Maybe, the enhanced economic performance of (what later was negatively labeled) “the Christians” permitted the Roman Empire to survive as long as it did.

This conclusion flies in the face of massive tomes, carrying titles like The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire.]

Summary of text [comment] page 83

[Here is a strange claim:

In the late Roman Empire, the converted Jew and the Jesus-worshipping slave may have been marginally more economically productive than the Second Temple Jew and the pagan slave.

Why?

The former were not of this world_3a. They were in the world_3a but not of it. Therefore, they did not bother with unproductive fantasies_2a.]

[The New Testament co-opposition of responsibilities₃₍₂₍₎₎ and freedom₂₍₁₎ captures a moment of redefinition.

The bondage to the words of the Judaic law ended.

By choosing_3b the way of Jesus_2b, a converted Jew was more free_1a to pursue “his” preferences in selecting responsibilities_3a.

Ironically, the less political people of Christ’s way produced more wealth than the very political and wealth-devouring Jewish or Roman elites of the time.]

Summary of text [comment] page 83

[The average first century Jew could not live up to the multitudinous and litigious obligations of ritual purity.

Religious, tribal and family obligations depleted individuals of resources and inspiration.

Something_2a would eventually give.]