ORIGIN OF APOSTATE CHRISTIANITY

Well, the apostle Paul, not long before his death, foretold an apostasy from true Christianity.

Paul also warned certain ones in leading positions in the Christian congregation:

“I know that after my going away oppressive wolves will enter in among you and will not treat the flock with tenderness, and from among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.”​—Acts 20:29, 30.

This apostasy from true worship and doctrine took place and, particularly from the fourth century, false, apostate Christianity flourished and became united with the State, becoming a state religion. The area in which it predominated came to be called “Christendom” (meaning “Christian dominion”). This was directly contrary to Christ’s words: “My kingdom is no part of this world,” and “they [Jesus’ disciples] are no part of the world.”​—John 18:36; 17:14.

History records that from that time on religious leaders have been the counselors, yes, often the directors, of national rulers. Where they could not exercise power they were willing to provoke revolution or warfare against those rulers resisting them. Today, where they cannot be in favored, powerful positions among national rulers, they are often prominent among groups rebellious against the established government.