ReallyRiles55 t1_izayf9y wrote on December 7, 2022 at 7:50 PM

Reply to comment by StepSideways77 in How did new emerging religions succeed despite established pre-existing religions during ancient and/or pre-historic times? by matthewlee0165

Not to mention it was profitable for the kingdom’s leaders. Tithe’s were built into the Christian religion and and many took kickbacks from the church for protection. That and things like “the meek shall inherent the earth” persuaded the peasantry to a certain content with being poor, which contributed to subduing uprisings. Not to mention the security that came with converting to Christianity. When kingdoms around you convert and are actively encouraged and supported to convert other pagans and attack if they resist, it starts to become a safer option for your people to just convert to avoid bloodshed.

StepSideways77 t1_j09oz78 wrote on December 15, 2022 at 1:53 AM

Tithes / Taxes and protection rackets... yeah, yer right. I didn't think of that. Don't forget the looting and plunder that came with subduing pagans. It you convert them. you get to take their lands.... in reality that's what happened.

StepSideways77 t1_j0zzgva wrote on December 20, 2022 at 5:52 PM

Tithe's for the church, taxes for the state... That "Render onto Caesar..." line must have stuck out to the early royal adopters. The big guy, JC, tells all to pay taxes, mentions giving god his cut as well. A suspect line, possibly inserted... very convenient for secular rulers, and the church.