Development of Christianity

In the crucible of the ancient world in which it was born, Christianity should not have survived to the modern age, let alone flourish and spread throughout the globe. When one considers that the foundation of Christianity is based upon the teachings of one man from a conquered, minor civilization on the outskirts of the Roman Empire, it astounding to see the fruit produced by such a small seed. After the death of Jesus of Nazareth, his apostles took over the ministry and administration of the fledgling religion that was founded on Jesus’ teachings. While Jesus was alive his teaching and ministry didn’t leave the boundaries of the Roman territory that was inhabited by the Jews; however, after his death, the apostles took Christianity to the far reaches of the Roman Empire and beyond.

As Christianity spread, and its influence expanded, leaders in Rome started to take notice. At the close of the first century Christianity came to be the preferred religion for Roman citizenry, as it presented a more attractive doctrine that the common man could relate to. However, it wasn’t until Emperor Constantine signed the Edict of Milan (A.D. 313) that religious tolerance became mandatory, and Christianity received a reprieve from persecutors. Christianity came under attack almost from the very beginning of Jesus’ ministry. Jewish leaders felt threatened by Jesus’ disciples trend of increasing rejection of the dogmatic rituals and practices that made up Judaism. Ultimately, Jewish leaders, the Sadducees, were able to convince the Roman prefect, Pontius Pilate, that Jesus’ teachings were tantamount to sedition and that he was a threat to Roman rule. Little did the Sadducees know at the time, but the teachings of Jesus had already taken ...

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...l unrest in the empire, his policies that protected and unified the Christian religion opened the door for unparalleled growth and stability for Christianity throughout the western world. In less than half a century after Constantine’s reign, Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire (A.D. 380) and enacted policies to dismantle Roman pagan institutions and places of worship. With the support of an empire behind it, Christianity was able to explode in size, power and influence. As Rome eventually began to decline, Christianity expanded it’s footing and established itself as a political and economic power in its own right. From it’s humble beginnings on the desert shores of the Sea of Galilee, Christianity adapted and grew into one of the most powerful religions in the world today.

Works Cited

History of World Societies