Christianity gained popularity in Europe because of the community it created among people. There were also promises of spiritual gifts, guidance, and to be a part of something beyond oneself. A life after death is guaranteed, free of pain, death, and anguish. In a world where there’s no medical development or public health services, this was an excellent time for any prophet or religion to gain traction. People were vulnerable, desperate to cling on to something for hope and purpose. This new religion seemed liberating. We also must account for the rapid change Europe, specifically the Roman Empire, were undergoing during this time historically. The pagan aristocracy was fading, and Rome’s demographic was changing.
<span>Cassius Clay changed his
name to Muhammad Ali because he converted to Islam in 1964. Consequently, he
rejected military induction stating that he would not enlist due to his
religious beliefs. This resulted in Ali being stripped of his heavyweight title
and receiving a three-year ban from boxing.</span>
