Objection 1: Christianity reinforced patriarchal structures, disenfranchising women and minorities. Passages like Ephesians 5:22–24, which some interpret as promoting male dominance, are often cited as evidence. The hierarchical structures prevalent in many Western societies are seen as a reflection of these Christian influences (Barlas 104).

Objection 2: Christianity’s integration into Western colonialism led to widespread exploitation and cultural erasure. European powers justified territorial expansion and exploitation in the name of spreading Christianity, displacing indigenous cultures and leading to suffering (Nunn 139).

Objection 3: Non-Christian civilizations were more egalitarian and peaceful. Pre-contact indigenous societies, for example, are sometimes cited as models of communal living, disrupted by Western Civilization’s expansion (Graeber and Wengrow 54).

On the Contrary

Christianity’s foundational doctrines emphasize the dignity of all human beings, justice, and love for one’s neighbor. Biblical teachings, such as Genesis 1:27 and Matthew 22:39, provide the moral framework for many of the values now enshrined in modern human rights. Moreover, Western Civilization has made significant advancements in science, human rights, and social reform, rooted in its Christian heritage (Holland 201; Stark 102).

I Answer That

To judge whether Christianity and Western Civilization are inherently oppressive, one must consider both their foundational principles and their historical contributions. Christianity emphasizes the intrinsic worth of every individual, as seen in passages like Galatians 3:28, which states, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” These principles have inspired profound advancements in human dignity and justice.

While patriarchal and colonial abuses occurred under the guise of Christian influence, these reflect the misuse of its principles rather than their proper application. Christian-inspired reforms, such as abolitionist movements and women’s suffrage campaigns, illustrate how these principles can rectify injustices (Brown 360).

The contributions of Western Civilization to science and education further highlight the positive impact of Christianity’s worldview. Medieval Christianity’s emphasis on rationality and order laid the foundation for the scientific revolution, which advanced human knowledge and well-being (Stark 102).

Finally, the notion that non-Christian societies were universally egalitarian is not supported by evidence. Anthropological studies reveal that many pre-modern societies practiced inter-tribal warfare, ritual sacrifice, and other forms of oppression (Pinker 25). Thus, humanity’s condition would not necessarily have improved without the influence of Christianity and Western Civilization.

Replies to Objections

Reply to Objection 1: While patriarchal structures have existed in Christian contexts, the faith’s foundational teachings promote equality and justice. Misinterpretations of scripture have been corrected over time, as evidenced by modern biblical scholarship and the Church’s teachings on human dignity (Holland 201).

Reply to Objection 2: The integration of Christianity into colonial enterprises often conflated religious, political, and economic motivations. However, many missionaries opposed exploitation and advocated for indigenous rights, providing education and healthcare (Johnson 178). The failures of colonialism reflect human sinfulness, not Christianity’s core principles.

Reply to Objection 3: Claims of universal egalitarianism in non-Christian societies are often exaggerated. While some pre-modern societies were communal, they also engaged in practices detrimental to social harmony. Christianity’s emphasis on universal human dignity has been a transformative force for good in history (Pinker 25).

Conclusion

Christianity and Western Civilization, like all human institutions, bear the marks of human fallibility. However, their foundational principles have inspired significant advancements in human rights, social justice, and scientific progress. A Thomistic analysis reveals that these systems, far from being inherently oppressive, have played a crucial role in fostering human flourishing.

Works Cited

Barlas, Asma. Believing Women in Islam: Unreading Patriarchal Interpretations of the Qur’an. University of Texas Press, 2019.

Brown, Christopher. “Moral Capital and the History of Abolition.” European Review of History, vol. 19, no. 3, 2012, pp. 359–381.

Graeber, David, and David Wengrow. The Dawn of Everything: A New History of Humanity. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2021.

Holland, Tom. Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World. Basic Books, 2019.

Johnson, Allan. Missionaries and the Colonial Context: Assessing the Moral Complexities. Historical Theology Quarterly, vol. 12, no. 3, 2016, pp. 177–192.

Nunn, Nathan. “The Long-Term Effects of Africa’s Slave Trades.” The Quarterly Journal of Economics, vol. 123, no. 1, 2008, pp. 139–176.

Pinker, Steven. The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined. Viking, 2011.

Stark, Rodney. The Victory of Reason: How Christianity Led to Freedom, Capitalism, and Western Success. Random House, 2005.