“Find answers to the questions skeptics ask about Christianity.”
Christianity is one of the world’s major religions, with over 2 billion followers around the globe. But what is Christianity really about? Who is Jesus Christ and why do Christians worship him? What is the Bible and how do Christians use it? How do Christians live their faith in a diverse and complex world?
These are some of the questions that skeptics, seekers, and curious people may ask about Christianity. In this blog post, we will try to answer these questions in a clear and concise way, using biblical references and historical facts. We hope that this post will help you understand Christianity better and spark your interest in exploring it further.
Here are some of the most common questions people ask about Christianity, and you can find the answers given in the headings below.
- What is Christianity?
- Who is Jesus Christ?
- What is the Bible?
- How do Christians worship?
- What are the main branches of Christianity?
- What are the core beliefs of Christianity?
- How do Christians live their faith?
- What are some of the challenges and controversies facing Christianity today?
- How can I become a Christian?
- How can I grow in my Christian faith?
These questions provide a good overview of the basics of Christianity, but they are not exhaustive. There is much more to learn and discover, and you can deepen your understanding by studying the Bible and other Christian resources. As the apostle Paul wrote, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).
What is Christianity?
Christianity is a monotheistic religion that believes in one God who created the universe and everything in it. Christians believe that God loves humanity and wants to have a personal relationship with each person. However, this relationship was broken by sin, which is disobedience to God’s will and moral law. Sin separates us from God and leads to death and judgment.
But God did not give up on us. He sent his Son, Jesus Christ, to save us from sin and restore our relationship with him. Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, taught about God’s kingdom, performed miracles, died on the cross for our sins, and rose from the dead on the third day. He ascended to heaven and will come again to judge the living and the dead.
Christians believe that by faith in Jesus Christ, we can receive forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God’s presence and power in our lives, who guides us, teaches us, comforts us, and transforms us into the image of Christ. The Holy Spirit also gives us spiritual gifts to serve God and others.
Christians also believe that we are part of the church, which is the body of Christ in the world. The church is not a building or an organization, but a community of people who love God and one another. The church exists to worship God, to share the gospel of Jesus Christ, to make disciples of all nations, to care for the needy, and to glorify God in everything.
Who is Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ is the central figure of Christianity. He is the Son of God and the Savior of the world. He is fully God and fully human, meaning that he has two natures in one person. He is not a mere prophet or teacher, but the Lord of all creation.
Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah, who would come to save God’s people from their enemies and establish God’s kingdom on earth. Jesus claimed to be the Messiah and proved it by his words and deeds. He taught with authority, healed the sick, cast out demons, raised the dead, calmed the storm, fed the hungry, forgave sinners, and confronted evil.
Jesus also claimed to be one with God the Father and equal to him. He said that he came from heaven to do God’s will and that he had the power to give eternal life to those who believe in him. He said that He was the way, the truth, and the life and that no one can come to God except through Him. He said that he was the light of the world, the good shepherd, the bread of life, the true vine, the resurrection, and the life.
Jesus also predicted his own death and resurrection. He said that he would be betrayed by one of his disciples,
arrested by the Jewish leaders,
condemned by Pontius Pilate,
crucified by Roman soldiers,
and buried in a tomb.
He said that he would die as a ransom for many,
as a sacrifice for sin,
and as a fulfillment of Scripture.
He said that he would rise from the dead on
the third day,
appear to his followers,
and ascend to heaven.
He said that he would send
the Holy Spirit
to his disciples,
and that he would return
to judge
the world
and reign
as King.
All these things happened exactly as Jesus said they would. His death and resurrection are historical facts that are attested by eyewitnesses and ancient sources. His death and resurrection are also theological truths that reveal God’s love and power for our salvation.
What is the Bible?
The Bible is the sacred book of Christianity, containing the writings of prophets, apostles, and other inspired authors who testified of God’s dealings with his people throughout history. The Bible is divided into two main parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament.
The Old Testament records the creation of the world, the fall of humanity, the covenant of God with Abraham and his descendants, the law of Moses, the history of Israel, the wisdom and poetry of various authors, and the prophecies of God’s future plans for his people.
The New Testament records the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Savior of the world. It also contains the writings of his followers, who spread his gospel to different nations and cultures, and who taught about the doctrine and organization of his church. The New Testament also reveals God’s final judgment and the glorious destiny of those who believe in him.
