What changes in early Christian doctrine might have had a pivotal role in its acceptance as a world religion?

Question by Chris C: What changes in early Christian doctrine might have had a pivotal role in its acceptance as a world religion?
I am interested in doctrines introduced by St Paul and some of the early church fathers which from a theological point of view might have gone either way but from a practical point of view might have blocked the growth of Christianity into a major world religion. One I could think of for instance was removing the requirement for converts to be circumcised – a necessity for Jews but whether it was necessary for converts was argued both ways in the early church. Can you think of any others?

Best answer:

Answer by Frank B
It was the acceptance of the Roman Empire that ensured the worldwide acceptance.

What do you think? Answer below!

4 Responses to “What changes in early Christian doctrine might have had a pivotal role in its acceptance as a world religion?”

  1. Lime Kitty [Atheati Emperor] says:

    As the first answerer said, the acceptance of Christianity as the official religion of the Roman Empire is what made it worldwide. Most of the disputes were settled at the first Council of Nicea, and regardless of what had come of it, I think the result would’ve been the same.

    For instance, they argued back and forth about the divinity of Jesus Christ. Eventually the Council decided that for the religion to work, Christ had to be considered the son of God. Then they put all the naysayers (the gnostics, among others) to death under the guise of hereticism.

    The prophet Mohammed was not the son of God and Islam has done equally well as a religion. So I don’t think it really matters. Whatever came out of the First Council of Nicea would have been forced on the world either way.

  2. downtown says:

    I like your answer, and i think that was one of the most important changes, although i believe it would have come about anyway, for even myself I did not need to have a doctrine change, for when I read the Gospels I understood that God so loved that He Gave His only begotten Son, so that I may have everlasting life

  3. Terry says:

    Theologically, probably that it requires nothing of it’s adherents.

  4. Just wondering says:

    All of a sudden the Emperor Constantine, near his death, converted and decreed Christianity to be the official religion of the Roman Empire. Roman was huge and as a result Christianity became big.

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