The Christian influence in the ancient Roman empire resulted in many other social reforms. Constantine the Great (r. 306-337 AD), the first emperor to profess Christian beliefs, promptly outlawed the branding of the faces of criminals, branding of slaves and also forbade crucifixion.

Early church leaders also preached against suicide. Suicide was a common practice among ancient Romans. Pagan Roman philosophers and writers approved of suicide. The famous philosopher Seneca took his own life as did several emperors. Christian teaching on the sanctity of human life brought the practice of suicide into public disdain.

Christians also opposed the exposing (leaving outside to die) of female babies. Such babies were gathered by Christians and adopted by Christian families. Justin Martyr (c. 100-166 AD) wrote about this. Christianity had a profound impact for good in the ancient world. Jesus said of us "Ye are the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13).

Pagan societies (of which Rome was but one) do little to restrain evil. The concept of the sanctity (sacredness) of human life is a Judeo-Christian concept that is clearly taught in the Bible. Societies in various parts of the earth that have little Christian presence tend to deny human rights and destroy human lives. Atheistic Communist societies such as the old USSR and communist China killed millions of people in the 20th century.

In the 1700s there was a philosophical period called the "Enlightenment" that was also called "the age of reason." In the 1800s there was the "Romantic" period of art and philosophy. The Romantic period was a call to de-emphasize reason and exalt emotion. It was also a call to return to nature and to paganism. There arose at that time what we call the "myth of the noble savage." In this myth, pre-christian societies were depicted as happy, simple, bucolic people living lives of unfettered joy in the woods. Reality was far different. Slavery, torture, polygamy and cannibalism were just a few of the barbaric practices  suppressed by the arrival of Christianity.

Europe, under the influence of Christianity, was the first continent to abolish slavery. Slavery was outlawed all across Europe but continued on other continents. The prominent Christian statesman William Wilberforce (1759-1833) worked tirelessly to abolish slavery in lands held by the British Empire and to abolish the slave trade. Christianity certainly inspired the abolition movement that ended slavery in the United States (though tragically through war).

Jesus said "the tree is known by its fruit" (Matthew 5:13). (Matthew12:33 NASB). The fruit of Christianity has been social reform of all kinds that result in the recognition and expansion of human rights and liberty. In those places where Christian societies have lapsed into oppression it is because the Christians have deviated from the plain teaching of the Bible. Where the Bible has been honored, liberty has reigned.

Much of the material for this article was gleaned from the book by Alvin J. Schmidt Ph. D. titled Under the Influence: How Christianity transformed civilization which I highly recommend.

The Bible is scientifically accurate! Find the evidence at www.icr.org.  

Steps to salvation: Jesus said "Ye must be born again." (John 3:7)

1. Believe that God created you and loves you and sent the Messiah (Messiah is Hebrew for Christ) to redeem you.
2. Believe that Jesus the Messiah came in fulfillment of over 300 Bible prophecies to die for you to take upon Himself the penalty for your sins. (Isaiah 53:5-6, John 6:29, Romans 4:5, First Peter 3:18)
3. Turn from sin and call on the name of Jesus to receive forgiveness. (Romans 10:13)
4. Receive Jesus as Savior and experience the new birth. (John 1:12, Acts 2:38)
5. Follow Him as Lord. (John 14:21)

"Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved" (Romans 10:13)

To receive the salvation that Jesus purchased for us at the terrible cost of His suffering and death on our behalf I invite you to pray this simple prayer:

"Dear heavenly Father, I thank you for sending Jesus, the promised Messiah, to die for my sins. I admit that I am a sinner and I ask for your forgiveness on the basis of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I ask you to fill me with your Holy Spirit to empower me to serve you under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, Amen."

If you prayed that prayer in the humble sincerity of your heart then you have received everlasting life, which includes power to live right in this life and entrance into heaven in the afterlife!

Bill Nugent, Overcomer Ministries of West Harrison, New York, USA

(C) 2010 William P. Nugent, permission granted to email or republish if credit given

DEFENDING THE FAITH APOLOGETIC ARTICLES Bill Nugent currently writes a series of articles called "Defending the Faith" which, as the title suggests, defend the Christian faith from the many attacks leveled against it in our postmodern world. The articles deal with such topics as evolution, UFOs, cults, modern/postmodern philosophy, liberal theology and popular culture. At the end of each article is an invitation to receive Christ as Savior and Lord. These articles are sent out over the Internet to several opt-in email lists. People who receive these articles are encouraged to resend them to their own lists and in this way reach their own unsaved relatives and friends with the Gospel. All Defending the Faith articles are © 2009 William P. Nugent, permission is granted to email or republish if credit given. To receive these articles which are sent out once per month fill in your email address below and click the SUBMIT button. *Security: Write the characters in the image above (Case sensitive)