Or has this always been going on and only worsened by Christianity?
2006-11-19 09:11:55 · 10 answers · asked by rebekkah hot as the sun 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
As much as I hate Christianity, I have to say no. Widespread persecution existed long before. Christianity definitely brought it to a new level though.
2006-11-19 09:14:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Persecution is something that has always existed because of the evil nature of man. It is not a Christian thing or even been worsened by Christianity. Christianity is simply the excuse used by many who are selfish and greedy for power. If there had never been religion of any kind these people would still have found another excuse to persecute.
Blessed Be
2006-11-19 17:16:36 · answer #2 · answered by Celestian Vega 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Although Christianity is most famous, first for being the persecuted and then doing the persecuting, it happened long before too. There is a story in 1 Kings chapter 18 about the prophets of God including Elijah who were hiding from the pagan queen Jezebel of northern Israel. Also read Jesus 's words to the pharisees at Matthew 23; 29 - 35 about the blood of the prophets.
Also Hebrews 11; 33 who shut the mouths of lions, 34quenched the fury of the flames, and escaped the edge of the sword; whose weakness was turned to strength; and who became powerful in battle and routed foreign armies. 35Women received back their dead, raised to life again. Others were tortured and refused to be released, so that they might gain a better resurrection. 36Some faced jeers and flogging, while still others were chained and put in prison. 37They were stoned[f]; they were sawed in two; they were put to death by the sword. They went about in sheepskins and goatskins, destitute, persecuted and mistreated— 38the world was not worthy of them. They wandered in deserts and mountains, and in caves and holes in the ground.
2006-11-19 17:31:58 · answer #3 · answered by jaguarboy 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Attila the Hun did a fine job (of persecuting others) without any Christianity to help him make the decision. Hitler did a great job (of persecuting others) and he was against Christianity and Judaism. Hitler wanted to reintroduce the Norse gods since he considered them to be more Germanic. There are many other examples throughout history--why would you ask this question and try to link all persecution to Christianity?
*NO, I DO NOT APPROVE OF EITHER OF THESE MEN AND THEIR CHOICE TO DESTROY OTHERS.
2006-11-19 17:44:17 · answer #4 · answered by whozethere 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it was pretty much the beginning.
The Roman Empire tolerated a lot of very different religions; the anti-Christian bits one hears of account for about 5 years in total spread out over 300+.
As soon as the Chritians came to power, they started persecuting non-Christians, and even fellow Christians of other sects, like the Gnostics.
I know of no widespread religious persecution that predates them.
2006-11-19 17:16:16 · answer #5 · answered by kent_shakespear 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, definately not. The Jewish were persecuted for their fatih when the Roman Empiere took over. I am sure there were many other faiths who persecuted other faiths, as kingdoms invaded other kingdoms pre-judaism.
2006-11-19 17:26:30 · answer #6 · answered by :-) literary cappy 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Christianity has not worsened anything. Think of where we'd be without it. That'd really be something to complain about!
2006-11-19 17:16:13 · answer #7 · answered by ♥ Rose♥ 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
"Persecution" is just a free pass to claiming being a victim and feeling self righteous.
2006-11-19 17:17:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hell no people have been wiping each other out long before that. Christianity actually toned it down.
2006-11-19 17:15:08 · answer #9 · answered by Therapist King 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No ppl just made mistakes.. Jesus died for everyone
2006-11-19 17:13:48 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