How the Gospel Has Spread

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What difference can one person make in preaching the Gospel?

This 90 second presentation shows the spread of the Gospel as compared to the spread of other religions (and their wars). This map gives a brief history of the world’s most well-known religions: Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism. Want to see 5,000 years of religion in 90 seconds?

From Maps of War

Comments (10)

  1. ExPatMatt

    Reply

    That’s a really awesome and instructive graphic – good find!

    Christianity really benefited from becoming the religion of choice for the Roman Empire (good stronghold in Europe and therefore best positioned to take advantage of the discoveries of the ‘New World’).

    It would be interesting to see this map projected into the future, based on current demographic trends.

    However, Steve, I have to say that you are equating ‘the Gospel’ with ‘Christianity’ here, aren’t you? I thought you guys were always careful to point out that your theistic position is not a religion (it’s a relationship) and, seeing as how a huge proportion of that blue swathe is Catholic – most definitely a religion! – shouldn’t the blue be sub-divided somewhat?

    Very interesting.

  2. BathTub

    Reply

    But what percentage of them are True Christians™?

    Over the 5000 year span (this goes back before noahs flood apparently) think about what percentage of the people on the planet died without hearing the gospel.

    It’s a great example of the natural man made basis of religions. Particularly how they are spread.
    God could have dispersed Christianity all over the world instantly had he so wanted. Instead it was a slow creep around so that even now people will live and die without even hearing the name jesus.

    • Dave

      Reply

      I want to respond to your assertion that many people live and die without hearing the name of Jesus. This is a common misconception. While the map shows most of Asia still practice pagan religions, there are millions of Christians throughout Asia (including India and China). They do not hide the light within them – that is they preach the gospel. The people reject the message and as such continue to live in darkness. When they die, they have heard the message, but rejected it.

  3. Peter Johnson

    Reply

    I noticed the video had nothing about Christianity in Ethiopia… The eunuch Philip talked to made a big difference there…

  4. Steve Sanchez

    Reply

    ExPat said: However, Steve, I have to say that you are equating ‘the Gospel’ with ‘Christianity’ here, aren’t you? I thought you guys were always careful to point out that your theistic position is not a religion (it’s a relationship) and, seeing as how a huge proportion of that blue swathe is Catholic – most definitely a religion! – shouldn’t the blue be sub-divided somewhat?

    Me: Christianity is a religion, though; I can’t argue with that. And we have a relationship with God! To be accurate, yes, the blue probably should be divided; regardless, the Gospel is spread and continues to be spread. Not everyone was a Catholic remember, though, if born again, they belong to the catholic church (little “c’).

    BathTub, I can’t explain why God does what He does, and why He does it. But the bottom line is, you know. How will you respond?

  5. ExPatMatt

    Reply

    Steve,

    Are you suggesting that BathTub knows why God does what He does and why He does it? Not only did the Redundant Department of Redundancy call asking for half that sentence back, but it made no sense at all.

    The only thing BathTub knows is that you (and other Christians) believe the Bible to have some special significance. That’s it. Why should he ‘do’ anything about that? I mean, it’s not as if you’ve made any effort to actually convince him (or any of us) that what you believe (that the Bible has special significance) is true, is it?

  6. BathTub

    Reply

    I think he meant, “screw the people who don’t get to hear the gospel, err God works in mysterious ways! *cough* Now that you have heard the gospel how will you respond.?”

    Well Steve since all evidence, including that helpful video, demonstrate the entirely man made nature of the gospel, like all other religions, I will consider it on the same level as all the other religions, and not believe it’s true, and go about my day accordingly.

  7. Carol Nicholson

    Reply

    Hey Bath Tub,
    On judgment day, the only one you will need to give an account of is yourself. He who diligently seeks the Lord, will find Him, if he searches with his whole heart. Also fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. Do you see youself as a sinner? Do you realize God is so holy, and pure He will not allow anything that defiles into heaven? One sin separates us from God, and make us His enemies.
    The only way for man’s redemption was for the shedding of pure undefiled blood-no sin. Jesus is the only person who ever lived, died, resurrected, and witnessed by over 500 eyewitness, some of whom actually wrote the BIBLE; who qualified to pay the penalty for sin.
    Seek Him and find Him, before it is too late!
    God will not allow evil to go on forever. He gives us signs to look for just before He comes back, to bring His TRUE followers to heaven, so He can pour His wrath, and judgment on all those who rejected His free gift of salvation. All who believes, repents of all their sins, and asks His Holy Spirit to do a transforming work in their heart, will be saved.
    I suggest you fall on your knees, and do it today. Weep over your sins, ask God to transform you into the image of His Son- Jesus. You have nothing to lose, and everything to gain! You are not guaranteed the next hour. Today is the day of salvation! Hell is a literal place of fire forever, while heaven is a place so beautiful, our human mind cannot even imagine anything that will do it justice. Choice is yours.
    I say choose LIFE. Choose Jesus. Abandon your ways, and follow Him!
    God bless you.

  8. BathTub

    Reply

    No of course I don’t see myself as a sinner, why would I? Sin is a made thing.

    “The only way for man’s redemption was for the shedding of pure undefiled blood-no sin.”

    Hmm seems someone doesn’t believe his own God is all powerful.

    God didn’t need to allow evil to exist at all. In your religion God created evil, created the devil, allowed the devil to trick men, then cursed all creation for that one sin of eating a piece of fruit.

    So now you are created sinful, unable to reach some arbitrary standard of good, for which you will be punished with eternal torture.

    Unless you buy into your specific brand of religion.

    Sorry, I’ll pass.

    • Hope

      Reply

      Dear Bathtub,

      Please don’t pass. The gift of reconciliation with God through Jesus is being offered to you. I asked for forgiveness of the things I knew in my heart were wrong. I am learning about the kindness of God. He is real and True even if we don’t like His plan. How else did the the world come into being? God is who he says he is. There will be rest from evil after this life if we submit to Him. I’m not saying that submitting is easy, but it offers hope for us. I have hope for you. I know that it’s been three years since you posted your comment, but I think it is no mistake that I read it so that you could hear this message from me today. I challenge you to begin a conversation with God and be honest with him – even tell him what makes you angry and your true feelings about him. If you are looking for the truth, you will find him.

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