Early Christianity in Rome through Opposition of the Majority

Christianity today, practiced by over 2 billion followers, is undoubtedly the world's largest religion. But of course, it hasn't always been this way. It began in the city of Rome, around the time of the Emperor Claudius who reigned from 41 to 54 CE. It is believed to have originated in the Roman province of Judea . Geography usually plays a big role in determining the success of developing cultures. According to Michael Gough, who wrote The Early Christians, this was the case for Christianity because the "geography [...] determined the direction and rate of spread of the new religion." However, with a good geography comes great diversity as well. For instance, at the time, the three most influential religions of the orient were the pagan ones known as Cybele, Isis, and Mithraism. L.P. Wilkinson, in his book The Roman Experience, discusses how Mithraism had parallels to Christianity in the sense that they acknowledged an immaculate conception of a savior, took part in baptismal ceremony and a sacramental meal, and they believed they would be resurrected after death . These religions possibly came to Rome through Roman soldiers who fought in the east, or the orient. So, obviously, reports Gough, it is easy to understand why Rome would be the perfect medium through which Christianity would spread through Western Europe . Gough explains how Rome was occupied by many inhabitants who were curious and open to new ideas . As it progressed, Christianity became a religion with scriptures and a devised creed. And, unlike some pagan religions, Christian followers actively participated in a universal plan from their creator. Christians were monotheistic, believing in a God whose love was unconditional. As their scriptures point...

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...onversion of Constantine to Christianity and Constantine's issuing of the Milan Edict of Toleration of 313, which gave Christians full legal rights, Christianity was not only established in itself, but now also in Rome as well. They were now known as a recognized religion in Rome. And so finally, as Christianity suffered many tough times and opposition, they were able to, in the end, attain an establishment in Rome and able to affect the lives of many millions for centuries to come.

Works Cited

Carcopino, Jérôme. "Daily Life in Ancient Rome." New Haven and London: Yale

University Press, 1940.

Gibbon, Edward. "Christianity and the Decline of Rome." New York: Collier Books,

1962.

Gough, Michael. "The Early Christians." New York: Frederick A. Praeger, Inc., 1961.

Wilkinson L.P. "The Roman Experience." New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., 1974.