The Spread of Christianity

February 12, 2008

Christianity began as a small religion in Rome (during Augustus' reign) in order to reform the already existing religion, Judaism. Christian people were martyrs and were not welcomed in Rome, until Constantine. Before this, Christians were said to be disobedient and not respectful of Rome because Christianity was so different than traditional Roman beliefs. Constantine granted the Christians with their own rights to practice their own faith. It then evolved into a growing missionary religion that makes up a majority of the world's beliefs today. This religion was very appealing to minorities such as the lower class people of Europe and women. Christianity offered salvation and heaven, to those who were obedient to the Christian faith and it provided spiritual equality in the church, granting women with some sort of role.

In 30 CE, a Jewish man, Jesus, the Messiah to the Christians, was crucified by the Romans and said to be reserected after his death. His followers, such as Paul, spread his teachings which was the start of the missionary religion. Chrisitianity slowly spread through Europe and figures such as the priest and other officials emerged. While the Roman Empire was slowly falling, Christianity was thriving. Missionaries were the most important aspect of the religion because they helped spread and convert to create one of the most popular religions in the world.