There are so many different religions in the world that people often ask, “What makes Christianity different?” But even within Christianity itself, there are countless sects and denominations—and that alone could keep you busy for a lifetime. Still, it’s worth stepping back and asking: how did we get here, and why is the Christian church the way it is today? Along the way, we’ll clear up some common misunderstandings about the faith. Christianity is complex, no doubt—but my goal is to break it down and make it as simple as possible.
Christianity began in the first century, rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus and the work of the apostles. For centuries the church remained largely unified, with the Roman Catholic Church in the West and the Eastern Orthodox Church in the East forming after the Great Schism of 1054. These two traditions still stand today as the oldest branches of the faith, each carrying forward its own theology, traditions, and leadership structures.
The Protestant Reformation of the 1500s marked a dramatic turning point. Leaders like Martin Luther and John Calvin challenged certain Catholic practices and teachings, sparking new movements. From this break came the major Protestant families: Lutheranism, Calvinism (or Reformed churches), and Anglicanism in England. These traditions emphasized Scripture as the ultimate authority and faith in Christ as the core of salvation.
By the 1700s and 1800s, Protestantism continued to diversify. Methodism, led by John Wesley, emphasized personal holiness and revival preaching. Revivalist movements in Europe and America gave birth to new expressions of faith, while the Restoration Movement sought to return to a “New Testament” style church. In the 1800s, groups like the Seventh-day Adventists, the Latter-day Saints (Mormons), and Jehovah’s Witnesses also emerged, each forming distinct identities within or alongside the broader Christian story.
The 20th century saw the rise of Pentecostalism, beginning with revivals such as Azusa Street in 1906. This movement placed strong emphasis on the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and lively worship, and it quickly spread across the world. Pentecostalism has since inspired countless new denominations and influenced many existing churches. Today, Christianity remains the largest world religion, but its “family tree” shows how one faith has branched into many traditions—each seeking to follow Christ, though in different ways.