History of Religion-Historical Overview of Christianity
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History of Religion-Historical Overview of Christianity.
Introduction
This paper provides a historical overview of Christianity. In this regard, therefore, the article discusses the following points based on Christianity; theoretical perspectives, as well as the development of theology, Mysticism, the organization and sacred literature, significant events and history, rites and practices and lastly the paper, discusses the individuals contributing to modern/emerging expression of the religion.
Theoretical perspectives and development of the theology
The Christian religion, as well as the Christian church, generally began in the first Centaury with Jesus and His Apostles. The Christian faith is based on birth, life, death, resurrection, as well as the teachings of Jesus Christ. The religion began in Judea before spreading to Rome and then to other parts of the world. After the death of Jesus, Christian Religion spread across the world at a higher rate, especially during the exploration age. Until now, the Christian religion is still spreading and is the largest religion in the world. However, due to Schisms and theological disputes, Christian denomination divided into four major branches, including the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Churches, the Oriental Orthodoxy, and the Protestant Churches (Acts 11:26).
Earlier during the beginning of the Christian religion, there was a lot of opposition and persecution. Christians were significantly persecuted (Acts 7:59). However, they never gave up spreading the Gospel. The abuse mainly came from the Roman Empire. However, around April of 311, Galerius permitted and legalized Christianity, which later around 391 became the state religion of Rome, and its spread across the world continued rapidly until now.
Mysticism in Christianity
Christian Mysticism refers to the connection with the divine as well as transcendent, in the Christian tradition, Mysticism is comprehended to involve union with God. Mysticism I important in Christian religion history, until now, Mysticism has emerged to be a living influence. Moreover, Mysticism is regarded as a connection with the transcendent, and it is considered part of a religious process within the Christian community. Mysticism was essential as far as the early churches were concerned.
Early Christianity was a religion of the spirit which expressed itself in the heightening and enlargement of human consciousness. From the Gospel of Mathew 11:25–27), we see that Jesus enjoyed a sense of individual contact with God. However, as far as the primitive churches are concerned, prophets play a crucial role; this is because Prophets received, and they still receive revelation that comes directly from the Holy Spirit. The letters of Paul in the new testaments, as well as the Gospel of John, have expressed in detail the mystical aspect. Therefore, these two books of the new testament regard mystical experience as well as the aspiration to be the union with Christ. Paul desired much knowing Christ and being united with Christ. Gospel, for instance, has repeatedly used the word “in Christ,” which means individual union, as well as participation in the death as well as the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Moreover, in the Gospel of John (chapters 14–16), there is the appearance of Christ-mysticism, in this chapter and verse, Jesus spoke regarding his looming death as well as his return in the spirit that would facilitate the union of Christ with his followers. Section 17 also outlines the prayer of Jesus in which there is Jesus’ vision regarding the association of souls, and Jesus says that as Christians are one with Christ, they, therefore, share his perfect union with God.
Protestant Mysticism focused on the divine element in humanity, commonly referred to as the divine image”, the “Christ within et cetera.
Organization and Sacred Literature
Christianity is organized based on four significant areas meant to instill discipline in Christianity and to avoid sins. These four areas include:
- relationship with the pagan kind of life as well as culture such as worship, Christians is strongly warned against idolatry.
- Relationship with sexes, in this context, the Christians are not to engage in prostitution, pederasty, sodomy.
- Relationship with the community- Christians are not to engage in murder, among other outlined forbidden activities that are likely to bring harm to the community members. Instead, Christians are required to help the society while ensuring that the members of the organization are directed to uphold good deeds.
- Relationship to teachers of false doctrines- such as false prophets.
By upholding these four key areas, Christianity aims to instill discipline while guiding the members on the right path that does not involve sin. In the book of (1 John 5:15), the Bible outlines that Church discipline is paramount, and sins lead to loss of eternal life. In this context, therefore, Christians should not engage in any sinful way if they want to have eternal life.
The Sacred Literature of Christianity is called the Bible. The Bible consists of a collection of 39 Old Testament books and with the 27 New Testament books to form the Christian Bible, and Christians call the stacks of books the Holy Scriptures. Therefore, the Bible is the sacred Literature or writing of Christians. The Bible is further translated into many languages. The Bible provides a practical foundation for Christians. Christians use it to direct the word of God, and it also provides a guide on how Christians should live (Garroway, 2018).
