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By the time of Emperor Constantine, after three centuries of preaching, Christianity represented about ten per cent of the population of the Roman Empire. Part of this more limited success resulted from awe at the power of the Christian Church Fathers, who had claimed that some among them could cure sickness and even raise the dead. Part of it resulted from respect for Christianity's undoubted concern for the poor and its moral principles.

Constantine gave Christianity considerable state patronage and began the persecution of the pagan temples. He also ensured that those with ambition knew they would improve their career prospects by adopting Christianity, or at least appearing to do so. When agreeing to peace treaties with the conquered German tribes, he insisted on a condition that they all convert to Christianity. Christianity grew rapidly throughout the empire during Constantine's reign, but by the time he died, was still only supported by a minority of the population.

Constantine's Christian sons and successors increased the persecution of the pagan temples and continued to encourage Christianity. Eventually, Theodosius (378-395) made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire and banned the public worship of pagan gods. Paganism lasted another two centuries, but the success of Christianity was assured.

Around 987, the pagan Prince Vladimir of Kiev sent envoys to neighbouring lands to find out about other religions. He wanted to ally his land with its most powerful neighbours through religion, a decision which led to his adoption of Christianity. Vladimir was baptised into Orthodox Christianity and required the same of all his subjects. Thus, all of Russia became Christian on the decision of one man.

With the opening up of the New World, Christianity had the opportunity to spread to new fields. Sometimes this was at the point of the sword, sometimes by genuine preaching and sometimes assisted by deception. Some historians say that the sixteenth century Spaniards created the legend of Our Lady of Guadalupe, saying that an image appeared on a simple peasant's cloak, to encourage the conversion of the indigenous population of early Mexico.

Nelson Mandela, in his autobiography, tells that in South Africa rural blacks could only receive any form of education by adopting Christianity and attending Christian schools. Those who aspired to being seen as cultured and civilised realised that Christianity was the path to be taken.

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Why did StPaul travel?

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What ideas did monks help spread across Europe?

Monks help spread Christianity across Europe.


How did Paul contribute to the spread of Christianity?

Paul of Tarsus, who was previously known as Saul spread Christianity as the first Christian missionary, or person who spreads their belief to non-believers. He travelled across the Roman Empire, sending Christian messages to gentiles and non-Jewish communities as well as to Jews. This allowed more people to follow the faith. He preached about Christianity in new areas where no one had preached before, and established Christianity there.


Who helped spread Christianity?

Paul

Related Questions

Did Christianity spread quickly?

yes


What area did Christianity quickly spread throughout?

eruope


How did Constantine affect Christianity?

As Roman Emporer, Constantine declared Christianity to be the official religion of the Roman Empire. At the time, the Empire was vast, so Christianity spread quickly.


Where is Christianity started?

It started in Rome (Not the Middle East) and spread quickly.


How did various art medias help in spread Christianity?

The creation of the printing press is the number 1 reason why Christianity spread so quickly. The ability to mass produce the bible instead of only through manuscripts allowed the Bible to become the most printed text in history and as such it greatly helped the spread of Christianity to the four corners of the globe.http://jesuswept.blog.ca


Why gases spread quickly?

Gases spread quickly because it has more pleetah in it so it spreads vastly


How did western imperialism spread through Africa and Asia so quickly?

how did the western imperialism spread through Africa and Asia so quickly


How did the geography of the roman affect the spread of Christianity?

Well as we know Rome is near the Tiber River so it was difficult for people to cross it to spread Christianity.


Why were European so interested in exploration in the 1400?

To spread Christianity


Where is Christianity spread to?

Christianity is spread all over the world.


When did Christianity spread to modern Germany?

It first developed in rome, but moved up into Europe quickly. Germany is part of Europe


Why were europeans so interested in exploration the 1400 and 1500?

To spread Christianity. They thought it was what their God wanted them to do as if it would help save the people of the world.