to Christianity. Russian Orthodox Church
largest Eastern Church.
*
During later part of the period there was a revival of culture
in the West known as the Renaissance. Much of the part of
this period sponsored by the Church. But Church also lost
absolute power over political and cultural institutions.
*
Important theological developments of the later part of the
period in the West centred around the teaching of Thomas
Aquinas, known as Thomism.
*
During later part of period serious challenge to Church
authority met with severe measures. Inquisition. Especially
severe in Spain and Portugal.
*
Development of church architecture of the Gothic style in
the West.
Modern Period 1500 to the Present
*
The
Renaissance,
Nationalism
and
theological
developments led to Protestant movement. Western Church
became divided into Protestant and Roman Catholic
sections. Roman Catholic church retained centralised
authority in the Bishop of Rome (known as the Pope).
Protestant churches organised on national basis initially and
from 17th C onwards on denominational basis.
*
Severe reaction to reform movement. Inquisition revived.
Catholic reformation.
*
Approximately half of all Christians are Roman Catholic;
the rest are divided among various Protestant, Eastern
Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox churches. Oriental
Orthodox churches mainly found in Egypt, Ethiopia, West
Asia and India.
*
Major missionary movement launched, First by Roman
Catholics, then by Protestants. Christianity spread
throughout the world. North and South America and Africa
became major centres of Christian population.
*
Serious challenge to Christianity in Europe by
Enlightenment, French Revolution and Marxism. Number
of persons involved in Christian activity was a very small
percentage of the population. 20th C has been called “Post
-Christian’ era in West.
*
Ecumenical Movement of 20th C revitalizes Christians and
leads to co-operative action.
*
20th C marked by emergence of Christians in Asia, Africa
and Latin America as leaders in World Christianity.
THE ORIGIN
*
Jesus Christ born in Bethlehem (near Jerusalem). His par-
ents were Mary and Joseph.
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At 30 years of age, Jesus began to preach his message in
simple words in the form of stories.
*
He led a simple life and had a lot of love and compassion for
the people.