Part 1 – The Pagan Roots of Christianity
It’s surprising to many people to learn that Christianity has its roots in many ancient and diverse spiritual traditions. In fact, Christianity shares many similarities with other faiths, including Greco-Roman, Egyptian, and even more distant cultures. Visiting the ancient sites in the region, one can quickly notice the striking and often unexpected commonality of symbols and beliefs. For example, the concept of a Supreme Being, beloved and worshipped by generations, is found in many religions in the region. Christianity is far from the first belief system to embrace the concept of an all-powerful creator.
The addition of the central figures of Jesus, the Virgin Mary, and other saints to the pantheon of ancient gods presents an interesting fusion of animated faith centering around a single Savior. This blending of beliefs created a new way of worship- one rooted in Pagan ideas, yet adapted to allow for a monotheistic practice. Such an invention was needed in a time when rival faiths were vying for influence throughout the region.
Notable symbols, such as the fish, the cross, and the dove, are spread throughout the Christian tradition. These symbols bear similarities to the sacred artifacts found in surrounding cultures. For example, the fish represents the divine life-giving waters in the pagan mythology, while the cross’s associations with suffering come from the same set of traditions. And even the dove of peace that became universally recognized with Christianity can be found in the pharaohs’ tombs of Egypt.
Through the conversion of pagans and the approval of doctrines such as the Nicene Creed, Christianity eventually reached a mainstream status that would take it throughout the ancient world. Not even the large gaps of time could completely erase the tapestry of different beliefs that became knitted together to create the Christian faith as we know it today.
Part 2 – The Axial Age
The origin of Christianity is intrinsically linked to the spiritual history of the “Axial Age”, an era when some of the most important religious systems emerged. This period is widely recognized as one of the most significant in human history, with scholars citing the mutual influence of religions across the part during this era. Jewish monotheism, the concept of the Supreme Being, Greek rational philosophy, and Hindu mysticism all find their roots in the same deep well where Christianity was born.
During this time, Judaism was struggling to survive under the oppression of Roman rule. The idea of a Messiah offered hope and solace to the Jews of the time. The concept of a universal savior was embraced by both Jews and pagans, laying the cornerstone for what we now call Christianity. This is evidenced in the fact that Jesus’s teachings often use terms and phrases with Jewish, Greek, and sometimes even Hindu overtones.
At the same time, the idea of an afterlife was slowly becoming a widespread belief. This allowed for new concepts of charity and hospitality to emerge. Becoming a Christian meant that otherworldly values and beliefs took precedence over the mundane and selfish matters of the present. This was a revolutionary concept in a world so consumed by the petty real-life struggles of its inhabitants.
Part 3 – The Sermon On The Mount
The Sermon on the Mount is the centerpiece of Jesus’s teachings. While the core message of Jesus never wavered- love of God, love of neighbor, and forgiveness- the way it was delivered from the mount was something unprecedented, not just in its tradition, but in its impact.
The Sermon on the Mount is often considered one of the cornerstones of Christian morality. Its content is heavily influenced by Jewish ethical teachings, and yet differ, in that it is more accessible, ensuring all can participate and understand. The sermon has remained central to Christianity throughout the ages and is the source of such well-known sayings as “love your enemies”, “judge not that ye be not judged”, and the famous Golden Rule.
As a modern-day ethical framework, The Sermon of the Mount is still a cornerstone of Christian faith and action. Drawing on ancient wisdom, Jesus crafted a unique combination of teachings and values that remain universally applicable to this day, providing hope, guidance, and strength to those who choose to observe it.
Part 4 – The Martyr Cult
The concept of the “martyr cult” is a complicated one. Centering around the notion of sacrifice for the good of one’s community and for a higher cause, the Christian martyr cult of the time took on many levels of interpretation.
As a spiritual idea, the concept of dying for one’s faith had been practiced in many cultures before Christianity. But unlike other religious systems, Christianity embraced martyrdom with a zeal unmatched in any other tradition. It soon became a major component of Christianity, reaching its peak during the early Church period.
