Christian theology is the theology – the systematic study of the divine and religion – of Christianity and Christian belief and practice. It concentrates primarily upon the texts of the Old Testament and of the New Testament, as well as on Christian tradition. Christian theologians use biblical exegesis, rational analysis and argument. Theologians may undertake the study of Christian theology for a variety of reasons, such as in order to:help them better understand Christian tenets
make comparisons between Christianity and other traditions
defend Christianity against objections and criticism
facilitate reforms in the Christian church
assist in the propagation of Christianity
draw on the resources of the Christian tradition to address some present situation or perceived need
education in Christian philosophy, especially in Neoplatonic philosophy
Thomas Aquinas from Valle Romita Polyptych by Gentile da Fabriano
Rembrandt's The Evangelist Matthew Inspired by an Angel, 1661
Christ in Gethsemane, Heinrich Hofmann, 1890
Jesus, believed to be both man and God, painting by Carl Heinrich Bloch
Christianity is an Abrahamic monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is the world's largest and most widespread religion with roughly 2.4 billion followers, comprising around 31.2% of the world population. Its adherents, known as Christians, are estimated to make up a majority of the population in 157 countries and territories. Christians believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, whose coming as the Messiah was prophesied in the Hebrew Bible and chronicled in the New Testament.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem, the holiest Christian site
An Eastern Christian icon depicting Emperor Constantine and the Fathers of the First Council of Nicaea (325) as holding the Niceno–Constantinopolitan Creed of 381
Various depictions of Jesus
Crucifixion, representing the death of Jesus on the Cross, painting by Diego Velázquez, c. 1632