The Rise of Christianity The Rise of Christianity

Salvation and ChristianitySalvation and Christianity

Source problems

Christian sources all positiveNegative sources suppressed

Christians mocking pagan beliefs

“So let us [Christians] too begin solemnly with Father Janus. Some of you say he is the world, some the year, some the sun. But if we accept that as true, we must understand as a consequence that the Janus who they say was the son of Caelus and Hecate, the first king in Italy, the founder of Janiculum, the father of Fons, the son-in-law of Volurnus, the husband of Juturna, never existed. Thus by your own doing the name of the god whom you put first in all your prayers, who you believe opens the way for you to the hearing of the gods, is wiped out.”

(Arnobius, 3.29, ca. 300 AD in Wiseman, p. 162)

Afterlife? Afterlife? Roman tombstones suggest that most Romans had Roman tombstones suggest that most Romans had

little concern about life after deathlittle concern about life after death Mystery Cults only promised a limited afterlife: Mystery Cults only promised a limited afterlife: In the Golden Ass, Isis did not offer Lucius escape In the Golden Ass, Isis did not offer Lucius escape

from death, only tells him he will have a nice place in from death, only tells him he will have a nice place in the underworld where he will continue to worship her the underworld where he will continue to worship her

if he had gained her favour.. ”you will discover that if he had gained her favour.. ”you will discover that to me alone is it also permitted to extend your life to me alone is it also permitted to extend your life beyond the span allotted by your fate” (Golden Ass beyond the span allotted by your fate” (Golden Ass 11.6) 11.6)

A Longer life is a greater favour than residence in A Longer life is a greater favour than residence in Eleusian fields in UnderworldEleusian fields in Underworld

The nature of ChristianityThe nature of Christianity

A historical religion, based on particular event in A historical religion, based on particular event in history: founded about 6 CE (according to belief) history: founded about 6 CE (according to belief) by a Messiah, son of God, taking human form by a Messiah, son of God, taking human form

Parent religion: JudaismParent religion: Judaism Earliest period (Jesus movement) up to 70 CE – Earliest period (Jesus movement) up to 70 CE –

not a religion but a not a religion but a Jewish renewal movement-Jewish renewal movement- very close to Judaismvery close to Judaism

Christianity became an independent religious Christianity became an independent religious movement – around end of 1movement – around end of 1stst century CE century CE

End of 2End of 2ndnd century CE – Christianity had a canon century CE – Christianity had a canon of scripture, a clear concept of orthodox belief of scripture, a clear concept of orthodox belief and practiceand practice

Early Christianity in contextEarly Christianity in context Roman culture: period of religious experimentation: cults of Roman culture: period of religious experimentation: cults of

Cybele, Attis, Isis, Mithras, Dionysos – many exploring question of Cybele, Attis, Isis, Mithras, Dionysos – many exploring question of sexuality and gendersexuality and gender

Greco-Roman religion – women involved at every level: cleaning Greco-Roman religion – women involved at every level: cleaning temples, performance of most sacred rites; but with exception of temples, performance of most sacred rites; but with exception of Vestals – no chief priesthoods in state religion;Vestals – no chief priesthoods in state religion;

Cult of IsisCult of Isis - gender equality/status equality/ cult offered - gender equality/status equality/ cult offered salvation from all sins and problems/ salvation from all sins and problems/

Not exclusive religion: People could be members of mystery and Not exclusive religion: People could be members of mystery and other cults at same timeother cults at same time

JudaismJudaism – very different: offered moral code, emphasis on family – very different: offered moral code, emphasis on family life, protection of one god and creator- life, protection of one god and creator- anomaly in religions of anomaly in religions of empireempire

Judaism reflects patriarchal society (laws and religious practices Judaism reflects patriarchal society (laws and religious practices reflect agrarian society): women in agrarian culture transformed reflect agrarian society): women in agrarian culture transformed raw materials into products for use in household; bear children raw materials into products for use in household; bear children and raise children; are in charge of householdand raise children; are in charge of household

Early ChristianityEarly Christianity

Founding figure Jesus – central to Founding figure Jesus – central to movement (according to followers) movement (according to followers) characterized by presence of divine spirit – characterized by presence of divine spirit – a supernatural force attributed to goda supernatural force attributed to god

Challenged existing social hierarchy Challenged existing social hierarchy Inclusion of women in movement Inclusion of women in movement Men and women endowed by spirit at end-Men and women endowed by spirit at end-

timetime New community of equalsNew community of equals

Mk 1o.42-44Mk 1o.42-44

““Jesus called them and said to them, Jesus called them and said to them, ‘you know that among the Gentiles ‘you know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be a slave of all.”among you must be a slave of all.”

