I asked Ai: “what’s been going on in Christianity over the years?”

 Christianity has an incredibly long and complex history, so summarizing its journey over the years involves looking at major shifts in doctrine, geography, and cultural influence.

Here's a broad overview of some of the most significant changes and trends:

Early History and Major Splits

 * From Persecuted to Dominant: Christianity began as a small, often persecuted movement in the Roman Empire. Its fortunes changed dramatically when Emperor Constantine legalized it in the 4th century, eventually making it the state religion. This shift gave it immense political power and influence.

 * The Great Schism: In 1054, Christianity experienced its first major division, splitting into the Roman Catholic Church in the West and the Eastern Orthodox Church in the East. This was due to a combination of theological differences and political and cultural tensions.

 * The Protestant Reformation: The 16th century saw another monumental split with the Protestant Reformation, which was sparked by figures like Martin Luther. This movement challenged the authority of the Catholic Church and led to the creation of numerous new denominations, including Lutheranism, Calvinism, and many others.

Modern Trends (20th and 21st Centuries)

 * Geographic Shift: A major trend in the last century has been the significant shift in Christianity's global center. While it was once heavily concentrated in Europe and North America, its fastest growth is now in the "Global South," particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia.

 * Decline in the West: In many Western countries, there has been a steady decline in church attendance and the number of people who identify as Christian. This has led to the rise of the "nones" (people with no religious affiliation) and a greater diversity of religious beliefs.

 * Politicization and Social Issues: In many parts of the world, particularly the United States, Christianity has become increasingly intertwined with politics. This has led to deep divisions within denominations and congregations over social issues such as LGBTQ+ rights, abortion, and the role of the church in public life.

 * New Forms of Worship: The rise of technology has led to new ways of practicing faith, from megachurches that use modern music and multimedia to a growth in online and digital evangelism. The nondenominational movement has also become a significant force, as many people seek a spiritual home outside of traditional church structures.