Following Jesus’s death, martyrdom became associated with the notion of being “saved”. This idea of the glorification of dying for one’s faith sheds a new light on Christian doctrine; it is not only a way of ensuring one’s salvation, but also a way of living in the service of the community and a higher purpose.
Part 5 – The Spread of Christianity
As Christianity spread across the ancient world, it left a lasting impression on cultures and civilizations. While the Roman Empire imposed its dominance through military might, Christianity used its unique blend of Pagan and monotheistic values as a tool for conversion.
In the 4th century, the Roman Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity and declared it the official religion of the empire. This was a major factor in the subsequent spread of Christianity to all corners of the world.
The organization and bureaucracy of the Church further helped in the mission’s success. By maintaining unity between Christian sects and standardizing practices, the Church was able to unify a vast and shifting population under one banner.
Part 6 – The Ecumenical Councils
The Ecumenical Councils, convened at different times throughout Church history, saw the unification and standardization of many aspects of Christian belief and doctrine. Debates throughout the councils were often passionate and passionate and bloodthirsty, as some fathers talked of great damnation and destruction.
Yet, the councils proved to be an important step in creating a unified Christian faith. Through these councils, the teachings of Jesus were discussed and interpreted in new ways. New doctrines such as monotheism, universal salvation, and the necessity of baptism were solidified.
These councils also declared that pagan ideas should not be part of the Christian faith. Consequently, many pagan symbols and practices were relegated to the shadows of belief systems to make room for a more unified and centralized faith.
Part 7 – The Marriage of Greek & Roman Influences
As Christianity spread in classical Europe, Greek and Roman cultures heavily influenced its practices. Temples and churches were constructed according to classic architectural style, while art, sculpture, and literature blended with ancient symbolism to present a new form of Christianity to the people.
Greek philosophy was absorbed into Christian doctrine, while Roman law provided an efficient and lasting system of governance to the Church. In addition, militaristic values and language were deployed to instil a sense of identity and purpose in the followers of the faith.
As the Church grew in strength, it provided a sense of identity and authority to many of its adherents. In this way, ancient pagan beliefs and Roman ideals were made to coexist within the Christian doctrine, as a way of unifying the disparate cultures that fell under its umbrella.
Part 8 – The Reformation
The Reformation, beginning in the early 16th century, marked a pivotal point in Christian history. Increasingly, members of the Church felt that it was out of step with the teachings of Jesus and was becoming a corrupt business.
Martin Luther, a monk and theologian, is often credited with kickstarting the reform movement. By challenging the authority of the Roman Catholic Church, Luther attracted a large following of disenchanted Christians across Europe, giving rise to the Protestant sect of Christianity.
The Reformation also inspired a re-dedication to simple piety and the connections between faith, ethics, and morality. This created an atmosphere of excitement and discovery, leading to a renewed understanding of how faith and practice could be at the core of their daily lives.
Part 9 – The Radical Movements
The Christian faith is made up of many different sects and branches, each with its own beliefs, values, and practices. Some of these branches took a more radical approach to expressing their faith.
The Anabaptists, for example, were followers of a narrative of non-violent resistance against corrupt practices. They were persecuted throughout Europe, often because their peaceful acts of civil disobedience challenged the paternalistic grip of the status quo.
Another radical movement was the Spiritualists, who proposed new concepts of the soul and a cosmology of faith that promoted a deeper and more personal connection with God.
These radical movements, while often marginalized and persecuted, nonetheless made important contributions to the development of the Christian faith.
Part 10 – Current Challenges & New Directions
The Christian faith today faces a number of challenges as denominations struggle to remain relevant in an increasingly secular world. Issues of gender, sexuality, belief systems, and social justice are just some of the contentious and complex topics that need to be discussed in order for any progress to be achieved.
At the same time, Christianity continues to offer hope to those looking for a deeper meaning in life. By deeping its core values and countering rigid interpretations of Scripture with new perspectives, it continues to draw in new adherents.
The future of Christianity rests in its ability to embrace change and find a balance between tradition and modern life. To that end, many faithful look forward to a new dawn of Christianity as they search for a way to bring the faith into the 21st century.
