Western Christianity facts for kids
Western Christianity is a big part of the Christian religion. It includes the religious traditions of Christians whose families came from Western Europe.
This group includes people who are members of the Catholic Church. It also includes people who are members of Protestant churches. Many Protestant churches started during the Protestant Reformation around the year 1600. These churches were formed by people who used to be part of the Catholic Church.
Because of this history, Protestants share many beliefs and traditions with Catholics. However, Western Christianity is different from Eastern Christianity. Eastern Christianity has different traditions, even though it shares many of the same core beliefs.
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What is Western Christianity?
Western Christianity is one of the two main branches of the Christian faith. It grew in the western part of the world, especially in Europe. This branch has shaped much of the history and culture of Western countries.
It is important to know that Western Christianity is not just one church. It is a collection of many different churches and groups. They all share a common history and similar ways of worship.
Main Groups in Western Christianity
Western Christianity makes up about 90% of all Christians around the world. The Roman Catholic Church is the largest group. It includes more than half of all Christians.
Many Protestant churches and related groups make up another 40%. Some of the larger and older Protestant groups include Baptists, Lutherans, and Anglicans. These groups started at different times and have their own unique traditions.
The Catholic Church
The Catholic Church is led by the Pope in Rome. It has a very long history, going back almost 2,000 years. Catholics believe in a strong church structure and specific traditions. They follow seven sacraments, which are special religious ceremonies.
Protestant Churches
Protestant churches began during the Protestant Reformation. This was a time of big changes in the 1500s and 1600s. Leaders like Martin Luther wanted to reform, or change, the Catholic Church. They believed in focusing more on the Bible and personal faith.
Over time, many different Protestant groups formed. Each group has its own way of worship and understanding of the Bible. But they all share a common root in the Reformation.
Images for kids
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Jesus represented as the Lamb of God (Agnus Dei), a common practice in Western Christianity
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Title page of the Lutheran Swedish Gustav Vasa Bible, translated by the Petri brothers, along with Laurentius Andreae.
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Map of Western Christianity regions in Europe, and the borders of Eastern (blue) and Islam (green)
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Saint Thomas Aquinas was one of the great Western scholars of the Medieval period.
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Catholic St.Martin's cathedral in Spišské Podhradie (Slovakia). Behind the cathedral there is the gothic Spiš Castle.
See also
In Spanish: Cristiandad occidental para niños
