It has fur and claws, but spends much of it's day in the water. The local people find this creature to be quite edible and delicious. It's an easy catch and a good source of meat. Unfortunately, it could not be eaten on Friday as it was meat. Not a problem says the Catholic church, which officially decided that because this creature spends much of its time in the water, it should be considered a fish, perfectly fine to be eaten on Friday night.
Missionaries give their services away in return for a loyal fellowship.
They impress the locals with technology and gifts but in return request and sometimes require that the locals sit in a church and listen to the preaching. Furthermore, just as Microsoft has its money in all of the computer industry, Christianity has done the same with politics. The revenue and thinkers were no longer working for the state but for the Church. Christianity continues these practices with varying success. Microsoft also continues its practices.