How Christianity Changed the World

by Alvin J. Schmidt

Western civilization is becoming increasingly pluralistic, secularized, biblically and historically illiterate. Many people today have little sense of how their lives have benefited from Christianity’s influence, often viewing the church with hostility or resentment. Schmidt, a sociologist, argues that modern Western civilization owes far more to Christianity than most people realize today.

Rather than a timeline, this book moves topic by topic, showing a specific area of life Schmidt believes Christianity fundamentally reshaped:

• The sanctity of human life and the end of infanticide
• The elevation of women’s status and rights
• The rise of hospitals and organized healthcare
• Expanded education and dignified labor
• Christianity’s influence on the rise of science

Each chapter is backed with historical references, timelines, and contrasts between the pre-Christian and post-Christian world and makes evident the enormous, positive impact faithful Christians have made on the world.