Context of inclusion: End-Context of inclusion: End-time (eschatology)time (eschatology)

End-time – close at handEnd-time – close at hand Teaching radically different from traditional idea of family in Teaching radically different from traditional idea of family in

Judaism in Hellenistic period (hierarchy determined by power, Judaism in Hellenistic period (hierarchy determined by power, age, gender, family ties, etc.) religion challenged this social age, gender, family ties, etc.) religion challenged this social structurestructure

not a vision of future in human terms – god was about to take not a vision of future in human terms – god was about to take apart human structures by judging sinners and impose divine apart human structures by judging sinners and impose divine plan on a new worldplan on a new world

Temporary solution: Inclusion of women, status equity not Temporary solution: Inclusion of women, status equity not long-term solution to centuries of patriarchy and exclusions long-term solution to centuries of patriarchy and exclusions but merely a temporary arrangementbut merely a temporary arrangement

Inclusion of women also pragmatic -valuable resource in Inclusion of women also pragmatic -valuable resource in early Christian community: itinerant teachers needed early Christian community: itinerant teachers needed hospitality hospitality

Households in villages and towns and urban centers formed Households in villages and towns and urban centers formed nucleus for Christian communities;nucleus for Christian communities;

Eschatological: women even left homes – followed Jesus from Eschatological: women even left homes – followed Jesus from Galilee to JerusalemGalilee to Jerusalem

Judaism in the Roman EmpireJudaism in the Roman Empire shared basic characteristics with other traditions shared basic characteristics with other traditions

in Near East - but also important differencesin Near East - but also important differences Judeans anomalous group in Roman empire: Judeans anomalous group in Roman empire:

were expected to acknowledge their god as the were expected to acknowledge their god as the only true god, and to observe moral, cultic, social only true god, and to observe moral, cultic, social prescriptions enshrined in their sacred writings.prescriptions enshrined in their sacred writings.

Created tensions with non-JudaeansCreated tensions with non-Judaeans Romans considered some practices as repulsive: Romans considered some practices as repulsive:

dietary restrictions (prohibition of pork was dietary restrictions (prohibition of pork was derided); observance of Sabbath considered derided); observance of Sabbath considered bizarre or as excuse for laziness; circumcision bizarre or as excuse for laziness; circumcision (Greeks and Romans considered it barbaric) - (Greeks and Romans considered it barbaric) - which opened tradition up to attack as a which opened tradition up to attack as a superstition (superstition (superstitiosuperstitio))

ReligioReligio and and superstitiosuperstitio

ReligioReligio – duty to gods, correct – duty to gods, correct observation of cult practices, observation of cult practices,

SuperstitioSuperstitio: irregular (excessive) : irregular (excessive) religious practices (not following religious practices (not following customs of the state) and excessive customs of the state) and excessive devotion to the gods devotion to the gods

Jews as seen by Romans Jews as seen by Romans

perception of Jews as isolating themselves and perception of Jews as isolating themselves and showing hostility towards outsidersshowing hostility towards outsiders

historian Tacitus:historian Tacitus: “ “Moses …introduced novel religious observances, Moses …introduced novel religious observances,

contrary to those of the rest of humanity, contrary to those of the rest of humanity, everything that is sacred among us is impious for everything that is sacred among us is impious for them, whereas what is impure for us is permitted them, whereas what is impure for us is permitted among them. Although honest and among them. Although honest and compassionate with one another, they display the compassionate with one another, they display the hatred of an enemy for all others, ..eat apart, do hatred of an enemy for all others, ..eat apart, do not intermarry, practice circumcision to mark not intermarry, practice circumcision to mark themselves off from other men” themselves off from other men” Tacitus Tacitus HistoriesHistories 5.4-5 5.4-5

