By Nneka Okumazie
What if Justinian the Great did not just build the then Church of Hagia Sophia [532–37CE] in Constantinople, but instead drove massive evangelistic drive – through the East and beyond?
What if the move was to ensure that translations of the Scriptures were further made available in many other places, with teachings and apostles of the time, re-emphasising the word across?
There may have been some difference in how some history went if aggressive evangelism was prioritised.
The past can be a window into the future, looking at emerging trends and possible parallels.
Though Christianity was used as an ideology and for all kinds of purposes, it remains a major mind and moral miracle, to many true believers – as a blessing and mercy to this world.
Which is easier, to worry intensely about an expected problem, or to say Jesus will take care of it?
Or which is better, to not do evil in secret knowing that God sees, or to do evil in secret knowing that no human can find?
The Dark Ages is a place to return to for Christianity, as a projection into the future is displayed.
There were so many battles, mistakes, wars, desires and expansion.
There could have been newer religions from other conquerors, assuming they wanted it and gave teachings or writings.
These, while Christianity rested from an initial evangelistic drive of the Apostles Acts, and maybe prioritized other stuff.
Yes, some may have done things according to how they understood or felt was right, but evangelism on the backseat, by Christianity, leaves much at risk, always for the world.
There’s so much now, in how people are deciding to live, cope and thrive, which will be found to be problematic in years to come, but not obvious – as much for now.
But the word of God – settled in heaven, already expressed limits and extents of reach, and why obedience pays even when it is not fully understood.
True, some people find other religions best and believe deeply. Some have said birth into it means affective acceptance. Yes, no one – according to the Scriptures should judge others, and love of neighbour must be regardless, but it is also clear from the Scriptures that Christ is Life.
[Mark 10:50, And he, casting away his garment, rose, and came to Jesus.]