Largest Religions: Christianity
Christianity is the most widely practiced religion in the world; it has also been the most influential in the world's history. Much of our modern world is the result of the Christian Church. Things are starting to change however as other religions are on the verge of overtaking Christianity as the world's most practiced religion. When this happens it will have a major impact on the world and dramatically change many things.
Christianity is the largest religion in the world with about a third of the world's population being adherents. It is a monotheistic religion that is based on the idea that Jesus Christ is the son of god. Jesus is believed to be savior of humanity and the religion is based on his teachings as they appear in the Bible. It is also believed that one day Jesus died for the sins of man and that he will one day return to pass judgment on humanity and grant eternal life to his followers.
Christianity began in the Middle East in the first century AD, mainly in what is now Israel. Originally a Jewish sect the religion grew slowly for the first three hundred years or so. This would change in the fourth century when the Roman Empire would officially become Christian. This spread the religion throughout the empire which included most of Europe as well as the Middle East. The rest of Europe would come under the influence of Christianity during the middle ages. During this period the church became very powerful and had a major influence of almost all aspects of life. As the Europeans explored the rest of the world they took Christianity with them.
Over the years Christianity has split into three separate branches. The first split occurred in 1054 when the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church became separate entities. This was known as the East-West schism and it was based on a variety of theological and political differences. The second split came in the sixteenth century with the protestant reformation. This occurred when groups broke off from the Catholic Church because of what they believed were corrupt practices of the leaders of the church. The Protestants formed several different sects of the religion that are all grouped together as one branch of Christianity.
Today Christianity remains the largest and most influential religion in the world. It is widely practiced in both Europe and the Americas with smaller followings in other continents. That being said the influence of Christianity is waning. This is particularly true in Europe were many people maintain Christian beliefs but are not really practicing Christians. In addition the rapid growth of other religions like Islam means that in the not too distant future Christianity will no longer be the largest religion. Nevertheless it will be an important one for many years to come.