Roman times
March 25, 310
All the News Romans Need to Know
Ancient Rome
Persecution of the Christians
By: Amanda Sheerin
Dear Abby,
Hello Abby! I am very fearful and I need some advice please. I am a Christian, and
this is the time period of the Persecution of the Christians. Romans believe in
polytheism, however, the new religion Christianity changed these beliefs. Here is
some background information about this event:
Currently, in Ancient Rome, we have two very amazing leaders. Their names
are Simon Peter and Paul of Tarus. Simon Peter focuses on teaching that Jesus is the
son of god. Paul of Tarus set the conversion of Christianity of our empire. Both of
these leaders helped to build the religion, Christianity. Christianity (my religion)
believes in Jesus Christ. Jesus was a Jewish carpenter and preacher born in Palestine
under the ruler Augustus. His speeches brought my family and I into becoming a
Christian because they were very powerful and inspirational. Jesus was crucified by
the Romans and three days later, rose from the dead. He was labeled both God and
human.
The Romans disliked our new religion, Christianity, very much. They find our
religion as a threat to society, and we started to refuse to perform the Roman
religious rituals anymore. These actions angered the Romans, but we continued
them anyways. The Romans began murdering Christians. This is my biggest fear and
I am very worried that the next persecution will be a family member of mine, or me.
Hadrian and Antonius Pinus issued edicts that stated that it is illegal
to punish a Christian for religion. This didn’t stop our emperor
Nero, he tortures the Christians and destroyed parts of Rome by
fire. This is a terrifying site for everyone.
The persecution rate was luckily decreased because the
tyrant Commodus was protecting us. All we wanted was to have
freedom for our religion. We had heard rumors that the emperor
Constantine will issue an edict. The edicts is said to state that, “Our
purpose is to grant both to the Christians and to all others full
authority to follow whatever worship each person has desired,
whereby whatsoever Divinity dwells in heaven may be benevolent
and propitious to us, and to all who are placed under our authority.”
There was a calm and peaceful time from 211 to 249. Unfortunately,
Decius took over control of our empire, and began to treat us
horribly again. On February 24, an edict that all churches are
Sign of the Christians
to be demolished and whoever performed religious worships for Christianity were
to be killed. Unfortunately, this edict is being followed, and the persecution rates
increased once again.
My family and I have stayed safe so far, but I am becoming more frightened
each day. Our religious monuments and traditions have been crushed and we are
struggling to keep our religion alive. Please write back to me soon!
Sincerely, Amandarsus
Sources: www.publicbookshelf.com
Mrs. Robinson/ Ms. Procida’s Global 9 Notes