Scholars have debated the concept and purpose of religion for centuries. Living in a world with over four thousand different belief systems, it is hard to come up with a definition that can apply to them all. Nevertheless, many historians have attempted the impossible feat of defining religion, including Adrian Cole and Steven Ortega. According to these two historians, the three main elements of religion are community, the search for answers, and a relationship with a power or purpose greater than oneself. These three concepts aptly describe the function of most religions around the globe, including Christianity. However, this faith is most strongly driven by its close-knit society of believers. While there are many other aspects to this belief …show more content…
The entire Bible consists of two sections: the Old Testament and the New Testament. The Old Testament, or the Torah to followers of Judaism, consists of the creation stories and the journey of the Israelites as they become the chosen people of God. One of the most important stories in this section and which lays the foundation for the Christianity’s emphasis on community is that of Moses. This prophet led the Israelites out of enslavement in Egypt to the Promised Land of Canaan under the direction of God. Moses’s interactions with God led to the creation of the Ten Commandments, which are important laws held by Christians to this day. All the Israelites were required to abide by these rules, or the whole community would suffer God’s wrath. These responsibilities, both as being God’s chosen people and needing to uphold these laws, created a strong community of believers who relied on one another to uphold the will of God and keep each other accountable. Even in these ancient religious stories, the beliefs and practices of Christianity brought people …show more content…
It can especially be seen through its strong musical culture. Christian bands, gospel choirs, and worship groups around the world are bringing societies together through their passion for music. One of the more prevalent worship groups today is Maverick City Music. This band, made up of nine core leaders, was first formed in 2018. Since then, they have been performing in stadiums around the United States, gathering crowds of hundreds of thousands of individuals. Their audiences are made up of vastly different people, including those from each sect of Christianity, different races, and many more. Maverick City’s performances have become a space of inclusivity, where believers can come together and simply worship God, regardless of their varied beliefs. Furthermore, Maverick City doesn’t just limit its inclusion to their fans, but extends it to other musicians as well. They have collaborated with numerous other artists, including UPPERROOM, Elevation Worship, and even famous pop star Justin Bieber. Through these collaborations, Maverick City continues to bring God’s message to larger audiences, creating a true sense of community among everyone, not just