More Roman prejudiceMore Roman prejudice ““Some who have a father who observed the Some who have a father who observed the

sabbath worship nothing but the clouds and the sabbath worship nothing but the clouds and the divinity of heaven, and think there is no difference divinity of heaven, and think there is no difference between human and pig’s flesh, from which their between human and pig’s flesh, from which their father abstained; before long, they go on to remove father abstained; before long, they go on to remove their foreskins. Accustomed to despise Roman laws, their foreskins. Accustomed to despise Roman laws, they learn, follow and observe Jewish law, whatever they learn, follow and observe Jewish law, whatever Moses handed down in his arcane volume: for Moses handed down in his arcane volume: for example, that one should show the way only to a example, that one should show the way only to a follow believer, and with people in search of follow believer, and with people in search of drinking water that one should assist only the drinking water that one should assist only the circumcised. But it is the father who was at fault; circumcised. But it is the father who was at fault; for him every seventh day was given up to laziness, for him every seventh day was given up to laziness, and kept apart from all the concerns of life. and kept apart from all the concerns of life.

Juvenal, Juvenal, Satires Satires 14.96-10614.96-106

Official Roman responseOfficial Roman response

Judaean communities in many Greek and Judaean communities in many Greek and Roman cities did not participate in public Roman cities did not participate in public ceremonies (including imperial cult) of cities ceremonies (including imperial cult) of cities they lived in.they lived in.

Roman response varied: elite respected Roman response varied: elite respected ancestral traditions of other people - even if ancestral traditions of other people - even if bizarre; diplomatic relationships also bizarre; diplomatic relationships also important; Romans normally did not intervene important; Romans normally did not intervene and allowed foreign practices: i.e. did not and allowed foreign practices: i.e. did not compel Jews to appear in court on Sabbath; did compel Jews to appear in court on Sabbath; did not forbid them to send money to Jerusalem.not forbid them to send money to Jerusalem.

Roman Regulations of Clubs Roman Regulations of Clubs and Associationsand Associations

Regulations of private gatherings introduced Regulations of private gatherings introduced in mid 1in mid 1stst century BCE, during period of century BCE, during period of political unrest to prevent political political unrest to prevent political conspiraciesconspiracies

Augustus passed more extensive laws: Augustus passed more extensive laws: associations had to be authorized by senate associations had to be authorized by senate or the emperor (only exceptions: burial or the emperor (only exceptions: burial societies and meetings for sake of societies and meetings for sake of religioreligio))

22ndnd century CE, governors could ban social century CE, governors could ban social clubs (had consequences for Christian clubs (had consequences for Christian meetings)meetings)

Justinian, Digest XXXXVII.22.2Justinian, Digest XXXXVII.22.2 ““By the imperial mandates to provincial governors it is laid By the imperial mandates to provincial governors it is laid

down that neither fellowship societies be tolerated nor down that neither fellowship societies be tolerated nor soldier’s clubs in the camps be permitted; but it is soldier’s clubs in the camps be permitted; but it is permissible for the people of poorer means to pay a permissible for the people of poorer means to pay a monthly subscription provided that hey gather only once a monthly subscription provided that hey gather only once a month; this limitation is to prevent any pretext for an illegal month; this limitation is to prevent any pretext for an illegal club. Divus Severus (Septimius Severus) issued a ruling that club. Divus Severus (Septimius Severus) issued a ruling that this regulation applies not only in Rome, but also in Italy this regulation applies not only in Rome, but also in Italy and the provinces. ‘But meetings for the sake of religio are and the provinces. ‘But meetings for the sake of religio are not banned, as long as the meetingis not contrary to the not banned, as long as the meetingis not contrary to the decree of the senate that prohibits illegal clubs. No one decree of the senate that prohibits illegal clubs. No one may be a member of more than one legal club, as is laid may be a member of more than one legal club, as is laid down by the divi brothers [Marcus Aurelius and Lucius down by the divi brothers [Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus]; and if someone is a member of two, there is an Verus]; and if someone is a member of two, there is an imperial ruling that je should choose one that he prefers to imperial ruling that je should choose one that he prefers to remain in, and that he should receive from the club he is remain in, and that he should receive from the club he is resigning the share of the common fund due to him.resigning the share of the common fund due to him.

