Christianity has deeply embedded itself into societies of the world, changing every aspect of people’s lives from morals to culture. There is an academic consensus that Christianity has played a massive role in the development of the modern world, and in this article we will be exploring how Christianity changed history forever.
Christianity had a huge impact on the Roman Empire. In the 4th century the emperor, Constantine the great, converted to Christianity, and due to his position of power he was able to spread Christianity across the empire. This change of faith enabled the empire to become more unified. Christianity provides the notion of equality amongst men, and this was contrary to the traditional Roman system which enforced social hierarchy. Christianity enabled the empire to maintain a uniform set of laws, and this is reflected in the success of the Roman Empire.
Having faith in one God offered individuals a spiritual purpose, something that was previously unavailable to them. People were no longer governed by superstition, instead the power of faith in the one God offered comfort to those in despair and poor living conditions. This newfound purpose allowed people to gain a sense of security that could be found nowhere else, and this has survived to this day.
Christianity also had a strong influence on medieval society and became the basis of many of the laws which surrounded everyday life. It strongly impacted the system of justice, providing moral and ethical guidelines which were used to convict criminals and attribute punishment. For example, the way in which one treated their neighbours was established by Christianity, and to breach these rules was seen as a grave offense.
Christianity had an also significant influence on education. Before the spread of Christianity, knowledge was only available to the privileged. Christianity opened up education to the masses, and it was believed that education was the key to eternal salvation. This idea has led to the development of modern-day education which is available to everybody regardless of their background or status.
It is impossible to deny the impact Christianity has had on the world throughout its existence. Through its teachings and beliefs, it has provided us with a path of liberation and mercy, one which had enabled us to progress to where we are today.
Changes Towards Technology
Christianity had an undeniable influence on the development of technology throughout history. Actually, it. Christianity advocates the notion of growth with regards to knowledge and technology, as these are seen as components which contradict the forces of evil and help promote community and order amongst believers. This has motivated individuals and groups of people to constantly push the boundaries of science and engineering and develop advanced technological innovations. For example, the famous rotary engine was firstly introduced by the German monk, Conradus Saxenbach, in the 15th century.
The first steps towards the creation of the computers were taken by the mathematician and theologian Blaise Pascal, who designed and developed the first calculating machine. This machine was a significant advancement for the accuracy of calculations and enabled scientists to make huge strides in the development of future machines.
The development of rockets is another example of how Christianity influenced the development of technology. The British scientist Robert Goddard was strongly motivated by his faith in Christian teachings to pursue a career devoted to the exploration of space. This passion led to the development of the first liquid-fuelled rocket which was powered by turbopumps.
Today, most of the technology we have is thanks to the works and teachings of individuals who were driven by the Christian beliefs. It is possible to argue that without Christianity and the individuals that it fueled in their quest for knowledge, our world would not be as advanced as it is today.
Changes Towards Economy
Christianity also brought major changes to the world economy. The Christian doctrines altered the way in which people behave and think about money, former usuary was replaced by methods such as investment and charitable deeds.
Before the rise of Christianity, economies were based on the idea of status and class, however, the Christian doctrine emphasised the importance of helping the less fortunate, something which was essential for a stable and functioning society. This led to a shift from the hierarchical system to one which falls more in line with the teachings of the faith.
Christianity also advocated the idea of equality amongst all men and women, and this had a huge impact on gender roles. In the past, women were seen as a subservient gender, with no real value, however, the teachings of Christianity had managed to change that.
Christianity had also a huge impact in terms of wealth redistribution. The rise of the Jewish diaspora was heavily influenced by the Christian faith, and this resulted in an influx of new wealth and talent which helped shape the newly formed societies.
Finally, it is clear that Christianity had the largest influence on the global economy, shaping it in its own unique way and paving the way for the modern economic system of today.
Changes Towards Politics
Christianity deeply embedded itself into politics, influencing the way in which governments are run and how people view their leaders. The teachings of the faith emphasise the importance of honesty and justice, as well as respect for human dignity and equality for all.
These values are vital for the proper functioning of a democracy and helped shape the modern idea of rule of law and civil liberties. The importance of the rule of law is heavily advocated throughout the Christian faith, and this has had a huge influence on the way in which governments are run. The monarchies of Europe were heavily influenced by the Christian religion, as they looked to the Church for guidance when making rules and laws.
This had a huge impact on the way in which governments interact with each other and their citizens. For example, the notion of human rights and the idea of a just war were heavily influenced by the Christian faith. In the past, kings and rulers would declare war without any regard for the consequences as they had absolute power, however, due to the teachings of the faith this no longer holds true. Now, wars are declared only as a last resort, and leaders are expected to exhaust all other peaceful avenues.
It is not an exaggeration to say that Christianity has had a massive impact on the political systems of the world, even in countries which have since moved away from the Christian faith. Christianity has provided us with a moral compass which continues to act as a guiding force in the world of politics.
Changes Towards Medicine
Due to the teachings of Christianity, medicine has progressed tremendously throughout the centuries, and some experts argue that Christianity has been the main engine of progress in this field. Health and illness were viewed by the faith as something which could be convinced through treatment, and this had a huge influence on the development of modern medicine.
The knowledge of medicine during the Middle Ages was primarily passed down through religious texts and teachings, and this information was further strengthened by the works of renowned scientists such as Robert Grosseteste and Roger Bacon. These scientists took the religious teachings and used them as a basis for their works, and this helped shape the development of modern medical discoveries.
The development of the hospitals was also heavily influenced by the Christian faith. In the Middle Ages, the Church was one of the main providers of healthcare, and this had a huge impact on the development of modern hospitals. The Church was involved in the funding of these hospitals, and this often resulted in them being built in or around religious grounds.
Finally, it is clear that Christianity played a major role in the development of modern medicine. Not only did it provide the moral foundations which were necessary for the advancement of medicine, it has also offered individuals the spiritual comfort of seeking treatments for physical pain.
Changes Towards Arts
The influence of Christianity is also evident in the world of the arts. Christianity had a massive impact on the way in which the arts were perceived in society, and this had a huge influence on the development of modern art.
The Church heavily subsidized the production of artworks, and this encouraged the production of art which was heavily inspired by the teachings of the faith. These works were known as religious art, and they represented the teachings of the faith within a visual form. This had a huge impact on the development of modern art, as it was one of the first steps towards the production of art which was independent of the Church.
Christianity has also impacted the works of literature of the time. Writers such as Dante and Chaucer used their works to spread the teachings of the faith, and this had a huge impact on the way in which the subjects of life, death and morality were viewed in society.
Finally, it is evident that Christianity has had a massive effect on the world of the arts. From the production of religious artworks to the works of literature which have been inspired by the teachings of the faith, it is clear that Christianity has been a major force in the development of modern art.
