Introduction
At the very dawn of Christianity, the Roman Empire was a superpower with immense military and political power, virtually controlling the entire known world. Christians, although persecuted and often treated poorly, eventually overcame the odds and became the dominant force in Europe, transforming it and influencing the rest of the world. In this article, we will take a closer look at how Christianity was treated in the Roman Empire and the various ways in which it was affected by the imperial government, societal opinion, and cultural norms of the time.
What Sort Of Christianity Existed in the Roman Empire?
The Christianity that existed in the Roman Empire during the late first century AD was a mixture of Jewish, Greek, and various Oriental beliefs and practices. This version of Christianity had its roots in Jewish Messianism, which was a religion that expected a Messiah, or savior, to come to earth and save humanity from sin. This early type of Christianity, sometimes referred to as “formative” Christianity, is said to have begun in Jerusalem around the time Jesus was crucified, and it spread throughout the Roman Empire.
What Kind of Treatment Did Christianity Receive in the Roman Empire?
Early Christianity was not seen favorably by the Roman government, who viewed it as a superstitious cult which threatened public order and belief in the Roman gods. For example, the emperor Nero is said to have persecuted Christians after blaming them for a great fire that devastated Rome, and the Emperor Diocletian later tried to exterminate Christianity altogether by ordering that all Christian books, except the Bible, be destroyed. Despite these harsh measures, Christianity was able to survive due to its strong message of hope and salvation.
How Did Popular Opinion Affect Christianity in the Roman Empire?
Christianity in the Roman Empire was also subject to popular opinion. While many members of the upper classes viewed Christianity as a dangerous, superstitious cult, the lower classes were generally more sympathetic towards it. This resulted in the religion being perceived negatively by the upper classes, but positively by the lower classes. This opinion gap was further widened by Perpetua and Felicitas, two Christian women who were martyred for their faith, their self-sacrifice being seen as a source of inspiration and admiration by the lower classes.
What Cultural Norms Played a Role in Christianity’s Treatment in the Roman Empire?
The Roman government and popular opinion were not the only factors in how Christianity was treated in the Roman Empire. Various cultural norms also played a role. For example, Ancient Rome had a very patriarchal society, and women were not typically seen as equals to men. This perception of women had an effect on the way Christianity was viewed, as many early Christian women, such as the aforementioned Perpetua and Felicitas, faced persecution and even death for their beliefs. Furthermore, early Christians often venerated Biblical figures, such as Jesus, as divine. This type of reverence was seen as blasphemous by the Roman government, who believed only the gods of ancient Rome should be worshipped as such.
How Did Christianity Survive Despite Hostile Conditions in the Roman Empire?
In spite of the hostile conditions in the Roman Empire, Christianity was eventually able to survive and even grow. The religion was able to do this through the herculean efforts of its followers, who were willing to risk their lives in order to spread the word of the gospel. Furthermore, the religion was able to survive thanks to the inspiring words of its leaders, such as St. Paul, who wrote extensively in a bid to defend the new faith. Over time, this all combined to create a momentum behind Christianity, allowing it to eventually become the dominant religion of Europe and the world.
How Was Christianity Ultimately Affected By the Roman Empire?
The Roman Empire had a major impact on Christianity, both positively and negatively. On one hand, the organization of the Roman government allowed Christianity to spread throughout the Empire, eventually reaching far and wide. On the other hand, the hostility of the government and popular opinion led to Christianity being persecuted and sometimes even nearly destroyed.
In the end, however, Christianity was able to emerge victorious despite the odds against it. This outcome is a testament both to the strength of the religion, in terms of its ideology and beliefs, and to the strength of the people who fought so passionately for the faith. In short, the Roman Empire was a major force in shaping Christianity, but ultimately it was the people who determined its final outcome.
How Was Christianity Viewed By Roman Pagan Intellectuals?
Roman pagan intellectuals such as Cicero and Pliny the Elder were highly critical of Christianity, viewing it as an uncivilised religion with no logic or reason behind it. In the words of Cicero, “nothing is more ridiculous than their superstitions”. These opinions were echoed by Pliny the Elder, who argued that Christianity had nothing to offer the world. Despite this criticism, it is important to note that some Roman intellectuals, such as Seneca the Younger, were more sympathetic towards Christianity and its followers.
What Kind Of Social Repercussions Did Christianity Have For Early Romans?
By becoming a Christian in the Roman Empire, one was subject to certain social repercussions. For example, Christians were often seen as outsiders who opposed the dominant culture and beliefs of society. As such, they were met with scorn and sometimes even violence. It was also very difficult for Christians to find employment, as employers were often wary of hiring those who held different beliefs.
How Did Christianity Challenge The Power Structure of the Roman Empire?
The rise of Christianity challenged the power structure of the Roman Empire in a variety of ways. For one, it provided a foundation of morality and order which was different from the existing Roman structure. Furthermore, it provided an alternative to the hedonism and widespread immorality that was common in Roman society. Ultimately, the power structure of the Roman Empire was irrevocably changed by the spread of Christianity, as the religion provided a different view of the world and opened people’s minds to alternative sources of power.
Conclusion
Although Christianity was viewed negatively by the Roman government and its citizens, it was able to survive and even thrive during its early years in the Roman Empire. Early Christians were able to do this through sheer determination and strength of will, as well as the inspiring words of its leaders. In the end, Christianity’s success was a testament to the power of the religion and its believers, as well as to how it challenged the power structure of the Roman Empire.
