The Romans were one of the most formidable of the ancient civilisations and their accomplishments in fields such as engineering, literature and military prowess remain impressive today. Yet, the empire was troubled by a faith that inspired rebellion and ultimately toppled its most powerful institutions: Christianity. But why were the Romans so averse to this new religion, and how did it become a force to be reckoned with in the Roman world?
Integral to the Roman experience was their own pantheon of Gods, many of which were adopted from neighbouring or conquered nations. Yet the idea of only one God, the central tenet of the Christian faith, was deeply alien to Roman sensibilities and belief system. Writing in the 1st century AD, the Roman historian Tacitus noted the “hatred” Romans had for Christianity – its adherents allegedly “hated the human race” and its emphasis on poverty, which could potentially lead to depopulated cities, was especially concerning. The fact that subsequent emperors embraced Christianity did not help the reputation of the religion among its earlier adherents.
It is possible that the opposition was more than just ideological. After all, Roman society was deeply hierarchical and the state relied on the patronage of aristocrats to remain in power. But, Christianity rejected the societal norms of Roman hegemony, advocating social equality and inclusivity within its flock. As such, the Roman elite believed that this faith could potentially lead to widespread social instability.
The Romans also felt that Christianity was a menace in its nature, as it was able to spread very quickly due to its monotheistic messages and teachings of love. A prime example of this can be seen in the thriving Christian centre of Alexandria in Egypt, where the religion was popularised among priests, governors and merchants. This further increased the fear in Rome that the faith was on the brink of becoming out of control.
One of the most terrifying aspects of the growing power of Christianity in the Roman world was its perceived ability to resist state persecution. Unlike other groups, it appeared to be relatively unaffected by the brutal tactics of the authorities, and its followers did not seem to lose faith in the face of death. This ability to withstand extreme hardship was ultimately one of the main factors that helped to unify Christianity and solidify its influence in the empire.
Another threat to Rome posed by Christianity was its tendency to defy established social conventions and values. In a time of rampant depravity and immorality, the purity and righteousness of Christianity could not be ignored. Moreover, the emphasis on faith in the divine instead of in empirical facts or traditional Roman beliefs was deeply disconcerting for the authorities, and helped to fuel the animosity felt for the religion.
Roman Culture in Fear of Christianity
The Romans considered Christianity to be a true threat to their culture and traditions, as it was perceived to be a source of moral degeneracy and corruption. This fear was heightened by the increasingly prominent social and political power of the Church, which was seen as a rising force in a society deeply entrenched in traditional beliefs and superstitions. This major shift in religious power, and the fact that Christianity was gaining much more traction with the everyday population, was understandably a cause of great concern for the establishment.
The fact that the new faith was considered to be an “outsider” religion was also a major stumbling block. Christianity rejected traditional Roman gods and values – with its tenets of faith, love, and forgiveness – and thus went against the grain of the mainstream belief structure. As such, it could not be ignored, and its influence only grew as the old Roman traditions diminished in stature.
Hostility and Persecution
The Romans responded to the growing power of Christianity with hostility. Persecution of followers became increasingly frequent, and even the most loyal adherents of the faith were not spared by the authorities. As a result, the Romans were able to temporarily repress the growth of the new religion but it only served to make it stronger in the long run. As intellectual historian Richard Duncan-Jones has argued, these oppressive measures only served to “cement the unity of its members.”
The Romans also attempted to try and stamp out Christianity by demonising its followers. The Jews, who had already been facing great suspicion, were targeted in particular and ultimately accused of committing heinous acts such as desecrating the Roman state. This further alienated Christians from their Roman compatriots and reinforced the idea that they were outside the boundaries of the empire.
The Romans were also wary of the fact that Christianity had a strong moral core, and its teachings encouraged individuals to be socially responsible. This was deeply problematic for the authorities, who relied heavily on citizens to comply with their authorities. As such, the religion posed a genuine challenge to the power of the state, and went against its existing system of governance.
Monumental Impact
Although the Romans were fearful of Christianity in its early years, its ultimate impact is undeniable. Not only did the faith survive the Roman oppression, it eventually came to dominate the empire and, ultimately, become its official religion. This shift occurred due to a combination of factors, such as the Romans’ inability to control the movement and teachings of Christianity, as well as the religion’s remarkable resilience in the face of persecution.
Moreover, the lasting legacy of Christianity can still be felt today, as it remains one of the most prominent and practised faith systems worldwide. It has also had a profound impact on civilisations such as art and literature, as well as influencing how the West views morality and justice.
Fear to Power
Over the centuries, Christianity has risen from a position of fear and suspicion to a religion of immense power and influence. This transformation is a testament to the power and adaptability of the faith, and the strength of its convictions. It is also a reminder of the cyclical nature of history, as even the most venerable of civilisations can eventually be replaced in due time.
The Romans may have feared and opposed Christianity in their day, but it would ultimately end up becoming one of the great successes of the Roman legacy. The fact that the faith has remained popular to this very day serves as a reminder of its indomitable spirit and the lasting influence of its teachings.
A Favor For Christianity
The favour that the Roman emperor Constantine showed towards Christianity had a monumental impact on its fortunes. This did not mean that Rome was suddenly in favour of the religion, but it did remove certain restrictions on its practice. Constantine’s Edict of Milan in 313 AD, for example, decreed that religious differences must be tolerated and Christianity was allowed to exist without fear of persecution.
Eventually, Constantine would go even further and make Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. He believed that the tenets of the faith, such as peace and justice, were in line with the values of Rome and could help to unify its disparate populace. This decision had a lasting impact, as it helped to bring about a period of peace and stability in the region.
Religious Reformation
The decision to declare Christianity the official faith of Rome brought about a period of tremendous religious reformation. Across the empire, the Church worked hard to transform society by encouraging the reading of the Scriptures and supporting charitable works. Laws and structures were put in place to govern the Church, while edicts such as the Edict of Thessalonica (380 AD) helped to regularise Christianity and bring it in line with traditional Roman values.
This reformation had an immense impact on the Roman world and its belief systems, as Christianity quickly spread across the region and human rights were emphasised for the first time in years. It is no wonder then that the Romans were initially fearful of this movement, but it is clear from the long term effects that it was the right decision to make.
Modern-Day Christianity
Today, Christianity remains a powerful force in the world, and its teachings and values continue to shape our societies and civilisations. Its rejection of traditional Roman beliefs and its emphasis on social responsibility are still felt in many parts of the world today. It is important to remember that, while the Romans were initially fearful of Christianity, it ultimately provided the foundation for the modern world.
This has only been possible due to the courage of its proponents and their unwavering belief in its messages of love and acceptance. The Romans may have feared Christianity in times past, but ultimately, it has proved to be an impressive resilient religion that continues to appeal to many in the modern era.
