3. What dilemma was Pliny faced with regarding people accused of practicing Christianity, and what administrative procedures did he follow? That he did not know much about Christianity and did not know how to go about punishing those of stood by their Christianity. He sent those that stood by it to death.
Why did Pliny persecute the Christians?
Ferguson states that Pliny viewed the obstinacy (contumacia) of Christians, as as much of a threat to Roman rule and order as the divergence of their beliefs from the Romans; and considered Christian gatherings as a potential starting point for sedition.
What did Pliny do when he received an anonymous accusation that several people were Christians?
How did Pliny deal with those brought to him by an anonymous accusation? He would make them worship the Roman Gods and after that he would let them go. What does Pliny hope to gain from his persecutions of Christians? He hopes to destroy the Church and not let it continue.
What is Pliny’s attitude toward the Christians and how would you describe his policy toward them?
Taken together, Pliny’s letter and Trajan’s response constituted a fairly loose policy toward Christians, namely that they were not to be sought out, but were to be executed if brought before a magistrate by a reputable means of accusation (no anonymous charges were permitted), where they were to be given the …
What can you tell from these two letters about the attitudes of Roman officials toward Christianity?
From the two letters you can tell that the Roman officials did not like Christianity, more like they despised it and anyone who said that they were Christians. … Trajan was opposed to actively “hunting out” Christians because then it would not count as evidence in a court of law and then they could be punished.
How did Trajan treat the Christians?
Trajan replies that the best course is moderation. No general purge of Christianity should be initiated. The problem should be addressed on a case-by-case basis and guilt determined by the review of reliable information. If the accused agrees to sacrifice to the Roman gods, then no punishment should be incurred.
Why would the emperor execute Christians?
Christians were first, and horribly, targeted for persecution as a group by the emperor Nero in 64 AD. … Perhaps to divert attention from the rumours, Nero ordered that Christians should be rounded up and killed.
What did Tacitus say about Jesus?
The scholarly consensus is that Tacitus’ reference to the execution of Jesus by Pontius Pilate is both authentic, and of historical value as an independent Roman source. Paul Eddy and Gregory Boyd argue that it is “firmly established” that Tacitus provides a non-Christian confirmation of the crucifixion of Jesus.
Which emperor put an end to the persecution of Christians?
The Edict of Serdica, issued in 311 by the Roman emperor Galerius, officially ended the Diocletianic persecution of Christianity in the East.
How did Christianity challenge the Roman government and Roman MOS Maiorum?
How did Christianity challenge the Roman government and Roman mos maiorum? Youth sometimes defied their fathers’ wishes by converting. Christian churches allowed women and slaves to wield power. Christians would not venerate the Roman emperor.
How did Christianity become the official religion of the Roman Empire?
Over time, the Christian church and faith grew more organized. In 313 AD, the Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan, which accepted Christianity: 10 years later, it had become the official religion of the Roman Empire.
Why is Pliny writing to the Emperor Trajan?
Because he is unsure as to whether he can kill them legally for no other crime than their faith, he writes to his friend the Emperor for advice.
What happened in the year 312?
Battle of Milvian Bridge, (October 28, 312 ce), major battle in a Roman civil war between Constantine I and Maxentius. … At Maxentius’s goading, Constantine invaded the Italian Peninsula. A lightning campaign saw Maxentius killed in battle at the Milvian Bridge on the outskirts of Rome.
What does Christianity have in common with Judaism?
These religions share many common beliefs: (1) there is one God, (2) mighty and (3) good, (4) the Creator, (5) who reveals His Word to man, and (6) answers prayers.
Did Christianity Cause the fall of the Roman Empire?
7. Christianity and the loss of traditional values. The decline of Rome dovetailed with the spread of Christianity, and some have argued that the rise of a new faith helped contribute to the empire’s fall. The Edict of Milan legalized Christianity in 313, and it later became the state religion in 380.
What is the impact of Christianity on Western culture?
The Bible and Christian theology have also strongly influenced Western philosophers and political activists. Long held Christian teachings on sexuality and marriage have also been influential in family life. The cultural influence of the Church has been vast.