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Christianity

The history of Christian missions

The Christian mission, the church, and Christianity—each distinguishable, but inseparably related—have experienced four major transitions in their history.

First transition, to ad 500

The new missionary faith made its first major transition as it emerged from Palestine and spread throughout the Mediterranean world. The apostle Paul became the missionary to the Gentile world. With help from Barnabas and a local network of coworkers, many of them women, he evangelized Asia Minor and southern Greece and eventually reached Rome. Dominated politically by the Roman Empire, the new religion benefited from the stability the empire ... (100 of 127030 words)

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Aspects of the topic Christianity are discussed in the following places at Britannica.

Assorted References

arts

doctrines, beliefs, and teachings

 (in  doctrine and dogma (religion): Distinctions between doctrine and dogma)

ecumenism

 (in ecumenism)

historiography

 (in  historiography: The early Christian conception of history)

history from 1055 to 1600

history from 1600 to the present

history to 1054

myth and legend

 (in  Christianity: Christian myth and legend)

organization and practice

philosophy

 (in  Christianity: Christian philosophy)

relationship to

ritual and worship

social and cultural aspects

People

The following are some people associated with "Christianity"

Places

The following are some places associated with "Christianity"

Other

The following is a selection of items (artistic styles or groups, constructions, events, fictional characters, organizations, publications) associated with "Christianity"
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Other Britannica Sites

Articles from Britannica encyclopedias for elementary and high school students.

Christianity - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)

With some 2 billion followers, Christianity is the world’s most widespread religion. Christianity is based on the life, death, and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. The religion has three main branches-Roman Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Protestantism.

Christianity - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)

The beliefs and practices of Christianity are based on the teachings of Jesus Christ. Christianity is divided into three main denominations: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Protestant. There are more Christians in the world (some 2 billion at the beginning of the 21st century) than followers of any other single religion. (See also Jesus Christ.)

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External Web Sites
The topic Christianity is discussed at the following external Web sites.
Religion Facts - A One-Page Overview of Christian History
Kidipede History for Kids - Christianity
The Catholic Encyclopedia - Christianity
The Canadian Encyclopedia - Christianity
LookLex Encyclopaedia - Christianity
Fact Monster - Christianity
Washington State University - Early Christianity
Into His Own: Perspective on the World of Jesus
PBS Online - From Jesus to Christ - The First Christians
Catholic Encyclopedia - The Religion of Russia
Internet Sacred Text Archive - Christian Texts
E-texts of documents and holy books from early Christian era. Features gospels, doctrines, statements of faith, and literature related to the religion and its teachings.
Jewish-Christian Relations
Collection of materials and resources connected with efforts to promote mutual understanding between Jews and Christians. Includes an index of links to organizations implementing such cooperation; official statements by churches and international organizations; articles, bibliographies, and book reviews; and summaries of news stories that document cultural contact, conflict, and cooperation. Portions of the site are available in German.
A Journal for Lutheran Reformation
Journal intended to contribute to the ongoing reformation of the Christian church. Focuses on questions of theology and church authority at the time of the Protestant Reformation and in today’s Lutheran church.
Quodlibet - Journal of Christian Theology and Philosophy
Monthly e-journal. Includes articles, issue index, archives, and details of how to submit papers for publication.
Mr. Dowling’s Western Religions Page
Resource providing general introductory information on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
The Galileo Project - Biography, Family, Portraits and More
The Divine Life Society - Religions of the World
A Journal for Lutheran Reformation
Journal intended to contribute to the ongoing reformation of the Christian church. Focuses on questions of theology and church authority at the time of the Protestant Reformation and in today’s Lutheran church.
Casey’s Critical Thinking - Christianity and Pacifism
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