I was interested to learn just how directly involved the Christian communities were in founding of Lebanon. The Maronite community and leaders had a strong influence over the very establishment over the state of Lebanon with their relationship to France. Under Christian rule, different faith communities from Greek Orthodox, Catholics, and Muslims experienced freedom of religion because of the inherent principles of their faith. Christians were also influential in the “Arab Renaissance” in the 19th century under Christian leadership. And during the ascendency for Christians between the period of 1930-1975, when Christians prospered, so did all other groups (other than the Shiites).
