BULLYING IS PERSECUTING!

Trials are there to strengthen

us & not to weaken us.

WHY WAS CHRISTIANITY

ACCEPTABLE AND APPEALING TO

MANY?

The Truths of the Christian Faith• The Fundamental Worth and

Dignity of the Person• The Spirit of Christian

Compassion & Charity• Respect for the Rights &

Properties• Belief of Everlasting Life

Roman Persecution Of Christians

Empire of Nero (64-67 A.D.)• A colossal fire burned portions of the

city and economically devastating the Roman Population.

• Nero used the Christians to cover-up his crime.

• He ordered them to be punished.

Nero

Domitian Empire (81-96 A.D.)• Christians were made subjects of

sports, served as human torches and was stoned to death.

• Not only Christians but also Jews were heavily persecuted.

• Some Persecuted are John the Evangelist and Pope Clement I.

Trajan and Harden Empire (112-138 A.D.)

• Pliny the younger, was sent to the province of Bithynia as governor. He reported about the Christians. He was task for the execution of the Christians.

• Those who repent to Roman Gods are freed.

Marcus Arelius Empire (161 A.D.)• Not only Christians were persecuted

but those who spread it.• Christians were martyred at the

Ampitheather in Lyon.• Properties of those accused are

confiscated.• Polycarp,the bishop of Smyrna, was

persecuted. Also St. Cecilia and St. Justine.

Septimus Severus Empire (202 A.D.)

• The Christian Church got stronger and they have made many converts.

• Christian were fed to the lions as offering to the gods for any disaster or famine

• It led to persecution of St. Perpetua, Felicity and Irenaus, the Bishop of Lyon

• Conversion to Christianity was forbidden.

Decius Empire (249-251 A.D.)

• Christians are a terrible poison.• Christians must make public homage to

the Roman gods.• Passed a law that requires all citizens

to the worship of the state religion• His goal is to eradicate Christianity• Responsible for the lives of Pope

Fabian, St. Agatha of Sicily and the Bishops of Jerusalem and Antioch.

Valerian Empire ( 257-260 A.D.)• All Christians are required sacrifice to

their Gods. If not, they would be put to death.

• Christians are forbidden to visit their cemeteries.

• St. Cyprian, St. Lawrence, St. Agnes of Rome and Pope Sixtus.

Diocletian Empire (303 A.D.)• Burning of Christian books and

churches was initiated but no blood must spill.

• All Christian meetings were banned• Immediate execution of all priests and

deacons

Galerius Reign(308)• Tried to bring Christians to Paganism.• Admitted his defeat afterwards.

Reasons of Christian Persecutions• Christians are a threat to Roman

power and rule = population• Christian beliefs are in conflict

with Roman beliefs– Separation from the society– Looks at gladiatorial contests

as INHUMAN– Natural Disasters &

Catastrophes = Christians refusal to worship

Reasons of Christian Persecutions– Disloyalty to Rome by not

paying temple tax