Wreckhog, Until Constantine became Christian, Christianity was persecuted in the Roman empire. It still spread by word of mouth all over the empire, south to Ethopia, east to India, north into Europe without war, without bloodshed. It was only after the Catholic Church became powerful did they start the Crusades and later the inquisitions against Prostestants and Jews. The first several hundred years, Christianity didn't have a central chruch, just local groups of believers. The Centralised chruch came after Constantine became a Christian, and the Roman and Greek temples and leaders changed the name on their doors to Christian, and brought into Christianity a lot of pagan culture. True Christians have always been persecuted, because they stand for what is right and the truth. Jesus said all the commandments can be summed up in two, Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and might, and love your neighbor as yourself. This is why Christianity spread. It is the only true religion of peace and love. In my studies, the only religion that comes close in action to true Christianity is Buddism. Jesus said DO for others as you would have them DO for you. Buddah said Don't do anything to others you wouldn't want have done to you. Jesus was outward, showing love and kindness to others. Buddah was inward. AND the most important thing Jesus died for our sins, because we can't be good enought to save ourselves. He is the only one to be resurected also to show who he really was. All other religious leaders died. We as Christians being the salt of the earth can't just stand by and let bullies be bullies, whether an individual or a nation.