Facts and Stats on Christianity

Date founded:

c. 33 AD

Place founded:

Palestine

Founder:

Jesus of Nazareth

Adherents:

2 billion {adherents.com}

US adherents:

159 million in 2001 {adherents.com}

UK adherents:

51 million in 1997 {adherents.com}

Size rank:

largest world religion

Main location:

Europe
North America
South America

Major sects (denominations):

Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Protestant

Sacred texts:

The Bible, comprised of the Old Testament and New Testament

Original languages:

Aramaic, Greek, Latin

Religious professionals:

Priest; bishop; archbishop; patriarch; pope; pastor; minister; preacher; deacon

House of worship:

Church, chapel, cathedral, basilica, meeting hall

Type of theism:

Trinitarian Monotheism

Ultimate reality:

One God (a Trinity of Father, Son and Holy Spirit)

Human nature:

Created good but now born sinful

Purpose of life:

Know, love and serve God

How to live:

Have faith in the true God and Christ's resurrection, do good works, participate in sacraments

Afterlife:

Resurrection of body and soul, purgatory (Catholic and Orthodox), and eternal heaven or hell

Symbols:

Cross, dove, anchor, fish, alpha and omega, chi rho

Major holidays:

Advent (Nov. 30 - Dec. 24)
Christmas (Dec. 25)
Epiphany (Jan. 6)
Lent (40-day period prior to Easter)
Good Friday (last Friday before Easter)
Easter (date varies)
All Saint's Day (Nov. 1)

Books of the New Testament :

Gospel of Matthew Gospel of Mark Gospel of Luke Gospel of John Acts of the Apostles Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians

Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon

Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation