Pre-European Christianity and Its' Lesson for Today

I'm not an authority on the history of any of the world's religions including Christianity. That's why it is a surprise to read versions of where Christianity came from and the many places it has thrived and then died. The link provides a brief history of the faith before it entered Europe. We in the U.S., though we know the tales of Bethlehem and the Middle East, tend to think of Christianity as something that came from Europe with our white ancestors. Before it came to Europe it has large successes and large failure in the East including China, India and North Africa. The link is about the period around 1,000 CE. 

The version of Christianity referred to is called Eastern Orthodox. Years ago there was a small congregation of this branch of the faith in Fargo. I think the current name is simply Orthodox. 

Back in the Middle Ages the faith thrived and then was driven out or underground in various countries. I would encourage anyone interested to read the link. Islam came along and was a competitor. The link author does not think there will be a broad period of success again in those regions where it once flourished. There are strong competitors such as Islam and all over the world there is an evaporation of interest in all faiths. 

Speculating on the future is always fun and today it is especially fun. There is plenty of handwringing about Trump and his declarations about defending Christianity. What is hard to see, however, is what kind of Christianity he is most inclined to defend. It seems the kind of piety we often associate with Christianity is long dead. That is to say, older versions of morality have been sent packing. Something called "Christianity" is good, but what is it?

My guess is the pattern of Christian strength followed by Christian weakness will continue as it has for a long time.