The Global Appeal of Christianity_ Accessibility, Incentives, and Historical Spread
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The Global Appeal of Christianity: Accessibility, Incentives, and Historical Spread
Sophia DiBella
RELG 210
Professor Alexander Angelov
November 13, 2023
Word Count: 1336 words
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As of the year 2023, Christianity stands as the largest religion in the world, with over 2.8 billion followers spanning diverse cultures and nearly every continent. It is quite a wonder how the second youngest of the most followed religions in the world managed to captivate the hearts and minds of such a number of people with these older religions, such as Hinduism and Judaism,
having a nearly 2,000 year head-start against it. Digging into Christianity’s rich history and looking through into the present time, one can find the explanation for this religion’s staggering success and widespread appeal through a combination of factors, including its advertised accessibility to all, the benefits associated with conversion, and the strategic historical methods employed for its global dissemination.
One significant factor contributing to the appeal of Christianity is its accessibility and the convenient method of conversion. Christianity is often perceived as open and welcoming to newcomers and does not require one to be born into the faith or go through an intense process to join. The task of conversion is incredibly straightforward, soley involving a personal commitment to faith in Jesus Christ rather than a complex set of rituals or prerequisites.
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This accessibility has made Christianity an attractive option for individuals seeking spiritual fulfillment without the constraints associated with birthright religiosity or the need for proof of good virtue. The Apostle Paul of Tarsus, a Christian follower of Jesus Christ who spread his teachings in the first-century world, is known for his efforts to educate those that he taught that salvation is offered to all people.
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More uniquely, a central concern for Paul was the inclusion of Gentiles into God's New Covenant, and the role of faith and commandments in the inclusion of Gentile converts. The term Gentile refers to anyone who is not a Jew, which shows the inclusivity of the offer of salvation in Christianity. He proclaimed that, “For he who worked 1
Holy Bible
. English Standard Version, Crossway, 2001, Romans 6:23.
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Alexander Angelov. “Constantine and the Conversion of the Empire.” RELG 210: Intro History of Christianity. 20
Sept. 2023.
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through Peter for his apostolic ministry to the circumcised worked also through me for mine to the Gentiles.”
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Paul did not deem circumcision necessary for the conversion of Gentiles, as witnessed throughout his writings, but thought that God included Gentiles into his New Covenant through faith in Jesus.
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Paul’s work with the Gentiles is used as early evidence of inclusivity and ease of conversion being advertised to the masses. Educating as many people as possible that Christianity is a community for every type of person and having a simple conversion process creates massive appeal for a large number of people to join, which very well explains one of the ways by which this religion has gained worldwide popularity. A second compelling element that has aided Christianity in its success across the world are the spiritual benefits it offers to its followers. One of the central tenets of Christianity is the promise of eternal deliverance from sin and its consequences, and a personal relationship with God through faith in His son Jesus Christ. This belief provides a profound sense of purpose, comfort, and hope to millions of people, offering a source of strength in times of adversity. Additionally, the moral and ethical guidance provided by Christian teachings can instill a sense of direction and values in individuals, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging. These spiritual aspects of Christianity have played a pivotal role in its global appeal and enduring popularity, as they provide a deeply meaningful and transformative experience for those who embrace the faith. The Apostle Matthew wrote in his gospel, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."
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This verse reflects the inclusive nature of
Jesus' invitation to all who are burdened or in need, without making distinctions about the nature of their sins. It conveys a message of hope, forgiveness, and redemption available to everyone who turns to Jesus with a sincere heart. One can look back all the way to the start of Christianity 3
Galatians 2:8 (ESV).
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Philip F. Esler. The Early Christian World: Volumes I and II
. Routledge, 2000, 162.
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Matthew 11:28 (ESV).
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in the Roman Empire and see how even in a religious landscape marked by a pantheon of deities,
the spiritual appeal of Christianity was enough to make a mark on the culture. These deities each served specific functions and had little direct interaction with humans. Christianity stood out by offering a personal and direct relationship with the one true God through faith in Jesus Christ. This profound departure from the distant and impersonal relationships with Roman gods to the idea that individuals could have a personal connection to a loving and caring God provided solace, comfort, and a sense of purpose in an often uncertain and chaotic world.
