The Rapid Spread of Christianity

The Rapid Spread of Christianity

Professor C

August 2007

Period 5

Christianity was one of the fastest spreading religions of its time. There were many attractions to Christianity that led Jews and gentiles (non-Jews) to convert. Christianity appealed to every one of all ages, including the poor and women, which was very uncommon of a religion in that day . The poor and women were looked down upon in society, but when they stepped foot into a church, the members made them felt as they belonged. Many people became believers in Christ because it was captivating and easy to relate to. It promised what no other religion could, an everlasting life in Heaven free of monetary cost and pain.

Christianity taught that Jesus Christ, the son of God, a savior by the name of Messiah came to save all people who were sinners due to Adam’s disloyalty and evil actions in the Garden of Eden. God sent his one and only son to be persecuted so humans could one day live in Heaven with him. “For god so loved the world that he sent his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” . Jesus Christ died on the cross to forgive all sins of those who believe so that we can have a personal relationship with God without the hindrance of our sins. Christianity was spread by the word of mouth by Disciples, Jesus’ followers who were people who spread the gospel. The structure of the Roman Empire also aided the spread of Christianity by the Roman roads which were good for travel throughout the Empire for people like Paul of Tarsus who reached out to Jews and gentiles to tell the word. Non-Christians like Diocletian tried to persecute Christianity but the religion proved to be too powerful to be blotted out by force. It only forced Christians to become more organized.

The poor were drawn to Christianity because it was one of the only religions that they could afford. By the power of the church, the poor were able to participate in any events held in the church; they did not have to pay a painful or expensive initiation to the church that they could not afford. It gave them a sense of equality in their community and in the church because they could be apart of something that really mattered to them. During the spread of Christianity, the poor were looked down upon and shunned. People believed that they did not even belong in society. However, people of the church and the organizations of the church made the poor feel like they belonged. In the house of God, all people were equal and the poor did not stand out from any other man or woman. They did not have to be rich or well-liked to receive eternal life in Heaven. Just by praising to the Lord and believing in his ways they would receive eternal life. A price was not needed to be paid in order to get closer to God. They could develop personal relationships with God, unlike other religions they could not afford. A man named Luther spoke the great words, “It is faith alone that justifies and brings salvation through Christ.” Meaning one should not have to pay to get into Heaven. The poor benefited from this because they did not have to buy a good after life; they could be baptized with no fee and have eternal life. Thousands of underprivileged people were supported by fellow believers. The church did not seek retaliation against its persecutors.

The poor were not the only ones attracted to the church; women were among the many drawn to Christianity. They were taught the importance of morals and faith. Women of the church were treated equally to men, just as the poor, no matter what class they belonged to. Christianity was for both sexes which especially appealed to all people, as its two main rivals only appealed to men. A religion like this was difficult to find, as men were more important in the community while women were looked down upon and unappreciated. Women were allowed to become members of the church and serve fellow Christians in their community. Romans 16: 1 shows that there were highly regarded women in the church; and in any other religion women would not be welcomed. Female students were told not to learn math or rhetoric, but instead, religion was thought out to be the most important subject in education. Religion in education was aided to prepare young ladies for their roles as mothers and wives in the future. Christianity was not only used for praising to the Lord but it was also very useful in teachings and praises. Women became better people and were able to stand up for they believed instead of being looked down on by many.

The account of Perpetua greatly aided women to unite because they saw a young woman give her life and rebel against her fathers orders and be thrown into prison all for what she believed. Women saw that if one would give their own life, especially when