What if Jesus Had Never Been Born?

While billions revere Jesus as a spiritual savior, Jesus’s influence extends far beyond the boundaries of religion. His teachings, actions, and the movement sparked in his name have shaped art, ethics, laws, and societies across the globe. But what if Jesus had never been born? How different might our world be?

The Development of Western Morality

One of the most significant impacts of Jesus was his emphasis on compassion, forgiveness, and care for the marginalized. These values became core principles in Western moral thought, influencing laws and social norms. Without Jesus, the development of ideas such as loving one’s enemy, the sanctity of every life, and the Golden Rule might have taken a different path—or perhaps emerged much later through other philosophies.

The Rise of Christianity and Its Historical Influence

Without Jesus, the Christian faith would not exist in its current form. Christianity became a dominant force in shaping Western civilization, from the fall of the Roman Empire to the rise of modern democracies. The absence of Christianity might have left a vacuum for other religious or philosophical systems to fill, potentially altering the trajectory of Europe, the Americas, and even parts of Asia and Africa.

Art, Literature, and Culture

Christianity has been a wellspring for artistic and literary masterpieces: from Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel and Leonardo da Vinci’s "The Last Supper" to the works of Dante, Milton, and countless composers. Without Jesus, the inspiration for much of Western art, music, and literature would not exist, leaving culture in a dramatically different state. The absence of church-sponsored art and architecture would also reshape cityscapes and artistic traditions.

Science and Education

Many of the world’s earliest universities and centers of learning were founded by Christian institutions. While science is not exclusive to any belief, the Christian worldview played a role in fostering curiosity about the natural world, seeing it as a creation to be explored and understood. Without Jesus and the subsequent rise of Christianity, the institutional support for education and science might have developed differently, possibly delaying or redirecting the course of scientific advancement.

Human Rights and Social Justice

The teachings of Jesus on the inherent worth of every individual inspired movements for social justice, abolition of slavery, and the advancement of human rights. While these ideals are not unique to Christianity, their widespread adoption in the West is closely linked to Christian doctrine. Without this influence, the progress toward recognizing universal human rights might have been slower or taken another form entirely.

The Calendar and Holidays

Even the way we measure time would be altered. The Gregorian calendar, with the division of history into BC (Before Christ) and AD (Anno Domini, "In the year of our Lord"), is rooted in the life of Jesus. Major holidays—Christmas and Easter—would not exist, fundamentally changing cultural traditions, rituals, and the rhythm of societies across the globe.

Alternative Worldviews

Without Jesus, other religious or philosophical leaders might have risen to fill the void. The spread of Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, or secular philosophies could have shaped global cultures in different ways. Moral and ethical teachings might have evolved along different lines, potentially emphasizing other virtues or societal structures.

Possible Political Realities

Christianity played a central role in the formation of European monarchies, the Holy Roman Empire, and the later separation of church and state. Without Jesus, the political landscape of Europe and its colonies could have been drastically different, perhaps leading to alternative power structures, alliances, and conflicts.

Modern Implications

Today, the legacy of Jesus is seen in countless hospitals, charities, and humanitarian efforts inspired by his call to love and serve others. If he had never been born, the motivations and organizations driving such work might look very different—or be less prevalent. The language of love, sacrifice, and redemption might be less central in public discourse.