This article outlines the origins and core beliefs of Christianity and Islam, summarizes the Nativity account of the Magi, and traces Christianity's transition from a persecuted movement to an imperial religion in the 4th century CE. It describes how Christians view scripture and prophecy, summarizes contemporary positions on creation and evolution, and notes that religion continues to influence public life and policy. It flags that current polling on religion's social role should be checked for the latest figures.

Origins and core beliefs

Christianity emerged in the early 1st century CE within the Jewish world of Roman-occupied Palestine. Christians base their faith on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, whom they regard as the Son of God and as the savior whose life, death, and resurrection reconcile humanity with God.

Islam began in the early 7th century CE in the Arabian Peninsula. Muslims follow the prophet Muhammad, whom they regard as the last in a line of prophets who revealed God's will. The Arabic word Islam means "submission" (to the will of God).

The Nativity and the Magi

The story of the Magi (the "wise men" or "kings") appears in the Gospel of Matthew. According to that account, they observed an unusual star, traveled to Jerusalem, and followed the sign to Bethlehem, where they found the newborn Jesus. Christians mark this episode in the Nativity tradition as a sign of Jesus's significance for people beyond Israel.

From minority faith to empire religion

Early Christians sometimes faced suspicion and persecution under Roman rule. Over the first three centuries, Christianity grew in numbers and organization. In 313 CE the Roman state issued the Edict of Milan, which granted tolerance to Christians, and in 325 CE church leaders met at the Council of Nicaea to address doctrinal disputes and ecclesiastical unity. By the late 4th century, Christianity was the dominant religion within the Roman Empire.

Scripture and interpretation

Christians rely primarily on the Bible, a collection of texts written over many centuries. Many believers interpret parts of the Bible as prophetic, and different traditions dispute how to read those passages and whether specific prophecies were fulfilled.

Science, creation, and religious perspectives

Debates about origins continue within and between faith communities. Positions range from young-Earth creationism (a literal reading of Genesis) to theistic evolution (which accepts evolutionary science while seeing God as the ultimate cause), and to forms of progressive creationism (which allow for divine action at key points). These positions reflect differing interpretations of scripture, evidence from the natural sciences, and theological priorities.

Religion and public life

Faith shapes how many people view the world and make decisions. Religious belief often influences politics, culture, and social policy. Polling shows that many people view religion as a positive force in society; organizations such as the Pew Research Center regularly study religion's social role and distribution across populations.

As societies confront social change, they repeatedly reassess the role of religion in public life - whether to maintain previous norms or to rethink how faith and public policy interact.

  1. Confirm recent polling data on public views that "religion is a force for good" from Pew Research Center or comparable surveys ([[CHECK]]).

FAQs about Religion Christianity

When and where did Christianity begin?
Christianity began in the early 1st century CE in Roman-occupied Palestine, growing out of the Jewish religious context and centering on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.
What does Islam mean and who founded it?
Islam means "submission" (to God's will). It began in the early 7th century CE with the prophet Muhammad in the Arabian Peninsula.
How did Christianity become the dominant religion in the Roman Empire?
Christianity expanded over the first three centuries, received legal tolerance with the Edict of Milan in 313 CE, and saw imperial and ecclesiastical consolidation such as the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, after which it became dominant by the late 4th century.
Do Christians believe the Bible contains prophecies?
Many Christians interpret parts of the Bible as prophetic and believe some passages were fulfilled; interpretations vary across traditions.
How do religious views interact with science on origins?
Positions vary: some hold a literal creation account, others accept evolutionary science while seeing God as the ultimate cause (theistic evolution), and some propose selective divine interventions (progressive creationism).

News about Religion Christianity

King's support for persecuted Christians in Advent service - BBC [Visit Site | Read More]

In what sense is Tommy Robinson a genuine Christian? None that I can see | Ravi Holy - The Guardian [Visit Site | Read More]

Why Christianity transcends today’s divides - Spiked [Visit Site | Read More]

Of course Britain is a Christian country. We should not be scared of saying so - The Telegraph [Visit Site | Read More]

Christianity still ‘loses far more people’ than it gains in the US - The Tablet [Visit Site | Read More]

Should teachers really be banned for calling Britain a Christian country? - UnHerd [Visit Site | Read More]