I came across a good article on the Beliefs that make Christianity distinctive among world religions, which I found useful.
Here is a brief listing of the 10 beliefs from the article. I believe the first 7, are distinctive beliefs. The last 3 feel more like important Christian themes or characteristics, but not uniquely Christian.
The Queen Zone article lists these 10 features that it says make Christianity distinctive:
- Salvation is a gift, not a wage — salvation comes by God’s grace, not by earning it through good works.
- God is Trinity — one God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
- God became human in history — in Jesus Christ, God entered human life; the Incarnation.
- The resurrection is physical — Jesus bodily rose from the dead, and Christianity looks toward bodily resurrection.
- The Bible is a library, not merely one book — many writings and authors forming one overarching story of redemption.
- Sin is a condition of the human heart — the problem is deeper than isolated bad actions and requires inward transformation.
- Assurance about the future — Christians can have confidence in salvation based on God’s promise rather than their own merit.
- Suffering can have purpose — God can use suffering to develop perseverance, character, faith, and hope.
- Christianity is a worldwide faith — it has crossed cultures and is now especially strong and growing in parts of the Global South.
- Radical generosity and service — love of neighbor is meant to produce practical care, giving, and service to others.
