Tradition
Christianity
and the teachings of Jesus
Christianity is the diverse family of traditions that grew from the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth. Christians typically understand Jesus as the Christ—the anointed one—and, in mainstream theology, as the divine Son of God. Within that wide family, beliefs, practices, and interpretations vary considerably across time and place.
Historical Jesus research, Jewish context, and later church doctrine are related but not identical subjects. For the question of who you are, Christianity matters partly because of teachings attributed to Jesus on self, neighbor, and God, and partly because of how “I AM” language from Hebrew scripture was read in Christian tradition—and later reinterpreted elsewhere.
Reading Christian material here does not require assent to any particular confession. Traditional beliefs are described as traditional, so they can be understood on their own terms.
A few words worth clarifying
- I AM
- A short phrase that appears in very different settings: biblical language, later Christian theology, New Thought teaching, and non-dual inquiry. Similar wording does not guarantee the same meaning.
Featured connections
Why are these connected?
contrast
Philosophy beside theology
Spinoza’s God-or-Nature stands in tension with mainstream Christian creation and personal God theology—not as a hidden agreement, but as a different kind of claim.
Related: Baruch Spinoza
Related doors
Sources
Gospel of John
Early Christian tradition · late first / early second century CE (scholarly estimates vary)
New Testament source for Jesus traditions including “I am” sayings.
Primary source · primary
Gospel of John, New Testament (e.g., “I am” sayings).
Exodus 3 (Hebrew Bible / Old Testament)
Hebrew Bible tradition · ancient; composition history debated
Hebrew Bible background important to Christian theological reading.
Primary source · primary
Exodus 3:13–15, Hebrew Bible / Old Testament.