Christianity is a religion based around the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Because it has so many adherents and sects, there is much debate about the content of Christian belief. It is safe to say that every person who calls and considers themselves Christian is viewed as a heretic by someone else who makes the same claim. The following tenets of belief, however, are accepted by the vast majority of people who identify as Christians.

• There is one God, who is the maker of heaven and earth, and everything else in the universe.
• This God had a son, who was both human and divine. The son of God was Jesus of Nazareth.
• Jesus of Nazareth endured death by crucifixion. In doing so, he made a sacrifice for humanity.
• Three days after his crucifixion, Jesus was resurrected and ascended into heaven.
• Anyone may gain eternal life by accepting the sacrifice of Jesus and asking for the forgiveness of sins.

Beyond these points, there are many controversies in Christianity, and even the most basic tenets are subject to fierce debate, particularly on the issue of whether they are to be understood literally or metaphorically.