Religion: The Four Characteristics Of Christianity

Religion refers to the belief of, and worship to a higher unseen power, that is constantly developing, in order to more efficiently answer the enduring questions of life. Christianity is the world’s largest religious tradition, with approximately one third of the world population being Christian adherents; according to the Religious Tolerance Organisation. As a result of Christianity’s vast followers, it is often regarded as a living tradition that is continually subject to change, in order to adapt to the needs of the contemporary religious followers. All religious traditions are typified by its four characteristics: beliefs and believers, sacred texts and writings, ethics, and also rituals and ceremonies. Each of these characteristics all …show more content…
The fact that the Bible is translated in so many languages, demonstrates how Christianity is living amongst its people, as the language barrier is no restriction to comprehend the biblical stories. Not only do the different language translations of the bible enhance the understanding and appreciation of Christianity, but the bible itself can be accessed through technological means; Bible Gateway (online website) is one of many examples that prove Christianity to be a religion of dynamism and meaning to its followers. Therefore because of modern society’s heavy reliance on technology, the way in which the bible can be accessed through an online medium, ultimately promotes Christianity as a living and dynamic religious …show more content…
In Christianity, ethical teachings are the explicit and philosophical beliefs put into practice (Nicholas G. Coleman, 2006), that attempt to ultimately answer the enduring question, of ‘how one should live and conduct themselves on earth, in order to attain eternal life in the Kingdom of God (K.O.G)?’ For Christian adherents, the Bible is considered to be a source of ethical guidance, and encourages its believers to embody virtuous values, like that of those expressed within The Greatest Commandment; ‘Love the Lord your God with your whole heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself’ (Matthew 22:36-40). Within this teaching, there is a great emphasis on the quality of ‘love’, illustrating that by expressing affable, and respectful feelings for one another, an adherent is therefore more likely to attain eternal life in the K.O.G. The Ethical teachings found within the sacred biblical writings, provide ‘a standard of spiritual and practical life’ (Oxford Dictionary); as they provide an adherent with the knowledge of what values one must possess, in order to fulfil and satisfy the ministerial teachings of Jesus Christ. Furthermore, ‘God instructs and teaches his people properly’, (Isaiah 28:26), and these ethical teachings found within the Sacred biblical texts, encourage adherents to