Initially, religion in Rome was what Christians today would call pagan. It was based on the worship of multiple gods and goddesses who could be persuaded through the use of material sacrifices to help humans succeed in their daily endeavors. Roman religion brought together a mix of traditions, but most of these customs maintained that priests were the only ones allowed to perform the rituals that humans used to communicate with the gods. And, of course, only the wealthy in Rome were allowed to be priests.
In its beginning, much of Christianity's appeal in Rome was that it offered everyone the privilege of speaking directly to its deity. Even women and slaves could pray to the Christian god, and he would respond to them personally. Christianity was initially spread throughout Roman society by its lower-class members. As Christianity gained influence in Rome, Christians began to face persecution. Despite widespread efforts to slow its rise, however, Christianity attracted more and more followers. In 313 CE, Emperor Constantine was so impressed by Christians' commitment to their beliefs--even in the face of torture and threats--that he issued the Edict of Milan, which officially declared Rome's tolerance of Christianity. Later in that century, in 391, Emperor Theodosius proclaimed Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire.
Use these flashcards to review what you've already learned about early Christianity in Rome. First, read the topic on the front of the card, and see if you can explain to yourself how that factor impacted the spread of Christianity. Then click the card to check your answer.
Why was Constantine’s acceptance of Christianity in the Eastern Roman Empire a turning point in the development of Christianity?
Christianity was now free from persecution, and free to become a powerful, wealthy, universal religion.
Why was being accepted by Rome a problem for some Christians?
They did not like the fact that the emperor included Jesus as just another of many gods. They also believed Jesus had taught that they should turn their backs on money and worldly power, focusing only on worshiping God and doing his will.
What unique teaching did Christianity offer to Romans?
It offered the idea that all you had to do to enter the afterlife (Heaven) was to believe that Jesus is God. No sacrifices had to be offered, no temples built, no statues made—personal belief alone was enough to win salvation.
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