The adherents of Jesus called themselves Christians.  At its beginning Christianity was a religious movement of the people that expected protection from the Redeemer not only against the conquering Romans but the rich classes as well. It was a religion of the poor which recognized the slave as a human being too.  This explains the quick expansion of Christianity.  (…)

 
Christians were originally against all rich people.  They used no violence to spread their religion, only love. Despite their gentle nature, their movement filled those in power with fear.  During the Emperor-period Christians were often persecuted cruelly.  Regardless of its persecution Christianity was becoming popular very fast.  First the smaller communities were formed then from the small communities the Church was established.  More and more rich people came to see Christianity as the religion of the future.  As more and more wealthy people joined the Church, the Church became less and less opposed to wealth. 

 
The leaders of the Christians gradually changed their mind and did not want to change society. They also aspired to join the ranks of the privileged and powerful.  One of the Roman Emperors, Constantine understood that he could reinforce his power by allying himself with the obedient Christians.  The leaders of the Church, the bishops and the Emperor made an agreement.  Constantine became a Christian, and he made Christianity the religion of the state.  Since that time bishops and priests have been teaching that people have to obey both the Emperor and God. 

In this way, Christianity, during the centuries, was transformed from the religion of the oppressed into official religion of the ruling class.  The apostles, first advocates of the Gospel, had moved among the people in bare feet.  Their successors, the bishops were already big landowners, had their own servants, and lived in as much pomp as the wealthiest of people.  Due to his power and influence the Bishop of Rome achieved dominance over the other bishops, and later was declared to be the head of the whole Christian Church, he even called himself the Pope.