Final answer:
Christianity is marked by common elements such as the Holy Trinity and Ten Commandments, and early Christians emphasized spiritual equality. Differences in Christian expression appear in diverse sacred texts and early debates on Christ's teachings. Early Christianity experienced a complex evolution marked by the establishment of canonical texts and orthodoxy.
Step-by-step explanation:
In examining the common elements and differences in the expression of Christianity, one can identify several core aspects that unify the Christian tradition. The concept of the Holy Trinity, including God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit is a central doctrine. Additionally, the foundation of the Christian moral code is often rooted in the Ten Commandments, which are guidelines for righteous living. Early Christianity's universality and focus on spiritual equality among all human beings also represent common Christian elements. St. Paul's doctrine, emphasizing Jesus's sacrifice as atonement for humanity's sins, further reflects a core part of Christian belief. However, historical documents show that disagreements and debates were rife among early Christian sects regarding the precise interpretation of Christ's message and his teachings.
Differences in the expression of Christianity are exemplified in the variations in sacred texts across different Christian groups. The Catholic Bible incorporates the Apocrypha, unlike most Protestant Bibles. Meanwhile, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints uses the Book of Mormon in addition to the Bible. Furthermore, early Christian sects dwelled on significant interpretative debates over Christ's teachings before arriving at any consensus on canonical texts and orthodox beliefs. This underscores the diversity that existed within early Christianity and that continues to exist among contemporary Christian denominations.