Church History in Plain Language, Fifth Edition: The Story of the Church for Today's Readers

by Bruce L. Shelley

Christianity is the only major religion to have as its central event the humiliation of its God.

First, and rather obvious, early Christians were moved by a burning conviction. The Event had happened. God had invaded time, and Christians were captivated by the creative power of that grand news.

Second, the Christian gospel met a widely felt need in the hearts of people.

While Christians were committed to the personal God revealed in Jesus, they could still admire some Stoic convictions, once those convictions were refitted for Christian teaching. For example, Stoics called for courage in the face of suffering, independence from the things of this world, and a trust in a greater providence. Many people came to see that what the Stoics aimed for, the Christians actually experienced.

Third, the practical expression of Christian love was probably among the most powerful causes of Christian success.