The History of Christianity

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The History of Christianity

Christianity is a monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life of Jesus of Nazareth. It is the largest religious system in the world, with 2.38 billion followers.

Evangelism is the central aspect of the long-established apostolic tradition. New converts often joined the church after they were healed. A “new birth” experience of forgiveness for sin was reported by many Protestants.

Healings were also common during the Middle Ages. Church leaders viewed the healings of the saints as a means to prove the sanctity of those praying. They also viewed them as a means of spiritual preparation for heaven. Some believed that Christians could be freed from sickness, but others thought it was an expression of superstition.

The charismatic third wave was a movement developed by a group of evangelicals who crossed denominational boundaries. The core group included Ted Haggard, George Otis, and Charles Kraft.

This revival emphasized the importance of prayer. It developed a doctrine called “spiritual warriors” that elevated Christians to almost God-like status. Those who supported this doctrine were criticized for eschewing scriptural grounds and exalting satanic powers as part of an end-times cosmological battle between God and Satan.

While the charismatic third wave swept across denominational boundaries, it was challenged by the emergence of a new dominionist/reconstructionist wing. These leaders developed a loose association with right-wing populism, especially in evangelical circles.

In the late 1980s, “global spiritual warfare” became a hot topic. The debate explored two related axes: Christian life and redemptive praxis, and the role of prayer as political praxis.