When one looks Rome from the Cupola of the Vatican, one of the most prevalent landmarks seen is the Coliseum, the ancient arena where various Christians were martyred. It is sufficed to say that without the influence of the Roman Empire, Christianity would not have become the most influential religion in the world. It is however; also true that prior to becoming the official religion of the Roman Empire through Emperor Constantine in AD 303, Christianity was a persecuted religion. Various Christians were slaughtered because of their “treasonous” actions against Roman Empire. These persecutions were often glorified events performed as a deterrent to the pagan population that Christianity was a religion they sought to destroy. However, the joy
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However, the role of Christian deviance towards the empire cannot be understated. Though at first the deviance of Christianity alienated itself from the pagan community, there is an indication that as pagans became accustomed to living with Christians that Christianity began to grow. Initially pagan were skeptical of Christianity because of it adherence to monotheism, its refusal to participate in sacrifices to the gods, and their private, ritualistic religious life, all of which were contrary to the traditions of the empire . These Christian deviances from Roman social mores led the authorities to brand Christianity as a superstitious sect that practices incest and cannibalism in private . The criminal levied against Christians superseded their doctrines that were in line with pagan culture. Pliny the Younger states that the Christians do not commit themselves to doing crime, they actually take an oath against criminal activity, such as theft, murder and adultery . The admission of Pliny the Younger suggests that the pagans did not have a valid reason to fear Christianity, but their reputation as immoral and superstitious persons did is overshadowed by the fact that Christians live by moral tenants that were in line with Rome’s. It was the belief that Christianity was a superstitious cult that led to the widespread persecution of Christians, resulting in
However, the role of Christian deviance towards the empire cannot be understated. Though at first the deviance of Christianity alienated itself from the pagan community, there is an indication that as pagans became accustomed to living with Christians that Christianity began to grow. Initially pagan were skeptical of Christianity because of it adherence to monotheism, its refusal to participate in sacrifices to the gods, and their private, ritualistic religious life, all of which were contrary to the traditions of the empire . These Christian deviances from Roman social mores led the authorities to brand Christianity as a superstitious sect that practices incest and cannibalism in private . The criminal levied against Christians superseded their doctrines that were in line with pagan culture. Pliny the Younger states that the Christians do not commit themselves to doing crime, they actually take an oath against criminal activity, such as theft, murder and adultery . The admission of Pliny the Younger suggests that the pagans did not have a valid reason to fear Christianity, but their reputation as immoral and superstitious persons did is overshadowed by the fact that Christians live by moral tenants that were in line with Rome’s. It was the belief that Christianity was a superstitious cult that led to the widespread persecution of Christians, resulting in