persecution 2nd phase Flashcards
who was Decius and how did he come into power?
Decius who was a general in the army overthrew the emperor to become the emperor himself
what effect did Decius becoming emperor have on the church
the church had protection and toleration during the prior emperors reign this changed with Decius. He believed “the church was a deadly threat to the empires unity and stability”
what did Decius blame the christians for (goths) and his reaction
series of invasions by tribe known as goths which shook the empire. Decius blamed the christians as they didn’t worship the gods
Decius decided “he must eliminate the church”
what measures did Decius take to reaffirm imperial strength?
assumed the name of Trajan (famous predecessor)
minted coins with former successful emperors on them - reminding of good times
required universal sacralise to gods demonstrating his traditionalism
what occurred during the first phase of Decius’ persecution
church leaders appeared to be attacked
fabian, bishop of Rome was executed
bishop cyprian went into hiding
what occurred during the second phase of Decius’ persecution
an edict was issued by Decius requiring all citizens to sacrifice to the gods. indirectly targeted to christians as it would identify who was christian. persecution was now universal not local and systematic rather than spontaneous as Decius allowed no variation
what happened after citizens made the sacrifice (goat or sheep)
a commissioner issued a certificate known as libellus to confirm compliance with edict. the libellus had the persons name hometown and age on it
how did different christians react to the edict
devasting impact upon church throughout empire, compliance with edict thus apostasy from faith was widespread
why did persecution eventually ease off?
Decius died while at war with the goths
who are the sacrificati
those who sacrificed
who are the libellatici
those who bribed and gained certificate
what conclusion did the confessors come to in dealing with the lapsed (no church leader)
they wrote letters of peace to those who had lapsed and repented stating peace had been granted and where forgiven
what was cyprian view on the confessors decision
he was opposed as he believed apostasy was serious yet pardonable with genuine repentance and that the presbyters acted too hastily
who is novatus?
anti cyprian presbyter who formed a group of 5 others - they took a more lenient attitude towards the lapsed in Carthage
who is novatian?
group leader who took a stricter attitude towards the lapsed than cyprian and argued they shouldn’t be allowed back tot he church at all in Rome
