After 2,000 years of history across many cultures and in many denominations, the question is not as easy as one might hope! We find it helpful to define Christianity with four complementary statements.
Christianity is a worldview.
A worldview is a picture of reality. It gives answers to our big questions, such as "Where did we come from? Why are we here? What is wrong with this world? Is there a solution? Where does it all go from here?" Beginning with the firm belief that the Bible is God's word in which he has answered these questions, Christianity proclaims that God created the world good, but the first humans sinned by rebelling against him, plunging all people into a world of sin which is under God's curse. God in his infinite love sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to be the savior of the world. By his sinless life and his death upon a cross, Jesus paid the penalty of sin, thus redeeming all who trust in him from the curse of sin. Jesus rose from the dead and ascended into heaven, promising that one day he will return to gather his people into eternal blessedness and to judge the whole world. These truths guide Christians in how they think about and live in the world.
Christianity is a relationship with God.
At the heart of the Christian worldview is the truth that God made us in his image and invites us into a unique relationship with him through his son Jesus Christ. As we trust in Jesus Christ, we hear God's voice as he speaks in the Bible, and we have confidence that he hears us as we pray to him. Indeed, one could almost say that to be "saved" is to be united to Jesus Christ in this special relationship of forgiveness and love. No relationship could be greater!
Christianity is an organized religion.
Religion is the outward form by which we express our beliefs in God. Although Christianity (and any other religion) can be abused by hypocritical actions, we still recognize that God has organized our forms of worship through the New Covenant in Jesus Christ. Those who have a sincere belief in the God of the Bible must follow him according to the forms he has given us - things like baptism, the Lord's Supper, and going to church to worship him.
Christianity is a lifestyle.
Christianity has commandments, but it cannot be easily reduced to a list of do's and don't's. The commandments of Christianity address the heart as well as the actions. When followed, they reshape our entire lives. Followers of Jesus Christ understand this and seek to be transformed according to his will.
Want to learn more?
The best way to start learning about Christianity is to observe a worship service for yourself. There are several good reasons to do this. In addition, we regularly hold a church information class which explores each of these topics in depth. Let us know if you want to find out when the next one will start!