In Roman Civilization where the prevalent cult of the Roman gods was impersonal and did not provide a moral basis or a message of hope, Christianity was formed in the 4th century, born as a movement within Judaism Christianity emphasized the personal relationship between God and people that slowly spread through the Roman Empire to eventually dominate Western culture. Three of the numerous factors that aided in the growth of Christianity in the Roman Empire were; the central beliefs and values ​​of Christianity, prominent figures and Christianity appeal to women. Christianity has achieved much growth from the great moral strength of its core beliefs and values. Their message was of salvation through the crucified and risen Lord. "Through this man", says Paul in 13.38, "forgiveness is announced to you". In Peter's speeches, this forgiveness was limited to forgiving the Jews for having crucified Jesus. For Paul it meant much more: "You are freed from everything you could not free yourself from through the law of Moses" (13.39). In other words, the requirements of the law on circumcision, on sacrifice in the temple, on the observance of the dietary laws of the Jewish people offered not freedom but slavery. But in Christ the person is freed from false demands that do not give life and is introduced into new life in Christ. Furthermore, in a society where many were suffering from crisis, Christians have successfully responded to the challenges of social chaos precipitated by poverty, disease, famine and social chaos, thus distinguishing themselves as the only movement capable of effectively addressing the large-scale social problems of the Roman Empire. Empire. The Christian church possessed the organizational structures to carry out its mission along with the religion...... middle of paper......ion of marriage and opposition to divorce. Roman men married in low status, he notes, and even when they did marry they produced few children. The church encouraged Christian women to marry pagan husbands – including senators – thus allowing Christianity to penetrate Roman high society through the conversion of spouses and children. In short, Stark believes that Christians thrived the old-fashioned way: by providing a better environment, a happier and safer lifestyle. When epidemics broke out, the indifferent pagans were of no use. Nor was Roman medicine. But Christians survived in greater numbers than their pagan neighbors because they had both faith in a loving God and extensive social services that cared for the sick, poor, and widows. In the end, Stark concludes, Christians "revitalized" the Roman Empire because they manifest a demanding and attentive God..