Issue 27. Persecution in the Early Church


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Summary
While the Roman Empire swirled with an exotic mix of religions, Christianity flourished outside the confines of the imperial pantheon. This peripheral existence brought down on Christians a rain of accusations which led to several brutal eras of persecution. New converts expected suffering and martyrdom. Screams from coliseums and arenas permeated the Roman air as believers were slaughtered for their devotion. This issue of Christian History & Biography chronicles the tribulations of these brave men and women to whom we owe the preservation and expansion of Christian faith.

Inside this issue you'll find:

  • Persecution in the Early Church
    Beginning as a despised, illicit religious sect, Christianity endured 300 years of hostility to emerge as the dominant force in the Roman Empire.
  • Also: When Christianity Triumphed
    The achievement brought new difficulties.
  • Perpetua and Polycarp: Two Heroic Martyrs
    A 22-year-old nursing mother and an octogenarian bishop demonstrated unflinching courage in the face of death. Here are their stories.
  • The Piety of the Persecutors
    In the Roman mind, there were valid religious reasons to halt the spread of Christianity.
  • Also: Rome's Religious Ferment
    The first-century Empire swirled with an exotic mix of religions.
  • Controversial Constantine
    The famous emperor ended the persecution of Christians. But was he a true believer, or merely a superstitious political opportunist?
  • Also: Constantine's Famous Emblem
    The chi-rho symbol he adopted is now displayed in churches throughout the world.
  • How the Early Church Viewed Martyrs
    Christians held a theology of martyrdom that gave them courage to endure
  • The Gallery:
    • The Persecuting Emperors
    • Martyrs and Confessors
  • Cowards Among the Christians
    During times of severe persecution, thousands of Christians compromised their faith. Later, many wanted to be readmitted to the church. The agonizing question: Should church leaders accept these apostates?
  • Also: Cyprian's Letter to Banished Christians
    Encouragement for believers sentenced to the Roman mines
  • Persecuted Christians Today
    "All the long-term underlying factors which produce martyrdoms seem to be gradually increasing in our day."
  • The Faith behind the Famous: Charles Dickens
    Some of his novels mercilessly lampoon Christians. Yet the great Victorian author also wrote a reverent account of Jesus' life.
  • Also: Events in the Life of Charles Dickens
  • How Dickens Viewed Jesus Christ
    Selected quotations from The Life of Our Lord
    Departments
  • Did You Know?
  • From the Editor
  • CH Timeline
  • Recommended Resources


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