Response to foreign Response to foreign superstitiosuperstitio

““And Pomponia Graecina, a woman of noble And Pomponia Graecina, a woman of noble family, married to Aulus Plautius, whose family, married to Aulus Plautius, whose victory procession over the Britons I victory procession over the Britons I mentioned above [now lost part of Book XI] mentioned above [now lost part of Book XI] was accused on a charge of foreign was accused on a charge of foreign superstitiosuperstitio and handed over to her and handed over to her husband’s jurisdiction. Following ancestral husband’s jurisdiction. Following ancestral practice, with his wife’s life and reputation practice, with his wife’s life and reputation at state, he conducted the hearing in the at state, he conducted the hearing in the presence of relatives and found her presence of relatives and found her innocent. innocent. Tacitus, Tacitus, Annals Annals XIII.32XIII.32

Responses to ChristiansResponses to Christians(The Hollywood versus the historical version)(The Hollywood versus the historical version)

Hollywood: soldiers burst into Christian meetings, Roman officials force Hollywood: soldiers burst into Christian meetings, Roman officials force them to emperor, if they refuse - defenseless Christians face wild beasts in them to emperor, if they refuse - defenseless Christians face wild beasts in arenaarena

accurate in certain respects - include several misconceptions – that accurate in certain respects - include several misconceptions – that originated in period of early churchoriginated in period of early church

During 4During 4thth century CE Christianity rapidly transformed from persecuted century CE Christianity rapidly transformed from persecuted religion to a favored and even dominant onereligion to a favored and even dominant one

Success brought nostalgia for days of persecution, which served to justify Success brought nostalgia for days of persecution, which served to justify the Christian triumph, and provide models of virtue and fortitude for those the Christian triumph, and provide models of virtue and fortitude for those who lived in easier times (models of martyrs who died for their devotion)who lived in easier times (models of martyrs who died for their devotion)

Natural tendency to exaggerate the rigor of persecutions; many accounts Natural tendency to exaggerate the rigor of persecutions; many accounts of martyrdom extensively reworked or invented completely. of martyrdom extensively reworked or invented completely.

At same time earlier, anti-Christian material destroyed or allowed to At same time earlier, anti-Christian material destroyed or allowed to disappear; extremely few documents from viewpoint of Roman officials disappear; extremely few documents from viewpoint of Roman officials

Sources from period of persecutions of Christians are few and unreliableSources from period of persecutions of Christians are few and unreliable

Christians as scapegoatsChristians as scapegoats(first persecution under Nero)(first persecution under Nero)

““Therefore, to end the rumour [that he had started the fire] Therefore, to end the rumour [that he had started the fire] Nero substiuted as the guilty and punished with the Nero substiuted as the guilty and punished with the choicest penalties those hated for their vices and popularly choicest penalties those hated for their vices and popularly called Christians. The originator of their name, one Christus, called Christians. The originator of their name, one Christus, was executed in the Principate of Tiberius by the governer was executed in the Principate of Tiberius by the governer Pontius Pilate; the deadly Pontius Pilate; the deadly superstitio superstitio was checked for a was checked for a time, but broke out again, not only in Judaea, the origin of time, but broke out again, not only in Judaea, the origin of the evil, but even in the capital, where all hideous and the evil, but even in the capital, where all hideous and shameful practices collect from every quarter and are shameful practices collect from every quarter and are extremely popular. So first the confessed members were extremely popular. So first the confessed members were arrested; then, on their evidence a huge number were arrested; then, on their evidence a huge number were found guilty, not so much on the charge of arson, as for found guilty, not so much on the charge of arson, as for their hatred of the human race. And those dying were made their hatred of the human race. And those dying were made an object of mockery: covered with animal skins, they were an object of mockery: covered with animal skins, they were torn to pieces by dogs, or nailed to crosses, when daylight torn to pieces by dogs, or nailed to crosses, when daylight failed, they were set alight as torches to lighten the failed, they were set alight as torches to lighten the darkness. (Tacitus, Annals XV 44)darkness. (Tacitus, Annals XV 44)

