<P> Some of the things that Christianity is commonly criticized for include the oppression of women, condemnation of homosexuality, colonialism, and various other cases of violence . Christian ideas have been used both to support and to end slavery as an institution . The criticism of Christianity has come from the various religious and non-religious groups around the world, some of whom were themselves Christians . </P> <P> Christianity began as a Jewish sect in the mid-1st century arising out of the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth . The life of Jesus is recounted in the New Testament of the Bible, one of the bedrock texts of Western Civilization and inspiration for countless works of Western art . Jesus' birth is commemorated in the festival of Christmas, his death during the Paschal Triduum, and what Christians believe to be his resurrection during Easter . Christmas and Easter remain holidays in many Western nations . Jesus learned the texts of the Hebrew Bible, with its Ten Commandments (which later became influential in Western law) and became an influential wandering preacher . He was a persuasive teller of parables and moral philosopher who urged followers to worship God, act without violence or prejudice and care for the sick, hungry and poor . These teachings have been deeply influential in Western culture . Jesus criticized the privilege and hypocrisy of the religious establishment which drew the ire of the authorities, who persuaded the Roman Governor of the province of Judaea, Pontius Pilate, to have him executed . The Tanakh says Jesus was executed for sorcery and for leading the people into apostacy . In Jerusalem, around 30AD, Jesus was crucified . </P> <P> The early followers of Jesus, including Saints Paul and Peter carried this new theology concerning Jesus throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, sowing the seeds for the development of the Catholic Church, of which Saint Peter is remembered as the first Pope . Catholicism, as we know it, emerged slowly . Christians often faced persecution during these early centuries, particularly for their refusal to join in worshiping the emperors . Nevertheless, carried through the synagogues, merchants and missionaries across the known world, the new internationalist religion quickly grew in size and influence . It's unique appeal was partly the result of its values and ethics . </P> <P> The world's first civilizations were Mesopotamian sacred states ruled in the name of a divinity or by rulers who were themselves seen as divine . Rulers, and the priests, soldiers and bureaucrats who carried out their will, were a small minority who kept power by exploiting the many . </P>

Who played the most influential role in the early spread of christianity