Contemporary World

Research Paper on Christianity

BEED 3B-BEP
Reynan H. Marin
Anthony John M. Dagelet
Norwina Guevarra

Background of Christianity:

 Is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. It is
the world's largest and most widespread religion with roughly 2.4 billion followers representing
one-third of the global population.
 Its adherents, known as Christians, are estimated to make up a majority of the population in 157
countries and territories. Christians believe that Jesus is the Son of God, whose coming as the
Messiah was prophesied in the Hebrew Bible (called the Old Testament in Christianity) and
chronicled in the New Testament.
 Christianity began in the 1st century after the birth of Jesus as a Judaic sect with Hellenistic
influence, in the Roman province of Judea. The disciples of Jesus spread their faith around the
Eastern Mediterranean area, despite significant persecution. The inclusion of Gentiles led
Christianity to slowly separate from Judaism (2nd century). Emperor Constantine the Great
decriminalized Christianity in the Roman Empire by the Edict of Milan, later convening the
Council of Nicaea, where Early Christianity was consolidated into what would become the State
church of the Roman Empire.

 Depending on the specific denomination of Christianity, practices may include baptism, the
Eucharist (Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper), prayer (including the Lord's Prayer),
confession, confirmation, burial rites, marriage rites and the religious education of children.
Most denominations have ordained clergy who lead regular communal worship services.
 Christian rites, rituals, and ceremonies are not celebrated in one single sacred language. Many
ritualistic Christian churches make a distinction between sacred language, liturgical language
and vernacular language. The three important languages in the early Christian era were: Latin,
Greek and Syriac.

Demographic Information:
World Population:
As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Christianity is the largest religion globally. Roughly
31.2% of the world's population identifies as Christian. The total Christian population worldwide is
estimated to be over 2.3 billion.

Top Ten Countries with the Largest Christian Populations:

 United States
 Brazil
 Mexico
 Russia
  Philippines
 Nigeria
 China
 Democratic Republic of the Congo
 Germany
 Ethiopia

1. Sources and Basic Teachings:

Sources:
Christianity's primary religious text is the Bible, which includes the Old Testament and the New
Testament. The Bible is considered by Christians to be the inspired word of God.

Basic Teachings:
Key teachings of Christianity include the belief in one God (the Holy Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy
Spirit), the divinity and resurrection of Jesus Christ, salvation through faith in Jesus, and the importance
of love, forgiveness, and moral conduct.

2. Popular Celebrations, Festivals, and Traditions:

Celebrations and Festivals:
Christmas: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ on December 25th.
Easter: Commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Traditions:
Baptism: Symbolic initiation into the Christian faith.
Communion (Eucharist): Ritual commemorating the Last Supper.

3. Influence on World Affairs or Globalization:

Political Influence:
Historically, Christianity has played a significant role in shaping political structures and ideologies.
Christian principles have influenced the development of legal systems in many countries.

Social Influence:
Christian values often contribute to discussions on social justice, human rights, and ethical behavior.
Missionary activities have influenced global cultural exchange.

Spiritual and Moral Influence:

Christianity has shaped spiritual and moral perspectives in various societies.
Christian ethics influence debates on issues like abortion, euthanasia, and marriage.

Economic Influence:
Christian teachings on charity and economic justice influence discussions on poverty alleviation.
Some Christian groups actively participate in economic development projects.

Conclusion:
Christianity, with its vast global following, has a profound impact on world affairs. Its teachings continue
to influence political, social, spiritual, moral, and economic aspects, contributing to the complex tapestry
of globalization. The diversity within Christianity ensures that its influence is manifested in various ways
across different cultures and regions.