Christendom

Christianity began as a religion in the Roman Empire which became so popular that it was later supported by the entire Empire. Christianity became the principal religion of the empire. The spread of Christianity and everything that came with it is referred to as Christendom. Once Christianity was supported by the Empire the religion, along with religious authorities, became protected under the Empire. Non-believers were then seen as heretics. Unfortunately, heretical belief was a punishable crime against the Empire. It was now up to the state to change pagan beliefs and convert non-believers to Christian followers. Christendom became so prevalent that it was no longer just religious practice, it became the way of life.