Of all the religions of man Christianity is the most widespread and has the largest number of followers. It has also the greatest amount of diversities. The main divisions are Roman Catholicism, Protestantism and the Eastern Orthodoxy. The Christian faith is centred in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ although there are differences in custom and interpretation.

Jesus’ Teachings

The reality of God and Jesus’ intimate relationship with God occupied the centre place in his thinking and determined the consistency of his point of view.

1. The Kingdom of God – the Jews of his day hoped for the restoration of the Kingdom of David. Jesus replaced this with the vision of God’s reign extending to all lands. Jesus also deviated from the general thinking by teaching that while the kingdom in its fullness was still in the future, it was in a real sense already present – within each one.
2. God is the sovereign moral personality ruling the universe, the moving spirit in history, a transcendent being, sternly righteous and just, yet forgiving and merciful to those who turn to Him. God is utterly good and holy. Men should trust Him and regularly seek spiritual enlightenment through prayer, especially private prayer in one’s room or in the solitude of the fields and hilltops.
3. Nature is not the ultimate reality. God works behind and through nature. Therefore we should first seek the Kingdom; God Himself will supply all that is necessary in nature.
4. There were to be no exceptions to the law of love; it was to be international and inter-racial. "You must love the Lord your God with your whole heart, your whole soul, and your whole mind. That is the great, first command. There is a second like it: You must love your neighbour as you do yourself. These two commands sum up the whole of the Law and the Prophets."
5. His primary interest was in man’s doing the will of God. Moral obligations were to be put above all social, legal or ceremonial demands. Harming the moral nature of another is the gravest of crimes. "Do not judge others. You should rather correct your own faults – try and be perfect like God. For the measure you use with others they in turn will use with you."
6. Good and evil have their origins in the heart. Only if one’s heart is right and one is sincere in doing what the heart directs can one be called a truly moral person. "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God."

Nine Basic Beliefs of Christianity
   (Compiled by 'Christianity Today')

 Christians believe that the Bible is the uniquely inspired and fully trustworthy word of God. It is the final authority for Christians in matters of belief and practice, and though it was written long ago, it continues to speak to believers today.

1. Christians believe that the Bible is the uniquely inspired and fully trustworthy word of God. It is the final authority for Christians in matters of belief and practice, and though it was written long ago, it continues to speak to believers today.
2. Christians believe in one God in three persons. He is distinct from His creation, yet intimately involved with it as its sustainer and redeemer.
3. Christians believe that the world was created once by the divine will but was corrupted by sin, yet under God’s providence moves towards final perfection.
4. Christians believe that, through God’s grace and favour, lost sinners are rescued from the guilt, power and eternal consequences of their evil thoughts, words and deeds.
5. Christians believe that it is appointed for human beings to die once and after that face judgment. In Adam’s sin, the human race was spiritually alienated from God, and that those who are called by God and respond to His grace will have eternal life. Those who persist in rebellion will be lost eternally.
6. Christians believe that spirit beings inhabit the universe, some good and some evil, but worship is due to God alone.
7. Christians believe that God has given us a clear revelation of Himself in Jesus and the sacred Scriptures. He has empowered by His Spirit prophets, apostles, evangelists, and pastors who are teachers charged to guide us into faith and holiness in accordance with his word.
8. Christians believe that life is to be highly esteemed but that it must be subordinated in the service of Biblical love and justice.
9. Christians believe that Jesus is God incarnate and, therefore, the only sure path to salvation. Many religions may offer ethical and spiritual insights, but only Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life.

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