Did God choose Jesus to be born in Jerusalem because God knew that way the message will be spread more widely?
2006-07-10 23:27:51 · 18 answers · asked by rekha c 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Jesus wasn't born in Jerusalem, he was born in Bethlehem, about 5 miles to the north.
No one shoved Christianity down anyone's throat--people converted because they wanted to. They saw something that they desired in Christianity. The people who lived as followers of Christ were different. They cared about other people, they helped support orphans and widows. Widows of that time were pretty much left to die if their family wouldn't help them. Roman converts to Christ attracted attention because they were honest and faithful. Wives actually wouldn't cheat on their husbands. Asia and Europe, at that time, was a harsh and brutal place. Christians were caring and compassionate.
As a matter of fact, if you'd read the Bible and/or knew anything of the history of Christianity you would see that Christians were often put to death or tortured for their faith. They were persecuted and kicked out of their homes. All of the Apostles were executed except John. Why would someone allow a faith to be "pushed down their throat" if it could mean their death if they converted?
But, strangely, persecution actually caused the faith to spread. It forced many people to flee to different areas where they spread the story of Christ. People saw the dedication, courage, and integrity of the Christians and they wanted to know why they behaved this way. Many were converted because of this.
It's true that there have been many churches that have tried to spread their religion by force. However, that is not the same thing as "forcing Christ down someone's throat". It may be possible to force someone to observe the rituals of a church but it is impossible to force someone to believe and accept Christ. That they must do of their own free will.
2006-07-10 23:46:29 · answer #1 · answered by Ellen J 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
How did Christianity spread as it has today ? Because it was forced down peoples throats. It had nothing to do with poor Jesus - What ever Justin or Constantine would have wanted to would have been pushed down peoples throats and millions would have been killed anyway. May be Samson or John the Baptist would have been a more popular figure by now.
Anyhow Jesus wouldn't have had the need to go out and seek for truth if he was born in Africa at that time. He would have been naked running behind some Wild animal or running away from wild animals. Africans lead a peaceful life doing their own little thing until the Europeans came and messed them up too.
2006-07-11 06:36:48 · answer #2 · answered by R G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The Middle East and Jerusalem rests on what continent? Africa? From early Christianity the African Church has been around check out the modern locations of some of the ancient churches mentioned in the New Testament. The destruction of Jerusalem spread Christainity far and wide in Roman times.
2006-07-11 06:38:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, technically speaking...Jesus was born in Africa wasn't he? Isn't Israel pretty-much in the border of Africa? Any-hoo... Christianity has spread through domination and war mostly. If we cant convince 'em, force 'em. Think of the Crusades etc. I dont think that it would have made a difference. It was the spread of the popular culture of the time. Something different. By adopting a mass culture (religion), certain people were able to increase and even protect the power base. If Jesus wasn't born , someone else would have filled the void - Power to the privileged...
2006-07-11 06:45:50 · answer #4 · answered by jared v 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus was born in Jerusalem because of the promise to David and Abraham. The gospel is being preached around the world.
2006-07-11 06:33:02 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus was born in Bethlehem to fulfil the Scriptures.
In Micah 5:2 "And thou Bethlehem in the land of Judah art not the least among the princes of Judah; for out of thee shall come a governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus was born, but written several hundred years prior.
Jesus is the Jewish Messiah.
2006-07-11 06:57:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christianity not really needs Christ's birth place... it even not needs a Jesus!
If he was born in Africa, we will be watching the film 'Da vinci code' shot in some village near Egypt!!!
2006-07-11 14:19:15 · answer #7 · answered by ???shaant??? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Possible but not likely. Consider Trade routes and strength of the roman empire as a vector. The middle east is still the center of the earth as far as trade and shipping are concerned
2006-07-11 06:33:12 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Jesus was not born in Africa , baitleham in palstine and it is in Asia. not Africa . Jesus was born in the middle east yeah... and this area is the cent re of the world.
2006-07-11 06:36:41 · answer #9 · answered by interested 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was foretold that the son of man will be born in Jerusalem..
And as you see Jesus didnt even look black man or white man he had the perfect Man look. representing the whole world.
2006-07-11 06:47:59 · answer #10 · answered by Dawood_Gaswea 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