This honors thesis is intended to explore the background of Christianity and how the native religions it encountered affected and altered it. The history of the early church will be examined, noting significant figures and discussing problems that arose. How the church converted the pagans, whether through persuasion, law, or force, will be discussed. The reader will also see how foreign religions and customs were incorporated into the Christian faith and celebrations, particularly on special holidays. The church was deeply affected by the traditions of long ago and the influence of the Christians' pagan heritage still plays an important role in society today.Note to the reader: The accepted scholastic form of expressing time is now "B.C.E." and "C.E." This is to indicate "Before Common Era" and "Common Era." However, as an expression of faith, I have chosen to use the classical "B.C." and "A.D." These terms stand for "Before Christ" and "The Year of Our Lord" (Anno Domini in Latin).