Early responses:Early responses:Pliny – letter to Emperor TrajanPliny – letter to Emperor Trajan

““it is my practice ..to refer to you on all points where I am doubtful it is my practice ..to refer to you on all points where I am doubtful ..As I have never taken part in a trial of Christians, I do not know ..As I have never taken part in a trial of Christians, I do not know what is customary to investigate nor how far the penalty should what is customary to investigate nor how far the penalty should be applied. ..whether there should be any distinction drawn be applied. ..whether there should be any distinction drawn between them on grounds of age, or whether rather the young between them on grounds of age, or whether rather the young and the elders should be treated alike; whether repentance should and the elders should be treated alike; whether repentance should lead to a pardon, or whether rather the name itself should be lead to a pardon, or whether rather the name itself should be punished even if there were no criminal acts, or whether rather punished even if there were no criminal acts, or whether rather the criminal act associated with the name should be punished…In the criminal act associated with the name should be punished…In the meantime I have employed the following procedure in relation the meantime I have employed the following procedure in relation to those who were denounced to me as Christians. I asked them in to those who were denounced to me as Christians. I asked them in person whether they were Christians. If they confessed it, I person whether they were Christians. If they confessed it, I repeated the question a second and third time, threatening them repeated the question a second and third time, threatening them with capital punishment; those who persisted, I ordered to be with capital punishment; those who persisted, I ordered to be executed. For I had no hesitation, whatever the nature of their executed. For I had no hesitation, whatever the nature of their confession, that that stubbornness and rigid obstinacy should confession, that that stubbornness and rigid obstinacy should certainly be punished. There were others similarly fanatical whom, certainly be punished. There were others similarly fanatical whom, because they were Roman citizens, I have put on the list of because they were Roman citizens, I have put on the list of persons to be sent to the city of Rome…persons to be sent to the city of Rome…

Pliny …. continuedPliny …. continued As a result of actual investigation, ..these accusations have spread As a result of actual investigation, ..these accusations have spread

rapidly and further types of the trouble have come to light. An rapidly and further types of the trouble have come to light. An anonymous pamphlet was laid before me containing many people’s anonymous pamphlet was laid before me containing many people’s names.Those mentioned there who denied that they were or had names.Those mentioned there who denied that they were or had been Christians, I thought should be released, when they repeated been Christians, I thought should be released, when they repeated after me an invocation to the gods and made a after me an invocation to the gods and made a supplicatiosupplicatio of wine of wine and incense to your image, which I had ordered for this purpose to be and incense to your image, which I had ordered for this purpose to be placed with the statues of the gods, and in addition cursed Christ, all placed with the statues of the gods, and in addition cursed Christ, all things which those who are true Christians, it is said, cannot be things which those who are true Christians, it is said, cannot be brought to do. ..others who had been named..that they were brought to do. ..others who had been named..that they were Christians and then denied it; they had stopped – some tow years Christians and then denied it; they had stopped – some tow years before …They too paid homage to your image and the statues of the before …They too paid homage to your image and the statues of the gods, and cursed Christ. They claimed that the sum total of their guilt gods, and cursed Christ. They claimed that the sum total of their guilt or wrong doing was the following: They had been accustomed to or wrong doing was the following: They had been accustomed to gather on a fixed day before dawn to sing a song in alternate verses gather on a fixed day before dawn to sing a song in alternate verses to Christ as to a god, and to bind themselves by an oath, not for any to Christ as to a god, and to bind themselves by an oath, not for any criminal purpose, but that they should not commit theft, robbery or criminal purpose, but that they should not commit theft, robbery or adultery that they should not break contracts, and that they should adultery that they should not break contracts, and that they should return money entrusted to them when called upon. After this return money entrusted to them when called upon. After this ceremony, they said, it had been their practice to depart and ceremony, they said, it had been their practice to depart and reconvene later to take food, which was however ordinary and reconvene later to take food, which was however ordinary and harmless… continued harmless… continued

Pliny…. continuedPliny…. continued

This made me believe that it was all This made me believe that it was all the more essential to find out from the more essential to find out from two slave serving-women, who were two slave serving-women, who were called ‘attendants’ what the truth called ‘attendants’ what the truth was, using torture. I discovered was, using torture. I discovered nothing worse than a depraved and nothing worse than a depraved and excessive excessive superstitiosuperstitio. ….. ….

