Beliefs

The basics of Christian beliefs

Christians believe that there is only one God, whom they call Father as Jesus Christ taught them. They recognise Jesus as the son of God and believe God functions as a Trinity.

The Assumption of Mary

The doctrine of the Assumption teaches that at the end of her life, Mary, the mother of Christ, was taken body and soul into heaven.

Creationism and intelligent design

Christians who take the Bible literally believe the world was created by God in seven days. In recent years, some Christians have put forward the idea of an 'intelligent designer' as an alternative to the science of evolution.

The Devil (from BBC Radio 4)

How did this contradictory character come into being? Why did it take so long for him to become an established figure in Christianity?

End Times

Christianity has a number of theories about what will happen at the end of the world. Many are inspired by the apocalyptic book of Revelation.

Heaven (from BBC Radio 4)

There have been artistic, theological and literary representations of heaven. But what exactly is heaven and where is it?

Hell (from BBC Radio 4)

The vision and purpose of hell is discussed by three academics.

The Holy Grail (from BBC Radio 4)

The Holy Grail, said to be the cup in which Jesus's blood was collected at the Crucifixion, has fascinated writers and ensnared knights for a thousand years.

Immaculate Conception

The doctrine of the Immaculate Conception teaches that Mary, the mother of Christ, was conceived without sin.

Liberation theology

Liberation theology was a radical movement that grew up in South America. It said said the church should act to bring about social change, and should ally itself with the working class to do so. The late Pope John Paul II opposed the movement.

Original sin

Christians believe all of humanity is born with a built-in urge to do bad things. They believe it was all caused by Adam and Eve's disobedience to God.

The soul (from BBC Radio 4)

There are many different conceptions of the soul. What is the soul, where does it live and what happens to it when we die?

The Trinity

A difficult but fundamental concept within Christianity, the Trinity is the belief that God is three separate persons but is still a single God.

Why did Jesus die?

Christians believe the death of Jesus was part of a divine plan to save humanity. But exactly how could this work?