Christianity


	Founded by Jesus Christ (c.4BCE - c.26CE) in Palestine during the Roman occupation, and drawing partly on older Judaic beliefs. Principal doctrinal elements: monotheistic belief in one true God, manifested through a Holy Trinity of aspects (the Father, corresponding to the Jewish Yahweh; the Son, God's Incarnation on Earth through Christ; and the Holy Ghost, a numinous and inspirational immanent aspect of God.) The belief in the human soul and an afterlife in heaven, which is attained only through the intercession of Christ, who acts as the mediating aspect of God. Christianity is perhaps the most schismatized of all world religions, with numerous sub-schools existing. The various types of Christianity place differing levels of importance upon scripture (the Bible, consisting of a New Testament ascribed to Christ and his followers, and an Old Testament, drawing on Talmudic literature); the role of the Church as the "Body of Christ" on Earth, and acting as his representative; and the personal experience of an intercessory Christ, marking a turning point in the life of the individual. Orthodoxy and Catholicism tend to stress the importance of a life in the Church above that of personal religious experience and scripture, whereas Protestant groups emphasize the need for the study of scripture and the "saving" of the individual through a direct experience of divine grace. Christianity is widespread in North America (mainly Protestant and Catholic), South America (almost entirely Catholic), Russia and Europe (all forms) and across Africa and Asia through its missionary activity - particularly during the colonial era of the 18^th and 19^th centuries CE.

	General Christianity The Jesus Archive Links to theological and academic discourses on the historical figure of Christ. Christianity Today The official site of Christianity Today International, this is a Christian news source with many links to informational sites. Catholicism The Holy See Official Vatican Website Theology Library Vast and comprehensive collection of theological treatises. The site is presented "In the Spirit of the Second Vatican Council." Over 5000 links. alaPadre Another huge archive addressing every conceivable aspect of Catholicism, with links to academic, clerical and lay discourses. The general tenor of the site is rather conservative. Catholic Resources on the Net Compact and well-organized list of links to a large number of Catholic sites. Orthodoxy Orthodox Church in America The official site of the Orthodox Church in America, with introductory information on orthodoxy. Orthodox Christian Information Center A site dedicated to information about Orthodox Christianity. Many articles. Protestantism Protestant Related Web Sites A listing of web sites organized into various Protestant denominations. Protestantism: Baptist Baptist Beliefs A concise summary of Baptist tenets from American Baptist Churches USA. No links. Baptist Connections A site from an insider's perspective with a brief overview of Baptist history and links to Baptist organizations. The Baptist Observer-- Baptist History Online Resources An excellent overview of the development of Baptism, with many more links to online resources for Baptist history. Baptist Net An online community featuring resources for practicing Baptists. Protestantism: Episcopal The Episcopal Church, USA This site offers resources for those of the Episcopalian faith as well as a well-organized page of research sources, to be found under "Research" from the home page-- historical documents, other Episcopalian organizations. Some sections of the research page are still under construction. Protestantism: Lutheran Project Wittenberg Doctrine, links to lots of literature Lutherans.Net interesting devotional site with links Protestantism: Methodist John Rylands University Library of Manchester--Methodist Archives and Research Centre From this site can be found links to Methodist sites organized regionally, online primary texts, and more. Methodist.net A confusing but detailed site with links to Methodist pages worldwide. Days of Wesley A page offering chronological information, sermon summaries, and discussion lists focused on the life and works of John Wesley. The Wesleys and Their Times A site with links to primary texts and secondary sources. An excellent place to begin exploring Methodist doctrine or bibliographical information on John Wesley. Protestantism: Pentecostal Pentecostal/Charismatic Resources An excellent source for academic information on Pentecostal and Charismatic movements. International Pentecostal Holiness Church The Home page of IPHC, this site list links to many Pentecostal organizations nad containes resources for the practitioner of Pentecostalism. Protestantism: Presbyterian Presbyterian Church USA An introduction to Presbyterian beliefs and statistical information. Links. Other: Jehovah's Witness The Watchtower Official Jehovah's Witnesses page. Mormon The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints This is the official internet site for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Includes introductory information and scriptural information as well as pesonal devotional resources. Quaker Quakers: The Religious Society of Friends This site, from the University of Virginia, gives a highly detailed profile of Quaker origins and history, with links to further reading, Quaker web-sites, and extensive referencing for all information provided.