Jesus did not call his religion by a specific name; he identified as a Jew and practiced Judaism. During Jesus’s lifetime, no formal name like “Christianity” existed. He and his followers were Jews who followed Jewish laws and traditions. The term “Christian” emerged only after Jesus’s death to describe his followers.
Jesus lived in a Jewish context. His teachings and practices aligned with Jewish beliefs. In Hebrew, Jews are called “yehudim.” The broader religious identity as “Judaism” (yahadut) existed but was not typically used as a formal label for a religion in the way modern religions are named.
In Jesus’s era, people identified themselves primarily by their ethnic and cultural group rather than by the names of their religions. For example, a Roman would be considered Roman by nationality and worship of Roman gods, but those beliefs lacked a formal “-ism” name. Similarly, Jesus identified with Judaism, not with a uniquely named religion.
After Jesus’s death, his followers began to use a new term. They called themselves “Christians” (from “Christos,” meaning “anointed one”). This term first appeared in early Christian texts, including the “Acts of the Apostles,” written around 115 AD. It referred specifically to those who followed Jesus’s teachings and believed Jesus was the Messiah.
However, even after this label existed, “Christianity” was initially more an informal description of beliefs than a fully organized religion. Thinkers likened it to calling oneself an Aristotelian—someone who accepted the teachings of Aristotle—without implying a strict religious organization. Over time, as followers of Jesus formed communities with defined doctrines, “Christianity” became recognized as a distinct religion.
To summarize:
- Jesus identified as Jewish and practiced Judaism during his life.
- No formal name like “Christianity” existed in his lifetime.
- The “-ism” form of specific religion names was not typical in Jesus’s cultural context.
- “Christian” was a term used by Jesus’s followers after his death.
- The formal religion called Christianity developed gradually over decades.
The evolution of the religion’s name reflects historical changes rather than Jesus giving a direct name to his religion. His focus was on Jewish faith and reforming or fulfilling Jewish traditions rather than founding a new religion with a unique name.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Jesus’s Religious Identity | Jewish; followed Jewish laws and customs |
| Name During Jesus’s Lifetime | No formal religion name given by Jesus |
| Emergence of Term “Christian” | Followers called themselves Christians after Jesus’s death (circa 1st century AD) |
| Development of Christianity | Became recognized as a distinct religion over time |
The historical context clarifies that Jesus’s self-identification remained rooted in Judaism. The creation of the religion known today as Christianity is a post-Jesus development marked by the adoption of a new name and community identity.
What did Jesus call his religion during his lifetime?
Jesus identified as a Jew. He did not use a specific name for a new religion. At that time, the idea of naming religions with “-ism” endings was uncommon.
Did Jesus or his followers call their faith “Christianity”?
No. The term “Christian” came after Jesus died. Early followers began using it to describe themselves later. Jesus and his apostles did not use this term.
When did the term “Christian” first appear in history?
Historical texts like the Acts of the Apostles mention “Christian” around 115 AD. This shows the name was adopted within decades of Jesus’s death.
Why wasn’t Jesus’s religion called Christianity during his time?
Religious group names developed over time. Jesus’s followers initially saw themselves within Judaism. Christianity became a distinct term as the religion grew and separated.
Was Jesus’s religion considered an organized religion while he lived?
No clear religious organization or name existed during Jesus’s life. His teachings were part of Jewish tradition. The formal religion named “Christianity” emerged later.
