[rvense]

But if these things are because of Christianity, and it is often implied that western modernity is present in it from its beginning, almost an unavoidable consequent of it... then why are they not universal in Christendom? Why can I point to just as many Christian movements who are anti-science, pro-slavery, anti-individual?

[throw0101c]

> Why can I point to just as many Christian movements who are anti-science, pro-slavery, anti-individual?

Because people have free will,† and can choose to accept or ignore orthodox teaching.

This is especially true after Protestantism came about which caused a splintering into (tens of?) thousands of denominations,[1] rejecting even some tenets that were present since the beginning of Christianity (e.g., the Real Presence).

Whereas if you look at Catholicism (and Orthodox churches), they generally have consistent teachings going back to their beginning.

† Which of course some Christian denominations (and some modern materialists like Sapolsky) deny.

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Christian_denomination...

[rvense]

I just don't see how it holds water at all to say that Christianity was what caused the abolition of slavery, when just as many Christians were in favour of it.