Essay about The Romans and Christianity - 979 Words

Then and now religions shared common dimensions that provide society with a doctrine, narrative, ethics, ritual, experience and a social institution. These six dimensions that Ninian Smart derived spell out the framework for comparative study of religions1. The six dimensions hold true when comparing the daily routine Roman religious thought to modern Christianity. Interwoven into the core of both cultures is a strong unifying spirit that built a strong communal bond for its people. For the Romans, their religion was the religion of the state. It is referred to as s a state religion because for the Romans their â€Å"state religion† had â€Å"ensured and could continue to ensure the preservation and prosperity of their state.2† Because of Rome’s†¦show more content†¦This God however does take on three forms known as The Trinity. The Christian doctrine states that God exists as God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. In ritual the Romans and Christians share a common thread of worshiping in a temple and the celebrating their deity in masse gatherings and festivals. Both the Romans and Christians in their gatherings had different chants, prayers or orations they recite. This of course is to show reverence to their deity. The similarities stop there. Romans participated in animal sacrifice and blood ritual. Christians do not have a blood ritual, but they do have varying ceremonies during masse throughout the Christian calendar. Every masse involves the congregation receiving communion from the priest. Romans and Christians shared a rich narrative for their followers. Romans shared stories, a mythology, for every one of their gods. These stories were shared orally and in written text, passed down generation to generation. This fermented the communal spirit of Roman state religion. To Christians, the Bible is the collection of religious writings from Hebrew Scripture. There is the Old Testament and later writings are included in the Old Testament. The Old Testament is a collection of books written prior to the arrival of their messiah Jesus. The New Testament is the life and teachings of Jesus. The majority of modern Christians use the NewShow MoreRelatedChristianity And The Roman Empire979 Words   |  4 PagesSince the beginning of the Roman Empire, religion has always been a big influence in this state. Romans were polytheists believed in many Gods, they had the God of sun, moon, rain, etc†¦ But it was after the third century when Christianity started to form part and get a place in the Roman Empire. Christianity made a huge impact in Rome. Also, followers of this religion suffered from emperor’s thoughts and conclusion about Christianity. Furthermore, the Christians were in persecution for many years;Read MoreChristianity And The Roman Era845 Words   |  4 PagesChristianity is something that has stirred up a lot of controversy through the ages. During the Roman era, people like Emperor Trajan and Pliny, a Roman governor, did not appreciate Christianity since Christians did not follow the Roman religion. On the other side, Origen defends Christianity by debunking Celsus’s view of it. While Trajan and Pliny found fault in Christianity, Origen saw the potential religion that would allow humans to become better people. During early Christianity, Roman officialsRead MoreChristianity And The Roman Empire979 Words   |  4 PagesAncient Roman Empire. Many of the people turned away from the god of old and began to believe in a god that gave salvation and hope. Salvation from this life and onto the next. This ideology would eventually come in many different forms, languages, and ideas. However, they were all waved under one flag and one religion; the cause of Christianity. The Gospel of Matthew: Chapters 4-7 quite accurately covers the main threats that Christianity posed to the Roman Empire. Why was Christianity such a majorRead MoreThe Christianity Of The Roman Empire1170 Words   |  5 PagesIn the 1st century C.E the religion of Christianity was formed from the life, death, and resurrection of its saviour Jesus Christ in 33 C.E. Christianity emerged in the Middle East which at the time was called the Greco-Roman world because the Jews were under the control of Greeks and then the Roman Empire. At that time in the Middle East the most prominent religion was Judaism, they believed in the coming of their Messiah. Many of the Jews in the early formation of the Church believed that JesusRead MoreRoman Impact on Christianity1647 Words   |  7 PagesAbigania 1 Peter Abigania New Testament Professor Moore A World-Changing Impact: The Roman Empire’s Impact on the Early Christian Church It would be simple enough to say that the Christian faith has much to do with Rome’s political status and the instatement of the Pax Romana, but there are so many other factors that had the great empire closely correlated with the Christian faith. For one, a succession of rulers with different types of ruling styles would force believers and converts to flee inRead MoreChristianity And The Roman Empire1775 Words   |  8 Pages After a long fought battle by Christians to belong Christianity flourished and spread throughout the Roman Empire. â€Å"Christianity, the core religion of the West, was born within the Roman Empire and was greatly influenced by Roman law and organization†(Perry 167). Whether or not Rome wanted Christianity it was there to stay. According to Spielvogel â€Å"Christianity fulfilled the human need to belong†(175). Christians formed a bond and communities where people could express their love by helping eachRead MoreThe Between Roman Empire And Christianity851 Words   |  4 Pages(1) Describe the interrelation between the Roman Empire and Christianity by examining the following: (a) Emperor Constantine (b) The Latin Language (c) Church Ritual. The Roman Empire was extremely instrumental in the growth and spread of Christianity. It was already about 400 years old at the birth of Jesus Christ, the founder of the Christian faith, and directly influenced his life. The Roman Empire saw the growing Christian cult as threat, and ordered the crucifixion of Jesus. The followersRead MoreChristianity During The Roman Empire1526 Words   |  7 PagesChristianity in Rome Religion is an important feature in most cultures throughout time. Different religions have been more prominent than others, one of the most popular being Christianity. Christianity developed during the time of the Roman Empire. It began as a minority religion and grew into something much more than that. Christianity’s importance to the empire increased over time. At first, Christian values seemed different than those of pagan Roman civilization and Romans were not sure how toRead MoreThe Embracing of Christianity in Roman Society924 Words   |  4 PagesChristianity being embraced to the Roman society was not a small feat. During this time Christians were heavily persecuted and often put to death. Christianity was considered prohibited cult and following this religion was a capital offence. The polytheistic Romans were extremely tolerant of other religions They allowed the worship of native gods and goddesses throughout their provinces and even adopted some of the deities . (Duiker) As long as the religious practices did not affect the orderRead MoreConstantine And Christianity Of The Roman Empire1350 Words   |  6 PagesConstantine and Christianity in the Roman Empire Religion has always been an important force in the lives of common people. In the early centuries, Christianity was developing with a great influence to affect the Roman world. Constantine came to power in the Western provinces of the Roman Empire as an advocate of religious toleration. Constantine’s advocacy for religious toleration alongside his conversion marked a turning point of the Roman world and drove the spread Christianity. With Diocletian’s