Christianity has been one of the most rapid growing religions in human history, remaining influential and reaching out to prospective converts for a variety of reasons even in the modern era. However, it is important to further explore and understand Christianity’s development throughout its history to evaluate if the beliefs from early Christians remain valid and relevant. Consequently, it is crucial to contemplate how early Christians adapted and drew upon their history to compel others and make of the religion a growing force. Through the analysis of multiple historical sources it is possible to further explore the reasons behind the rapid expansion of this religion on its early days. These sources reveal factors that can be considered to
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In The Gospel of Saint Matthew, the author presents a theme where Jesus gathers the covenant, promise, and teachings from past prophets and remakes them, changing the message and the possible perspective the listeners may have about God. In the document, Matthew notes that Jesus said “[t]hink not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them” (199). Through this passage form The Gospel of Saint Matthew, it can be understood that Jesus chose to reach to prospective converts by creating a connection with their beliefs without discrediting them, but expanding on them and consequently transforming them. In addition, Jesus was able to establish his knowledge and care for traditions to the extent that he desired, while making his arguments stronger in the sense of transformation. It is in the sense of transformation because Jesus takes what others said before him and explains why the new concepts he is providing have basis on those even if they seem to be conflicting. Jesus says in the gospel that “[y]ou have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies … so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven… [f]or if you love those who love you, …show more content…
As an example, in Rufinus of Aquileia, Church History the author narrates how the king proclaimed that Christianity was to be practiced and taught in the kingdom. The author says that “the kind therefore called together all of his people and … taught them the faith, and before even being initiated into sacred things became the apostle of his nation” (209). Therefore, Christianity was able to expand rapidly in the population because of the influence it had on its ruler through the actions of miracles and works the disciples carried on. In the case of Christianity in Georgia, the influence of the ruler was also beneficial related to the building of churches in which they engage in their religious practices and further strengthen their influence. The source supports this when saying that “now after the church had been magnificently built and the people were thirsting even more deeply for God’s faith… they implored [Constantine] to send priests who could complete God’s work begun among them” (209). Likewise, in Bishop Adam, The Christian Monument it is described how “The Way”, referring to Christianity, spread widely throughout China because the emperor agreed with its principles. According to the source “after carefully examined the scope of his teaching, [they] found it to be mysteriously spiritual and of silent operation…
In The Gospel of Saint Matthew, the author presents a theme where Jesus gathers the covenant, promise, and teachings from past prophets and remakes them, changing the message and the possible perspective the listeners may have about God. In the document, Matthew notes that Jesus said “[t]hink not that I have come to abolish the law and the prophets; I have come not to abolish them but to fulfill them” (199). Through this passage form The Gospel of Saint Matthew, it can be understood that Jesus chose to reach to prospective converts by creating a connection with their beliefs without discrediting them, but expanding on them and consequently transforming them. In addition, Jesus was able to establish his knowledge and care for traditions to the extent that he desired, while making his arguments stronger in the sense of transformation. It is in the sense of transformation because Jesus takes what others said before him and explains why the new concepts he is providing have basis on those even if they seem to be conflicting. Jesus says in the gospel that “[y]ou have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies … so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven… [f]or if you love those who love you, …show more content…
As an example, in Rufinus of Aquileia, Church History the author narrates how the king proclaimed that Christianity was to be practiced and taught in the kingdom. The author says that “the kind therefore called together all of his people and … taught them the faith, and before even being initiated into sacred things became the apostle of his nation” (209). Therefore, Christianity was able to expand rapidly in the population because of the influence it had on its ruler through the actions of miracles and works the disciples carried on. In the case of Christianity in Georgia, the influence of the ruler was also beneficial related to the building of churches in which they engage in their religious practices and further strengthen their influence. The source supports this when saying that “now after the church had been magnificently built and the people were thirsting even more deeply for God’s faith… they implored [Constantine] to send priests who could complete God’s work begun among them” (209). Likewise, in Bishop Adam, The Christian Monument it is described how “The Way”, referring to Christianity, spread widely throughout China because the emperor agreed with its principles. According to the source “after carefully examined the scope of his teaching, [they] found it to be mysteriously spiritual and of silent operation…