Christianity Significant Events and History
Christianity is a religion that is engulfed by major significant events. Numerous vital events have taken place throughout the history of Christianity. These events had taken place since the time Before Christ or B.C as well as throughout the Annual Dominion commonly referred to as A.D. For this purpose; the paper outlines Some of the most important events during the A.D period. The life and teachings of Jesus Christ, which is believed to have started about 4BC, are significant events for Christianity. This is because, according to the Bible, Jesus is the Son of God, and him coming to the earth was a significant event because He is the mainstream of Christianity. As Jesus went to the world, born in Bethlehem, He possessed a human life on earth at throughout; He came to fulfill all Old Testament prophecies concerning the promised Messiah (Isaiah 11: 11-12). Throughout His life on earth, Jesus went through some significant events which were supposed to symbolize the work of the Holy Spirit and the Heavenly father. Chapter 4 of the Gospel of Luke tells us the temptation of Jesus; this signifies the completeness and the finality of his triumph over His adversary. Also, it means that Christ was tempted just like men are tempted, and so He will be merciful and help those tempted because he has already suffered and tempted (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus also went through circumcision rites, Baptism, among other practices, and all these have Christian meaning and importance.
Another important event. Another important fact is the Apostolic Age; during this time, the Apostles received power from the holy spirit, and they spread the word of God in many parts of the world Acts of the Apostles 1:8). The twelve Apostles of Jesus carried out His ministry, and when He was ascending to Heaven, He commissioned the disciples t spread the word of God, the holy spirit came to strengthen them to spread the word of God (Acts 1:15, 2:1-4).
Another Key event is the rise of the Early Christian Church, which was concerned with the spread of the teachings of Jesus as well as the word of God (Revelation 1:10). Moreover, the rise of the New Testament of the Bible is another major event, which happened in about 180 AD. This event was significant because it led to the formation of Gospels and the New Testament. Other notable events include the Schism of July 16, 1054, which led to a disaster, the Reformation of the protestants, the Catholic reformation and missionary movement, the emergency of KING JAMES BIBLE VERSION in 1611among many other events that have taken place throughout the history of Christianity (Curtis, Lang, & Petersen, 1998).
Christian Rites and Practices
Christianity is considered an Abrahamic monotheistic religion that entirely depends on life as well as the teaching of Jesus Christ. This, therefore, implies that Christianity has rites as well as practices that are always upheld by the Christians. There are various rites and methods which are practiced by Christians. The types of Christian rituals and practices carried out usually depends on the specific denomination of Christianity. Several denominations are making in Christianity (Knapp, 1858). The various methods in Christianity include Baptism, Eucharist, Eucharist, also referred to as the Holy Communion and the Lord’s Supper. The prayer, which consists of the Lord’s Prayer is also among other Christian practices. However, the various Christian rites include the burial rites; the marriage rites the religious education of children, among others.
Christians usually assemble on Sunday for the Holy communal worship; for Christians, Sunday is the day the Lord Jesus Christ resurrected. However, other Christian denominations such as Seventh-day Adventist assemble for church service on Saturday. Christian services are usually led by a minister, a pastor, and a preacher (Geddes & Griffiths, 2002). Other practices such as thanksgiving, confession, as well as petition usually happen during the Church service in different forms, for instance, recited, singing, among other types. Christians often pray to God through Jesus Christ.
However, the most significant rites for Christianity are the Sacraments; this is considered a sacred ritual that communicates the holy power of God as well as God’s grace. In this case, therefore, Baptism and Eucharist are deemed to be highly essential sacraments. The Christian initiation rites is a rite that is meant to cleanse Christians (Leviticus 14:8). Baptism is considered a form of repentance for Christians. Baptism is moral purification and also taken as the beginning of new as well as eternal life. Similarly, Baptism implies that Christians are ready for the Kingdom of God. Baptism is usually done through total immersion in water or just sprinkling of the head with water.
Persons Contributing to Contemporary Expression of Christianity
As discussed earlier, the Christian religion started with Jesus and His disciples. Therefore, they were responsible for the contemporary expression of Christianity during its beginning. However, before His Ascension into Heaven, Jesus commissioned his disciples to take charge and spread the word of God, in this regard, therefore, Jesus’ Apostles were the individuals who majorly contribute to the expression of Christian religion during that time (Geddes & Griffiths, 2002). However, when the last disciple died, Christianity had already taken root in many parts of the world. In the modern world, many persons significantly contribute to the expression of the Christian religion. In the contemporary world, all Christians are responsible for the modern interpretation of the Christian faith, however, Church ministers, pastors, preachers, and even modern Apostles play a vital role in the modern expression of Christianity. They help spread the word of God, explaining to those who don’t understand, facilitating helping of the needy et cetera ( Handbook of global contemporary Christianity: Movements, institutions, and allegiance, 2016)
References
King James Bible
Holy Bible
Curtis, A. K., Lang, J. S., & Petersen, R. (1998). The 100 most important events in Christian history. Baker Books.
Garroway, J. D. (2018). The beginning of the Gospel: Paul, Philippi, and the origins of Christianity. Springer.
Geddes, G., & Griffiths, J. (2002). Christian belief and practice: The Roman Catholic tradition. Heinemann.
Handbook of global contemporary Christianity: Movements, institutions, and allegiance. (2016). BRILL.
Knapp, G. C. (1858). Lectures on Christian theology.