Actually, the initial spread of Christianity was non-violent, it was not until over 300 years later when Constantice co-opted the religion, making it a state religion and enforcing it..did it become violent.klusener said:I truly find it ironic that the initial spread of Christianity and well into the 1900 hundreds, was through violence, what's ironic about this is that Jesus of Nazareth advocated peace and brotherhood, but his word spread around the world due to violence, like the Spanish conquistadors, etc... Why?
I had never known that, do you have any good links for reference?selfAdjoint said:Buddhism, another religion preaching peace, was spread by violent conquest in Southeast Asia.
Macgyver said:I may be wrong (history, especialy religious history is not my strong suit), but i don't think Judaism was ever forcibly spread.
chound said:Hinduism wasnt spread forcibly.
chound said:Hinduism wasnt spread forcibly.
One of the main reasons for the spread of Christianity was the persecution of early Christians by the Roman Empire. The violence they faced only strengthened their faith and commitment to spreading their beliefs. Additionally, the peaceful teachings of Jesus and the promise of eternal life appealed to many people, leading to conversions and the spread of Christianity.
Violence played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in the early centuries. The persecution and martyrdom of early Christians served as a powerful message to others, showing the strength and dedication of their faith. It also allowed for Christianity to gain attention and eventually gain acceptance as a legitimate religion.
The irony of peace and violence in Christianity has been a topic of debate and criticism throughout history. Some view the use of violence, such as the Crusades, as contradictory to the peaceful teachings of Jesus. However, others argue that the violence was necessary for the spread and protection of the faith.
The spread of Christianity had a significant impact on other religions and cultures. As Christianity spread to different regions, it often incorporated local traditions and beliefs, leading to the development of different branches of Christianity. It also caused conflicts and tensions with other religions, as Christianity became the dominant religion in many areas.
The irony of violence and peace in the spread of Christianity can teach us about the complexities of religion and the human experience. It highlights the power of belief and the lengths people will go to defend their faith. It also serves as a reminder to critically examine the actions of religious institutions and individuals, as they may not always align with the teachings of their faith.