Christianity has undergone multiple changes and has evolved in many various ways since it’s inception.
Here are a few examples of shifts in belief that are monumental and worth mentioning in order to show the intensity of the changes.
The First Compilation Of The Bible
The first Bible, compiled by Marcion about 200 years before the Romans compiled the version of the bible that most have today, did not contain any parts of the Old Testament. Marcion saw the god of the Old Testament as a lower god, flawed and unjust – sharply opposed to the Father figure god revealed by Jesus.
The very early Christians known as the Gnostics, also felt that the Jewish god was inferior and refrained from worshipping Yahweh.
Rome called the Marcionites and Gnostics ‘heretics’, outlawed the belief system illegal, and burned their literature and churches. Most Christians adopted the tenets as they were outlined by Rome. Modern Protestants do not seem to realize their belief systems were heavily influenced by The Roman Catholic Church.
It should be noted that there is a rise in interest in both Marcionism and Gnosticism in the modern era as the belief system continues to evolve.
The Shift Against Slavery
In our modern era, most Christians realize slavery should be abolished everywhere. It’s rightfully seen as evil.
However, there is should be no doubt that the Bible condones slavery. The pro-slavery movement had full Biblical support. Owning slaves was actually seen as a blessing in the Bible. Even the New Testament tells slaves to “obey your masters”. In fact, there is not even a single verse that says that slavery is wrong.
If you want a closer look with direct links to the Bible verses on this, and to learn why Christians in the US South, including the Southern Baptists, promoted slavery check out this post.
Thankfully, the mindset of the Christian view has shifted. It is not because we see the scriptures differently now. It is because humanity evolved.
Think about that. Humanity has evolved beyond the ‘morality’ outlined for in the Bible.
The Shift In Support For Israel
Back in the 1500’s Martin Luther, the man who freed people from the grip of Roman Catholic corruption, in the early 1500’s, had no love for the people of Israel, writing a book – On The Jews And Their Lies.
Another blatant about-face in some Christian sects, is the staunch support for Israel in, relatively speaking, recent times.
It was not until the early 19th century that the shift toward support for Israel began. Today, some Christians offer unwavering support for Israel.
These colossal shifts in major tenets of Christianity over the centuries are monumental.
Now, let’s jump ahead to the last 60 years to demonstrate the evolution of the church and beliefs just in the last few decades.
The Church In The 1960’s
Here’s a glimpse of what the church looked like not so very long ago.
Women always wore dresses and head coverings or hats to church. Dresses were below the knee and stockings were worn. Men wore suits and ties. Dressing up was seen as reverence for God. “Sunday best” was the rule of the day.
The service included an opening prayer followed by two songs – all hymns. Parishioners sang from the hymnals – books that were in every church pew that revealed the musical notes and lyrics. The only instruments allowed during a normal service were the pipe organ or piano. Women were not allowed speak in the church at all. A man, the minister, usually delivered a sermon and a closing prayer and hymn were sung.
It was typically taboo for Christian Protestants to drink alcohol, watch movies, smoke cigarettes, dance, listen to rock ‘n roll, don tattoos or play cards. On Sundays, it was frowned upon to play sports, eat at a restaurant and go shopping. Divorce was heavily stigmatized. Regular weekly church attendance was expected.
The Modern Church
Obviously if you’ve stepped into a modern evangelical church, you’ll hear loud music, often with a rock beat, with the use of many instruments including drums. There are no pipe organs or hymnals. Women can be on stage during worship and sometimes even preach. Clothing attire is often casual. Sometimes, the same verses and choruses of the same songs are sung over and over. There is a collective energy that can be felt.
The items forbidden in the 1950s to churchgoers – smoking, drinking, movies, dancing, rock ‘n roll, tattoos, cards, are no longer forbidden. On Sundays, it’s perfectly fine to play sports and eat at a restaurants and go shopping. Divorce is allowed.
Why Shifts Happen
While I am not an atheist, I do listen to their podcasts and videos by some atheists and find I often agree with what they have to say on some issues. Recently I watched a video by atheist ex-pastor Dante Lamar called “Who Actually Runs Christianity – It’s Not Who You Think.”
He claims it is the regular people determine these evolution. Society itself, as it evolves, invokes the changes. It’s an interesting talk. Give it a listen.
Shifts need to happen to keep the belief system alive and well and relevant.
The Shift To Diminishing The Horrors Of Hell
Kirk Cameron has recently created a stir. He’s questioning whether hell means eternal conscious torment or whether the wicked will instead be permanently destroyed. He is clearly softening the idea of hell.
I am not going to get into the Biblical aspects of why or how the stance is changing because I don’t believe it has much to do with the Bible. Besides, the Bible is confusing and gives mixed message. While I have not done a deep dive into the subject, I have little doubt that both views – extreme and the newer kinder view, can be argued from the Bible.
This shift It has to do with the people, as per Dante Lamar’s theory.
Today, we know much more about the psychology of the human mind than we did in the 1950’s. We know what abuse looks like. We know what coercion looks like.
We now know that if a woman has a husband who says, “If you leave me I will kill you”, that he is in no way offering her free will. He is being coercive, controlling and manipulative.
While there is debate and controversy surrounding Cameron’s stance, I do believe that the shift regarding the meaning of hell will happen.
With atheism and agnosticism on the rise, Christianity must evolve to modern times to stay relevant and to continue to garner a following.
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