Spread of Monotheism-a short note
Every religion or empire tended to engulf the conquered culture and tradition. The reverse scenario was also available. Emerging from a sect of Jews, the Christianity sought to replace many of its believers' customs and also polytheist beliefs during the first millennium AD by let it be Constantine's council or gospels spread through Europe. Roman gods like Jupiter, Janus - all of them were replaced by a single Christian god. Disciples of Jesus thought the teachings of Him should be universal, hence started to send missions all around the world. But in the process the polytheist regions accepted the religion in their own forms. They chose guardian saints for their community and their welfare just like sharing divine power to many supreme beings i.e. St George (England), St Martin (France), St Andrew (Scotland), St Ambrose (City of Milan) and even a small branch of Catholics in the south west of Indian peninsula (Kerala) has a guide saint Thomas. The chief goddess of Celtic Ireland before Christian arrival was Brigid. With the baptizing of Ireland She became St Brigit who is the most revered in now Ireland.
But Judaism is an example of local monotheistic religion as it taught that Yahweh was biased to help only Jews. So, the Jews didn't send missions to spread the teaching of Moses.
Islam, on the other hand, came with more generalized approach. They went on to conquer a vast area (From Atlantic to India) within a remarkably short period. But in the process they 'Arab'ised Berbers, Syrians, Egyptians or Mesopotamians. Throughout its spread along Afro-Asia Islam has faced many different proponents of administration and management. The bringer of Islam, the Arabs always seemed to discriminate the non-arabs in terms of social status and privileges. The clash was always on between Arab ruler elites and local neo or non muslims. The staggering size and proportions of the Muslim Empire has far reached influences all over the world till date.
Currently, except eastern Asia all follow one of monotheistic religions.
The arrow of unification wasn't released from the same bow over the period of history neither it could always hit bull's eye.
Reference:
Sapiens
But Judaism is an example of local monotheistic religion as it taught that Yahweh was biased to help only Jews. So, the Jews didn't send missions to spread the teaching of Moses.
Islam, on the other hand, came with more generalized approach. They went on to conquer a vast area (From Atlantic to India) within a remarkably short period. But in the process they 'Arab'ised Berbers, Syrians, Egyptians or Mesopotamians. Throughout its spread along Afro-Asia Islam has faced many different proponents of administration and management. The bringer of Islam, the Arabs always seemed to discriminate the non-arabs in terms of social status and privileges. The clash was always on between Arab ruler elites and local neo or non muslims. The staggering size and proportions of the Muslim Empire has far reached influences all over the world till date.
Currently, except eastern Asia all follow one of monotheistic religions.
The arrow of unification wasn't released from the same bow over the period of history neither it could always hit bull's eye.
Reference:
Sapiens
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