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The central message of salvation and eternal life was also a compelling alternative to the Roman religious beliefs. While Roman religions were often focused on appeasing deities and fulfilling rituals, Christianity’s promise of forgiveness and eternal life for everyone who believed and repented offered hope for a better existence beyond this life, which was particularly appealing in a society where life could be marked by hardship, illness, and social inequities. Christianity's appeal to people of the Roman Empire, rooted in its promise of a personal relationship with a loving God, the hope of salvation and eternal life, and its inclusivity, has continued into the present day ultimately contributing to this religion’s remarkable growth and influence.
The final components that contributed to the success of Christianity's global spread are the methods used to push the word out from its point of origin to the farthest reaches of the world, as well as influential figures who helped alongside this. Christianity emerged into an empire with a superb road network. This is what enabled missionaries to set up churches throughout the empire. Some scholars believe that if the religion emerged elsewhere, it would likely have remained a regional phenomenon.
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Roman highways played a significant role in facilitating the spread of Christianity during the early centuries of the Common Era. These 6
Angelov, “Constantine and the Conversion of the Empire”.
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Susan Elcock. Highways, Byways, and Road Systems in the Pre-Modern World
, 2012, 235.
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extensive and well-maintained road systems facilitated efficient travel and communication throughout the vast empire and made it significantly easier and safer for Christian missionaries and travelers to move from region to region. Not only did Roman roads facilitate physical movement, but they also served as conduits for the exchange of ideas and information. Through their travels, missionaries could share their beliefs more widely. The writings and teachings of Paul of Tarsus made their way through these roads and played a crucial role in disseminating Christian doctrine and establishing early Christian communities. Paul's missionary journeys across the Roman Empire contributed significantly to the expansion of Christianity beyond its Jewish origins. The accessibility of these roads contributed to the rapid dissemination of Christian texts and theological ideas. In addition to the monumental ways in which the Roman road networks aided in the spread of Christianity early on in history, the conversion of Emperor Constantine in the 4th century marked a pivotal moment in Christian history. Constantine’s Edict
of Milan, which proclaimed tolerance towards Christians in the Roman Empire, provided unprecedented opportunities for the faith to flourish.
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This official support, combined with the subsequent spread of Christianity through Age of Exploration colonialism and missionary efforts
over the millennia, facilitated its incorporation into diverse cultures and societies. The global appeal of Christianity is a multifaceted phenomenon, rooted in its accessibility
to new converts, spiritual benefits associated with conversion, the influential teachings of figures
like the Apostle Paul of Tarsus, and the tireless efforts of missionaries on the incredible Roman roads. Many other religions of the world have employed similar methods, but their success is far from that of Christianity’s. The wonder of Chrisianity’s unique ability to adapt and resonate with
diverse populations has contributed to its status as the world's largest religion. As individuals continue to be drawn to its teachings and communities, the population of this religion is 8
Angelov, “Constantine and the Conversion of the Empire”.
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projected to exceed 3 billion members by the year 2050,
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and it is likely that the the dynamics that have fueled Christianity's success in centuries past will persist in shaping its global influence
far into the future.
Bibliography
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Conrad Hackett. “Global Christianity – a Report on the Size and Distribution of the World’s Christian Population.”
Pew Research Center’s Religion & Public Life Project, Pew Research Center, 19 Dec. 2011, 2.
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Primary Sources
Holy Bible
. English Standard Version, Crossway, 2001.
Secondary Sources
Angelov, Alexander. “Constantine and the Conversion of the Empire.” RELG 210: Intro History of Christianity. RELG 210: Intro History of Christianity, 20 Sept. 2023, Williamsburg, College of William & Mary.
Elcock, Susan. Highways, Byways, and Road Systems in the Pre-Modern World
, 2012.
Esler, Philip F. The Early Christian World: Volumes I and II
. Routledge, 2000.
Hackett, Conrad. “Global Christianity – a Report on the Size and Distribution of the World’s Christian Population.”
Pew Research Center’s Religion & Public Life Project, Pew Research Center, 19 Dec. 2011, www.pewresearch.org/religion/2011/12/19/global-
christianity-exec/.