Christianity Flashcards
2 reasons Christians were typically persecuted
- Eccentric and exclusive religion
2. Defied Roman authorities even to death
Why did Romans stop persecuting Christians
They were able to transform humiliation to a testament to their faith, were no longer condemned to the ring because they didn’t serve the purpose of horrified victim
When was the great fire of Rome and who was blamed
64 CE, Christians were blamed
What confused Romans about Christians
Monotheism (single God)
Per Tacticus Annals, why are Christians hated
Thought of hating mankind because they don’t worship gods who are seen as influencing mankind
How were Christians killed
Mockery added to their deaths, torn apart by dogs, crucified, lit on fire
What changed in regards to execution when Nero took public things and made them private
Criminals who deserved extreme punishment now given compassion because it was not for public food but to fix one mans evil
How were Christians questioned and what resulted
Asked if they were Christians and told the punishment, then they would always admit they were. “Being a Christian will get you questions, but it is your own stubbornness or stupidity in admitting it that is the problem”
Define sacreligium
Sac religion: refusal to worship traditional gods or sacred laws
What were Christians charged with (4)
Treason: not worshipping Roman gods, not giving offerings to the state, not wanting good things for Rome and the people, not loyal Roman citizens
Define maiestas
Crime of not giving respect to the current emperors and deceased spirits
What major political change happened in 208 CE
Everyone given Roman citizenship
Once everyone was given citizenship in 208 CE, why were Christians targeted
The didn’t follow normal duties of citizens: going to spectacles, worshipping emperors and gods
How do we know Christians had been attending munera
It was clarified that munera were bad for Christians to attend
Define hellenization
The process of making something or someone Greek
What did Athenagoras write about the spectacles
Spectacle = murder, causes those watching to be tainted; need to attend a diety or sacrifice to cleanse yourself; how can it be a religious activity if you are polluting your soul
What did Tatian write about spectacle
Games = figurative cannibalism; gladiators purchased and “used up” = figurative consumption; tatian was the founder of a sect in Christianity and uses this argument to combat those who claimed Christians were cannibals
What biblical passages led Christians to be viewed as cannibals and incestuous
- consuming God through flesh and blood
- talks about being brothers and sister
3 ways spectacles are integrated into Christian understanding la of the soul, the afterlife, morality, etc.
- Hard to understand early Christianity without sport and spectacle
- Struggles of Christians delivered through athletic metaphors
- Important role because of martyrdom
Timeline of Christians status under Rome (6 events)
30-33 CE: crucifixion of Jesus Christ
64 CE: great fire of Rome and persecution under Nero
109 CE: Trajanic policy
249-251 CE: empire wide persecution under Emperor Decius
303-311 CE: Great persecution
313 CE: edict of Milan legalized Christianity
Define martyr
Being a witness of their faith (has turned into meaning death)
How did Christians behave when being killed
Interrogation and refusal to submit, calm in the face of frenzied crowd, stoic death
Why did Christians desire death and how did they demonstrate this
Encouraged animals to attack them, wanted a violent death. Viewed as the highest degree of showing ones faith. More violent = more truthful their testimony
