Why did Christianity grow so rapidly in the first four centuries AD? How did a tiny unknown movement of a group of people grow to be one of the dominant forces in the Roman Empire? “God’s providence” and “miracles” has been the easiest way to explain such a puzzle. Yet‚ stopping at such answers deprives us from the opportunity to better understand the complexity of the early Christians growth and takes from us the lessons we can gain from the experience. Rodney Stark‚ professor of sociology and
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In his book Christianity in the West 1400-1700John Bossy approaches the Renaissance and Reformation in a way that more effectively explains the religious practices and beliefs in Europe during the late Middle Ages than other historians and theologians before him. His aim is to discuss the Reformation as more of a history of the people of the Church‚ instead of just the structure of the Church itself. He explores their way of life and their beliefs that were relevant to them in the time (vii). Instead
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Though there have been writings disputing the notion‚ Christianity and business are still thought by many to be incompatible. It is proposed that Christianity and business are inseparable because virtually all people‚ including Christians‚ participate in business either directly or indirectly. While there may be different opinions as to how it is accomplished‚ one who is a Christian should integrate one’s faith‚ to some degree‚ in all aspects of life‚ including when participating in business. The
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Religions and ideologies played major roles in the development of early political systems and continue to pervade politics to this day. Christianity influenced the development of European countries extensively‚ whereas Confucianism did the same for China. The founding of the Anglican church played a huge role in British government as well. These ideologies guided the systems of government from their origins and through time. In book two of his Analects Confucius describes the role and proper execution
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renaissance appears to be underway. Witness the veritable flood of books on Christianity and the arts in the past decade. There are now at least seven graduate degree programs in Theology and the Arts in the United States‚ Canada‚ and the U.K.‚ and several internationally recognized organizations promoting the integration of these two disciplines. Others have written about the healing of the post-Reformation rift between Christianity and the arts; in fact‚ a whole issue of Direction was devoted to Faith
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Judaism and Christianity are two of the many religions of the world. Both of these religions can be found in the Middle East. Although they are very similar‚ they also differ in many ways. People who believe in the Jewish religion are called Jews. Jews believe that the Messiah is yet to come. In the world there are about 13 million Jewish followers. Jews go to a synagogue to worship their ’Messiah.’ They also read the Torah‚ which is their Holy Book. Abraham founded Judaism in 1700 B.C.E. Jews consider
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Did Christianity Liberate Women? In the taking sides article Did Christianity Liberate Women? neither Karen Jo Torjesen‚ nor Karen Armstrong deliver a winning argument. There are several flaws in each of their arguments and neither successfully prove to be correct. Despite each Professor making valid points with adequate support‚ neither of them were able to fully defend their claim. The each side of the argument discredits the opposing side. Professor Torjesen argues yes‚ that Christianity both
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Throughout all of history‚ one thing remained constant‚ and that’s the fact that religion played a huge role in all societies. An example of this would be the role of Christianity in Ancient Rome. Christianity was a religion that the Romans has never seen before and was challenged for its beliefs and morals. Although the Romans questioned the religion‚ Christianity spread rather easily in Rome as a result of its vast territories being in one governance. In the end as time went by‚ all the Roman gods
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The Law of Attraction and Christianity When it comes to talking about the Law of Attraction‚ many Christians choose to avoid it. This isn’t because they do or do not believe in it‚ but because they don’t completely understand it. Several Christians claim this is because their is no proof of it in the bible‚ however‚ if you think about it there are a few suggestions throughout it. Just because the Law of Attraction is worldly‚ doesn’t mean it is ungodly. Different Perspectives The basics of Law
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authority of Christ. (O’Dea: 1950) also says that when a person is baptised that he is dedicated to a Christian lifestyle and is now a disciple of the Father in heaven. (Burton: 1901) stated that when a person is at a point that they must be baptised they must only be sprinkled with water and not to be fully emerged under water. Babies get sprinkled and dedicated to God but the other authors seem to disagree with this statement‚ they say the person should make the choice by themselves and should also
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