Early Christian Persecution: Causes, Legality, and Resolution
Persecution of Early Christians
Christianity faced significant challenges in its early centuries.
- Pagan polemicists attacked Christian practices, prompting written defenses (apologetics).
- False doctrines from bishops, priests, and monks caused internal divisions, addressed through councils with the Pope.
- Roman emperors initiated bloody persecutions, leading to martyrs and confessors.
Causes of Persecution
- Monotheism: Christians’ refusal to worship Roman gods led to accusations of intolerance.
- Jewish Opposition: Jews saw Christianity as a betrayal of Judaism, fueling animosity.
- State Concerns: Christians were perceived as threats to the Pax Romana due to their refusal to participate in imperial rituals.
Legal Basis for Persecution
- Old Laws: Existing laws against magic and sorcery were inappropriately applied to Christians.
- Ius Coertionis: Governors received extraordinary powers to persecute Christians, as seen with Pliny the Younger.
- Neronian Institute: Nero established laws specifically targeting Christians, leading to executions and the deaths of Peter and Paul.
Escalation of Persecution
Persecution was not continuous. Emperor Decius (249-251) marked a significant escalation. Emperors employed various tactics: targeting leaders, confiscating property, destroying writings, and disrupting sacraments.
End of Persecution
Constantine’s victory at the Milvian Bridge led to the Edict of Milan (313), granting religious freedom. After defeating Licinius in 324, Constantine became the sole ruler, ensuring the Church’s full freedom. However, this led to Caesaropapism, where the emperor became the spiritual leader, diminishing the Pope’s authority. Constantine generously supported the Church, building basilicas and donating the Lateran Palace.