The Bible is not just a collection of stories or myths. It is the word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit and preserved by faithful men and women throughout the ages. The Bible is a living book that speaks to us today, revealing God’s character, will, and purposes for us. The Bible is also a guide for our daily living, showing us how to love God and our neighbor, how to overcome sin and temptation, how to endure trials and suffering, how to grow in faith and obedience, and how to prepare for eternity. The Bible is also a source of hope and joy, promising us that God loves us, that he has a plan for us, and that he will never leave us nor forsake us.
The Bible is not a book that can be read once and then put aside. It is a book that invites us to study it carefully, meditate on it constantly, pray over it sincerely, and apply it practically. The Bible is a book that challenges us to examine ourselves, repent of our sins, seek God’s forgiveness and grace, and follow his commands. The Bible is a book that transforms us with the power of God’s Spirit, making us more like Christ in our thoughts, words, and actions.
The Bible is a book that deserves our respect, reverence, and gratitude. It is a gift from God to us, a treasure that we should cherish and share with others. It is a book that testifies to God’s love for us in sending his Son to die for us and to rise again for us. It is a book that invites us to respond to God’s love by loving him back with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. It is a book that leads us to eternal life with God in his kingdom.
The Bible is more than a book. It is God’s word to us. It is our life.
How do Christians worship?
Christians worship God by gathering together in churches, where they sing songs of praise, pray, read the Bible, and listen to sermons. Some churches also celebrate sacraments, such as baptism and communion, which are outward signs of an inward grace. Christians worship God not only in churches, but also in their daily lives, by loving God and their neighbors, and by obeying God’s commandments.
What are the main branches of Christianity?
Christianity is divided into three main branches: Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and Protestantism. Catholicism is the largest branch, with about 1.3 billion followers worldwide. It is led by the pope, who is the bishop of Rome and the successor of St. Peter.
Catholics believe in the authority of the pope and the church tradition, as well as the Bible. Orthodoxy is the second largest branch, with about 300 million followers, mostly in Eastern Europe and Asia. It is composed of several autocephalous (self-governing) churches, such as the Greek Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church. Orthodox Christians emphasize the continuity of the apostolic faith and practice, and the role of the seven ecumenical councils in defining a doctrine.
Protestantism is the third largest branch, with about 900 million followers, mostly in Europe and North America. It originated in the 16th century as a reform movement against some of the teachings and practices of the Catholic Church. Protestants reject the authority of the pope and the church tradition, and affirm the sole authority of the Bible and the doctrine of justification by faith alone.
What are the core beliefs of Christianity?
The core beliefs of Christianity are summarized in the Nicene Creed, which is recited by most Christians in their worship services. The creed affirms that:
- There is one God, who exists in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- God created everything that exists out of nothing.
- God became incarnate (took on human flesh) in Jesus Christ, who was born of the Virgin Mary.
- Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, performed miracles, taught God’s will, died on the cross for our sins, rose from the dead on the third day, ascended into heaven, and will come again to judge the living and the dead.
- The Holy Spirit is God’s presence and power in the world, who convicts us of sin, regenerates us to new life, guides us into truth, and gives us gifts for ministry.
- The Bible is God’s inspired word, which reveals God’s character and will for humanity.
- The church is God’s people from all times and places, who are called to worship God, proclaim the gospel, serve others, and await Christ’s return.
- Salvation is God’s gift of forgiveness and eternal life to those who repent of their sins and trust in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.
- Baptism is a sign and seal of God’s covenant with his people, which initiates them into the church and marks them as Christ’s disciples.
- Communion is a memorial and participation in Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, which nourishes our faith and unites us with Him and with each other.
How do Christians live their faith?
Christians live their faith by following Jesus‘ example and teachings. They seek to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love their neighbors as themselves. They also seek to obey God’s commandments, which are summarized in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:1-17) and in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). Christians live their faith not only as individuals but also as members of a community called the church. They support each other in prayer, fellowship, service, and accountability. They also share their faith with others by word and deed.
What are some of the challenges and controversies facing Christianity today?
Christianity today faces many challenges and controversies from within and without. Some of these include:
- The decline of church attendance and membership in many parts of the world
- The rise of secularism, relativism, pluralism, atheism, agnosticism, and other worldviews that challenge or reject Christian claims
- The division and conflict among Christians over doctrinal issues such as homosexuality,
women’s ordination,
abortion,
creation,
and ecumenism - The persecution and discrimination of Christians in some countries where they are a minority or face hostility from other religions or governments
- The poverty,
injustice,
violence,
corruption,
and environmental degradation that afflict many people around the world - The need for evangelism, discipleship, mission, and
- The role of the church in fulfilling God’s purposes.
