«Impulsore Chresto»
Opposition to Christianity in the Roman Empire c. 50-250 AD
©2007
Thesis
352 Pages
Series:
Early Christianity in the Context of Antiquity, Volume 2
Summary
Impulsore Chresto reassesses opposition to Christianity AD 50-250. The Roman authorities‘ persecutions have caught the attention of both the public, intrigued by martyrs, and scholars, arguing that executions were relatively rare. This is not challenged, but the executions are placed in context as the most dramatic aspect of a spectrum of opposition including rumors, polemic, harassment and accusations. Such opposition was taken for granted and rarely described. When studying the preserved texts on trials against Christians, however, it appears that even here relatives, plaintiffs, spectators or local officials played crucial roles. There were as many reasons for opposition as opponents, but some motives reappear in clusters: Christians were perceived as superstitious and ungodly, as endangering peace with the gods and social order.
Details
- Pages
- 352
- Publication Year
- 2007
- ISBN (Softcover)
- 9783631567784
- Language
- English
- Keywords
- Geschichte 50-250 Römisches Reich Christentum Gegner Heidentum Opposition Martydrom Opponents Polemic Ancient history Christianity New Testament
- Published
- Frankfurt am Main, Berlin, Bern, Bruxelles, New York, Oxford, Wien, 2007. 352 pp.
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