Before Christianity ‘Threatened’ Secular Culture
Exploring the Historical Influence of Christianity on Secular Society
Revisiting the history of Christianity's relationship with the secular order is like peeling back layers of an ancient story that continues to shape our modern world. I often reflect on the intersections of faith and culture, and I find the history of Christianity through to be fascinating. Something that really intrigues me is evolution of human culture and how it morphs and even splits in two (or more) as human history unfolds.
We see Catholic culture today as separate from the secular world. But once upon a time it was not so. The normal culture of the world used to be Christian. There was always a “Church world” and a “secular world” but in history those two worlds were united by a single culture and so they didn’t really function as two worlds, but as one and the same.
The Roots of Faith in the Secular Order
In Western history, dating back to Constantine’s rise to power in Rome, the secular world was not only influenced but eventually intertwined with Christianity. After Constantine became emperor of the Roman Empire, Christianity was no longer ‘criminal’. At the same time it wasn't imposed by force on pagan Romans—the Romans weren’t required to become Christian, as one popular myth claims. Rather, the people of the empire gradually converted choice, not by force
The fall of the Roman Empire at the hands of various barbarian groups didn't extinguish this flame. Instead, the resilience of Christianity helped preserve and even flourish amid the chaos, becoming the bedrock of a new societal order.
The Unifying Force of Christianity
As we move forward in history, we see Christianity playing a crucial role in uniting what were once disparate tribes and regions of feudal Europe. Today, we think of France and England and other European territories as individual nations but they were not always so. Historically these territories were comprised of feudal groups and tribes, always at war with each other. Europe was a continent of conflicts, eventually unified not by conquest, but by shared beliefs and values driven in large part by Catholicism and Catholic culture. As Europeans converted, and as their tribal leaders converted, unity and peace blossomed.
This unity wasn't purely religious; it extended into realms like legal systems, education and governance, which were often guided by principles developed within the Church. Europe became predominantly Christian, with the Catholic faith serving as a cohesive element that brought together various groups into what began to resemble the nations we know today.
The Challenges of Transition
However, the course of history is never straightforward. The rise of secularism changed the landscape once more. A Christian culture that once deeply penetrated the secular order began to give way to new ideas and philosophies, especially following “The Enlightenment”. In some regions, secular governance began to overshadow Church influence, and this began a new era of tension between faith and public life—one that is acutely felt today.
Facing Today's Secular Order
In our contemporary society we witness a markedly secular order that is in constant tension with Christian principals and culture. Some might even call it pagan in nature, highlighting the godless or indifferent stance of mainstream culture. This shift represents both a challenge and an opportunity. It compels us to reflect on the role and relevance of faith in the modern world and inspires us to consider how core values and beliefs can continue to contribute positively to society.
In exploring this history, we find that the past isn't just a series of events but a continuous narrative, inviting us to learn, reflect, and act in ways that honor our shared journey.
