Pre-Christian Religions
The emergence of Christianity during the first and second centuries AD was preceded by a wide variety of religious beliefs and practices. Many of these can be classified under the umbrella of “pre-Christian” religions, as they existed long before Christianity began, and in some cases, continue to exist in modified forms today.
One of the most prevalent pre-Christian religions was that of the ancient Greeks. The practice, known as Hellenism, consisted of a wide variety of gods, goddesses, and spiritual practices. The pantheon was populated by numerous gods, such as Zeus and Poseidon, who were believed to represent forces of nature and to offer protection to their worshipers. Offerings were made to the gods both in individual homes and at large temples, and festivals were held to celebrate the gods and their contributions.
The ancient Egyptians were also pre-Christian, and their religion was tightly interwoven with their political system. The pharaoh was believed to be descended from the gods, and thus was imbued with divine authority. The rituals associated with the Egyptian faith centered around honoring the gods by offering them sacrifices, dedicating temples, and digging into tombs to unearth their secrets.
Another ancient religion was that of the Canaanites. This polytheistic belief system was based around the worship of a plethora of gods and goddesses, but often focused on the worship of Ba’al. The worship of Ba’al took many forms; offerings were frequently made in private homes and temples, and rituals such as fertility rites and human sacrifice were often conducted.
The Zoroastrian religion was the official faith of the Persian Empire in the pre-Christian era. This monotheistic religion, founded by Zoroaster in the sixth century BC, was centered around the worship of Ahura Mazda, the supreme being. Offerings were made to Ahura Mazda in both temples and individual homes, and rituals were performed to attempt to please the deity.
Religions in the Roman Empire
The Roman Empire, during the time of Christ, was a hotbed for religious activity. While the official religion of the empire was Roman polytheism at this time, a variety of other belief systems were present. Adventurous missionaries had spread their beliefs across Europe and North Africa, and a combination of historians believe that five major religious groups were active in the area during the time of Christ. These included the Druids, the Jews, the Phrygians, the followers of Mithras, and those who believed in the goddess Isis.
The Druids were a Celtic priestly class who presided over the worship of pagan gods. Their services often included elaborate offerings and rituals, which could be held both in private homes and outside in natural locations like groves of trees. The belief system was also heavily spiritual in nature, as its adherents believed in an afterlife of sorts, in which the souls of the dead would be reborn into a new form.
The Jews were one of the oldest groups in the Roman Empire, and had been around since long before the advent of Christ. Their faith centered around the worship of a single God, the Abrahamic God, who was believed to be omnipotent, omniscient, and all-powerful. Jews observed numerous rituals and traditions, often prescribed in the Old Testament, and believed that good deeds would be rewarded in the afterlife.
The Phrygians were a group located primarily in present-day Turkey. They honored a number of gods and goddesses, the most important of which was Cybele, the goddess of nature. Offerings and festivals were held in her honor, and her cult was so influential that she was eventually adopted as an unofficial goddess of the Roman Empire.
Mithraism
Mithraism was a belief system, primarily spread by Roman soldiers, and thought to have originated in Persia. It was centered around the worship of Mithras, the god of light and devotion. The worship of Mithras largely revolved around a seven-graded initiation process, in which the initiate would undergo a series of tests in order to become a higher-level worshiper. Offerings and festivals were often held, and many Mithraic temples, termed “Mithraeums”, were constructed.
The worship of Isis was also popular, particularly with women. Isis originated as an Egyptian goddess, and as the Roman Empire absorbed more of Egypt, Isis worshipers also began to crop up. Isis was believed to be a maternal goddess, whose blessings could be sought in times of need. Offerings, both in temples and homes, were made to her, and her name was soon known across the Mediterranean.
Judaism
The Jewish faith played an important role in Christian history, as its various prophets, priests, and followers helped shape the early experiences of Jesus and his eventual followers. Judaism was one of the most influential beliefs in the ancient world, and its monotheistic notions heavily informed the later emergence of Christianity. For example, much of the Old Testament was incorporated into the Christian Bible, as were several Jewish festivals and rituals.
Additionally, Judaism had an impact on the New Testament, as many of Jesus’ parables draw on Jewish folklore and scriptures. He was also influenced by the Jewish faith in his teachings, as many of his teachings contained similar principles to those found in the Talmud and other ancient Jewish texts.
Devoted Followers
Though Christianity had its share of detractors, it also had a strong group of devoted followers. Early Christians were often drawn to the new religion because of its promise of salvation and promise of living a moral life. Christianity also stood out in contrast to the criminal activities and brutality of the Roman Empire, which set it apart and made it an attractive option.
Christians were often fiercely loyal to the faith, citing book of Acts it as an example of trusting in God’s Word. Early Church fathers were influential in the development of Christianity, and helped create an organized Church. These early fathers were also instrumental in establishing the creeds, which became the basis of the faith and helped it to survive in times of persecution and opposition.
Change and Adaptation
While Christianity has a long established reputation for being a very conservative faith, it has changed significantly since its early days. Christianity had to adapt in order to survive and spread, and in some cases, the changes have been quite drastic. For example, early Christianity initially opposed the use of images, but eventually embraced them, and encouraged their use in places of worship.
It has also adapted to different cultures and needs; while Christianity was initially focused on personal spiritual growth and salvation, it also became an agent of social change and justice. In poor neighborhoods, Christianity has become an avenue for youth ministry and social betterment, and in more affluent areas, it has been a means of humanitarian support and charity.
Spreading the Faith
One of Christianity’s most successful tactics for spreading the faith was in its use of missionaries. These servants of Christ were often sent beyond the Roman Empire, ferrying the Good News to distant lands. This tactic proved to be wildly successful; Christianity spread into Europe, Asia, Africa, and, eventually, the New World. Over time, these missionaries’ travels allowed Christianity to gain numerous converts, and bolstered the faith’s global presence.
Christianity was also spread through religious wars and other events, where it was used as a source of power and as a banner of victory. During the Middle Ages and beyond, Christianity was often used as a tool to gain political and military power, and its use in battle helped it to become the dominant faith in many parts of the world.
Infiltration
Another way in which Christianity spread was through the infiltration of pre-existing belief systems. Many pre-Christian religions had large numbers of devotees who, upon hearing about Jesus, either adapted their beliefs or decided to convert. This tactic was effective in providing converts, but it also often led to the syncretic worship of Jesus alongside other gods.
This tactic wasn’t unique to Christianity; when it encountered something it couldn’t compete with, it often simply absorbed it into the faith. Practices such as the veneration of relics and ancestor worship were often allowed to continue, as well as certain local practices and festivals. This tactic allowed Christianity to more effectively spread, while still respecting the culture and beliefs of local peoples.
Growth and Maturity
Christianity was not born with its present identity intact. Over time, it has grown and matured, and although it is still considered a young faith, it has already changed significantly. It has had to confront numerous obstacles, including religious wars, cultural changes, and the rise of alternative faiths. Despite these challenges, Christianity has remained strong and has endured for over two thousand years, making it one of the most successful religions of all time.
