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Linus_Al t1_iz60jl2 wrote

Reply to comment by Sad_Blueberry_3868 in How did new emerging religions succeed despite established pre-existing religions during ancient and/or pre-historic times? by matthewlee0165

But I think that alone doesn’t explain it’s early success. If anything Christianitys insistence on being an exclusive religion is comparatively harsh. A pagan had no problem with you joining several religions on the side, but Christians needed you to leave all other cults. For an ancient believer, this was quite a commitment.

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Jean_Saisrien t1_iz6seig wrote

Psychologically, it is precisely the "harsh" comitment that makes it seems worthwhile. Having a relatively high bar to entry makes you feel like you are part of an elite that can truly give you something valuable and shape your life from top to bottom. Paradoxically, faith being too accomodating take the risk to lose adherents to those that are not as easy-going

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TheobromaKakao t1_iz94bok wrote

Yes, but as you said, Odin doesn't care. If you died in battle he'd still come for you. So why not say that you only worship Jesus to hedge your bets?

If only one of the religions requires full commitment, then ironically that makes it easier for that religion to spread. The extremist intolerance and gatekeeping of heaven lets them attract the weaker people in society because there's no Valhalla waiting for them regardless, and they are easy to turn into followers too, because they're used to it already. Like sheep, they just need to be herded in any direction.

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