This article is about the religous people known as Christians. For other uses, see Christian (disambiguation).

The term Christian means "belonging to Christ," and is derived from the Greek noun Χριστός Khrist�s which means "anointed one," which is itself a translation of the Hebrew word Moshiach (Hebrew: משיח , also written "Messiah"). Christian is primarily an adjective, describing an object associated with Christianity, but is also frequently used as noun in the same sense (ie, a person associated with Christianity). According to the New Testament, those who followed Jesus as his disciples were first called Christians by those who did not share their faith, in the city of Antioch.

Contents

1 History 1.1 Early times 1.2 Medieval times 1.3 Modern times 2 Christian people 3 See also 4 External Links

History

Early times

"Christian" was at first a derogatory term related to persecution, but early Christians were taught by their leaders to bear that name proudly. Their spirituality spread especially during the so-called Pax Romana. Although they included every culture, nationality and occupation found in the Roman Empire, ancient Christians held together in a close-knit community. The term �Church� refers to this single, universal community. As such, the history of the early Christians is the history of the Church.

Then as now, the Church included all who held to her common teaching including the forgiveness of sins and the resurrection of the body. These teachings were acted out in worship, taking the form of Baptism and The Lord�s Supper. They were passed down though catechisms such as The Apostles Creed.

Christian spirituality blossomed in the Roman Empire between 100 and 300AD in spite of official efforts to the contrary. Sometime around 200AD, one leader Tertullian, is often quoted in saying, �The blood of the martyrs is the seed [of the Church]� to account for this phenomenon. In 313AD, the "Edict of Milan" ended official persecution, and under Emperor Constantine, Christians acquired powerful political influence, the results of which are controversial to this day.

Medieval times

Modern times

Christian people

Some famous Christian teachers include Paul of Tarsus, Clement of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch, Augustine of Hippo, Athanasius of Alexandria, Saint Patrick, Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Knox, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Spurgeon, and Joseph Smith.

Many famous people profess Christianity, including George W. Bush, Tony Blair, John Kerry, Bill Clinton, Margaret Thatcher, and Nelson Mandela, as well as many sports and music figures and most American politicians.

One of the most prominent Christians at this time is John Paul II, the current leader of the Catholic Church.

See also

• List of Christians
• Jew
• Muslim

External Links

• What is a Christian? (http://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-a-Christian.html)

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