Persecution in Ancient Times
Christianity has had a long and varied history of persecution, starting all the way back in Ancient Rome. Under Emperor Nero, first-century Christians were deliberately set for torture and execution, as the vicious and loathsome emperor sought to find ways to remove Christmas from the calendar. This initial wave of persecution of Christianity was in place for centuries, with Christians subject to all manner of torture, such as imprisonment, fines, and even death. During this period, the religion was widely regarded as a cult, and its adherents were considered no better than heathens, and were often targeted for their beliefs.
In the 4th century AD, the Roman Emperor Constantine I issued the Edict of Milan, which granted religious freedom to all Roman citizens, including Christians. This enabled the religion to spread rapidly and widely throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, as it developed and flourished into a more significant presence in society.
However, as Christianity spread, it became subject to other forms of persecution. Despite being legally protected in most parts of the Roman Empire, Christian beliefs were routinely suppressed and those who openly expressed them were often subjected to harsh penalties. Furthermore, those who embraced Christianity were subject to social stigma and ridicule, as the Roman culture was deeply rooted in their traditional religious beliefs and practices. This made converting to Christianity an incredibly difficult undertaking and many early Christians chose to risk torture and even death rather than abandon their beliefs.
Persecution in the Middle Ages
The Middle Ages saw the dawn of the Inquisition, a series of religious tribunals created by the Catholic Church in order to combat heresy and punish those deemed to be dissident. In doing so, the Church was able to rapidly enforce the regulations of their doctrine, as well as protect their power and assets.
During this period, Christians were persecuted from countless angles. Those accused of heresy or blasphemy were subject to imprisonment, torture, and even execution. Furthermore, anyone accused of apostasy or foreign religious association also risked severe persecution, with the Church even seeking out foreign missionaries and burning them at the stake. This period of religious persecution is particularly notable as it clung onto certain areas of Europe for centuries and even outlived the Inquisition itself.
Persecution in the Modern World
Persecution of Christianity remains an issue in the modern world, albeit in various forms. The 21st century has seen a rise in religious radicalization in certain countries, with fundamentalist Islamic radicals targeting Christians and other religious minorities. This has led to the establishment of terrorist groups such as Al Qaeda, Islamic State, and Boko Haram, who have spread their radical message through violence, oppression and destruction.
Furthermore, Christian countries in South and Central America have been the targets of oppressive regimes, with dictatorships banning the practice of Christianity in certain parts of the country and subjecting believers to torture, imprisonment, and even death. In addition, certain Muslim-majority countries have implemented blasphemy laws, which are used to persecute and marginalize Christian individuals and communities.
War on Christianity
On a more global level, there is a growing feeling of a “war on Christianity”, with many perceiving a secularization of the western world and a general lack of acceptance of Christian ideals. This is particularly pronounced in the United States, where there has been a trend towards opposing laws that seek to protect religious expression. Additionally, there have been efforts to strip public schools of their religious history, as well as extensive debates regarding the treatment of LGBT individuals and same-sex marriages.
Impact on Christianity
The long and pervasive history of persecution of Christianity has had profound implications for the religion and its adherents. Many have seen their faith, belief and rituals as a source of comfort, strength and protection against hostile forces. As a result, persecution has only served to strengthen the faith, as it has enabled a sense of solidarity and a steadfastness in their beliefs.
At the same time, however, the ongoing persecution of the religion has had detrimental effects. The frequent attacks on Christianity and its followers by radical extremists has led to an increase in death and suffering, while at the same time significantly reducing the freedom of Christians to practice their faith and express their beliefs.
Opposition to Persecution
In recent years, there has been a rise in opposition to the persecution of Christianity, with an increasing number of people speaking out against religious intolerance. Many countries in the western world have sought to protect members of the faith from persecution, with legal protection measures in place to safeguard religious expression.
Additionally, there is a growing international awareness of the plight of Christians in countries where religious freedom is limited, with many NGO’s and charities providing assistance and advocacy. This kind of action has helped to reduce the suffering of many believers, while challenging and reversing oppressive laws and policies within certain countries.
Advocating for Justice
As Christianity continues to be subject to persecution, it is essential that believers and advocates alike continue to fight for justice. This includes pushing for religious tolerance and acceptance, as well as ensuring rights, access and representation of those most affected.
The pursuit of justice must also include a willingness to work with other faith groups, as well as those of a different perspective. This kind of collaboration is essential if real progress is to be made, as only through understanding and respect can we create a world where all people are respected and protected.
The Role of Government
The role of government in protecting members of the faith and upholding religious freedom is also essential. Governments must be willing to take efforts to promote acceptance and inclusion of Christianity, while also looking to implement laws and policies that protect and support the religion. This could include providing adequate safety and security measures for those belonging to the faith and taking action against those that seek to undermine it.
Additionally, governments must be willing to challenge laws and regulations that prohibit or limit the practice of Christianity, as well as ensure that appropriate punishments are enforced against those found guilty of religious intolerance or discrimination.
The Strength of Fellowship
Finally, it is important to note the strength of fellowship in the face of persecution. Despite the dangers of being associated with Christianity, many believers have chosen to remain dedicated to their faith and continue to pass on their beliefs to future generations. This is testament to the power of fellowship, which has enabled the faith to survive despite centuries of opposition and suffering.
