Christian Persecution In Roman Religion

“Eos qui Romanam religionem non colunt debere ROmanas caerimonias recognoscere.” Which if translated negatively means, “those who do not profess the Roman religion must not refuse to take part in Roman religious ceremonies.” This was read to Cyprian at his trail in 257 by the proconsul of Africa, Paternus. This decree came directly from the emperor himself and is significant because it highlights the fact that Christians were subject to perform specific religious actions if ordered to do so.

Although the Christian religion has faced many challenges throughout its history, it is the Roman oppression of Christians in the first centuries prior to the rule of Constantine (324 AD) that has become the most notable symbol of Christian persecution.

However, it is important to point out that while there are instances of Christians being charged for lack of emperor worship it is much more common that these charges were more about sacrificing to the gods on behalf of the emperor. However, it is impossoible to ignore the imperial cults. Herod build temples in Judea in to commemorate Augustus and other emperors such Caligula and Nero were fostering diving honors during the first century. First century Christians refusal to adopt the imperial cults was perceived as a serious statement against the Roman way of life. Christ-believers were persecuted because of their neglect for what many Romans thought necessary, worship of the Gods and the

It was not the positive features of Christianity that drew animosity, but the negative elements of the religion such as the monotheistic exclusiveness and refusal to worship any god but their own. It is not a stretch to say that most Romans would see Christian exclusivity as an attempt to alienate the goodness of the gods. The harmonious relationship between gods and men, known as pax deorum, was important to the pious Roman masses. These people were often extremely superstitious. So, disruption of pax deorum could mean that Rome itself was in danger. By leaving and even criticizing Roman religion, Christians were considered religiously impious and disloyal to the Roman government. Despite Roman religion being pluralistic, it was not tolerant towards foreign cults that promoted