Christian Persecution

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Recommended: The persecution of Christians under Nero in the Roman Empire

Nero was the fifth and final Roman Emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty. His full name was Lucius Domitius Ahenobarbus, but when he was adopted by his great uncle Claudius and became his heir to be the next Roman Emperor hi name changed to Nero Claudius Ceasar Augustus Germanicus. He succeeded to the throne on 13 October, 54, after Claudius’s death. “During his rule from 54 to 68 Nero focused much of his attention on diplomacy, trade, and increasing cultural-capital of the empire.” His rule as Emperor was often associated with tyranny and extravagance. He was obsessed with retaining his title as Emperor, and would not hesitate to execute or ruthlessly kill anyone who he saw as a threat or opposition against him. He stamped out all conspiracies against him. He even killed his own mother.

On the night of 18 July to 19 July 64 the Great Fire of Rome occurred. According to Tacitus a historian who lived through this period and recorded the fire in some detail wrote, “The fire spread quickly, and burned for five days. It completely destroyed four of fourteen Roman districts and severely damaged seven others.” It was not certain who or what started the fire, but it was rumoured that Nero had planned it. Others said differently. A famous rumour was that Nero played on his fiddle while Rome burned, but this rumour was just a lie. However, someone had to be blamed, and because of rumours many held Nero responsible. Nero shifted the blame to the Christians living in Rome, and ordered all Christians to be killed. This is why Nero started persecuting the Christians in Rome at this time. It was easy for Nero to shift the blame onto the Christians, as Christianity was very new, and many people did not understand their views and beliefs; they ...

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...lamic countries in the east have huge issues with the persecution of Christians. Christians are being killed and abused for their faith in God around the world. These Christians are following in Jesus’ footsteps. A good example of why Christians are prepared to face persecution is in Mark 8:34-38.

I agree that most Christians today are not prepared to suffer as Jesus did, because their faith is not rooted enough in God, but I also believe and know that there are a number of Christians in the world today who are prepared to die for Christ and have done. Therefore, I believe that this statement is not entirely true, and so I would have to disagree with it.

Bibliography

www.wikipedia.com (Direct Quotes and information)

Marks Gospel (direct quotes and information)

www.earlychristianwritings.com (information)

www.vexen.co.uk/religion/mark.html (information)

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