Christianity

Christianity, religion founded in Palestine by the followers of Jesus. One of the world's major religions, it predominates in Europe and the Americas, where it has been a powerful historical force and cultural influence, but it also claims adherents in virtually every country of the world.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Schism between East and West
• Controversy and Growth
• Early Christianity
• Divisions within the Religion
• Central Beliefs
• Bibliography

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2024, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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