You should have said "here's why I don't like Asimov's Foundation."

Because that's what you're saying. There's no objective standard for good lit.

Dunno about Hinduism, but Christianity pretty much grew like other mystery religions in Rome, to the extent that 5-10% of the population practiced it by the time Constantine rolled around. It was def not the only mystery religion open to everyone--worship of Isis was also open to women and men, slave and free.

What made Christianity unusual was that post-Constantine, it became the sole religion of the empire, and draconian rules enforced its status. Theodosius in 380 began persecuting pagans, and emperors following him added to the persecution, which included destruction of pagan temples, objects of worship, public celebrations, and holy days. Remaining a pagan turned into social/actual suicide, as non-Christians faced loss of status, loss of property, loss of opportunity, exile, and, finally, death, by 435.