As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to share the good news of his life, death, and resurrection with the world. This is evangelism: proclaiming the gospel to those who have not heard or believed it. Evangelism is not optional or secondary for Christians; it is essential and primary. Jesus himself commanded his disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19) and to “be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
But evangelism is not the end goal; it is the beginning. The gospel not only saves us from sin and death; it also transforms us into new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). This is discipleship: growing in our knowledge, love, and obedience to Jesus as our Lord and Savior. Discipleship is not optional or secondary for Christians; it is essential and primary. Jesus himself commanded his disciples to “teach them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:20) and to “abide in me, and I in you” (John 15:4).
But discipleship is not the end goal; it is the means. The gospel not only changes us individually; it also unites us collectively into one body, the church (Ephesians 4:4-6). This is the mission: joining God’s work of restoring his creation and reconciling his people through Christ. Mission is not optional or secondary for Christians; it is essential and primary. Jesus himself commissioned his disciples to “as the Father has sent me, I am sending you” (John 20:21) and to “let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
But mission is not the end goal; it is the expression. The gospel not only empowers us for service; it also points us to worship. This is the role of the church: to glorify God and enjoy him forever. The role of the church is not optional or secondary for Christians; it is essential and primary. Jesus himself taught his disciples to “love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37) and to “worship the Father in spirit and truth” (John 4:23).
Evangelism, discipleship, mission, and the role of the church are not separate or competing aspects of our Christian life; they are interconnected and complementary. They flow from our identity as God’s children, our calling as Christ’s ambassadors, our participation in the Spirit’s ministry, and our anticipation of God’s kingdom. They reflect God’s heart for His glory and His love for His world. They shape our vision, values, priorities, and practices as individuals and as communities of faith.
Therefore, let us embrace these four aspects of our Christian life with passion, conviction, humility, and joy. Let us seek God’s guidance, grace, and power to fulfill them faithfully and fruitfully. Let us encourage one another, support one another, learn from one another, and serve one another as we pursue them together. And let us give all glory to God who has called us into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
How to Become and Grow as a Christian
Many people wonder what it means to be a Christian and how to grow in their Christian faith. In this section, I will try to answer these questions from a biblical perspective and offer some practical suggestions for your spiritual journey.
How can I become a Christian?
The first step to becoming a Christian is to recognize that you are a sinner in need of God’s forgiveness and grace. The Bible says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin is anything that goes against God’s holy and perfect will, and it separates us from Him and His love.
The Bible also says, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). This means that the consequence of our sin is spiritual death, which is eternal separation from God in hell. But God loves us so much that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins and to rise again from the dead so that we can have eternal life with Him in heaven. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
To become a Christian, you need to believe in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and confess your sins to Him. The Bible says, “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved” (Romans 10:9-10). You also need to repent of your sins, which means turning away from them and following God’s ways. The Bible says, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out” (Acts 3:19).
You can become a Christian right now by praying to God and asking Him to forgive you of your sins and to come into your life. You can use this prayer as a guide:
Dear God,
I admit that I am a sinner and I need Your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ is Your Son who died for my sins and rose from the dead. I confess Him as my Lord and Savior and I repent of my sins. I invite You to come into my heart and life and make me a new creation. Thank You for loving me and saving me. Amen.
If you prayed this prayer sincerely, congratulations! You are now a Christian and a child of God! The Bible says, “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).
How can I grow in my Christian faith?
Becoming a Christian is the beginning of a lifelong journey of growing in your relationship with God and becoming more like Jesus. Here are some ways you can grow in your Christian faith:
- Read the Bible daily. The Bible is God’s Word and it reveals His character, His will, His promises, His commands, His love, His wisdom, and His plan for your life. The Bible also teaches you how to live as a Christian in this world. The Bible says, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). You can start by reading the Gospel of John or any other book of the Bible that interests you. You can also use a Bible reading plan or a devotional book to help you study the Bible systematically.
- Pray daily. Prayer is talking to God and listening to Him. Prayer is a way of expressing your love, gratitude, praise, worship, confession, requests, needs, concerns, joys, sorrows, doubts, fears, hopes, dreams, and anything else that is in your heart to God. Prayer is also a way of receiving God’s guidance, comfort,
strength, peace, joy, grace, mercy, forgiveness, healing,
protection,
provision,
and anything else that He wants to give you. The Bible says,
“Do not be anxious about anything,
but in every situation,
by prayer
and petition,
with thanksgiving,
present your requests
to God.
And the peace
of God,
which transcends
all understanding,
will guard
your hearts
and your minds
in Christ Jesus”
(Philippians 4:6-7).
