Some Christians argue: "If Christianity is not the truth, why is it so widespread over much of the earth?" One good answer is the analogy of VHS verses BETA video recorders. BETAMAX was a superior technology, yet the VHS system has completely dominated it, until BETA has been virtually eradicated. All that was needed was a slight advantage in the early stages, perhaps a greater willingness among retail stores to carry VHS tapes, and BETA's fate was sealed.

Now on to the question. In the first place, Christianity is not all that pervasive.  According to many sources, including the Spring 1998 issue of Money Matters, only 30% of the world's population is Christian.

But to answer the question more directly, why has the Judeo-Christian religion been so successful throughout the world?  The Christian view is that it is so prevailing because it is "the Truth".  But is that really the reason? Llet’s take a look at the other viewpoint.

There are a couple of solid reasons I shall offer as to why that particular religion has dominated the minds of the world’s population.  I can’t prove these assertions-- it is what I think.  But these assertions are reasonable and certainly plausible.

1) Ability to absorb other religions.  The attributes of many pagan gods, symbols and customs were directly absorbed into early Christianity.  This served to cushion the transition from paganism. Early Christianity also stole nearly all of its holy days, most notably Christmas and Easter..

2) Its built-in practice of Proselytization.  No other religion is as aggressive in recruiting new members.  This fact alone can account for its strong growth.  Door-to-door proselytizing, and missionaries to foreign countries. I think Christian leaders have realized the power (and money) that can be controlled through religious belief.

3) Christianity has the uncanny ability to hide its own dark teachings. The bible is full of unsavory, immoral text. Ministers and priests read aloud passages from the bible-- passages which have been chosen for their warm and loving messages.  But, taken as a whole, the bible is a book filled to its covers with immoral brutality. If people really knew what was in the bible, there would be very few Christians left. Also, Christians have been very good at rewriting history. The attrocities commited by Christians have been washed from the history books, or mischaracterized at the acts of radical zealots.

4) Money.  Christianity has the cash, obtained from its followers, to finance its growth and propagate itself.  Tithing (giving 10% off the top) is a built-in method of financing. Also, the Church was very good, especially in centuries past, at selling redemption, indulgences and other favors.

5) Wiping out the competition.  Christians have, throughout history, brought about the destruction of their adversaries.  Many scholars think the Inquisition of the Middle Ages (the killing of both witches and infidels) was just such a tactic, killing hundreds of thousands of people opposed to Christianity. The Crusades were an unveiled attempt to eradicate the opposition. Violence, and killing those who believe differently, is a good way to spread your religion.

6) The concept of Hell (the gift of Jesus Christ in the New Testament).  The threat of eternal damnation if you don’t conform is a powerful way to win people over to your way of thinking.  Most, if not all, of the competing religions had no consequences for nonbelief. Threats of damnation are a good way to spread your religion.

7) Christianity gained popularity because it stressed that it is okay to be poor (even preferable to be poor...easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into heaven). The appealing factor that poverty is good instantly endeared Christianity to the majority of the masses.