The Success of Christianity

The Roman Empire was the most important factor in making Christianity successful. There were many events and places that influenced the spread of Christianity, but two of the most important are the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE and the city of Rome. The fall of the Temple in 70 CE not only caused Judaism to reconsider their worship practices but also the Jerusalem church’s as well. Before the fall of the temple the Jerusalem church’s practices did not vary significantly from Judaism, but with the destruction of the temple it forced the Jerusalem church’s followers to leave Jerusalem and bring the teachings of Jesus to other parts of the Roman Empire. As they dispersed, they brought their religious practices to other communities and thus the spread of Christianity began. The large Roman Empire allowed them to travel through out the Empire spreading Jesus’ teachings. The cohesiveness of the Empire also allowed for Paul to form his gentile communities.

The city of Rome is also very important for the success of Christianity because it enabled Christianity to have one base of power. The base of power started when Peter founded the Church of Rome. Soon the Bishop of Rome became the most important bishop in the Roman Empire and was given the title of pope. Just as important was when the Emperor Constantine moved the capital of the Empire in 330 CE to Byzantium creating a power vacuum that enable the pope to become the emperor figure in the Western Empire. Because the pope was able to gain so much power and prestige the strength of Christianity increased. Everyone in the West looked to the pope for guidance and needs which put the church in a position of power over the people. Both the fall of the Temple and the city of Rome helped Christianity stay alive by helping Christianity adapt to new situations and the changing world.