The advent of Christianity changed the world’s history in innumerable ways. Alvin Schmidt, a renowned American sociologist, examines the effects of Christianity on the world throughout his book, How Christianity Changed the World. Among the issues Schmidt addresses are religious diversity, slavery, the modern concept of human rights, the welfare and care of animals, economic justice, ideas about childhood, and medical care and technology. The influence of Christianity, he insists, has been immeasurable in all of these areas.
At the onset, Schmidt argues that religious diversity is largely a result of the diffusion of Christianity. Though the Roman Empire suppressed religious diversity for two centuries, Christianity’s ultimate decline resulted in a number of religious independence. As authorities relaxed their tight control of the empire, many different religious sects were freed from suppression and built various European societies. Among the various sects that emerged were Baptists, Lutherans, Muslims, Hindus, and Buddhists, to name a few.
Besides promoting religious tolerance, the spread of Christianity also eradicated the enslavement of people. During the decline of the Roman Empire, slavery was a popular practice among both the wealthy and the poor. The moral and ethical teachings of the Bible, especially its teachings of love and compassion, played a major role in revolutionizing attitudes towards slavery. Because of this, by the sixth century, slavery had already been abolished in many areas. It also greatly contributed to later abolitions such as Wilberforce’s movement in the 19th century.
Moreover, Schmidt suggests that Christianity played an essential role in the development of what we now consider modern human rights. The concept of basic human rights was almost nonexistent prior to the emergence of Christianity. Moreover, medieval Christianity was the first major shift in world governments to view human rights as a worthy goal to strive for. Its emergence helped to lay the groundwork for the Human Rights Declaration and for the growth of Human Rights Organizations around the world.
Human Treatment of Animals
Schmidt also touches on the changing attitudes concerning human treatment of animals. Prior to the advent of Christianity, animals were often treated worse than humans and their welfare or care was not a primary concern. With Christianity, came a higher moral and ethical standard that taught the importance of caring for those in need and this eventually extended to the welfare of animals. Eventually, this attitude shift was widespread enough to have a major impact on the welfare of animals in England and later on in the United States.
Economic Justice
Schmidt further argues that Christianity had an indelible effect on economic justice as well. Prior to the dawn of Christianity, economic justice was almost nonexistent. It was a major shift from pagan ideals, wherein the wealthy enjoyed all of the benefits of the labor of the poor. Christianity taught that those who are cursed with less are just as valuable in the eyes of God. It changed the economic landscape dramatically by providing protection to the poor, provision for the widows and orphans, and relief for the debtors. Thus, Christianity helped to reduce the economic exploitation and create an atmosphere of more sustainability.
Ideas about Childhood
In addition, Schmidt contends that the growth of Christianity had a large effect on the ideas of childhood. Prior to the growth of Christianity, children were seen as tools to be used in the economy. They were viewed as laborers and commodities instead of individuals, and they were treated as such. Christianity provided a way of viewing children as distinct, valuable individuals, worthy of respect, care and attention. This helped to improve the living conditions and opportunities of children in medieval Europe, and it resulted in greater advancement in childhood education as well.
Medical Care and Technology
Finally, Schmidt underscores the impact of Christianity on medical care and technology. Prior to the advent of Christianity, the medical field was not well-developed and medical treatments were not as advanced as they are today. Christianity changed that by introducing concepts such as the importance of cleanliness, hygienic practices, and humane treatment of the sick. Moreover, it also helped to develop new technologies such as hospitals, inoculations, and modern medications, which have helped to improve countless lives and enabled us to live longer and healthier lives.
Conclusion of Christianity on Law
Overall, Christianity had a profound impact on the world in innumerable ways. From the spread of religious tolerance, to the abolishment of slavery, to the development of human rights, to the changing attitudes towards animals, to the creation of economic justice, to the ideas about childhood, and to the advancements in medical care and technology, it’s clear that Christianity has changed the world in dramatic ways.
Conclusion on Global Impact
Christianity has been a major force of transformation throughout much of human history. It has impacted politics, laws, culture, and society in countless ways, and it is still having an impact today. More than that, it has served as a source of hope and peace for millions of people throughout the world, providing comfort and security in times of trouble. Alvin Schmidt’s book is an essential read for anyone wanting to better understand the global impact of Christianity.
Conclusion on Education
Scholars such as Alvin Schmidt have greatly helped to explore and explain the far-reaching effects of Christianity on the world. For example, in his book How Christianity Changed the World, Schmidt examines the issues of religious diversity, slavery, the modern concept of human rights, the welfare and care of animals, economic justice, ideas about childhood, and medical care and technology, illustrating how Christianity’s influence has been immeasurable in all aspects. It is therefore essential that younger generations learn about the history of Christianity and how it has changed the world, ensuring that its legacy lives on for many generations to come.
Conclusion on Social Change
It’s clear that Christianity has changed our world in remarkable and profound ways. Its teachings, symbols, and traditions have been the pillars of countless societies and civilizations, providing strength and guidance in difficult times. It has also been a major force of transformation in politics, laws, culture, and society, and has been instrumental in stirring social change. We can only hope that Christianity will continue to serve as a beacon of hope and peace for many generations to come.
