The terms "secular" and "pagan" are often used to describe different belief systems and ways of life. Secularism is a worldview that promotes a separation between religion and government, advocating for a society that is based on reason and scientific evidence rather than religious doctrine. In a secular society, laws and policies are not influenced by any particular religious belief, allowing individuals the freedom to practice any religion or no religion at all. On the other hand, the term "pagan" refers to a variety of pre-Christian religions that existed in many different cultures around the world. Paganism is often associated with nature worship and rituals honoring various gods and goddesses. These religions are typically polytheistic, meaning they recognize and worship multiple deities.

Inside the Conversion Tactics of the Early Christian Church

The triumph of Christianity over the pagan religions of ancient Rome led to the greatest historical transformation the West has ever seen: a transformation that was not only religious, but also social, political and cultural. Just in terms of “high culture,” Western art, music, literature and philosophy would have been incalculably different had the masses continued to worship the gods of the Roman pantheon instead of the one God of Jesus—if paganism, rather than Christianity, had inspired their imaginations and guided their thoughts. The Middle Ages, the Renaissance and modernity as we know them would also have been unimaginably different.

But how did it happen? According to our earliest records, the first “Christians” to believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus were 11 male disciples and a handful of women—say 20 people altogether. These were lower-class, uneducated day laborers from a remote corner of the Roman Empire. And yet, within three centuries, the Christian church could count some 3 million adherents. By the end of the 4th century, it was the official religion of Rome, numbering 30 million followers—or half the Empire.

A century after that, there were very few pagans left.

Christians today might claim that their faith triumphed over the other Roman religions because it was (and is) true, right and good. That may be so. But one still needs to consider the historical contingencies that led to the Christian conquest, and in particular the brilliant strategy the Christian evangelistic campaign used in winning converts. These are five aspects of that strategy:

These religions are typically polytheistic, meaning they recognize and worship multiple deities. While the term "pagan" can sometimes be used as a derogatory label to dismiss non-Abrahamic religions, it is important to note that many modern-day pagans embrace the term and practice their beliefs openly. Paganism has experienced a revival in recent decades, with individuals exploring and adopting ancient religious practices and customs.

The Christian Church Created a Need

The Last Judgment,’ showing heaven on the left and hell on the right, illustrates Christianity’s unique promise of eternal salvation, something no pagan religions offered. Painted by Fra Angelico (1400-1455). (Credit: Universal History Archive/Getty Images)

Strangely enough, Christianity did not succeed in taking over the ancient world simply by addressing deeply sensed needs of its target audience, the pagan adherents of traditional polytheistic religions. On the contrary, it actually created a need that almost no one knew they had.

Everyone in the ancient world, except for Jews, was “pagan”—that is, they believed in many gods. These gods—whether the state gods of Rome, the local municipal gods, the family gods, the gods of forests, mountains, streams and meadows—were active in the world, involved with humans on every level. They ensured that crops would grow and livestock would reproduce; they brought rain and protected against storms; they warded off disease and restored the sick to health; they maintained social stability; and provided military victories for the troops.

The gods would do such things in exchange for proper worship, which at all times and everywhere involved saying the right prayers and performing the appropriate sacrifices. If the gods were not worshiped in these ways—if they were ignored—they could bring disastrous retribution: drought, epidemic, economic collapse, military defeat and so on.

But the key point is that the gods were principally active—for good or ill—in the present life, to worshippers in the here and now. Almost no one in the Roman world practiced religion in order to escape eternal punishment or receive an eternal reward—that is, until the Christians came along.

Unlike pagans, Christians claimed there was only one God and that he should be worshiped not by sacrifice but by proper belief. Anyone who didn’t believe the right things would be considered a transgressor before God. And, most significant of all, rewards and punishments would be dispensed not only in this life, but in the life to come: either eternal bliss in heaven or everlasting torment in the fires of hell. Religion had never promoted such an idea before. Christians created a need for salvation that no one knew they had. They then argued that they alone could meet the need. And they succeeded massively.

Jesus cures a sick man who is unable to reach the pool at Bethesda, which contains healing waters. (Credit: Culture Club/Getty Images)

In contrast to paganism, secularism promotes a rational, evidence-based approach to life and society. It seeks to reduce the influence of religious beliefs in public life, emphasizing the importance of individual freedoms and rights. Secularism is often associated with concepts such as freedom of speech, equality, and separation of church and state. It is worth noting that secularism and paganism are not mutually exclusive. It is possible for individuals to have spiritual or religious beliefs while also advocating for a secular society. The distinction between secular and pagan lies in the focus of the belief system – secularism emphasizes the importance of reason and rationality, while paganism often centers around spirituality and reverence for nature and ancient deities. In conclusion, the terms "secular" and "pagan" are used to describe different belief systems and ways of life. Secularism promotes a society based on reason and evidence, with a separation between religion and government. Paganism, on the other hand, refers to pre-Christian religions that often focus on nature worship and recognition of multiple deities. Although these terms may seem distinct, individuals can have spiritual or religious beliefs while also advocating for a secular society..

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Paganism and Secularism: Bridging the Gap of Understanding