Cristianismo

Origin

Christianity arose in the 1st century in the Roman province of Judea. It goes back to Jesus of Nazareth, whom his followers see as the Christ (the anointed one) and Son of God. His first followers were Jews.

Beliefs and practice

Christians believe in one God in three persons (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). Central are the death and resurrection of Jesus and love of one's neighbour. The Bible consists of the Old Testament (the Tanakh) and the New Testament. The main branches are Catholic, Orthodox and Protestant.

Spread

At first Christianity was persecuted in the Roman Empire, allowed in 313 and made the state religion by 380. In the Middle Ages almost all of Europe became Christian. From the 15th century, mission and colonial rule brought it to the Americas, Africa and Asia.

Today

With about 2.3 billion people it is the largest religion in the world. Today it grows mainly in sub-Saharan Africa, while its share in Europe is shrinking.

Good to know

• In 301 Armenia became the first country with a Christian state religion.
• Brazil has the most Catholics in the world.
• The Reformation began in 1517 with Martin Luther in Wittenberg.