Christianity Explored
Christianity Explored is an informal Christian evangelistic course aimed at those seeking an introduction to the Christian faith. Developed by Rico Tice and Barry Cooper at All Souls Church, Langham Place, the course serves as a platform to explore the basics of Christianity through the lens of the Gospel of Mark.
Core Structure and Philosophy
The course is designed to be accessible, engaging, and informal, making it suitable for people with little to no prior knowledge of Christian theology. It typically spans seven sessions, each focusing on key elements of Christian doctrine such as the identity, mission, and call of Jesus Christ. Each session comprises a combination of Bible study, discussion, and video presentations.
Christianity Explored emphasizes a welcoming environment where questions and doubts can be expressed freely. This approach reflects the course's commitment to creating a non-judgmental space for learning about the Christian faith.
Related Courses
Christianity Explored Ministries has expanded its offerings with additional courses such as Life Explored and Discipleship Explored, co-created by Cooper. Life Explored examines the themes of satisfaction and purpose through Christian teachings, while Discipleship Explored focuses on deepening one's faith after initial exploration.
Comparison with Alpha Course
The Alpha Course is another popular evangelistic course that introduces the fundamentals of Christianity through talks and group discussions. While both courses aim to explain the Christian faith to newcomers, Christianity Explored distinguishes itself by delving deeper into theological aspects such as sin and the reasons behind Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection, topics that are sometimes treated more lightly in the Alpha Course.
Development and Influence
Christianity Explored has been translated into multiple languages and is used globally across diverse cultural contexts. This widespread adoption is a testament to the course's adaptability and its resonance with individuals exploring Christianity worldwide.
The course’s success has also been linked to its development at All Souls Church, a renowned evangelical church in London. The church has a rich history of influential clergy, including Rico Tice, and is a significant site for evangelical initiatives.