Christianity, the world’s largest religion, boasts a rich history rooted in the life, teachings, and death of Jesus of Nazareth in the 1st century CE. Emerging from Judaism, it quickly spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, becoming a dominant force in Western civilization. Today, Christianity encompasses a diverse array of denominations and traditions, each with its own unique interpretations of scripture and practices. While its growth rate has slowed in recent decades, particularly in the West, Christianity continues to expand in Africa and Asia. It remains the most geographically widespread faith, with a projected global following of over 3 billion by 2050
Christianity is a diverse religion with a wide range of denominations and traditions. Here are some of the major branches:
Catholicism: The largest Christian church, with over 1.3 billion members worldwide. It is led by the Pope in Vatican City and emphasizes the authority of the Church and its traditions alongside the Bible. Catholics believe in the real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and have a strong devotion to Mary, the mother of Jesus
Eastern Orthodoxy: The second largest Christian church, with over 220 million members. It is characterized by its emphasis on tradition, liturgy, and theosis (becoming like God). Orthodox Christians venerate icons and celebrate the divine liturgy, which is a complex and symbolic ritual
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints LDS Church, presents a unique case in relation to the broader landscape of Christian denominations. While members of the LDS Church unequivocally identify as Christians and place Jesus Christ at the center of their faith, most mainstream Christian denominations do not recognize LDS as part of orthodox Christianity
Protestantism: A diverse branch of Christianity that emerged from the Reformation in the 16th century. Protestants emphasize the Bible as the sole authority and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ alone. There are many different Protestant denominations, including:
Post-Denominational Christianity. This term is sometimes used to describe the phenomenon of churches and individuals moving away from strong denominational identities. It’s similar to nondenominational but perhaps highlights a broader cultural trend where people are less loyal to traditional church structures and more drawn to specific local churches based on their worship style, community, or mission
sacrum is not profanum
Mimmo Paladino Sorgente –Source, 2011
Mixed media on board and aluminium casting, 150 x 190 cm, Vatican Museum
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