Fast Facts

• Began as a Jewish sect in the mid-first century.
• The basic ideology of Christianity is that Jesus Christ lived, suffered, died, was buried, and resurrected from the dead in order to grant eternal life to those who believe in him and trust in him for the remission of their sins.
• Most denominations believe that Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead. He is considered the model of virtuous living.
• Is the most widespread faith in the world.
• The largest groups are the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and the various denominations of Protestantism.
• The religion has almost 2.2 billion followers.