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THE EARLY CHRISTIANS’ THREAT TO THE ROMANS, ITS RISE TO POWER,

DOCTRINE AND PRACTICES

WRITING ABOUT HISTORY

World History – I

Joseph B. Pascua BSE-1E SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

Expository Writing Research why Romans thought Christianity was dangerous to

their empire. Compare these arguments to actual Christian doctrine and practices. Present
your findings in an essay. Show that your sources corroborate your position.

Today, Christianity is the largest religion in the world. In 2020, the total number of
Christians in the world stands at 2.382 billion which made up 31.11 % of total adherents to
a religion in the world. However, the growth of Christianity was a gradual process which
started immediately after the death Jesus.

The Romans were tolerant with different cultures and religions but not to the
Christians. The early Christians were persecuted for a reasonable cause. The Romans
thought of the Christians as a threat to their Political Stability. In this research, I will be
providing the reasons why the early Christians were persecuted by the Romans.

Firstly, Jesus associated with the lower class in the society, he may be identified with
the people and vice versa. The people even wanted him to be a messiah. The romans may
have interpreted this as a threat to their empire as the people would unite, march and
overthrow the empire. This might probably the reason why Jesus was executed through a
political way.
 Secondly, Paul’s mission was not only to convert the Jews but also the Gentiles on
the non-Jews. In his attempt to convert them, he used the term “Christ-crucified”,
discriminating the Romans. The Romans might have thought that if the Gentiles would be
converted, they may avenge the death of Jesus. This action of Paul viewed by the Romans as
a threat to the Pax Romana.

Thirdly, the early Christians criticized the Gods of the Romans, the romans must
have been insulted as they viewed their religion as superior than others. The Romans
regarded Christianity as a superstition that may result to conspiracies that are detrimental
to imperial instability. The early Christians used the term ecclesia, they only mean here the
church; but in Greco-Roman world, this refers to the popular assembly of a city.

The rise to power of the Christian began when Constantine has tolerated and
accepted Christianity. Eventually Theodosius made Christianity as the official religion of
the Roman empire. Indeed, Christianity became not only a religion but also a political
power especially during the middle ages.
Looking at Christianity today, we can view Christianity as purely religion with a
minimal to no political influence. If we are to look at the doctrines and practices of
Christianity, Jesus did not really teach his follower to lead people politically; what He was
really preaching was to repent and believe in the Gospel. To be a zealous believer and lead
other souls to God. As to the practices of the Christians, they are only done to adore God.
The signs and symbols in the church and the Holy Eucharist aim at glorifying God and
perpetuating the saving act Jesus has done for humanity.
Christianity has learned to return to its original purpose as taught by Jesus.

References:

Brad Holst. “Roman Persecution of the Early Christians”. Central College, 1991,
https://central.edu/writing-anthology/2019/07/10/roman-persecution-of-the-early-
christians/