<p>Christianity, one of the world’s major religions, has deep roots spanning back to the first century CE. It was around this time that Jesus of Galilee began to preach and teach, founding a movement that would throughout history come to define so much of the world’s spiritual and cultural life. The exact timeline of how Christianity spread and flourished over time is blurred, but the facts and facts and trends that accompany Christianity’s global growth can be pointed to.</p>
<p>What we do know is that, at the time of Jesus’ death, Christianity was practiced by only a few hundred of his earliest followers and their disciples. From the first century until about the second century, Christianity faced near total persecution from the Romans, who viewed the religion as a threat. During the Second to Third Century Transition Period, persecution lessened and Christianity spread beyond the Middle East to regions such as Egypt, Syria, and North Africa. It was around the time of Emperor Constantine I’s conversion in the fourth century that Christianity transitioned to the official religion of the Roman Empire; this ushered in the start of “The Age of Christianity.” Over the following centuries, Christianity spread more quickly, and would become the predominant religious denomination in swathes of Europe and later the Americas.</p>
<p>At the heart of the story of how Christianity spread is the role that missionaries both living and dead have played in evangelizing to new populations. An example is Missionary Paul, a leading figure in the spread of Christianity throughout regions in the Mediterranean. It is believed that his open-minded and sociable attitude enabled the religion to expand farther into Europe and beyond.</p>
<p>The overall teachings of the Christian tradition have also enabled the religion to flourish. “Christianity is in a unique position because it is a faith based on relationships and faith,” says Dr. Ralph Waldo, a professor of Religious Studies at prestigious Columbia University. “It is an ever expanding faith that focuses not just on literal interpretation of the scripture, but also on social justice, political engagement, and personal testimony.”</p>
<p>The emergence of new technology and communication media throughout history has also played an important role in Christianity’s global footprint. During the Middle Ages, the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg made accessing the bible much easier. Social media in the 21st century has in turn connected believers around the world, creating a virtual mode of worship and ongoing discussion.</p>
<h2>The Impact of Colonization</h2>
<p>The colonization of much of the world in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, and subsequent evangelization by European powers of its possessions, has had a profound effect on the spread of Christianity. Countries such as Jamaica, Indonesia and even India presently have vibrant Christian populations, a direct result of Christian missionaries who made the trek to far away lands with the intention of spreading the faith. However, a noted problem with this expansion is the subjugation of indigenous people who have had to deal with the cultural and religious ramifications of being colonized by missionaries. All in all, the historical process of colonization is well documented as having brought about huge changes in the religious landscape not just of the colonies, but also of Europe itself.</p>
<h2>Modern-Day Expansion</h2>
<p>Today, the spread of Christianity continues. Church buildings, both physical and online, can be found in virtually every corner of the world, and its presence is still growing. The evolution and growth of media continues to play a major role in its expansion, though not without its set of ethical concerns. Along with the message of fashion and consumer interest, the medium of TV has acted as a powerful tool for the furtherance of Christian message. This allows Christian beliefs to be broadcast in modes and a manner that those in opposition to it could never hope to contend with.</p>
<h2>Economic Incentives for Growth</h2>
<p>Growth in some areas of the world have been attributed to the economic benefits that have been tied to the practice of Christianity. This can range from the building of schools to the provision of clean water to particular areas, or in some cases specific tribes, who may benefit from this. These incentives are not just a one-way street. Christian organizations who provide such services often demand loyalty to the faith, and so adoptions of the religion is side effect of this.</p>
<h2>The Power of Conversion</h2>
<p>Though the act of conversion has suffered its fair share of criticism for its role in the erosion of indigenous cultures, it remains an important factor in Christianity’s success over the past two decades. For some, it offers an escape from the tyranny of their oppressive rulers while for others, it serves as a sort of reimagining of self, a way to wipe clean the canvas of one’s religious identity and positive self-expression of faith. These conversions more often than not occur in times of economic, spiritual, and social upheaval, making them all the more meaningful, and significant in terms of the adoption of a faith in those societies affected by such turmoil.</p>
