If one reads the history of early Christianity, one finds the idea of the New Testament - the idea of loving God and your neighbor - out of place in second-century Alexandria, Carthage, Antioch, and Rome. In fact, just the opposite was true. Those who were sick paid to receive help from local priests. They paid dues and initiation fees to be protected by the Gods. Those that couldn't afford the dues or fees resorted to begging, stealing or prostitution. But Christians would help anyone who... Sign in to see full entry.