Importance of Christianity in society?

Question

I have to write an essay about the Importance of Christianity.
I was thinking to write about the Church's contribution to education in society (did they open schools for kids to teach them to read/write, or was this only a "lux" for those who chosed to become priests?), their influence in politics (if they decided whatever in internal-external affairs in a country), social helps (did they open hospitals? help poor families? or did they help people in any way to improve their life?) etc.
I'm sure that since the Church has been proclaimed official in 313 in Rome they've influenced in many ways the society.

So I would like to ask you if you know some good links to sites that contain useful information to answer the questions above.
Thanks. I'll be searching meanwhile....

Answer 1

I’m sure glad I don’t have to write a paper like that, because it would be a MAJOR conflict of interests for me, seeing as I sincerely believe that Christianity has done far more damage to our society than it has ever done good.

Christian Privileges in American Society:
http://atheism.about.com/od/christianismnationalism/p/XianPrivileges.htm

Christianity and Society The Critique of Ideology
http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/jod/twayne/aug3.html

The Effect of Christianity on Society
http://www.charlesgrasty.org/?p=44

Answer 2

The Ten commandments are the basis for all western law.
The Catholic Church was influential in the rise and fall of whole kingdoms during the middle ages.
The church was responsible for maintaining many writings through the dark ages that would have been otherwise lost.
The introduction of the mass production of books was kicked off by the production of the Bible on Gutenberg's printing press.
Check out some sites on the religious art and architecture of the middle ages.
Some of the first settlers in America were here for religious freedom.
The first school textbook in America was the Bible.
The Salvation Army, and numerous other organizations are out there running food kitchens, and helping the poor.
They also minister to the unwanted and abused.
Check out Billy Graham's website. They have ministered to millions. I believe so far, he has held the largest church service in Human history. His son, Franklin, has an organization called Samaritan's Purse. they go around to war zones and third world countries and rebuild peoples homes.
Check out some Baptist and Pentecostal websites. Many have a history of their church, and the numerous foreign missions they have in helping people.
While some don't consider The Mormons Christian, they still claim to do works for Christ. During natural disasters, they have 747s loaded with food and medical aid headed off to affected countries before the governments can get organized.
There are also many counseling organizations that are sponsored by Christian Churches. Check out the organizations that offer alternatives to abortion. There are some places that will provide the woman a place to stay with all expenses paid until she has her child, then initiate proceedings for adoption if she doesn't want to keep the baby. This is all with no questions asked.
Pretty much all recent human history has been influenced in one way or another by Christianity. We set TIME by the birth of Jesus, so I would say he is pretty important to alot of people. No one person on Earth has influenced more people than him.
the list is endless, but maybe it will give you a start.

Answer 3

Those who emphasize the good effects of religion in a society never seem to realize that such effects fail to demonstrate the truth of any religious doctrine. This is why we have terms such as "wishful thinking" and "self-deception." There is a profound distinction between a consoling delusion and the truth.

In any case, the importance of religion (not just christianity)can surely be disputed. In most cases, it seems that religion gives people bad reasons to behave well, when good reasons are actually available. Ask yourself, which is more moral, helping the poor out of concern for their suffering, or doing so because you think the creator of the universe wants you to do it, will reward you for doing it or will punish you for not doing it?

Answer 4

I think schools in the US were established so people could read the Bible.
I don't remember the name, but a study was done for the cost of society looking at 2 families... one w/o church going people, and the other on did. The moral (church going ) produced ministers, lawyers, etc.. The other had many in prison. They cost much money to society. Maybe you can find this. I think it may have been done in the late 1800's.

Answer 5

The Christians did a good job of genocide on the Native Americans, just like they did in Australia. Then the missionary's moved in to Hawaii and destroyed another culture. on and on it goes but our history books don't tells us about this. They tell some bald faced lies and people believe the Christians did a good job taming the heathens around the world..

Answer 6

The only role I've seen the church play in education is to retard it. Why not write about how they stifle science by trying to replace it with their fantasy beliefs and dogma. Or how they've burned books by the thousands at various points throughout history. Or how they tortured, oppressed and murdered billions to further the quest for unquestioned power. Or is the truth to hard to write?

Answer 7

IMPORTANCE? think about the solutions christianity can bring about to problems like pornography, incest, alcoholism, etc. if u can see any solutions by christianity, the world would totally be in peace.

Answer 8

Here is an article about Christianity in action.
http://www.watchtower.org/e/19980115/article_01.htm

Answer 9

It's VERY important, bottom line. It's what's lacking in third world countries where flies are swarming around children and they haven't invented the wheel yet.

Answer 10

http://www.sojo.net/
http://www.crcna.org/pages/justice_front.cfm
http://www.ucc.org/justice/bf.htm
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/9094/xiansocialjustice.html
http://www.usccb.org/sdwp/projects/everyday.htm
http://www.emmf.com/
http://www.mmmworldwide.org/http://medicalmissionaries.info/
http://www.vimm.org/
http://www.globalfrontiermissions.com/
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/13398b.htm
http://www.ssnd.org/
That should get you started. Also google Albert Schweitzer.