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sallybutler
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:extrahappy:
:extrahappy:
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GKC
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I insist on it.There are many candidates for the Top Ten, but if the list is a little longer then I would hope to see G K Chesterton on there.
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Anna_Scott
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Cavaradossi
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I’m surprised that Ss. Anthony, Pachomius, Gregory of Nyssa, Gregory the Theologian, Benedict, Maximus the Confessor, Cyril of Alexandria, Athanasius, John of Damascus, Justinian (yes, the Emperor Justinian I), Isaac of Nineveh, Patrick, and Cyril and Methodius have not been mentioned for either their acts of evangelism, defense of the Orthodox faith, writings, or their impact on monasticism.
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Marybeloved
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I’m sorry if I come off as obtuse or even irreverent, but I need some education on this blessed Saint’s overall impact on Christendom. To me, I think of influence in different terms, I suppose- which is why I was reluctant to count our Lady as the most influential since the historical (secular) influence of her words and actions is hard to p(name removed by moderator)oint. Her great influence in actuality is beyond anyone after Christ- She said Yes to God and interecedes for us for ever. But such an influence, though very real, cannot be discussed in the secular, historical sense in which we are discussing- an influence that even a non-believer can discuss from an objective stance (read here in place of “objective”: A stance that does not require belief in Christianity to appreciate the impact a person’s life has had).A terrible omission on my part.
I tend to see some great saints like St. Francis of Assisi, Therese of Lisieux, even Mother Teresa in a different sense. Their personal lives were super-human, but I’m not sure they changed the course of History in regards to the broader Christian faith in any way that can be empirically discussed as some of the greatest in Christian history. John Paul II is definitely one of who has shaped history, for example, way beyond his personal holiness and greatness.
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ConstantineTG
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St. Constantine the Great. Surely letting Christianity grow unabated in the Roman Empire was a significant turn of events for Christianity.
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Marybeloved
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Interesting you should say this, because I have often wondered the same with regards to that book 100 most influential people..
As you may know, they rank Christ third after Mohammed and Isaac Newton, and St. Paul of Tarsus, 6th overall. The author’s justification for not placing Christ 1st as everyone would expect is that, according to him, much of Christianity can be creditted to St. Paul and not Christ!
But St. Paul is Christ’s influence! His belief is Christ, his teaching is all from Christ’s first disciples who are all products of Christ’s influence! How they separate Paul’s impact on Christianity from his faith (Christ!) which is 100% creditable to Christ and his discipes is really very strange to me 
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kenl314
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Hello- great responses and debate. And yes, that is part of the “fun”- having a respectful discussion about who should be in the Top 10, and who maybe not.
I will say that Constantine did make the list…
Keep in mind that we surveyed Christians (pastors, writers, etc) in the USA in correlation to the approx. breakdown of denominations. Meaning, for every 1 Catholic respondent there are 2 Protestants. Those are the numbers, so that is what we did with the survey to keep it accurate as far as the “American Church”. That said, I think you have to realize that most Protestants don’t know much at all about Catholic saints, and many give no creedence to any of them, especially those who lived after the Reformation.
Moreso, most Protestants that I’ve found and talked to during all this seem to give most validation to people (Protestants) during or after the Reformation. Its almost like they don’t acknowledge the 1500 years of Christianity before it. Just my observation…
In any event, hopefully people will appreciate the list, and the associated book.
Best,
Ken L.
“Top Ten Most Influential Christians”
I will say that Constantine did make the list…
Keep in mind that we surveyed Christians (pastors, writers, etc) in the USA in correlation to the approx. breakdown of denominations. Meaning, for every 1 Catholic respondent there are 2 Protestants. Those are the numbers, so that is what we did with the survey to keep it accurate as far as the “American Church”. That said, I think you have to realize that most Protestants don’t know much at all about Catholic saints, and many give no creedence to any of them, especially those who lived after the Reformation.
Moreso, most Protestants that I’ve found and talked to during all this seem to give most validation to people (Protestants) during or after the Reformation. Its almost like they don’t acknowledge the 1500 years of Christianity before it. Just my observation…
In any event, hopefully people will appreciate the list, and the associated book.
Best,
Ken L.
“Top Ten Most Influential Christians”
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Aaronmc90
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I believe Charles Martel, Ferdinand III, Isabella I, Edmund Allenby and are without a doubt, the most influential Christians in history, even though they’re names escape many, they are heroes ( and heroines) above measure and truly examples to be inspired by and replicate in our modern world [BIBLEDRB][/BIBLEDRB]
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