How has the world changed since the introduction of Christianity?
The world looks radically different with the introduction of Christianity. What are the major changes, culturally? The single greatest change was the concept that God loved his creation and especially human beings. In the pre-Christian world the gods were indifferent to humanity. Indeed, sometimes the gods were jealous of humans.
Is the world better off with or without religion?
This narrative is often espoused by militant atheists trying to show why the world would be better off without religion. It is a debatable claim disputed even by some thoughtful atheists as evidenced in Bruce Sheiman’s book An Atheist Defends Religion: Why Humanity is Better Off with Religion than without It (2009).
Does the world believe in Jesus Christ?
Moreover, most world believes that Jesus was a very significant person, even if many do not believe in him in the way Christians do. Consequently, many of Jesus’ teachings are heeded, at least to some extent.
Does religion do more harm than good?
But neither should we forget the good that Christians and the church, driven by faith, have accomplished. There is a popular narrative that religion in general and Christianity in particular have done more harm than good for human society.
What did the pagans believe?
Most pagans believed that the gods felt little or no compassion for humans. Some gods were even jealous of humans who were beautiful, gifted, or whatever. The gods of the pagans were petty, easily offended, and vengeful. Indeed, the gods were often deceitful and could not be trusted.
How has Christianity changed the world?
Christianity has changed the world in so many significant ways, many of which we are probably not even aware of on a daily basis. In his new book "Unimaginable: What our World Would be Like without Christianity," Dr. Jeremiah J. Johnston explores the ways in which Christianity has impacted the world for good and also what the world would be like if not for Jesus and the values He instills in every human life. Dr. Johnston looks at the impact Christianity has had–and is having–on the world from a cultural, historical, political, and personal standpoint. Below are excerpts based on Dr. Johnston’s new book which draw attention to ten specific ways in which Christianity has influenced and changed the world for the better.
Why did Christianity spread?
Christianity spread rapidly for two principal reasons: (1) Christians embraced the God of Abraham, that is , God of the Jewish people. Many pagans were sensing that Jewish monotheism made more sense than pagan polytheism.
What did Jesus say about non-Jews?
The Jewish culture of the time of Jesus drew a sharp line between the Jewish people, on the one hand, and non-Jews (i.e., Gentiles), on the other. Jesus reached out in compassion to non-Jews. He even stated that food did not make anyone impure.
What did Jesus teach about men and women?
The Jewish scriptures taught that God made humans in his image. Jesus and his followers rightly inferred from this teaching that men and women were equal. Men and women may have different, complementary roles in family and the public, but in the eyes of God they are equals.
Why did Christians believe God is love?
But Christians proclaimed that “God is love” and that God sent his Son to bring reconciliation between God and humanity. Ancient pagans had never heard of such a thing.
How did early Christians demonstrate this belief?
Early Christians demonstrated this belief by entrusting positions of leadership to women. Gifted, educated women were permitted to speak in the Christian communities and churches and exercise leadership. The church also showed compassion to the sick, poor, and homeless.
What is the Greek word for righteousness?
One of the beatitudes we can probably all recite is “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” The Greek word for righteousness, dikaiosune, also includes the idea of justice. Author Ron Dart added some meaningful clarification for me when he said,
What are the traits of all four of our previous heroines and heroes?
One of the beautiful traits that all four of our previous heroines and heroes shared were that they were fully planted in the world in which they lived, so whether that meant it was politics or social justice they went where their calling was.
What does Christianity claim about the world?
Ultimately, Christianity makes claims about the nature of God, our fallen sinful nature, the world in which we live, and our relationship to it all (how we should live with God, ourselves, and others while in it).
Why is Shaftsbury important?
Additionally, Shaftsbury was part of a commission to promote more humanitarian administration in India. Though his advancements in mental health reform were remarkable, he is better remembered for championing the regulation of child labour laws.
Is Christianity a social ideal?
“Christianity is not a narrow concern for personal salvation but a social ideal that will stir enthusiasm and gain our devotion. Christianity must not give a warning to set one’s face against the world, but a vision of worth and meaning of the work to be done in this life.”
What were some examples of Roman practices?
For example, there were widespread practices of abortion, infanticide, child abandonment and gladiatorial fight-to-the-death shows in the ancient Roman Empire. It was Christianity that condemned and resisted those practices, from boycotting gladiatorial games to rescuing abandoned children.
What did the ecumenical council of Nicea do?
The ecumenical Council of Nicea in A.D. 325 directed bishops to establish hospices in every city with a cathedral. These hospices not only nursed and healed sick people but also provided shelter for pilgrims and poor people. From these eventually developed the Christian hospitals dedicated to healing—the prototypes of our modern-day medical hospitals.
Why would I support prostetant Christianity?
I accept the ecumenical creeds and CRC catechisms as TRUTH.) I would support Prostetant Christianity because it is the only religion/institution in history the world that has done anything to raise the fiscal and social status of working class people.
Has Christianity done more harm than good?
So has Christianity done more harm than good? It’s impossible to answer this with any precision. It is not always easy, for starters, to determine if Christianity and not some other factor is the cause or source of a specific harm. It is not easy to measure harm, either, especially if we intend to count harms beyond physical harm, such as emotional, social, or even spiritual harm. All these difficulties apply equally to trying to measure “good.”
Is religion good or bad for society?
There is a popular narrative that religion in general and Christianity in particular have done more harm than good for human society. This narrative is often espoused by militant atheists trying to show why the world would be better off without religion. It is a debatable claim disputed even by some thoughtful atheists as evidenced in Bruce Sheiman’s book An Atheist Defends Religion: Why Humanity is Better Off with Religion than without It (2009).
Who is Shiao Chong?
Shiao Chong is editor-in-chief of The Banner. He attends Fellowship Christian Reformed Church in Toronto, Ont.
Is the Christian Church doing good?
But face it. The Christian church has been no better than any other group in doing good. There are many groups and have been throughout history that have promoted the well being of others. Take, for instance, the Canadian and U.S. governments who offer much foreign aid to other countries or welfare to its own citizens , the Red Cross – an emergency response organization, or the Live Aid concerts of the 80’s that raised some 200 million dollars for famine in Ethiopia, or the Boy and Girl Scouts in many countries. The list of ‘do good’ organizations apart from Christianity is very lengthy. So the church does not have a corner on doing good or harm. And the church does not stand head and shoulders above anyone else.