Introduction: Religious Leaders and Their Impact
Over the course of the evolution of Christian religion, it was supported by a number of Christian leaders, who introduced the basic concepts of Christian faith to all those willing to learn about it and created an image of Christianity. Much to their credit, they did their job incredibly well, seeing how nowadays, Christianity is one of the three largest religions in the world. However, some of the Christian leaders should be given a special credit for their work and persistence in trying to follow the key principles of Christianity and retain Christian values.
Therefore, the impact of religious leaders on the evolution of Christian religion cannot be overestimated. The one who has contributed the most to the given process, however, is yet to be found. Although it cannot be argued that Jesus was the historic personality that actually is the central figure of Christianity, there are a number of people who moved Christianity forward in the darkest of the times, therefore, preventing others to let Christianity dissemble.
The Religious Leader That Made a Difference
When it comes to defining the ultimate Christian leader that the world has ever produced, it is more reasonable to go back in time and search for the man among the people who called themselves the chief disciples of Jesus Christ. While the given issue is truly arguable, seeing how each of Jesus’ disciples had enough faith in Him and had the right to be called the true Christian leader. However, it is remarkable that Peter is the first to figure out who Jesus actually was:
“Blessed are you Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. And I say to you that you are Peter [petros], and upon this Rock [petra] I will build my church” (Matt. 16:17–18). (Ehrman 15).
Apart from being, as Ehrman put it, Jesus’ favorite disciple, Peter discovers his healing abilities later on (Gaiser 224), which also makes him all the more significant a persona. Even though, as Ehrman explains, “Peter occasionally reverted to his fickle and unreliable ways” (Ehrman 18), he still was considered Jesus’ chief disciple in the early Christian Church.
Reading between the Lines of Mary Magdalene’s Story
Another possible Christian leader who deserves being mentioned, Mary Magdalene plays a very important role in a number of Biblical events. Her significance can be defined by the fact that she was present at Jesus’ crucifixion and was the first one to find Jesus’ tomb empty. The symbol of repentance, humility and devotion (Gouk and Hills 110), Mary Magdalene played a crucial role in the evolution of Christian religion.
Conclusion: Christianity, Its Leaders and Its Followers
With that being said, it must be admitted that a number of people have contributed to the progress of the Christian religion and its spread all over the world, including the most remote corners of the world.
Despite the fact that, quote honestly, Jesus should be named the man who actually planted the seed of Christianity into once pagan society, the rest of the Christian leaders should also be mentioned for their deeds and sacrifices that they made for the sake of their faith. Hence, while Peter has been named the ultimate Christian leader in the entire history of the humankind, it is still worth keeping in mind that Christianity exists nowadays owing to the efforts of hundreds of outstanding leaders and milliards of believers.
Works Cited
Ehrman, Bart D. Peter, Paul and Mary Magdalene, the Followers of Jesus In History and Legend. Oxford University Press, 2008. Print.
Gaiser, Frederick J. Healing in Bible: Theological Insight for Christian Ministry. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Publishing Group. 2010. Print.
Gouk, Penelope M. and Helen Hills. Representing Emotions: New Connections in the Histories of Art, Music and Medicine. Burlington, VT: Ashgate Publishing Company. 2005. Print.