WI: Genghis Khan converts to Nestorianism

This idea isn't as crazy as it sounds-13th century Mongolia was a religiously diverse place, with Nestorian Christian, Buddhist, and Muslim tribes in addition to the native Turko-Mongol Shaminism (usually called Tenegrism). In real life, Genghis Khan was a Tenegrist and was largely unconcerned with religious affairs (though one of his sons, Hulegu, was married to a Nestorian Christian, and may have been one himself for part of his life).

However, what if, early in his life, we have Genghis meet a Nestorian mentor/friend/girlfriend, and decide to convert? What effect would a Christian Genghis have on the Mongol conquests, and could this result in Mongolia (or even some of the lands Genghis conquered, like China or Central Asia) becoming Christianized, at least to a greater degree than OTL? Discuss
 
However, what if, early in his life, we have Genghis meet a Nestorian mentor/friend/girlfriend

This part is per OTL. Look up Ong Khan; most of Chingiz's daughters in law were also Christians.

, and decide to convert?

This part isn't, however. Why? Good question. Perhaps he was truly taken by a vision that did not favour Christianity but instead dealt with Mongol Law first and foremost.
 
From the study I read, Genghis and Kublai (or at least, Kublai) used religion and marrying women from other religions as a way of controlling their conquered populations and appearing to be in keeping with local fashions. They didn't, however, really carry a pious commitment to any faith. If Genghis converted to Nestorianism, chances are he wouldn't really do any more than observe the ceremonies for show. I doubt it would actually affect how he would carry out diplomacy and war, or anything else. And when he went back to Mongolia he would probably conveniently ignore the whole "Christian thing" entirely.
 
Genghis knew he ruled a coalition of troops with many different beliefs. He was always keen at allowing tolerating other religions. He didn't want to antagonize any of his followers. Even a Christian Genghis would do the same.

I don't expect it would really affect history all that much. It is possible that Genghis's conversion might create a precedent for future Khans, and give a boost to other Nestorian Christian Mongols once the empire began to break down. But it is still a weak reed to postulate that one of the Khanates would officially become Nestorian Christian (or later convert to Orthodox or Latin Chrsitianity.) It's plausible, but still unlikely.
 
I'm guessing that by conversion one means more than nominally adopting "x" religious belief, but instead a powerful moment in which Genghis would somehow become enlightened and entirely convinced of the veracity of Christianity as the one true way, hope and light of all humanity. In which case, he could remain very much the same politically - in terms of marital alliances and not antagonizing his men - but at the same time would be responsible for the spread of Christianity far and wide, especially if it became the state religion under him or one of his descendants.
 
In which case, he could remain very much the same politically - in terms of marital alliances and not antagonizing his men - but at the same time would be responsible for the spread of Christianity far and wide, especially if it became the state religion under him or one of his descendants.

Except that Christianity wouldn't spread far and wide, exactly for the reason stated: the Khans (Genghis in particular) were good at pandering to their many and varied territories. Any attempt, even incidental, at spreading Christianity is going to very much upset the non-Christian territories. Genghis would be doing everything in his power to prevent Christianity from spreading too much, just like he had a stake in not allowing other religions to spread too much in case they caused religious antagonism.
 
Christians are allowed to have only one wife at time. After conversion Temuchin/Gengis Khan would have to divorce his excessive wifes. This would mean breaking alliances with the other khans and chiefs who previously gave him their daughters and eliminate the possibility to arrange such alliances in futore.
 
Christianity isn't an inherently monogamous religion.

The Khans may have been good at pandering to their various subjects and allies, conversion deriving from a deep spiritual experience would override political considerations. I'm not saying the Khans would go out and forcibly convert anyone, but at very least fund missionary expeditions and the foundation of monastic institutions, churches, etc.
 
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