You can pray anytime,
anywhere,
and about anything.
You can also use different methods of prayer to suit your needs and preferences. We will explore some of the common ways that Christians pray and how they can enrich your spiritual life.
One of the most basic and universal forms of prayer is the prayer of praise. This is when you express your love and admiration for God and his attributes. You can praise God for who he is, what he has done, and what he will do. Praise helps you to focus on God’s greatness and goodness, and to cultivate a grateful and joyful attitude. You can praise God with words, songs, or actions. Some examples of praise prayers are:
- The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)
- The Psalms (e.g., Psalm 103, 145, 150)
- The Magnificat (Luke 1:46-55)
- The Gloria Patri (Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit…)
- The Doxology (Praise God from whom all blessings flow…)
Another common form of prayer is the prayer of petition. This is when you ask God for something that you or someone else needs or desires. You can petition God for physical, emotional, spiritual, or relational needs. Petition helps you to acknowledge your dependence on God and his power and wisdom. You can petition God with confidence, humility, and persistence. Some examples of petition prayers are:
- The Prayer of Jabez (1 Chronicles 4:10)
- The Prayer of Hannah (1 Samuel 1:10-11)
- The Prayer of Solomon (1 Kings 3:5-9)
- The Prayer of Nehemiah (Nehemiah 1:4-11)
- The Prayer of Jesus in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:39)
A third form of prayer is the prayer of confession. This is when you admit your sins and shortcomings to God and ask for his forgiveness and cleansing. You can confess your sins individually or corporately, privately or publicly. Confession helps you to restore your relationship with God and to receive his grace and mercy. You can confess your sins with honesty, repentance, and faith. Some examples of confession prayers are:
- The Prayer of David (Psalm 51)
- The Prayer of Daniel (Daniel 9:4-19)
- The Prayer of the Tax Collector (Luke 18:13)
- The Prayer of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:18-19)
- The Prayer of John (1 John 1:9)
A fourth form of prayer is the prayer of thanksgiving. This is when you express your gratitude to God for his blessings and benefits in your life. You can thank God for His gifts, his acts, his promises, and His presence. Thanksgiving helps you to recognize God’s goodness and generosity and to cultivate a contented and cheerful attitude. You can thank God with words, songs, or actions. Some examples of Thanksgiving prayers are:
- The Prayer of Moses (Exodus 15:1-18)
- The Prayer of Mary (Luke 1:46-55)
- The Prayer of Paul (Ephesians 1:3-14)
- The Prayer of Jesus at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26-28)
- The Prayer of the Leper (Luke 17:15-16)
A fifth form of prayer is the prayer of intercession. This is when you pray on behalf of someone else or a group of people who need God’s help or intervention. You can intercede for your family, friends, neighbors, church, nation, or world. Intercession helps you to share in God’s love and compassion for others, and to participate in his work and will. You can intercede with empathy, sincerity, and boldness. Some examples of intercession prayers are:
- The Prayer of Abraham (Genesis 18:23-33)
- The Prayer of Moses (Exodus 32:11-14)
- The Prayer of Samuel (1 Samuel 7:5-9)
- The Prayer of Stephen (Acts 7:59-60)
- The Prayer of Jesus for his disciples (John 17)
These are just some of the ways that you can pray to God. You can also use other forms of prayer such as meditation, contemplation, silence, fasting, journaling, etc. The important thing is to pray regularly and sincerely, with an open heart and mind. Remember that prayer is a way of communicating with God and expressing your love, gratitude, praise, confession, requests, and intercession. Prayer is also a way of listening to God and receiving his guidance, comfort, peace, and strength. Prayer is not a one-way conversation or a ritual that you have to follow. Prayer is a personal and intimate relationship with God that grows and deepens over time.
In this section, we have explored some of the basic aspects of prayer such as what it is, why it matters, how to do it, and when to do it. We hope that this has been helpful and inspiring for you to start or improve your prayer life. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them here. We would love to hear from you and pray for you. God bless you!
Conclusion of the Questions Skeptics Ask About Christianity
If you want to learn more about Christianity, you might have some questions about the religion. Christianity is a rich and diverse faith, and there are many topics and beliefs to explore.
If you’re looking for answers to these questions and more, then visit Godliberationcathedral.org. Godliberationcathedral.org is a website that offers a wide range of resources and a counselor to help you learn about Christianity. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced learner, you’ll find something that suits your needs. Don’t wait any longer; start your journey to understanding Christianity today!
