What was the Roman empire's views on Christianity at various points in its history? What caused them to change over time?
(4 points)
1) Initially, the Roman Empire viewed Christianity as a suspicious and potentially disruptive religious movement. Early Christians were seen as defying the state religion and were subjected to sporadic persecutions. The Roman authorities considered them a threat to social order, as they refused to worship the traditional gods or partake in public ceremonies that were seen as integral to maintaining the Pax Deorum (peace of the gods).
2) However, the perception of Christianity began to change in the 3rd century AD. Emperor Constantine, after his victory in the Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 AD, attributed his success to the Christian God and subsequently issued the Edict of Milan in 313 AD. This edict granted religious tolerance to Christians throughout the empire, bringing an end to state-sponsored persecutions.
3) In the 4th century AD, Emperor Theodosius I issued the Edict of Thessalonica in 380 AD, making Christianity the official state religion of the Roman Empire. This marked a significant shift in attitude, from suspicion and persecution to acceptance and even endorsement of Christianity. The empire vested itself in the Christian religion as a means of unifying its vast territories and maintaining social cohesion.
4) The change in the Roman Empire's views on Christianity can be attributed to various factors, including political motivations, the gradual popularity and spread of Christianity, and the influence of prominent Christian intellectuals such as Augustine of Hippo. Additionally, the decline of traditional Roman polytheism and the increased popularity of monotheistic religions led to a growing acceptance of Christianity as a legitimate faith. Moreover, as Christianity became more intertwined with the power structures of the empire, it transformed from a persecuted minority to a dominant force, ultimately leading to its adoption as the state religion.