The spread of Christianity across Europe is a complicated and deeply intertwined history. While it is not a simple matter to trace exactly who brought the religion to Europe, the roots of Christianity have been traced to the Middle East, North Africa, and the Roman Empire. Many of the early believers were persecuted and had to escape to other places to practice their faith. In the early centuries of Christianity, apostles and missionaries traveled across the continent building churches, preaching and converting people to the faith.
Judea, the area where modern-day Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan now live, is generally known as the origin of the religion. It is believed that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, Judea, into a Jewish family. His preaching, then, had roots in Jewish traditions, but Jesus was an outcast among the Jews who thought his teachings were heresy. As he traveled and spoke, his message spread throughout the Mediterranean and beyond. By the middle of the first century, Christianity had already taken root in Rome.
The religion likely reached the rest of Europe through trade and the advances of the Roman Empire. Early missionaries spread Christianity to Italy, the Iberian Peninsula, Gaul and the British Isles. The Roman Empire provided a shared language, government structures, and a supportive infrastructure for the spread of Christianity. As the empire expanded its rule over more territories, so did Christianity.
The mission of St Paul played an important role in the spread of Christianity in Europe. After his conversion to Christianity, Paul left Jerusalem in the mid first century to preach in what is now Greece, Turkey, and Italy. His active mission to “the Gentiles” brought Christianity to the majority of the Roman Empire. The belief of spreading the religion beyond the limits of Judea was highly controversial to the Jews, but ultimately proved highly influential.
In the fourth century, Christianity made a significant shift in Europe. Emperor Constantine, who had a deep appreciation for Christianity, annointed Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire. This monumental shift changed the face of Christianity in Europe and allowed it to become a formative component of culture and politics. As the empire spread its rule across the continent, local churches were established to incorporate the religion into everyday life. Bishops were instated as heads of churches, and by the sixth century, the region of Gaul had a dense network of Catholic churches.
Despite fluctuations in its presence, Christianity has remained a staple in Europe since its introduction. One can trace its roots in the Middle East, North Africa, and Rome, as well as its paths through apostles, missionaries, and early believers. Its influence has been seen in culture, politics, and everyday life for more than 2000 years. Though modern believers may have different perspectives on the practices, Christianity has been a major facet and influencer in European history.
The Protestant Reformation
In the sixteenth century, the Protestant Reformation took shape in Europe. Led by theologian Martin Luther, this religious revolution caused a schism between the Protestant Church and the Roman Catholic Church. Luther wanted the priesthood to be available to all people, and he believed faith in God should be enough to ensure salvation. Additionally, Luther argued that the Bible should be the central authority, as opposed to priests or popes. Though Luther did not intend to challenge the overall role of Christianity in Europe, his reforms ignited further religious and spiritual revolutions.
The reformation spread quickly with the help of the printing press. Luther’s works, as well as those of other reformers, became widely circulated and accessible to the general public. This was a highly disruptive time, as European countries undertook religious wars, with Protestant and Catholic forces vying for control. The reformation also affected politics, as many nations were divided in their religious allegiences. In England, for example, Henry VIII broke away from the Roman Catholic Church and created an Anglican church where he was the supreme leader. Ultimately, the Protestant Reformation opened up avenues for religious toleration, propelling Christianity in Europe forward.
The Role of Missionaries in the 19th Century
Missionary work also played a major role in the expansion of Christianity in Europe in the nineteenth century. Groups of missionaries and clergymen traveled to areas of Europe that were largely removed from the effects of the Protestant Reformation. Areas like Ireland, Slovakia, Serbia, and Wales were especially open to foreign influence and the effects of Christianity. These missionaries sought to create a more classical and robust form of the faith, emphasizing the need for evangelism, God’s plan for perfecting humanity, and fostering new Christian communities.
Missionary work often had societal consequences, however, as the missionaries wanted to transform the culture and social dynamics more than simply evangelize. The presence of missionaries in some areas of Europe reshaped the demographics, as priests and nuns encouraged converts to take on their ways of life. Because of the missionaries’ expressed goal of creating model Christian communities, what had begun primarily as a spiritual movement slowly shifted into a social, economic and political movement.
The Expansion of Christian Beliefs in the 21st Century
Christianity continues to expand in contemporary Europe. While the majority of European countries still practice Christianity, the face of the religion is ever-changing. Christianity has blended with a variety of cultures, creating unique ways of expressing the faith, as well as what it means to be Christian. In many areas, Christian practices have adapted to more secular environments, with young believers believing that faith should be more flexible to the changes of the times. Despite these shifts, Christianity remains an influential force guiding Europe, especially with its emphasis on altruism, charity, and moral order.
The Influence of Religion in Social Dynamics
Many scholars have seen the influence of religion in European social dynamics. Religion has been a major factor in influencing law-making, from the protection of certain religious identities, to the enacting of civil and criminal laws. Religion has also served to unite people of different backgrounds, drawing attention to certain issues and helping to provide a sense of community. Religion has also served a financial purpose, helping to support various institutions including universities, hospitals, and charities. Even today, religion is seen as a beneficial practice that can lead to a greater sense of fellowship and understanding.
The Emergence of ‘Spiritual but not Religious’ Identification
In recent years, Europe has seen a shift away from traditional denominationally-based Christianity. More and more people in Europe identify as “spiritual but not religious,” or “agnostic” or “atheist.” This shift has allowed more flexibility and freedom for people to express their beliefs without being bound to any particular denomination. While this shift in religious identity has had some critics, it is seen as a positive move for many, allowing them to explore their personal faith without feeling limited by traditional structures.
The Impact of Evangelicalism
In the last few decades, Evangelicalism has been seen as one of the fastest growing religious movements in Europe. Evangelicalism is a branch of Christianity characterized by a belief in personal conversion, mission work, and manifesting a personal relationship with God. This movement has seen success in a variety of European nations, with converts creating churches, support networks and philanthropic organizations in all parts of the continent. This growth is seen as both a blessing and a caution, as Evangelicalism is seen as a powerful force that can both create fruitful religious communities and disrupt existing social dynamics.
