The religion of Christianity, with its roots in Judaic tradition, has had an immense impact on the world, shaping culture, politics, economics and legal systems. From the early days of the church following Jesus’ death in the first century, to its dissemination across continents, it is difficult to overstate the impact this one-time fringe religious practice has had on the world.
A trademark of Christianity, one of its grandest contributions to the world, is its emphasis on the rights of individual peoples. This has shaped culture in many ways, legally mandating just treatment of all persons indiscriminate of their ethnicity and descent. The roots of this concept are found in the sixteenth-century writings of Protestant reformer Martin Luther, whose concept of justification by faith alone granted each soul equal access to God, and thus enabled them to share in all their rights as human persons.
Christianity has, in the modern world, lent tremendous charity and philanthropy to world effort. A key to this has been the near universal appeal of the Christian mission, whose message of peace and understanding has spread to nearly all corners of the globe. Still today, faith-based charities are working to improve the lot of their fellow citizens and bringing aid to those in need.
From social and economic institutions like the World Bank, to political mission statements, to the core concepts of modern education, the formative impact of Christianity on the world is considerable. Education and healthcare, not to mention the very concept of a “just war”, can be seen as primarily Christian developments, brought about in no small part due to the powerful role it has played in the world.
Additionally, Christianity has had an unparalleled impact on art, literature and culture. Without it, there would never have been some of the most iconic works of beauty, such as ancient and modern frescos, stained glass windows, World War-era poetry, and the work of C. S. Lewis and others. From masterpieces to everyday art and entertainment, it is impossible to deny the influence of Christianity on the world.
Beyond the reach of religion, Christianity has also had profound impacts on the law. In Western Europe and the United States, civil and criminal codes often have their origins in Judeo-Christian traditions, particularly concerning matters of marriage and the family, sexuality and the sanctity of life.
Finally, the impact Christian morals have had on the form and content of policy in the United States has been reported and discussed frequently. This is especially true when it comes to issues like abortion, as it is difficult to discuss the topic without taking into account the moral foundations on which it rests.
Human Rights
The concept of human rights, derived from the Christian belief in mankind’s inherent value, forms a cornerstone of the modern justice system. Recognizing the inherent value of persons, regardless of class rank, sex, race, colour or creed, gave rise to the idea that we are all entitled to certain fundamental human rights. Recognition of these rights, and the promotion of their enforcement, has been made by Christian nations through the centuries, as seen in the Magna Carta, the American Constitution, and the European Convention on Human Rights.
The idea of personal liberty is one of the most fundamental components of Christianity- that the freedom of the individual is protected and is not to be infringed, regardless of their religious beliefs. This is why democratic, republican and constitutional forms of government, all of which rely heavily on the recognition of individual liberties, have become so prevalent in societies that were once largely Christian.
The Bible
The most influential and oft-cited book in the Christian faith is the Bible, a series of books and texts consisting of stories from the Old Testament, Gospels and other writings that depict the life, teachings and example of Jesus Christ and his disciples.
The Bible, the world’s best-selling book of all time, has been a source of inspiration, guidance, hope and comfort for billions of people over the millennia, fostering spiritual growth and revealing the remarkable impact Christianity has had on the culture, values and attitudes of individuals and societies.
The story of the Bible, with its concept of God’s love and justice being at the core of creation, has provided the basis and reference point for many modern ethical and moral debates. Commonly accepted ethical principles and values, such as justice, have been derived from Biblical passages, highlighting its lasting influence.
Respect for Women
The way Christianity has influenced the positioning and treatment of women in society often goes unrecognized, but its impact cannot be understated. A prime example of this is the contrast between traditional and contemporary attitudes towards women.
For example, throughout various periods of history, women were traditionally viewed as subordinate to men, with limited rights and little legal protection. This however changed in the modern era with the emergence of Christianity and its guiding principle of the ‘equal worth of all persons’, which gave rise to advances in the rights, legal protections and overall position of women in society.
Today, the rights of women are recognized and enforced in almost all societies, from the largest nations to small villages, thanks in no small measure to the Christian ethic of respect. The debate over the role of women in the church continues to this day, but it is clear that Christianity’s influence has greatly advanced the social rights of women.
Ecology and Stewardship
The concept of ecology, the idea that all life forms on Earth interact with one another and work together to maintain a balance, has been held to since ancient times, with the first known reference to it occurring in the 6th century BC in ancient Greece. However, it was the Christian idea of stewardship that further articulated this concept, taking it beyond simply protecting specific species of animals to a deeper ethical obligation to preserve and protect the entire environment.
This idea was further expanded with the widespread recognition of the concept of sustainability, a phrase derived from the Christian notion of stewardship. Many environmental stewardship organisations, such as the Sierra Club and Greenpeace, are founded on the core principle that humans have an ethical duty to protect the world and its resources. Again, this is a direct product of the Christian faith and its teachings.
Charitable Giving
Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Christian faith is its emphasis on mercy and charity towards those in need. This has put Christians on the front line of charitable giving, from providing food and shelter for those in poverty to helping to find cures for dangerous diseases.
In the modern world, charities run by Christians are responsible for providing crucial aid to millions of people each year. These include World Vision, Habitat for Humanity and various other non-profit organisations that provide necessary resources and aid to those who need it most. From aiding refugees to donating blood and other necessary supplies, these organisations are often the first to respond to people in need.
In addition, Christian volunteers have been known to provide aid and assistance in the rebuilding of devastated communities, such as those affected by natural disasters. This shows that the principle of Christian charity is still alive and well and that the church continues to have a profoundly positive impact on communities in need.
