The Origins Of Christianity
Christianity is one of the world’s oldest and most established religions. Its roots can be traced back to the Middle East, and it has since become the largest religion in the world, with over 2.2 billion followers. But what is the history behind Christianity coming to be?
Historians and scholars have argued for centuries over the origins of Christianity. Some, including those belonging to the Jewish and Muslim faiths, claim it is derived from Abrahamic religion. While others suggest the religion is a hybrid of Greek and Jewish influences, as Christianity draws heavily on Jewish scriptures and shares certain elements with Greek philosophy and culture.
At the heart of the argument is the question ‘Is Christianity from the Middle East?’ While there is no clear-cut answer, what is clear is that Christianity has drawn a lot of its influences from this region.
Christianity And The Old Testament
To understand the relationship between Christianity and the Middle East, one must first look at the influence of the Bible. The Judaeo-Christian tradition draws heavily on the Old Testament, which is made up of books from the Hebrew Bible. This includes books such as Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy. Together, these books form a basis for much of the Christian faith, as they outline the central tenets of the religion.
The Old Testament was composed by Jewish authors in ancient Israel and the surrounding countries, including Mesopotamia, Assyria, and Syria. These authors sought to document the history of the Israelites and their relationship with the God they worshipped, Jehovah. This includes teachings on ethics, morality, and justice that were later adopted by Christians.
While the Old Testament has been integral to the Christian faith, it provides only a small part of the history of Christianity.
Jesus Christ
The second most important associated with Christianity is Jesus Christ, the son of God and the central figure of Christianity. According to the Bible, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in what is modern day Israel, to a humble family led by Mary and Joseph. Jesus’ teachings and actions during his time on Earth are documented in the Bible, and are seen by many Christians as the beginning of the Christian tradition. Jesus’ teachings on mercy and love remain powerful to this day, and have helped shape many aspects of our modern world.
Jesus’ life and death were also deeply entwined with the Middle East, and with Judaism. Jesus’ ministry was primarily based in the Galilee region, covering much of Northern Israel, and he was very much a part of the Jewish faith. It’s this influence that has helped shape Christianity in it’s early days.
Paul The Apostle
The most influential figure in the early church, however, is Paul the Apostle. According to tradition, he was originally a rabbi from Tarsus, an area in modern day Turkey. It was this knowledge of the Jewish tradition and culture that allowed him to spread the teachings of Jesus to non-Jews, a people the Bible calls Gentiles.
Paul’s involvement in the early church saw Christianity spread to many areas of the Roman Empire. His letters, which form the bulk of the New Testament, remain a cornerstone of the Christian faith. Without his missionary work, Christianity may never have spread beyond Israel.
The Early Church Fathers
The Early Church Fathers, specifically Augustine, Justin Martyr and Clement of Alexandria, played an important role in the development of Christianity. These men were primarily based in Alexandria, in modern day Egypt, and provided an intellectual foundation on which the early Church could build upon.
Augustine wrote extensively on matters of faith, theology and philosophy, and drew heavily on the works of Platonism and Neo-Platonism. Justin Martyr argued for the legitimacy of Christianity and its connection to the Old Testament. Clement of Alexandria argued for a more metaphorical interpretation of the Bible.
These men provided a bridge between the Jewish writings of the Old Testament, and the developing Christian faith.
The Spread Of Christianity
Despite drawing many influences from the Middle East, Christianity has since spread across the globe. From the early days, when it was taken to Rome by Paul and other early apostles, to modern times where we see Christianity practiced in all corners of the world.
What started as a small sect of Judaism has become the largest religion on Earth, with more than two billion followers. This growth is testament to the power of faith and to the strength of the Christian tradition.
The Impact Of Christianity
It’s no surprise that Christianity has had a substantial impact on the world, and on the Middle East specifically. Christianity has brought about the rise of institutions such as the Catholic Church and the Protestant Church, which have had a significant role in shaping history and politics.
Christianity has also provided a moral compass by which many aspects of our modern world are judged, be it politics, law, society or personal ethics. Many of the values we take for granted today – such as equality, mercy and justice – have been shaped by the teachings of Christianity.
The Impact On The Arab World
Today, Christianity is still practiced in the Middle East, albeit a far cry from what it was in the beginning. Despite being a minority religion, it does have an enduring impact on the culture of the Arab world.
Arabs have embraced Christianity in many surprising ways. Many Arab countries have large Christian populations, and religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter are widely celebrated. Churches still exist in many cities and towns, although they are a far cry from the grand cathedrals that can be found in Europe.
The consequences of Christianity in the Middle East are numerous. For example, the Arab world has a strong culture of hospitality, which is rooted in the Christian tradition of welcoming living and strangers alike.
The Cultural Exchange
Christianity has also brought with it cultural exchange between different communities. The spread of the religion has influenced areas such as style and fashion, with many elements that were seen in the Middle East being embraced with enthusiasm in the West.
Christianity has also united people on a spiritual level. Despite the differences in doctrinal beliefs, followers come together in prayer and worship, letting their differences go for the sake of a common faith.
The Impact On Society
The influence of Christianity in the Middle East and beyond can’t be overstated. Christianity has been an integral part of the development of society and the cultures of many countries.
Christianity has shaped social norms, laws and even politics. The values that Christianity has infused in society have had long-lasting consequences, and still guide many aspects of our lives.
Arabs themselves have adopted much of the Christian faith, particularly the emphasis on love, compassion and mercy. The impact of Christianity in the Arab world, too, has been vast, and continues to shape the culture of the region.
The Enduring Legacy Of Christianity
In conclusion, Christianity remains one of the most influential religions in the world and its influence on the Middle East is undeniable. From the teachings and stories of the Bible, to the moral lessons of Jesus Christ, Christianity has had a long-lasting and powerful effect on the culture and people of this region.
The legacy of Christianity in the Middle East is one of endurance and lasting impact. Its teachings are just as pertinent today as they were 2000 years ago, and its influence in the region remains as strong as ever.
