I'm new to this forum, though not to IW, and couldn't resist the challenge of trying to summarize Christianity in a nutshell--and to make it more fun, I'm trying to do this while getting the kids ready for bed! Here goes. . .
Christianity is centered on Jesus Christ (ca. 4 BC-30 AD), and sees itself as the fulfillment of Judaism and Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish Messianic prophecy.
Central teachings of historic Christianity:
- God is a Trinity: a single God yet composed of three unique and distinct persons (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
- God inspired prophets and apostles to write the Bible. Christians believe that both Old and New Testaments are inspired by God.
- God created all things, including humanity, perfect and without fault.
- Humanity chose to disobey God and thus fell into sin, earning death for all.
- Jesus Christ, truly human (the Son of God) and true God (God the Son), was born of a virgin and came to be humanity's redeemer.
- Christ as Redeemer was perfect in humanity's place and sacrificed his life on a cross to pay for the sins of all.
- Christ's sacrifice earned eternal life for all, and he rose from death as a guarantee of that life.
- God the Holy Spirit gives faith (trust) in the message of Christ. Those who trust in Christ's perfection are declared righteous and receive heaven.
- Christians are waiting for Christ to return to judge humanity. While waiting, Christians live to serve Christ and show love to others.
Ok, that's probably longer than the other definitions and it's probably incomplete, but I figured it was worth a try!