Trajan’s responseTrajan’s response You have followed …the proper procedure in You have followed …the proper procedure in

investigating the cases of those denounced investigating the cases of those denounced to you as Christians. For no general rule can to you as Christians. For no general rule can be laid down to a fixed formula. They are be laid down to a fixed formula. They are not to be sought out; if they are denounced not to be sought out; if they are denounced and found guilty, they are to be punished, and found guilty, they are to be punished, but those who deny that they are Christians but those who deny that they are Christians and make that absolutely clear in practice, and make that absolutely clear in practice, that is by making a that is by making a supplicatiosupplicatio to our gods, to our gods, even if they had incurred suspicion in the even if they had incurred suspicion in the past, they should obtain an acquittal as a past, they should obtain an acquittal as a result of their accusation. They are an result of their accusation. They are an extremely bad precedent and out of keeping extremely bad precedent and out of keeping with our age. with our age.

Why was being a Christian a Why was being a Christian a punishable offence?punishable offence?

Christians rejected all traditional Christians rejected all traditional

markers of markers of pietaspietas, made themselves , made themselves outcasts from their society.outcasts from their society.

Like Judaeans, Christian refused to Like Judaeans, Christian refused to sacrifice or make offerings to other sacrifice or make offerings to other deities. Took no part in communal deities. Took no part in communal rituals (state religion)rituals (state religion)

But in contrast to Juadaeans, Christians But in contrast to Juadaeans, Christians made no offerings to their own godmade no offerings to their own god

Practices seen as Practices seen as superstitio superstitio

Roman reaction to ChristiansRoman reaction to Christians

Ocurred in 2 main phases:Ocurred in 2 main phases: Phase 1: sourcesPhase 1: sources: letters between Pliny and Trajan (see : letters between Pliny and Trajan (see

above), official documents concerning treatment of above), official documents concerning treatment of Christians, early 2Christians, early 2ndnd century CE century CE

Documents reveal situation from 1Documents reveal situation from 1stst to mid 3 to mid 3rdrd century CE: century CE: widely accepted that being Christian was a punishable widely accepted that being Christian was a punishable offence, but anyone who was willing to conform to accepted offence, but anyone who was willing to conform to accepted religious behaviour was let off.religious behaviour was let off.

Roman officials did not engage in any active persecution of Roman officials did not engage in any active persecution of Christians, only responded to charges brought by others;Christians, only responded to charges brought by others;

Treatment similar to that of practitians of magic;Treatment similar to that of practitians of magic; reactions were local, and ad hoc, following no reactions were local, and ad hoc, following no

comprehensive law or general policiescomprehensive law or general policies

Phase 2Phase 2 Strict hostile policies by a series of emperors:Strict hostile policies by a series of emperors: 202 CE, emperor Septimius Severus ruled that conversion to Christianity 202 CE, emperor Septimius Severus ruled that conversion to Christianity

was illegalwas illegal 249 CE, emperor Decius issued a decree that every inhabitant of the 249 CE, emperor Decius issued a decree that every inhabitant of the

empire was to perform a sacrifice to the emperor and obtain official empire was to perform a sacrifice to the emperor and obtain official certification that he or she had done so.certification that he or she had done so.

Resulted in first empire-wide persecution Resulted in first empire-wide persecution Christians could not comply with request without compromising their Christians could not comply with request without compromising their

belief belief In 257 emperor Valerian initiated a more systematic persecution, In 257 emperor Valerian initiated a more systematic persecution,

required Christian clergy to “acknowledge” Roman ceremonies and required Christian clergy to “acknowledge” Roman ceremonies and forbade any Christian assemblies, forbade any Christian assemblies,

Decree in 258 called for immediate punishment for all Christian clergy Decree in 258 called for immediate punishment for all Christian clergy and severe reprisals for all Christians of high social status who did not and severe reprisals for all Christians of high social status who did not renounce their faith – confiscation of property renounce their faith – confiscation of property

Valerian captured by enemy in 260 - Valerian captured by enemy in 260 - end of persecutions end of persecutions

Recognition of Christian Recognition of Christian churchchurch

Valerian’s successor, emperor Gallienus, rescinded decrees; Valerian’s successor, emperor Gallienus, rescinded decrees; guaranteed return of church property, freedom from harassment, guaranteed return of church property, freedom from harassment, provided first official recognition of Christian church.provided first official recognition of Christian church.

