Because of the development of western culture starting in the first century, the history of Christianity includes the church, churchgoers, Christian religion, and Christian denominations. The term "Western civilization" refers to the civilization that originated in Europe and spread to other parts of the globe, including Australia, America, and New Zealand. Christianity significantly contributed to the advancement of western culture. After the civilizations of Rome and old Greece, Christian society emerged. Mesopotamia and ancient Egypt set the groundwork for Rome and ancient Greece, which are credited with the growth of Christianity. Between 3000 BC – 924 AD several events that led to development of Christian society took place. These events include:
3000 B.C.: Beginning of Written History era
Error of written history began immediately after the end of floods. During this error, more scriptures were put in writing thus making it possible to refer during various Christian teachings. Most Christians were able to refer to these written scriptures thus making it possible to spread Christianity across Western Europe.
During the 3000 B.C migration into Asia and Europe, thus making it possible for more conversions especially those who had not converted to Christians
During the 3000 B.C, Sumerian and Egyptian civilization was on the rise. In Egypt, it marked the archaic period with their first king Narmer.
283 B.C.: Beginning of translation of scriptures from Hebrew to Greek
Translation of the scriptures from Hebrew to Greek was one of the main factors that led to development of Christianity in Western Europe and across the world during western civilization. Those who have converted to Christians were now able to understand the scripture. In addition, those who had not subscribed to Christianity were able to do so since they could easily understand its importance.
During this period Western Europe witnessed construction of various temples for instance, Karnak Temple. Christians were able to converge in these temples and share their values. Many books in the current Old Testament were written during this period. (Avalos)
63 B.C: Beginning of Roman Empire
The formation of the Roman Empire was very important in the spread of Christianity across Western Europe. At the beginning of Roman Empire, the general of roman conquered Jerusalem. Israel became a protectorate of Rome during this period.
During this period, Herold rebuilt the temple of Jerusalem. Jesus was also born during this period.
337 AD Legalization of Christianity in Roman Empire
During the 337 AD, Christianity was pronounced a state religion. Legalization of Christianity in Roman Empire was a boost to spread of Christianity as many were converted to Christians since it was a requirement. Christians were granted legal status and their property restored. Granting Christians legal status attracted non-Christians for instance Germany and Italy who finally converted to Christians making it possible to expand Roman Empire Constantine, Eastern Europe Empire was baptized before his death. (Killebrew)
In addition, legalization of Christianity helped in enlarging the Roman Empire. The first calendar with 25th December as Christmas date was produced. However, Christmas was not celebrated on the same year.
476 A.D.: Fall of Roman Empire
The fall of Roman Empire marked the end of antiquity and the beginning of the middle ages. The fall of Roman Empire during the AD 476 led to the disorganization and literacy collapse of western civilization. However, Christian religion gradually re-built its influence over Western Europe over time. Christian religion easily rebuilt after the fall of Roman Empire since the Catholic Church was able to fill the power vacuum left by the Western Roman Empire in the west. During this period pope controlled military matters. This made it possible for Christianity to thrive. Gregory the Great, a trained administrator, monk and a lawyer was in charge of Roman Catholic structures and represented the change from the classical outlook to mediaeval outlook (Avalos).
After the fall of Roman Empire, Ireland helped in the survival of Christianity in Western Europe since it had never been conquered by the legions of the Roman. In addition, monks were able to sought refuge in Ireland where they carried out their scholarship works. Disciplined scholars produced Books of Kells that helped in spreading Christianity across Europe during the Middle Ages. This made it possible to establish to establish Christianity in England, Britain, and France. Missionaries from Ireland helped in spreading Christianity across Europe. Moreover, after the fall of Roman Empire, all the intellect in Western Europe and across the world joined the church thus boosting the development of Christianity and Western Europe civilization.
The rise of Mohammed, Islam prophet threatened the spread of Christianity in Western Europe in the late middle ages; however, Charles Martel stopped it. Charles Martel saved Gaul and the rest of West Europe from Islam conquest. Charles the great conquered Netherlands, Italy, Belgium, and Germany.
Works Cited
Avalos, Hector. The End of Biblical Studies. 3rd. Michigan: Prometheus Books, 2007.
Killebrew, Ann E. Biblical Peoples and Ethnicity: An Archaeological Study of Egyptians, Canaanites, Philistines, and Early Israel, 1300–1100 B.C.E. Edinburgh: Society of Biblical Lit, 2005.
