-
 Central
figure of Christianity
- The central figure of the Christian
faith, Jesus of Nazareth was named by his followers "Christ,"
deriving from the Greek meaning "Anointed One." Raised as
the son of a carpenter, he was hailed as the Son of God, and continues
to be recognized as such by Christians all over the world. His life
is described in the four Gospels of the New Testament, written by
his disciples to spread Christianity.
Christ lived in obscurity for much of his life, raining as a carpenter.
Not until he was 30 did he become known as a radical preacher. With
a band of 12 disciples, he traveled through Galilee, proclaiming the
coming of the kingdom of God and emphasizing the importance of charity,
humility, and love over strict observance of Jewish ritual. The Gospels
state that he also performed miracles.
He attracted many followers, and was seen as a threat by the Jewish
authorities, who, in Jerusalem, had him arrested and crucified for
blasphemy. According to the Gospels he rose from the dead three days
after his death. His disciples went on to preach the new religion,
winning many converts.
|