Christian Martyrs and the Persecution of Early Christians |
What is a martyr?
A martyr is a person who chooses to die for their faith and religious beliefs. They are people who choose to die for their faith rather than renounce their religious principles. What is persecution? Persecution is the act of oppression, killing or harassment, done to people with beliefs that differ from that of the persecutor. Other reasons for persecution include gender, racial background ore religious beliefs. The Persecution of Early Christians The Romans were quite tolerant of other religions. Once a new country had been conquered, they simply added the new god/s from this new country to their own religion and gave them a new name. However, the Romans were much less tolerant of the Early Christians, persecuting them from 64AD - 324AD. Their general dislike of the Christians was based on the fact that this religion was entirely new. The first persecutions, under Roman Emperor Nero in 64AD were based upon the fact that the Romans believed that the Early Christians were not to be trusted because of their new and innovative religion that had recently been started. The Christians were also not trusted because of the secretive and misunderstood nature of their worship. Phrases like "eating Christ's flesh" were taken to mean by the Romans that the Christians were Cannibals. The Early Christians were persecuted in a few violent and painful ways, however, crucifixion was the main technique favoured by the Romans. Crucifixion was a very shameful way to die, and was reserved especially for slaves, thieves and pirates. Crucifixion was also a way to show how low the social status of the person dying. These executions were also public, so people could laugh and mock the Christians in their final hours. |