Christianity started/has started centuries ago.

[QB1075]

Hi,

I want to say that Christianity started centuries ago and it still exists today.

Which one is correct:

Christianity has started centuries ago.

Or

Christianity started centuries ago.

How do I express the idea that it started long time ago and it's still here today?

Thank you,

QB

 

[emsr2d2]

Hi.

I want to say that Christianity started centuries ago and it still exists today. Which one of the following is correct?

1. Christianity has started centuries ago.
Or
2. Christianity started centuries ago.

How do I express the idea that it started a long time ago and it's still here today?

Thank you. Unnecessary. Thank us after we help you, by adding the "Thanks" icon to any response you find helpful.
QB Unnecessary. We can see your username on all your posts.

Please note my corrections, markups and comments above.

 

[5jj]

I want to say that Christianity started centuries ago and it still exists today.

Christianity has been around for centuries.

 

[jutfrank]

You're right that the past simple does not suggest that Christianity still exists today, so it isn't right in this context. You need to use the present perfect. However, you can't use the verb 'start' to say what you mean. Look at 5jj's excellent suggestion in post #3.

 

[jutfrank]

Please note my corrections, markups and comments above.

The second sentence (past simple) is not right in this case as it doesn't carry the idea that Christianity still exists today.

 

[Tarheel]

Christianity is one of the world's major religions, and it has been around for a very long time.

 

[teechar]

Christianity has started centuries ago.

The act of "starting" is finished and has no current significance in itself, so the present perfect is wrong here.

Christianity started centuries ago.

That works.
Note, however, that "has started" can work in other sentences. For example,
Christianity has (recently) started to spread in countries usually considered off limits to it.
Here, the sense conveyed by the present perfect is that action of "starting (to spread)" is not over or that its ramifications are still current and relevant.