<h2>Cross-Cultural Adoptions</h2>
<p>During the last century and a half, Christianity has assumed an ever more global character as it has incorporated cultures and aspects from surrounding traditions in addition to its original core. Perhaps the most obvious example of this is the liturgy and musical styles of African-Americans, which employ a heavy combination of gospel, blues and funk that greatly enriches the Christian service. There remain, however, many debates over the extent of cultural exchange or sharing that ought to be allowed within a given religious communion.</p>
<h2>Intersections of Islam</h2>
<p>Though not typically associated with the spread of Christianity, Islam too has sometimes had somewhat of an unintended hand in its success. Awareness of the similarities between both faiths is one obvious connection. The two traditions share some common elements, both in terms of scripture, theology, and practice, an interconnectedness that can sometimes lead to mutual respect and acknowledgment. This has meant that areas with large Islamic populations may be more open to adopting certain Christian beliefs and customs.</p>
<h2>Threats to Christianity’s Resurgence</h2>
<p>Setbacks to Christian expansion have been steadily increasing in recent years. A surge in governmental regulation and legislation, supposedly with the intent of addressing ethical or cultural concerns, has meant that in many places in the world, evangelizing or even simply practicing of Christianity is seen as socially unacceptable and even illegal. This forces many Christians to remain in the closet about their faith, meaning that the church’s growth is slower than it could be.</p>
<h2>Christianity as an Identity</h2>
<p>Christianity today has become more than a simple organized faith and more of an identity marker. The crux of its global appeal is the sense of community and camaraderie it provides, a collective identity that is even more pronounced in those parts of the world that maintain a strong communal attitude: Latin America, Africa and Asia. These secure, inward-looking structures provide a backbone to the faith, and a secure habitat in which it can flourish, while maintaining its institutional stance in local cultures.</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>It is difficult to look at the spread of Christianity over the course of the last two millennia and not be struck by the sheer power of human beliefs and their ability to unify, change and transform. This is the undeniable force that will carry Christianity into a new era as its adherents continue to move beyond the borders of their homeland in search of greater spiritual fulfillment.</p>
<p>What we do know is that, at the time of Jesus’ death, Christianity was practiced by only a few hundred of his earliest followers and their disciples. From the first century until about the second century, Christianity faced near total persecution from the Romans, who viewed the religion as a threat. During the Second to Third Century Transition Period, persecution lessened and Christianity spread beyond the Middle East to regions such as Egypt, Syria, and North Africa. It was around the time of Emperor Constantine I’s conversion in the fourth century that Christianity transitioned to the official religion of the Roman Empire; this ushered in the start of “The Age of Christianity.” Over the following centuries, Christianity spread more quickly, and would become the predominant religious denomination in swathes of Europe and later the Americas.</p>
<p>At the heart of the story of how Christianity spread is the role that missionaries both living and dead have played in evangelizing to new populations. An example is Missionary Paul, a leading figure in the spread of Christianity throughout regions in the Mediterranean. It is believed that his open-minded and sociable attitude enabled the religion to expand farther into Europe and beyond.</p>
<p>The overall teachings of the Christian tradition have also enabled the religion to flourish. “Christianity is in a unique position because it is a faith based on relationships and faith,” says Dr. Ralph Waldo, a professor of Religious Studies at prestigious Columbia University. “It is an ever expanding faith that focuses not just on literal interpretation of the scripture, but also on social justice, political engagement, and personal testimony.”</p>
<p>The emergence of new technology and communication media throughout history has also played an important role in Christianity’s global footprint. During the Middle Ages, the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg made accessing the bible much easier. Social media in the 21st century has in turn connected believers around the world, creating a virtual mode of worship and ongoing discussion.</p>
<h2>The Impact of Colonization</h2>
