roman persecution of christians
TRANSCRIPT
BULLYING IS PERSECUTING!
Trials are there to strengthen
us & not to weaken us.
WHY WAS CHRISTIANITY
ACCEPTABLE AND APPEALING TO
MANY?
The Truths of the Christian Faith• The Fundamental Worth and
Dignity of the Person• The Spirit of Christian
Compassion & Charity• Respect for the Rights &
Properties• Belief of Everlasting Life
Roman Persecution Of Christians
Empire of Nero (64-67 A.D.)• A colossal fire burned portions of the
city and economically devastating the Roman Population.
• Nero used the Christians to cover-up his crime.
• He ordered them to be punished.
Nero
Domitian Empire (81-96 A.D.)• Christians were made subjects of
sports, served as human torches and was stoned to death.
• Not only Christians but also Jews were heavily persecuted.
• Some Persecuted are John the Evangelist and Pope Clement I.
Trajan and Harden Empire (112-138 A.D.)
• Pliny the younger, was sent to the province of Bithynia as governor. He reported about the Christians. He was task for the execution of the Christians.
• Those who repent to Roman Gods are freed.
Marcus Arelius Empire (161 A.D.)• Not only Christians were persecuted
but those who spread it.• Christians were martyred at the
Ampitheather in Lyon.• Properties of those accused are
confiscated.• Polycarp,the bishop of Smyrna, was
persecuted. Also St. Cecilia and St. Justine.
Septimus Severus Empire (202 A.D.)
• The Christian Church got stronger and they have made many converts.
• Christian were fed to the lions as offering to the gods for any disaster or famine
• It led to persecution of St. Perpetua, Felicity and Irenaus, the Bishop of Lyon
• Conversion to Christianity was forbidden.
Decius Empire (249-251 A.D.)
• Christians are a terrible poison.• Christians must make public homage to
the Roman gods.• Passed a law that requires all citizens
to the worship of the state religion• His goal is to eradicate Christianity• Responsible for the lives of Pope
Fabian, St. Agatha of Sicily and the Bishops of Jerusalem and Antioch.
Valerian Empire ( 257-260 A.D.)• All Christians are required sacrifice to
their Gods. If not, they would be put to death.
• Christians are forbidden to visit their cemeteries.
• St. Cyprian, St. Lawrence, St. Agnes of Rome and Pope Sixtus.
Diocletian Empire (303 A.D.)• Burning of Christian books and
churches was initiated but no blood must spill.
• All Christian meetings were banned• Immediate execution of all priests and
deacons
Galerius Reign(308)• Tried to bring Christians to Paganism.• Admitted his defeat afterwards.
Reasons of Christian Persecutions• Christians are a threat to Roman
power and rule = population• Christian beliefs are in conflict
with Roman beliefs– Separation from the society– Looks at gladiatorial contests
as INHUMAN– Natural Disasters &
Catastrophes = Christians refusal to worship
Reasons of Christian Persecutions– Disloyalty to Rome by not
paying temple tax