3.1.1 Christianity — Overview

Christianity is the world's largest religion with approximately 2.4 billion adherents. For AQA GCSE RS, you must study both Christian beliefs (3.1.1.B) and Christian practices (3.1.1.P) in depth.

Core Christian beliefs at a glance

• Monotheism: one God who is omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent, and all-loving (omnibenevolent)
• Trinity: God exists as three persons — Father, Son (Jesus Christ), Holy Spirit — in one substance
• Incarnation: God became human in the person of Jesus Christ (John 1:14)
• Crucifixion and Resurrection: Jesus died for human sin and rose from the dead — the basis of salvation
• Salvation: humans are saved from sin through faith in Jesus and/or God's grace
• Afterlife: the soul survives death; believers face judgement; heaven (eternal life with God) or hell (separation from God)

Key Christian practices at a glance

• Worship: liturgical (structured, e.g. Catholic Mass), non-liturgical (informal, e.g. evangelical praise), private prayer
• Sacraments: baptism (initiation), Eucharist (thanksgiving/memorial of the Last Supper) — recognised by most denominations
• Church community: local congregation; worldwide Church (Body of Christ); mission and evangelism
• Festivals: Christmas (Incarnation), Easter (Crucifixion + Resurrection) — the most important
• Pilgrimage: Lourdes (healing; Mary); Iona (Celtic Christianity; community)

Denominational diversity

Christianity is not monolithic. Key traditions:

• Roman Catholicism: hierarchical; sacraments essential; Papal authority
• Protestantism: salvation by faith alone (Lutheranism); scripture alone (sola scriptura)
• Eastern Orthodoxy: strong emphasis on liturgy and tradition
• Evangelicalism: personal conversion; Bible authority; active mission

Exam advice

Always identify WHICH tradition of Christianity you are referring to when there is a notable difference (e.g. "Catholics believe..." vs "Many Protestants believe..."). Generic "Christians believe..." answers lose marks at higher levels.