The Persecution of the Early Church
This article will summarize the reign of the Emperor Valerian from A.D. 253-260 and his
policy that lead to the persecution of the church. Emperor Valerian reigned for seven years. At
the onset of his rule the Emperor had a positive attitude toward Christians however this changed
suddenly resulting in two edicts. Valerian ordered Christian clergy to make sacrifices to Romans
gods or be banished. One year later, the second order changed and loss of title, money, property
and death became consequences to not serving Roman gods. Valerian particularly focused on
wealthy individuals. These individuals had their property confiscated because of their
conversion to Christianity. During …show more content…
The article addresses the fact that Christianity was
first something Romans did not address due to their lack of understanding of the belief.
Religion was an affair of the state as long as it did not interfere or disrupt the state and was
tolerant of other religions. Christianity did neither in terms of making the Romans comfortable
with it. Because of prior persecution Christians met in private to worship however they were not
exempt from cruel rituals of the Romans serving their gods. Once the persecution subsided
Christianity spread in the second and third centuries. The Edict of Milan granted full freedom to
worship and civic rights to Christians. Christianity found its’ way to all walks of life but still
limited work in public office or in the military. This changed once Christianity was embraced by
people of wealth and position. The bottom line is that Christianity prevailed and became a force
that converted people from all background and beliefs. Christians standing in their faith made a
change not just to the local Romans but also abroad.
This article will summarize the reign of the Emperor Valerian from A.D. 253-260 and his
policy that lead to the persecution of the church. Emperor Valerian reigned for seven years. At
the onset of his rule the Emperor had a positive attitude toward Christians however this changed
suddenly resulting in two edicts. Valerian ordered Christian clergy to make sacrifices to Romans
gods or be banished. One year later, the second order changed and loss of title, money, property
and death became consequences to not serving Roman gods. Valerian particularly focused on
wealthy individuals. These individuals had their property confiscated because of their
conversion to Christianity. During …show more content…
The article addresses the fact that Christianity was
first something Romans did not address due to their lack of understanding of the belief.
Religion was an affair of the state as long as it did not interfere or disrupt the state and was
tolerant of other religions. Christianity did neither in terms of making the Romans comfortable
with it. Because of prior persecution Christians met in private to worship however they were not
exempt from cruel rituals of the Romans serving their gods. Once the persecution subsided
Christianity spread in the second and third centuries. The Edict of Milan granted full freedom to
worship and civic rights to Christians. Christianity found its’ way to all walks of life but still
limited work in public office or in the military. This changed once Christianity was embraced by
people of wealth and position. The bottom line is that Christianity prevailed and became a force
that converted people from all background and beliefs. Christians standing in their faith made a
change not just to the local Romans but also abroad.