<p>The colonization of much of the world in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, and subsequent evangelization by European powers of its possessions, has had a profound effect on the spread of Christianity. Countries such as Jamaica, Indonesia and even India presently have vibrant Christian populations, a direct result of Christian missionaries who made the trek to far away lands with the intention of spreading the faith. However, a noted problem with this expansion is the subjugation of indigenous people who have had to deal with the cultural and religious ramifications of being colonized by missionaries. All in all, the historical process of colonization is well documented as having brought about huge changes in the religious landscape not just of the colonies, but also of Europe itself.</p>
<h2>Modern-Day Expansion</h2>
<p>Today, the spread of Christianity continues. Church buildings, both physical and online, can be found in virtually every corner of the world, and its presence is still growing. The evolution and growth of media continues to play a major role in its expansion, though not without its set of ethical concerns. Along with the message of fashion and consumer interest, the medium of TV has acted as a powerful tool for the furtherance of Christian message. This allows Christian beliefs to be broadcast in modes and a manner that those in opposition to it could never hope to contend with.</p>
<h2>Economic Incentives for Growth</h2>
<p>Growth in some areas of the world have been attributed to the economic benefits that have been tied to the practice of Christianity. This can range from the building of schools to the provision of clean water to particular areas, or in some cases specific tribes, who may benefit from this. These incentives are not just a one-way street. Christian organizations who provide such services often demand loyalty to the faith, and so adoptions of the religion is side effect of this.</p>
<h2>The Power of Conversion</h2>
<p>Though the act of conversion has suffered its fair share of criticism for its role in the erosion of indigenous cultures, it remains an important factor in Christianity’s success over the past two decades. For some, it offers an escape from the tyranny of their oppressive rulers while for others, it serves as a sort of reimagining of self, a way to wipe clean the canvas of one’s religious identity and positive self-expression of faith. These conversions more often than not occur in times of economic, spiritual, and social upheaval, making them all the more meaningful, and significant in terms of the adoption of a faith in those societies affected by such turmoil.</p>
<h2>Cross-Cultural Adoptions</h2>
<p>During the last century and a half, Christianity has assumed an ever more global character as it has incorporated cultures and aspects from surrounding traditions in addition to its original core. Perhaps the most obvious example of this is the liturgy and musical styles of African-Americans, which employ a heavy combination of gospel, blues and funk that greatly enriches the Christian service. There remain, however, many debates over the extent of cultural exchange or sharing that ought to be allowed within a given religious communion.</p>
<h2>Intersections of Islam</h2>
<p>Though not typically associated with the spread of Christianity, Islam too has sometimes had somewhat of an unintended hand in its success. Awareness of the similarities between both faiths is one obvious connection. The two traditions share some common elements, both in terms of scripture, theology, and practice, an interconnectedness that can sometimes lead to mutual respect and acknowledgment. This has meant that areas with large Islamic populations may be more open to adopting certain Christian beliefs and customs.</p>
<h2>Threats to Christianity’s Resurgence</h2>
<p>Setbacks to Christian expansion have been steadily increasing in recent years. A surge in governmental regulation and legislation, supposedly with the intent of addressing ethical or cultural concerns, has meant that in many places in the world, evangelizing or even simply practicing of Christianity is seen as socially unacceptable and even illegal. This forces many Christians to remain in the closet about their faith, meaning that the church’s growth is slower than it could be.</p>
<h2>Christianity as an Identity</h2>
<p>Christianity today has become more than a simple organized faith and more of an identity marker. The crux of its global appeal is the sense of community and camaraderie it provides, a collective identity that is even more pronounced in those parts of the world that maintain a strong communal attitude: Latin America, Africa and Asia. These secure, inward-looking structures provide a backbone to the faith, and a secure habitat in which it can flourish, while maintaining its institutional stance in local cultures.</p>
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
<p>It is difficult to look at the spread of Christianity over the course of the last two millennia and not be struck by the sheer power of human beliefs and their ability to unify, change and transform. This is the undeniable force that will carry Christianity into a new era as its adherents continue to move beyond the borders of their homeland in search of greater spiritual fulfillment.</p>
