Spread of Christianity throughout the ancient world

¶ … Spread of Christianity

In an age where the conditions were not ideal for most people, Jesus accentuated the Christian movement from reason to mysticism by bringing hope as a Messiah. His teachings and principles made a connection with the individual who needed guidance. Christianity provided a sense of hope, dignity, and inner strength. Because it appealed to all sectors of society, the government fueled its spread. Individuals wanted to be perfect but reason alone was not sufficient and God was a solution.

Because Christianity entered into a Jewish homeland during a time when it was "coming under the sway of the Roman Empire" (Goodman 7), it was like a breath of fresh air. Christianity proved in "some vital respects unique, and it is by the isolation and appreciation of those unique qualities that its appeal and eventual success can best be comprehended" (Goodman 7). It was unique in its appeal to human kindness, faith, and hope. During the time of the Great Persecution, the Christianity was a "power in the empire, not because it used force but because it did not and yet... It held the minds and hearts of a large proportion of the population in a way that nothing else did" (Hastings 35). The reason Christianity survived was not that it was weak in a time when people needed something to believe in. Rather, it provided a solid foundation that could stand the test of time. Individuals needed something real they could believe in - they needed something that made them feel good and, at the same time, important. Christianity recognizes individuality and oneness with Christ. While Christians were expected to behave a certain way, the religion in no way oppressed anyone. Instead, it was about freedom through Jesus - a freedom that was based on love and faith. No one, in ancient Rome or in today's world, could do what the person of Jesus did.

The character of Jesus was essential to the success of Christianity. Jesus was a person that emphasized all of the positive attributes that were so appealing in a changing society. One of the most amazing aspects of Jesus the person was that he appealed to so many. "Jews will have seen Jesus as a holy man from the rustic region of Galilee whose prophetic inspiration was confirmed by his power to heal the sick and to predict the future. The performance of miracles gave authority to his teaching despite his minimal learning" (Hastings 15). Jesus' "charismatic authority" (Stegemann 202) relies on his powers, "which manifest themselves in healings and exorcisms" (202). These events are seen as "victory over the kingdom of the demons or unclean spirits and thus as a partial presence of the immanent kingdom of God" (203). Jesus was, in a word, supernatural. His personality, his teaching, and his humble lifestyle made him attractive to almost everyone willing to hear. Jesus submitted to the will of God and therefore lived as an example. He loved God and he suffered for God. A real man that lived the kind of life he taught about was a critical reason for the spread of Christianity. Jesus was not a myth and he was not royalty. Instead, he was a Jew that lived a relatively obscure life before his public ministry began. Adrian Hastings, author of a World History of Christianity, maintains, "It is with the crucifixion of Jesus in or around 30 CE that Christianity can be said really to have begun" (Hastings 16). Despite the fact that there were many Charismatic healers and teachers during this time, "no other similar individual did a movement in his name spring up after his death" (16). The man, his life, and teachings are unique and form the foundation for the basis of Christianity. He was a man but he claimed to be the son of God. He was humble and he carried with him an attraction that never seemed to wane. Many of the early converts "must have been attracted by the sheer novelty and exoticism of Christian communities" (Hastings 19). This exoticism was spiritual and social; it blended beliefs and actions that opened up doors of opportunity and removed fears of oppression. This idea brought with it a certainty that seemed to be missing from other religions and teachings. This certainty was salvation and the promise of a desirable afterlife. Christianity provided something stable in a time where many different traditions existed but none were fixed. That is, none of them combined elements such as faith, worship, goodness, and virtue among their attributes. However, Christianity was different in that it focus on these characteristics while also promote the man behind the movement. The man was significant and his message was full of hope.

The need for something good to believe in was another factor that helped the spread of Christianity. Forgiveness of sin meant hope and love meant good will toward fellow man. Men are inherently sinful and through Christian faith, they are united with God and are transformed. From this notion, springs hope - not only hope for this life on earth but also the afterlife. Christianity also held appeal because it offered freedom from sin and death as well as eternal life. If anything was emphasized in the years following Jesus' crucifixion, it was love. Paul reinforced this idea with his teachings. It was the ultimate virtue of the Christian life. To love one's brothers, especially one's Christian brothers, was the one characteristic that would separate Christians from all others. Love is a gift that means more to the one that is loving than to the one that is being loved and Christians gain value from how that love is expressed. This emphasis on brotherhood was especially attractive for those yearning for close relationships. The intimate nature of Christian gatherings and the acceptance of the poor and even slaves made everyone feel welcome. That all men were equal was rather unorthodox in early Rome. One issue that was under fire was that of slavery. Jesus' message altered many existing belief systems and slavery was one of them. Jesus called himself a servant and lived a life obedient to God. This example of servant hood coupled with the idea that all men should love one another was different but appealing. Crossan puts it succinctly: Christianity was all about "connections rather than communities" (Crossan 406). This connection and, ultimately, love was from the heart and when outsiders saw this type of brotherly love, it is no doubt that they felt compelled to be a part of something that did not involve favoritism.

Early in the Roman Empire, conditions were also favorable to the spread of Christianity because there existed a sense of restlessness and curiosity for new things. Because sin was recognized in the world as truly evil, a desire for redemption or salvation came into fruition. Christianity provided the perfect conduit for this redemption. Salvation was also appealing for its reward in the afterlife. The mention of an afterlife created a natural yearning for it and Christianity offered an afterlife that was straightforward and full of promise. We cannot overlook the mystical aspect of Christianity. There are aspects of the religion that are mystical that attract those from many walks of life. The notion of an after life has already been discussed and we also have the aspect of communion with God. This communion is divine and, for lack of a better word, special to each believer. This connection to God also provided a reason to live a better life and avoid the dangers and evils of the world. This belief was not something that seemed attractive to only a few - many found it attractive and many believed.

Another aspect that made Christianity appealing was its petition to a vast audience. The revelation of a God and the ability to communicate with him provided comfort to those searching. Again, the opportunity of salvation was attractive in a world that was made very aware of evil. In a world of evil, there is a need for morality. We cannot overlook the moral appeal of Christianity in a time where the need for moral reformation was great and the public was open to such suggestions. Christianity offered peace with a price but it was not a hefty price. The timing was right for something that offered religion and philosophy to take a more ethical shape and Christianity was that thing. With its call for individuals to be of strong character, Christianity provided a means by which individuals could be moral and possess moral power. Christianity provided a moral compass to a society that desperately needed one. What is interesting about this moral life is how it affected people far and wide. Non-believers could see its benefits and be influenced by them. This new religion also gave man confidence. The conditions were almost perfect for this new emerging lifestyle. Morality was something from which one could see results.