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Lesson Overview

European Expansion and Christianity

This introductory lesson examines the spread of Christianity during the age of European expansion, contrasting Roman Catholic missions with the rise of Protestant evangelism.

Key Topics

• • Pre-16th century decline of Christianity outside Europe

• • Spanish and Portuguese Catholic exploration

• • The Jesuit order and Francis Xavier

• • Rise of Protestantism and the Reformation

• • Puritan migration to America

• • Trade and the spread of biblical Christianity

Historical Context

The association of evangelization with commerce had both positive and negative effects on the spread of the gospel. Understanding this history helps us appreciate the challenges early missionaries faced.