Paul's statement that a husband's body belongs to his wife, just as hers belongs to him, was an extraordinary assertion of physical equality in marriage for its time. Most subsequent Christian theology, particularly in the East, actively spiritualized or ignored this radical concept.

Contrary to popular belief, Christianity's monogamy isn't rooted in Judaism, which practiced polygyny. Instead, it was a strategic adoption of the prevailing Greco-Roman norm, a move crucial for the new religion to be taken seriously and spread within that society.

After being nearly killed by a mob, Jesus' first followers were chosen not just for faith but for physical strength to act as a security detail. This pragmatic move ensured his survival, highlighting that launching a radical mission requires securing physical safety before ideological expansion can succeed.

Jesus' proposed revolution was entirely internal: a fight against greed, cruelty, and prejudice within each individual. He taught that by changing themselves, his followers would change the world. This focus on personal transformation over structural reform is a profound model for creating lasting cultural change.

Influential mothers of civil rights leaders like MLK Jr. were actively erased from historical accounts by scholars, despite their sons crediting them. This isn't an accidental omission but a strategic act to maintain a male-centric view of power and prevent new models of leadership from emerging.

Human societies are not innately egalitarian; they are innately hierarchical. Egalitarianism emerged as a social technology in hunter-gatherer groups, using tools like gossip and ostracism to collectively suppress dominant 'alpha' individuals who threatened group cohesion.

Jesus actively concealed his healings, preferring followers be persuaded by the logic and truth of his teachings rather than being swayed by supernatural displays. He detested being seen as a "holy magician," believing true faith is built on understanding, not spectacle, a key lesson for leaders building authentic movements.

During the 5th and 6th centuries, celebrating the Nativity became a key way for the Byzantine church to counter debates about Christ's nature. The holiday served as a historical anchor, reinforcing that Jesus was a real person who lived, not a demigod or abstract spirit.

In an era defined by tribalism, the idea of "love of mankind as a whole" was not a common concept. Jesus' teaching to love every person as a neighbor was a revolutionary act that transcended race, nation, and social class, making his message one of the first truly universalist philosophies.