Why did Christianity spread so quickly?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

The rapid spread of Christianity can only really be explained if it is understood that true Christianity is entirely a matter of a changed heart and mind and not some kind of cultural add-on as many suggest who are themsleves either strangers or even opposed to Christian faith.

Christianity defined as The Bible puts it can thus only be brought into existence by the agency of the Holy spirit of God.

In terms of historic timeliness, the Bible alludes to the fact that ''when the time was fully come...'' and which many see as an allusion to the stable system of Roman Government that, together with a widespread language facilitated the rapid spread of the Christian faith. Although this is seen as providential, it is not the actual agency of change in the heart, only an external circumstance.

Many have pointed in looking at the way Christianity spread to a number of factors such as the fortitude of the Christians in the face of persecution. Others have pointed to the willingnes of Christians to undergo danger in order to care both for each other and those in need of help. They suggest that this softened the attitude of the general populace towards the Christian message, but this cannot of itself account for a changed heart, since many did not become Christians but opposed them.

On the day of Pentecost it was recorded that Jews, who there heard the Gospel message preached by Peter and believed were from a wide range of nations and so they undoubtedly spread the Gospel at an early time when they returned home.

In any case, whatever agency one refers to from the earliest time, right down through history, true Christianity is always brought about by the Spirit of God, not the agency of man, no matter how well-meaning. True Christianity is never brought about by either bribery of any kind or a quest for advantage or self-justification.

Answer 3

Fulfillment of Messianic hopes; liberation from Roman Oppression; The courages of early Christians who were willing to die for their beliefs.