Lecture 7: The Unpopular Cult—Persecution
o The 3rd century saw more violent outbursts of persecution
under Septimius Severus (202–210), Maximinus (235), Decius
(250–251), and Valerian (253–258). These were especially
virulent in North Africa. In contrast to such spasms were
lengthy periods of peace.o The most systematic and sustained persecution was the last,
under Diocletian and Galerius (302–311), which led right up
to the issuing of the Edict of Milan in 312, finally granting
religious toleration to Christians.Effects of Persecution
• Although the exact facts about the centuries of persecution are
difficult to ascertain, the effect on Christianity is clear.• Under conditions of uncertainty and duress, Christianity continued
to grow, partly by means of conversion and partly by means of
childbirth—the refusal to practice abortion or infant exposure led
to larger families.• Persecution generated two responses from within Christianity: the
celebration of martyrdom as perfect discipleship and the writing of
apologetic literature in defense of the movement.• The long-term effect on the Christian psyche was real: Like an
abused child for whom early trauma continues to define later
behavior, Christians tended through the ages to bear a sense of
aggrievement and to become abusive toward others in turn when
they came into power. We will see how imperial Christianity turned
the state instruments of persecution on Jews, pagans, and those
considered to be heretical in their Christian teaching.Frend, Martyrdom and Persecution in the Early Church.
Moss, Ancient Christian Martyrdom.Suggested Reading