40 years of tolerance– allowed the church to increase in size and 40 years of tolerance– allowed the church to increase in size and strength strength

Good days over in 303 CE with the most comprehensive Good days over in 303 CE with the most comprehensive persecution under Diocletian (in attempt to end Christian persecution under Diocletian (in attempt to end Christian penetration of army and civil service) and his successorspenetration of army and civil service) and his successors

This persecution was carried out in two phases: His initial edict This persecution was carried out in two phases: His initial edict (Phase 1) ordered the destruction of Christian meeting places (Phase 1) ordered the destruction of Christian meeting places and sacred texts, confiscation of church property, restrictions on and sacred texts, confiscation of church property, restrictions on social and legal privileges of Christians social and legal privileges of Christians

Phase 2 consisted of persecutions – as a reaction to Christians’ Phase 2 consisted of persecutions – as a reaction to Christians’ lack of participation in traditional religion and as representing lack of participation in traditional religion and as representing serious threat to the established authority. serious threat to the established authority.

Constantine (313 CE)Constantine (313 CE)the edict of Milanthe edict of Milan

End of Christian persecutions:End of Christian persecutions: The meeting at Milan February 313 CE: Letter of Constantine and The meeting at Milan February 313 CE: Letter of Constantine and

Licinius on the restoration of the church:Licinius on the restoration of the church: ““When I, Constantine Augustus, and I, Licinius August happily met When I, Constantine Augustus, and I, Licinius August happily met

at Milan and had under consideration everything which related to at Milan and had under consideration everything which related to public convenience and security, we thought that, among other public convenience and security, we thought that, among other matters which would benefit most people, arrangements matters which would benefit most people, arrangements particularly needed to be made to ensure respect for the divine, particularly needed to be made to ensure respect for the divine, so that we should grant both Christians and to all people freedom so that we should grant both Christians and to all people freedom to follow whatever to follow whatever religioreligio each one wished, whereby whatever each one wished, whereby whatever divinity exists in the celestial abode can be placated and divinity exists in the celestial abode can be placated and propitious to us and all who are placed under our power. propitious to us and all who are placed under our power. Accordingly, we thought that on sensible and most proper grounds Accordingly, we thought that on sensible and most proper grounds this plan should be adopted, that we should not deny this right to this plan should be adopted, that we should not deny this right to anyone, whether he devoted himself to the Christians’ anyone, whether he devoted himself to the Christians’ observance or to any observance or to any religioreligio which he considers most suitable for which he considers most suitable for himself, so that the supreme divinity, whose himself, so that the supreme divinity, whose religioreligio we obey with we obey with free minds, can provide for us in every matter his accustomed free minds, can provide for us in every matter his accustomed favour and benevolence. ….(Lactantius, On the Deaths of the favour and benevolence. ….(Lactantius, On the Deaths of the Persecutors 48.2-12) see source book 11.13aPersecutors 48.2-12) see source book 11.13a

Why did Christianity succeedWhy did Christianity succeed On individual level: offered personal and emotional relationship with On individual level: offered personal and emotional relationship with

the divinethe divine Fact that it centered around scripture added authority and orthodoxyFact that it centered around scripture added authority and orthodoxy Not exclusive: Membership not dependent on social and economic Not exclusive: Membership not dependent on social and economic

status or on gender – at first attractive to lower classes, by 2status or on gender – at first attractive to lower classes, by 2ndnd century penetrated upper classescentury penetrated upper classes

Most importantly: became tied into political structure beginning with Most importantly: became tied into political structure beginning with Constantine – state support provided authority and fostered church’s Constantine – state support provided authority and fostered church’s strength and growth. strength and growth.

Christianity had replaced the traditional Roman Religion’s place at Christianity had replaced the traditional Roman Religion’s place at the centre of political power; Prerequisite for its success. the centre of political power; Prerequisite for its success.