Non-Western Christianity - Essay Example

Comparison between Eastern and Western Christians Christianity is one of the most popular religions confessed by more than two billion followers worldwide. This faith was first established over 2000 years ago in Judea (modern day Israel) through a series of self proclaimed prophets ranging from Theudas, a false prophet to Jesus, a prophet from Nazareth. However, Jesus is recognized by Christians as the true Son of God, fully human, fully divine, savior of all Christians and referred to as Christ or Messiah.

Usually, early Christianity is expressed in faith professions known as creeds. These are brief record oppression, death burial, ascent to heaven and recognition that he would come from heaven to judge the dead and living. The Middle East is the foundation of Christianity, Judaism and Islam religion. The Old Testament prophesies the coming of Jesus Christ in the book of Isaiah. It also presents the Ten Commandments foundation of Judaism and Christianity. Despite Christianity acknowledging the death and resurrection of Jesus, it is also highly influenced by Judaism.

Most Christians living in the Middle East still practice traditional Christianity (Armstrong, 87).There was great division among the traditional Christians in the period between the seventh to the thirteenth century. This resulted to establishment of western/Latin Christian branch (that is the Roman Church) and the Eastern/Greek branch (that is the Orthodox Church). These two sides had several differences and similarities. In both churches the nature of prayers as well as the physical gestures remained the same (Bailey, 49).

In addition, baptism regeneration was recognized by both churches as a way of creating or strengthening an individual’s faith. In conclusion, the Roman and the Orthodox Church used similar religious symbols such as the cross, the dove (to symbolize Holy Spirit), the vine (to symbolize the connection of Christ and the church) among others. However, there exist differences in terms of liturgical calendar. The liturgical calendar of Western Church is analogous and is based on the Catholic Church cycles which commemorate all the events that occurred in the life of Jesus Christ.

On the other hand, the liturgical calendar of Eastern Church is based on celebrations of Christ’s birth, death, resurrection and Pentecost (Bailey, 49). Works citedArmstrong Karen. A History of God: The 4,000-Year Quest of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Ballatine Books. (1993).Bailey, Betty Jane and Bailey, J. Martin. Who are the Christians of the Middle East? Eerdmans Publishing Company Print. (2010).