Parallels between the pagan persecution of early Christians, and the modern persecution of homosexuals...?

Question

The first known persecutions of Christians began around the 2nd century in the outskirts of the Roman empire.These persecutions were brought on by the (irrational) belief that the gods were punishing the people through the effects of nature for allowing the Christian cult to thrive. The persecutors gave the Christians several outs before condemning them to death.

In modern times i see alot of the same things going on... the differences are only that Christians aren't killing homosexuals (though i have no doubt they would if they could), and now they themselves are the persecutors. It seems a bit hypocritical don't you think of a people who have lived through such a harsh persecution themselves to level that same treatment on others?

I don't include the persecution of Jesus and his deciples in this "first known" category because until after Paul had officially set up the Christian church these people were still Appocalyptic Jews.

Answer 1

Christians like those give Christians like me a bad name.People should be able to make their own choices,regardless of what religion other people have.

Answer 2

Though that type of persecution did happen during the 2nd century, it was more political in nature, rather than religious. Religion was used as a front, but it was because they did not bow down to the Roman Emporer(s). Other Pagans also did not do that... so it wasn't Pagans in general killing off Christians due to religious differences... and it certainly wasn't on the scale some Christians would have you believe (seeing that Paul was writing to 7 well known churches of that day, I find it VERY hard to believe they were persecuted like that). Other Pagans were killed in the same way for not bowing down to the Emporer or the Roman Gods. The Celts were nearly wiped out because of this.

But, I do see what you are saying... The Majority has always attacked the Minority (minorities) thinking that because they have the numbers behind them, that all of those people are actually behind everything they say and do. This wasn't true of the Roman Emporers... since damn near every one of them was killed by their own guards, friends, Senate, etc... so it definitely isn't true in this day and age. I think the biggest problem is, when we see a group in the news attacking a minority, we tend to think they are all doing it. This is hardly true, even in the case of Christians. I can respect their choice to disagree with homosexuality... I just don't agree with making laws respecting that religious point of view. Personally, I don't care if homosexuals get married and get the same rights as heterosexuals who are married (insurance, taxes/IRS, etc). The churches themselves have every right to deny marriage within their churches, but outside of that, it's really none of their business. So in that sense, it is hypocritical (and the sense that most Christians are getting divorced and remarrying and their saviour had something to say about that, yet he didn't say anything against homosexuality itself... only Paul did that). If it became legal, I'm sure there are some Christians out there who would go on killing sprees, taking out homosexuals... in fact, some of them HAVE done that, though those cases are rare indeed. I simply find it hard to believe that this majority of Christians can claim to be following any kind of God of Love while doing these things. It's a real shame that their religion has ended up looking just as tyrannical as the Nazi Regime and the Roman Empire. Though I think the funniest thing I've ever seen is how they go on about Atheists, when the Roman Empire listed them as Atheists in many of their writings, simply because they did not believe in the Roman Gods (which the Emporers usually claimed to be "sons" of.)

Answer 3

Not all Christians persecute gay and lesbian people, many Christians affirm that sexuality is a gift, to be honored. Persecution comes not just from Christians but from other faiths and athiests too ... what is the root of it? I think the root is power - some men still think that a gay male has somehow given up his maleness and that is threatening. In the same way, the first Christians in refusing to worship the emporor (who was 'God') was an affront to his virility. There is a linkage here.

Answer 4

What makes you imagine those who killed others are truly Christians? modern-day adventure is done of liars and cheats. we'd want to continually be used to those who declare to be what they don't seem. Jesus recommended as a way of searching who were his authentic followers at John 13:35, "35 by this all will comprehend that you're my disciples, once you've love between yourselves.” this would possibly not be able to be finished by those partaking in wars, racism, nationalism nor tribalism. those of a similar faiths are on each and every aspect. To blindly kill or damage others would advise bringing damage to a brother. completely forbidden by Christ. of direction those that do such issues are pretend Christians. in the adventure that they gained't obey Christ, how can they be?

Answer 5

Though out history the few have always been persecuted by the many, the weak by the strong. It is the way of man. But the powerful and mighty must remain vigilant at watch because the few and weak grow strong out of sight of overconfident eyes.

Answer 6

Where in Hades did you get your History from? Most likely made it up - Christians refused to worship the emperors of the Roman Empire - also known as the BEAST - back then when you worshiped the Emperor - you received a mark, either on paper or on your skin that proved you worshiped the emperor - this mark became known as the MARK OF THE BEAST.

The Bible plainly speaks against homosexuals - we do not persecute them - they kill themselves with the HIV and STD's.
God is not hypocritical - your thinking is.

Answer 7

Isn't it funny? Christians get made fun of by one religion, and they say "We don't do that" but now that Christians have all the power, they do the same thing to homosexuals in such a hypocritical way I wish I had an AK-47 (just kidding).

Answer 8

I think any time you stereo type a group you run into a problem

I personally know many who are homosexual, and although I don't agree with their lifestyle choices, I don't wish them harm. They are bringing enough harm on themselves. It's true of any who choose to walk contrary to God's will, Christian or non-Christian.

There are always choices to be made. Sometimes those choices bring peace, other times they bring trouble. The only choice we ultimately have power over, is our own.

I pray you will find peace with the choices you make. Each of our choices will follow us into enternity.

Answer 9

What a disgusting paralell. Too, what a blatant stab at large scale political lies. Given these people occupy a host of key positions in society, the only squawking being done is that they are not allowed to pervasively infuse society with what they do. This is probably the most disgusting question on Yahoo yet. Are you a Fed?

Answer 10

Telling ppl that they're sinning when they engage in homosexual behavior isn't wrong if it's done in love. I want ppl to know what sin is so they can avoid it and live a more godly life. God says homosexual behavior is sinful bc it's against His design for sex and marriage, and so I have to follow that and try to inform ppl of it. Christians weren't harming anyone by following Christ. Christianity doesn't include trying to hurt ppl. However, homosexual behavior has documented health problems, such as an increase in STDs due to promiscuity and unsafe sex, as well as high instances of problems like depression and suicide.