Shameless Popery #126 How Christianity Conquered Rome (and How We Can Do it Again) - Joe Heschmeyer
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Nov 28, 2024 Dive into the fascinating rise of Christianity as it transformed from a minority faith into a dominant force in the Roman Empire. Discover how personal relationships and social networks fueled conversions, far surpassing mere doctrinal discussions. Explore the demographic impacts of pro-natalism versus pagan practices, shaping future populations. Delve into the unique missionary zeal that drove expansion and contributed to the decline of paganism. Finally, challenge the narrative of religion's decline with compelling evidence of Christianity's enduring legacy.
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Christianity's Rise: A Historical Puzzle
- Christianity's rise from a small group to a dominant force within the Roman Empire is a remarkable historical puzzle.
- This growth impacted Western civilization and remains influential globally.
Debunking the Constantine Theory
- The common belief that Constantine's conversion caused Christianity's rise is historically inaccurate.
- Christianity's growth trajectory suggests it would have thrived even without Constantine's influence.
Individual Conversions, Not Mass Events
- Christian growth resulted from individual conversions, not solely mass events.
- Rodney Stark's sociological analysis reveals a consistent growth rate of roughly 40% per decade fueled this expansion.
