2007-07-16 05:24:02 · 22 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
They didn't invent it. But they did help spread the word.
2007-07-16 05:31:04 · answer #1 · answered by Misty 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No one really invented Christianity. Christianity, as you well know, was brought to us by Our Lord. But now to the more direct and abbreviated answer to your question. Constantine, through the Edict of Milan 313 A.D., made it lawful for Christians to worship without fear of retribution from the Roman empire. It did not, as some believe, make Christianity the official State religion but rather granted freedow of worship.
Paul, on the other hand, was arguably one of the most instrumental missionaries in the Church. Although not one of the original twelve apostles he brought the word of Our Lord to Turkey, Asia Minor and other areas of that region.
Hope this helps!
2007-07-16 12:40:14 · answer #2 · answered by oldbridgenj 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Paul went through the agony's of hell, shifting mindset from a devout Jew to the missionary to the Gentiles. Paul WAS the 'chosen man' to do this, i.e. God used what seemed like the worst choice to establish Christianity. And, it is really quite simple. Jesus was who He said He was, He did die, and He was resurrected; and to believe in Him as sole Savior brings about a new life. (period) ...
Constantine was a pagan, who saw a 'cross' (in the sky)going into a major battle; his army won that battle and he believed that God favored him. As the king, all he did was, insist (upon penalty of death or exile) that everyone in his kingdom BE A CHRISTIAN. Again, what appears the worst choice to us, is, to God, the perfect man and situation to preserve and evolve His Kingdom.
There is a war going on, and it's been going on a long time; prior to Constantine - Christianity actually was almost exterminated.
How Brilliant You are, God !!!!!
p.s. what we know of as Christianity today would probably have Paul and Constantine's pantyhose in a Major Wad. btw. LOL ROFL
2007-07-16 12:40:17 · answer #3 · answered by Bill S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Neither, since both affected Christianity over 1500 years ago. Christianity, like any religion or organization, has changed over the years to reflect the concerns off the society in which is exists.
And, to the point, there is not really a "Christianity as we know it today". There are 4 major branches of Christianity (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant and Evangelical) and hundreds of denominations and minor sects. Even those denominations and sects differ depending on which place and in what time period they are practiced.
2007-07-16 12:31:58 · answer #4 · answered by nbrs6121 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Christ, God, gave us teachings to follow and to be like Christ, hence the term "Christian". The term Christian is more of a description than a religion.
But, yes, Constantine, helped invent the Catholic church as we know it today. In which a lot of the "religious Christian" denominations followed suit.
2007-07-16 12:27:46 · answer #5 · answered by Mello Yello 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one really "invented" Christianity. It's based on faith in Jesus Christ and living out principles he established. Technically Christianity isn't supposed to be a "religion"; it's a relationship between man and God.
Over time, through different leaders, the church has been shaped into what it is today--which really is so diverse that it would take an encyclopedia to lay out.
2007-07-16 12:28:42 · answer #6 · answered by willturner1_86 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Paul invented virtually nothing. Everything he wrote, other than about a hundred words, can be traced to either the gospels or the Old Testament, both of which were spoken by or validated by Christ.
Constantine pronounced himself 'the Thirteenth Apostle' and forced his puppet bishops to obey him. His 'church' adapted many Roman paganisms and called them Christianity. They were polytheism (trinity); politically appointed priests (the 'pope' is still given a title that Julius Caesar once held); pagan sacrifices (the mass); temple worship (elaborate, expensive 'churches' that the early church never had) and virgin cult (previously a cult of vestal virgins, became an invented 'Mary' cult).
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2007-07-16 12:48:49 · answer #7 · answered by miller 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Most things the church does today Paul would be rebuking and either one of them had anything to do with the invention of Christianity.....; p
2007-07-16 12:28:40 · answer #8 · answered by blahblah 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Half the NT is letters from Paul. It's pretty much the way Protestants run the show today in the USA.
2007-07-16 12:27:19 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Paul was just one of jesus Christ Disiples that worte and Keep notes of Jesus Christ brief time on Earth..... Paul did not Invent Christianity Jesus Christ is the leader of Christianity Thats also the meaning of Christian one who is Christ like. Paul was also trying to be Christ like he (Paul) was not perfect. Only The Lord Jesus Christ was un-blemish cause he (Jesus Christ) was God in the Flesh.
2007-07-16 13:12:48 · answer #10 · answered by Mr Mortgage Banker 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Christianity "as we know it today" is not Christianity.
It is christendom and she is a hypocritical abomination.
The absolute worst representative of Christianity that ever existed!
It is so corrupt, it could never have been started by one person.
Many selfish, egotistical and ambitious people were necessary ...over centuries.
Constantine made his contribution, sadly.
Paul? He was long gone before that cancer started to grow.
2007-07-16 12:30:25 · answer #11 · answered by Uncle Thesis 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