CHRISTIANITY: THE REALITIES

While Christianity, like many religions, teaches principles of love, peace, and service, the historical reality of how Christianity has been spread and practiced throughout the world of it's actions is said to be a contradiction of it's teachings. Indeed, Christianity has been involved in acts of dominance, violence, and colonization, especially during certain periods of history.
 
Here are some ways Christianity, as practiced by institutions or certain groups, has been linked to violence, exploitation, and oppression:
 
1. Colonization and Cultural Erasure
 
Throughout European colonization, missionaries often accompanied imperial powers in spreading Christianity, sometimes forcibly converting indigenous populations. In many cases, indigenous cultures and beliefs were not only suppressed but actively erased in the name of Christianity, with missionaries and colonizers imposing their religion on native populations. In some areas, this led to the destruction of native languages, customs, and systems of governance.
 
2. Violence and Genocide
 
The spread of Christianity in the Americas, Africa, and other regions often occurred alongside violent conquests and systemic oppression. The forced conversion of native populations often came with physical violence, displacement, and even genocide. For example, during the Spanish and Portuguese conquests in the Americas, large numbers of indigenous people were killed or enslaved under the banner of religious conversion.
 
3. Racism and Slavery
 
Christianity, particularly in the context of European imperialism, was sometimes used to justify the enslavement of African people. Certain Christian doctrines were twisted to maintain the system of slavery, claiming it was part of a divine plan or that certain races were "inferior." Christianity was also used to justify segregation and apartheid in later periods, as seen in the United States and South Africa.
 
4. Indoctrination and Control
 
In some historical contexts, Christianity was used as a tool for social control, with the church and its leaders exerting power over individuals' lives. This included imposing religious norms, suppressing dissent, and using fear of eternal damnation to control behavior. The church historically held significant political power in many parts of the world, influencing laws and social structures, and at times, resisting scientific progress and cultural change.
 
5. The Crusades and Inquisition
 
The Crusades (1095–1291) were military campaigns launched by Christian forces to reclaim Jerusalem and other territories from Muslim rule, often leading to violent confrontations, bloodshed, and the forced conversion of local populations. Similarly, the Inquisition (beginning in the 12th century) was a period during which the Catholic Church sought to root out heresy through extreme measures, including torture and executions.
 
6. Theological Justifications for Power and Control
 
Certain interpretations of Christian doctrine have been used to justify violence and domination. For instance, the "Doctrine of Discovery" was a legal and theological principle that gave European powers the right to claim land and convert non-Christians, based on the belief that they were carrying out God's will. This doctrine played a role in justifying European colonization and the mistreatment of indigenous populations.
 
Acknowledging the Dark Side
 
It’s crucial to acknowledge that while many of these actions were justified in the name of Christianity, they often resulted from the actions of individuals, governments, or institutions that manipulated religious teachings for political and economic gain. Many Christian leaders and theologians have spoken out against these actions, emphasizing that they do not represent the true teachings of Jesus, who advocated for love, compassion, and peace.
 
The history of Christianity is not complex, and although it includes both moments of great charity and moral failure, the gravity of the destructive aspects of its history is essential for understanding its full impact on global societies. Speaking strictly from a material world view, the realities of human existence, the disconnect between divine purpose and the suffering we witness is a serious concern. The explanations given to us by abstract theological theologians about suffering or free will are insufficient and maddening when they are not directly grounded in observable facts or immediate experiences. They simply are ill equipped to answer the questions of morality, justice, and human responsibility in a world that often appears indifferent to suffering. I am very concerned about these issues and those concerns that I have are extremely valid.