Has Christianity Been of Any Value to Western Civilization?

Video courtesy of http://www.youtube.com/user/LUMEL

If Jesus had never been born, would we still have~

Women slaves? If Jesus had never been born, women would still be slaves of free men. Christian missionaries were a major influence in stopping these century-old practices and ideas.

Killing of children? The early Christian church brought an end to the killing of ones own children that was once considered an act of beauty.

Slavery? Although many committed Christians owned slaves in history, it was Christians who historians credit with being the primary force behind ending international slave trade. (Two-thirds of the members of the American abolition society in 1835 were Christian ministers.)
Compassion and Mercy? An important aspect to Jesus ministry was his emphasis on helping the neediest and lowliest in society. For example, his Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) is a classic illustration that is still part of our language today. Mother Theresa, the Salvation Army, religious hospitals, and church supported soup kitchens and thrift shops in every community do their work in the name of Jesus. Jesus has had such an enormous impact on charity that one wonders how different things would be if he had never been born.

Education? From the beginning of Judaism, from which Christianity is derived, there was an emphasis on the written word. But the phenomenon of education for the masses has its roots in the Protestant Reformation. In America, the first law to require education of the masses was passed by the Puritans. For the first 200 years in America, childrens reading instruction was in the Bible.

Universities? All but one of the first 123 colleges in colonial America were Christian institutions. While these universities have lost their Christian identities, it is interesting to read the founding statements of these schools. Harvard, for example, was founded on this statement: "Let every student be plainly instructed, and earnestly pressed to consider well, the maine end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ which is eternall life, John 17:3."

Printing Press? In order to promote Bible literacy, Christians have been leaders in education. This trend was accelerated with the advent of the printing press at about the same time as the Protestant Reformation. Many of the worlds languages were first set to writing by Christian missionaries in order for people to read the Bible.

Government?
At least 50 of the 55 signers of the U.S. Constitution were orthodox Christians.
The Rule of Law rather than the authority of man traces back to the Old Testament, beginning with the Ten Commandments.
The idea that all men are created equal as enshrined in the Declaration of Independence is a Biblical doctrine.
The Declaration of Independence recognizes self-evident truths and unalienable rights from the Creator.
Fair trials with witnesses have numerous Old and New Testament support.
The slogan on the Liberty Bell is "Proclaim Liberty throughout the land unto all the Inhabitants Thereof" is from Leviticus 15:10.

Scientific Law? Christianity is based on the notion that there exists a rational God who is the source of rational truth. This gave rise to the possibility of scientific laws.

Scientists? Nearly all the founders of modern science were Christians. These include men such as Keppler, Boyle, Pascal, Pasteur, Newton, and numerous others.

Private property rights? Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:15, 17 (Thou shalt not steal? Thou shalt not covet.")--as well as to other passages from the Old and New Testaments.

Work ethic? Principles that were always in the Bible were adapted by the American founders. Self-reliance and self-denial are the foundation of the famous "Protestant work ethic." These doctrines are at the heart of our economic (and political) way of life.

Free Enterprise? Anyone who doubts the relationship of Biblical ideas to free enterprise need only to note the stark contrast with communism. Communism is specifically an atheistic system that relies on the non-biblical notion that all men are good (thus will work for the common good). But

So, in a time when Christians are under attack, belittled, and criticized, they can still stand proud. Without Jesus, our world would be a different place where few would want to live.
Source: http://suzyred.com/jesus.html

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[DrStevenz]

This is a good video. Nearly All the greatest scientists, statesmen, and explorers, of the last two millenniums were Christians or at least theists. The late Dr. Kennedy was a great speaker too.

[musicrover531]

@TheNicksSkitsShow by the way, the Crusades happened because the Turkish Muslims were violently taking over Christian lands. They terrorized innocent Christian pilgrims who were just trying to visit the holy land.

[MrJm323]

It was during the 18th century Enlightenment, the "Age of Reason", that the stoical idea of the natural rights of man were re-discovered and further developed on. It was when these ideas found their way into the halls of power, that laws were finally passed to abolish slavery and extend rights to women. The abolition of suttee (widow burning) in India was due the influence of the Enlightenment and its idea that the Universal Rights of Man had priority over "cultural self-determination".

[MrJm323]

"Long before Christianity, the Stoics taught that all human beings, including women and slaves, were of equal value, and put forward the concept of a world-wide brotherhood of mankind existing in harmony and peace." -- from the article, "Stoicism", in the New World Encyclopedia. Indeed, the underlying theme of Christmas --"Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward Men"-- is a stoical idea. The very holiday itself, the winter solstice "Brumalia", was stolen from the pagans.

[MrJm323]

Sorry, Christians, but these ideas which you claim is credited to your religion: "the dignity of man", "the sanctity of each man's soul", "the fundamental equality of all men under God [...or the divine order]", the natural law/ natural rights theory, ....these ideas were first developed and promoted by the Stoics of ancient Greece and Rome. It's true the Christians appropriated these ideas, but had Jesus not been born we still would have had these ideas.

[dannytibi]

To claim that Jesus was the first person ever to expound the golden rule is either a bold faced lie or gross ignorance.

[cocoinfinity1]

Without christianity a their would be no civilization because their would be no Freedom to defend. Christ defends his Mother the church. Why not ask how christianity has harmed any peace loving civilization as a whole? It hasnt because Christ legions from heaven will defend the Virgin Bride. And he shall win.

[cocoinfinity1]

Without christianity we would still be unevolved. Praise God through the merits of Jesus Christ and His spirit.

[cocoinfinity1]

AS King of Kings Christianity alone founded civization

[cocoinfinity1]

Christ remains the King of all kings without christianity there wouldnt be any civilization.

[msaoichan]

"Has Christianity Been of Any Value to Western Civilization?"

Short answer: No.

Any questions?

[ShowtekGER]

i'm not an enemy of mature faith but, wow, this is some serious bullshit