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 with suspicion and hostility. Christians were considered a threat to the traditional Roman religion and social order. Persecutions of Christians occurred sporadically, with notable incidents including the reign of Emperor Nero in the 1st century and the Diocletian persecution in the early 4th century.
2. The Edict of Milan in 313, issued by Emperor Constantine and his co-emperor Licinius, signaled a change in the Roman Empire's views on Christianity. This edict granted religious tolerance to all religions, including Christianity, ending the persecution of Christians. Constantine himself later converted to Christianity and became the first Roman emperor to do so.
3. Over time, Christianity increasingly gained acceptance and influence within the Roman Empire. The conversion of Constantine and the subsequent conversion of other emperors and high-ranking officials helped to legitimize Christianity as a religion.
4. The turning point came with the Edict of Thessalonica in 380, issued by Emperor Theodosius I, which declared Christianity the official state religion of the Roman Empire. This marked a significant shift in the empire's views on Christianity, from persecution to acceptance and eventual dominance. The Roman Empire's changing views on Christianity were influenced by various factors, including political considerations, the conversion of key leaders, and the growing popularity of Christianity among the population.