What If Jesus Had Never Been Born? The Positive Impact of Christianity in History

1. Christianity Transformed the Value of Human Life

When Jesus Christ took upon Himself the form of man, He imbued mankind with a dignity and inherent value that had never been dreamed of before.

From expendable to sacred. Before Christianity, infanticide, abandonment, and gladiatorial combats were commonplace, reflecting a low regard for human life. Christianity introduced the concept of humans being created in God's image, imbuing them with inherent dignity and worth.

Protecting the vulnerable. Early Christians rescued abandoned babies, established foundling homes, and championed laws against infanticide and abortion. This ethic extended to women, the elderly, and slaves, who were often devalued in ancient societies.

Modern challenges. As Western societies move away from Judeo-Christian values, a "quality of life" ethic threatens the sanctity of life, leading to increased acceptance of abortion, euthanasia, and the abandonment of the elderly.

2. Christianity Revolutionized Compassion and Care for the Poor

While poverty has always been a part of life on earth, the Church of Jesus Christ has done more—and often still does more—than any other institution in history to alleviate poverty.

A new ethic of charity. Prior to Christianity, organized charitable efforts were virtually nonexistent. Jesus's teachings, particularly the parable of the Good Samaritan, inspired a new ethic of compassion and practical assistance for the poor.

Innovations in giving. The early Church established systems of giving where all members, rich or poor, contributed according to their ability. Christian charity extended beyond church members to non-believers, and was personalized, focusing on individual needs.

Modern echoes. While many secular charities exist today, their roots can often be traced back to Christian principles. Countless Christian organizations continue to provide aid to the poor, both domestically and internationally, motivated by the love of Christ.

3. Christianity Championed Education for All

Every school you see—public or private, religious or secular— is a visible reminder of the religion of Jesus Christ.

Roots in Jewish tradition. Christianity's emphasis on the Word of God, stemming from its Jewish roots, fostered a culture of literacy and learning. Christian missionaries played a crucial role in codifying languages and translating the Bible, promoting literacy worldwide.

Reformation's impact. The Protestant Reformation, particularly the teachings of John Calvin, emphasized the importance of education for all, so that individuals could read and interpret the Bible for themselves. This led to the establishment of ullic schools and universities.

American legacy. Early American education was largely private and Christian, resulting in high literacy rates. While ullic education has become increasingly secularized, its origins lie in the Christian desire to combat ignorance and promote biblical literacy.

4. Christianity Inspired Representative Government and Civil Liberties

I believe no one can read the history of our country without realizing that the Good Book and the spirit of the Saviour have from the beginning been our guiding geniuses.

Biblical principles in governance. The concept of "government of the people, by the people, for the people" can be traced back to John Wycliffe's translation of the Bible. The American system of representative government, with its separation of powers and emphasis on individual rights, reflects Christian principles.

Calvinism's influence. Historians have noted the significant role of Calvinism in the founding of America, with its emphasis on self-government, individual responsibility, and the rule of law. The Presbyterian Church, with its reullican structure, served as a model for American government.

Religious freedom. The First Amendment's guarantee of religious freedom, while often misinterpreted today, was intended to prevent the establishment of a state church and protect individual conscience. This freedom, a gift of Christianity, has allowed people of all faiths to flourish in America.

5. Christianity Elevated Morality and Civilized Cultures

Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

A higher moral standard. Christianity introduced a new standard of morality, based on the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus, that challenged the cruelty and licentiousness of the ancient world. This ethic condemned practices such as infanticide, gladiatorial combats, and cannibalism.

Transforming barbarian cultures. Christian missionaries played a vital role in civilizing barbarian tribes, such as the Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, by introducing them to Christian values and principles. These values led to the abolition of slavery, the elevation of women, and the development of more just and humane societies.

Modern challenges. As Western societies move away from Christian values, there is a resurgence of moral relativism and a decline in traditional virtues. This underscores the importance of upholding Christian principles as a foundation for a just and flourishing society.

6. Christianity Inspired the World's Greatest Art and Music

All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever sailed, all the parliaments that ever sat, all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man on this earth as much as that one solitary life.

Themes of faith. Many of the greatest masterpieces in art and music have been inspired by Christian themes, such as the life of Christ, biblical stories, and the glory of God. The Church has often served as a patron of the arts, commissioning works that reflect Christian values and beliefs.

Musical innovation. Western music, with its emphasis on harmony, melody, and notation, owes its development to the Christian Church. Figures like Gregory the Great and Johann Sebastian Bach made invaluable contributions to the development of musical forms and styles.

Enduring legacy. From the cathedrals of Europe to the paintings of Michelangelo to the music of Bach, Christianity has inspired countless works of art that continue to uplift and inspire people today. These works serve as a testament to the power of faith to shape human creativity.

7. Christianity Transforms Lives Through Amazing Grace

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

Power of redemption. The core message of Christianity is the transformative power of God's grace. Individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their past sins, can experience a new beginning through faith in Jesus Christ.

Examples of transformation. The book highlights the lives of Augustine, John Newton, Mel Trotter, and Chuck Colson, all of whom experienced radical transformations through the power of the gospel. These stories demonstrate the ability of Christ to heal broken lives and restore individuals to wholeness.

A call to action. The book concludes with an invitation to experience the transforming power of Christ. By repenting of their sins and placing their trust in Jesus, individuals can find forgiveness, purpose, and eternal life.

8. The Sins of the Church Highlight the Imperfect Nature of Humanity

The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.

Acknowledging the darkness. While Christianity has brought much good to the world, it is important to acknowledge the negative aspects of the Church's record in history, such as the Crusades, the Inquisition, and anti-Semitism. These events highlight the imperfect nature of humanity and the potential for abuse of power, even within religious institutions.

Distinguishing Christendom from Christianity. It is crucial to distinguish between Christendom, which encompasses all those who profess to be Christian, and Christianity, which refers to those who have truly experienced the saving grace of Christ. Many of the sins of the Church have been committed by nominal Christians who did not live according to biblical principles.

Learning from the past. By acknowledging the sins of the Church, we can learn from our mistakes and strive to live more faithfully to the teachings of Jesus. This includes promoting justice, compassion, and love, and rejecting all forms of violence, oppression, and discrimination.

9. Atheism's Rejection of God Leads to a Cruel World

The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, they have done abominable works.

Moral vacuum. When societies reject God, they often lose their moral compass, leading to a devaluation of human life and an increase in violence and oppression. The atrocities of the twentieth century, such as the Holocaust and the purges of Stalin and Mao, demonstrate the dangers of atheistic ideologies.

Devaluing human life. Evolutionary atheism reduces humans to mere accidents of nature, stripping them of their inherent dignity and worth. This can lead to a justification of violence and a disregard for human rights.

The importance of moral absolutes. Without a belief in God, there are no objective moral standards, leading to moral relativism and a breakdown of social order. Christianity provides a foundation for morality based on God's character and commandments, offering a framework for ethical decision-making.

10. Fulfilling Our Purpose: Love and Action in a Broken World

By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.

The Cultural Mandate. Christians are called to engage with the world and transform it for the glory of God. This includes working in all spheres of life, such as education, government, and the arts, to promote justice, compassion, and truth.

The Great Commission. Christians are also called to share the gospel with others, inviting them to experience the transforming power of Christ. This involves both proclaiming the message of salvation and living lives that reflect the love and grace of God.

A call to action. The book concludes with a call to action, urging Christians to be faithful to both the Cultural Mandate and the Great Commission. By living out their faith in love and action, Christians can have a positive impact on the world and fulfill their purpose in the twenty-first century.

Last updated: March 2, 2025