Book Review on how Christianity Changed The World.

How Christianity Changed The World by Alvin J. Schmidt, based on the key points of the book.

What is the book about?

The book how Christianity changed the world, by Alvin J. Schmidt, argues that Christianity isn't just a religion; it's the main reason the Western world looks the way it does today. Many of the good things we take for granted like human rights, helping the poor, and having public schools started because of Christian ideas and actions.

Schmidt basically takes a tour through history and points out how Christian teachings changed things for the better, often going against the cruel practices of the time (like in the Roman Empire).

My takeaway from the book

If not for Christianity, the world would not be a better place.

Alvin J. Schmidt doesn't just argue this point he proves it with relentless historical evidence. The book shows how Christian beliefs didn't just affect church services; they literally rewrote the rulebook for Western civilization.

It Changed Nearly Everything

Before Christianity, life was cheap, especially for the weak. This book shows how the new faith radically changed our entire value system:

Human Dignity: Christianity was the primary force that ended brutal practices like infanticide (killing unwanted babies) and the Gladiatorial Games. It introduced the transformative concept that every single person has sacred worth, regardless of their social status.

The Status of Women: Women’s rights and dignity were elevated because of Christ's example and the early church's practice. It moved women from being property to being partners.

Education and Knowledge: The drive for universal literacy so people could read the Bible is what gave rise to the first public schools and even the university system.

Social Justice: The book clearly shows how the movement to abolish slavery and the creation of charity and hospitals were fundamentally driven by Christian compassion and doctrine.

In Conclusion 

This is not just a book for believers; it’s essential reading for anyone who wants to understand why our modern world values human rights and justice. It clearly demonstrates that our most cherished principles from how we treat the poor to who has access to education have a profound and undeniable Christian imprint. It's a game-changer of a history book.