Chapter 15

Page 678 Q 1 Why did Christianity take hold in some places more than in others?

Chapter 15
Page 678 Q 1 Why did Christianity take hold in some places more than in others?
Christianity did very well in those countries that it conquered. The people of these countries were defeated people. They faced lethal diseases, forced labor missionary activity, and general social disruption. Some people in these countries voluntarily adopted Christianity because as a result of their defeat they felt the Christian God was superior to their Gods.
On the other hand, china was a strong undefeated country with an ancient culture. China was a large country completely outside of the control of European nations. Conversion would have to be by persuasion and not by force. The population was very large and had several religions and school of thought with a long written tradition.  Eventually Christians missionaries were banned by an emperor due to the suspicion of subversion.  Similarly the Islamic World encompassed a large undefeated territory with an old religion and long standing traditions. In addition Islam did not permit other religions to try to convert Muslims. 

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