ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Christianization of the Roman Empire as diffusion of innovation

Okay kiddo, let me try and explain to you what the Christianization of the Roman Empire was and how it can be compared to something called the "diffusion of innovation".

The Roman Empire was a big and powerful place a long, long time ago. The people who lived there had a lot of different beliefs and ways of doing things. One of those ways was religion, which means how they believed in God or gods.

People in the empire used to worship a lot of different gods and goddesses. But then, a man named Jesus came along and taught people about one God who loved everyone no matter who they were. Jesus' followers began to spread this teaching, which became known as Christianity.

At first, not too many people in the empire were interested in this new religion. But as time went by, more and more people started to believe in it. They started to go to church and follow Jesus' teachings.

Now, let's talk about something called the "diffusion of innovation". This is a big word that some grown-ups use to describe how new ideas, products, or technologies spread from one group of people to another.

Think of it like when you introduce a new toy to your friend. At first, they might not be interested in it. But then they see how much you enjoy playing with it, and they start to want one too. Soon, all your friends have that same toy.

This is kind of like what happened with the spread of Christianity in the Roman Empire. At first, only a few people believed in it. But then, as more and more people saw how happy and fulfilled Christians seemed to be, they started to become interested too. Eventually, Christianity became the most popular religion in the empire.

So, to sum it up, the Christianization of the Roman Empire was like a new idea (Christianity) that spread through the population like a game or toy that everyone wants. It's called diffusion of innovation, and it happens all the time with new technologies, products, or beliefs.