Why do Christians say they were "persecuted" by the Roman Empire when it was their own fault?

Question

Even the Jews, although not the most sociable of religions, kept their beliefs to themselves and the Roman authorities left them alone. The Romans were prepared to tolerate any religion that would tolerate others.

The Christians however, were not a group of people who would tolerate other religions. To them the pagan gods were not just products of superstitions, but were actually demons. Unlike the Jews, they did not just keep their beliefs to themselves, they were actively insulting the pagan gods, insulted the worshipers, and even defaced their idols. At this point the Romans began to consider them a threat to the social stability of the empire. But this does not mean the Christians were targets. In fact, Emperor Trajan (c52-117) replied to a letter asking how theses rebellious citizens are to be handled saying, "They are not to be sought out; but if they are accused and convicted, they must be punished"

A group of fanatics who refused to show loyalty to the empire, renounced life on earth (and hence in the Roman Empire) as transient and worthless, and who refused to bear arms in times of war. And Trajan, instead of displaying a furious indignation, suggested a humane way of handling the Christians. To those arrested and accused. hey could not be pardoned unconditionally, as that would affect the stability of the empire.
The Christians were arrested and tried (and rightfully so) because of their threat to the well-being of the Empire, its people, its leader, and its religious freedoms. The only persecution Christians face are because of their own intolerance.

Answer 1

Seems to have worked out well for them in the end though doesn't it?

Answer 2

If you learned the secret to curing all disease, but it was against the law to share that knowledge (perhaps the drug industry had successfully lobbied against it because it would put them out of business) would you keep this knowledge to yourself? If you truly cared about you fellow human being, of course you wouldn't.

Now you have a group of people who have found the answer to all the ills of mankind. Many of the early christians might even have seen Jesus in person. You have found the light and you see a whole world in darkness. Not only that, but you have been commanded to spread the light to the far corners of the earth. You can do no less. And by the way, Nero was caesar when Paul was evangelising. He was probably one of the cruelest, most brutal ruler ever. And yet Paul and Peter both admonished christians to submit to those in authority. The real christians have always proceeded in love.

Answer 3

You are absolutly right. However, one must also note, that the main problem with christians was that they failed to also acknowledge the gods of rome, all they had to do was throw in a little prayer to the ol'e dominus and deus on the throne. Rome was a model of religious tolerence in this regard ( have your own religion as long as we are mentioned) but since that is agsint the commandments even the mentioning violated christianity.
If only rome had the seperation of church and state as we do, everyone would have been happy. Ironic that it is the christians that want to overthrow this now.

Answer 4

Yes and so what is your point? The Romans became Christians in the end and spread Christianity all over Europe.
btw, I think there was a lot more to the story then just one letter and it's reply.

So by your standards it was OK to throw christians to the lions
because they bought it onto themselves. Very good thinking there, I must say.

And I think you could use a little more history 101.

Answer 5

Yes, they did it in every culture and still do. Centuries ago, a christian missionary went to Uppsala and tired to deface a statue of Thor, he was executed.

They do not get it that they bring it all on themselves. Most people are and were content to let others worship whatever Gods they wanted, it is only when they start trying to force their beliefs on others and go out of their way to insult and mock. It's like someone going up to you spiting in your face and then have the audacity to wonder why you punched them.

I think they have a martyr complex and have a masochistic strike, they love being persecuted and will go out of their way to get it.

Answer 6

That had a lot to do with it. Though it wasn't as widespread as Christianity would have us believe. Impossible to have been that widespread when right in Rome itself they built their own empire and took over Rome's rule when the Roman Empire fell. Then we fell into the Dark Ages. This doesn't really sound like an enlightening of the people to "Good News" does it?

Answer 7

So basically, what u r saying, if u see something bad going on and u open u mouth about it cos its wrong, and u get killed for speaking up, its ur own fault cos u should just have kept ur mouth shut? Even if it costs lives. Even if i can destroy beauty and love? If it is unethical. If the people doing it were dooming themselves?

That is just twisted and wrong.

What is wrong with trying to save other ppl's lives?

Anyway, murder is not justifies, no matter what. Even if the christians annoyed the Romans, they had not right to kill anyone. murder is murder, no matter the reason.

anyway, the Romans didnt really succeed, they lost their whole great empire by messing with Gods people.

Answer 8

Haha it's because most of them don't know their history. The bible expresses hatred for Rome which is what revelations was about the end of Rome. And I think most of them feel that way because of the persecution of Jesus which most scholars believe was due to throwing over the tables. But I'm confused about this to because Jews were the same to am I not correct. The torah is one of the most anti Semitic texts you can read.

Answer 9

That still holds even now but the Christians like to think otherwise.

Though, remember, they actually WERE persecuted at times. They were fed to the lions in the arenas for entertainment as often happened with many condemned criminals of that time. I don't know about you but I find that revolting. It just didn't happen nearly as often as the Christians like to claim it did. They have a persecution complex.

Answer 10

Understand the "Christian" is those times;

"They do not worship strange gods, and they go their way in all modesty and cheerfulness. Falsehood is not found among them; and they love one another, and from widows they do not turn away their esteem; and they deliver the orphan from him who treats him harshly. And he, who has, gives to him who was not, without boasting. And when they see a stranger, they take him in their homes and rejoice over him as a very brother; for they do not call them brethren of the flesh, but brethren after the spirit and in God."

"And further if they see that any one of them dies in his ungodliness or in his sins, for him they grieve bitterly, and sorrow as for one who goes to meet their doom."

There are many other "Apologies" written to Kings and Emprorors about their abuse to Christians. (Aristides the Philosopher and Justyn Martyr for starters...)

Answer 11

wow, I just now found out that I wasted a ton of time and money on all those classes in Western Civilization, Comparative Politics, Ancient Society and Governments, Religion and Political Systems, and quite a few others... glad I came on today!