The Eagle and the Carcass
by the Watchman
Dana G Smith
keywords: eagle, carrion, carcass, church, LORD, God, Christians, Rome, America
words:3735
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The early Christians knew paganism well and also the religious aspect of the Roman empire that aspired and grew around them. Rome never forbade religious exercise unless it threatened the empire or became at odds with the Gods of the empire or the Caesar himself. The era of Christian persecution in the empire of Rome spread itself by Nero [54-68], then by Maximinus the Thracian [235-238], followed by Emperor Decius [249-251]. Another round found its way to the Christian under Valerian [253-260], but the last and most cruel of all persecutions was under Diocletian in 305. It was under this emperor that laws were passed in which made it illegal to possess sacred books and enjoy fellowship in churches. This was followed by the illegalization of any persons who were Christian priests, unless said priest made obeisance to the Roman Gods with sacrifices. Then the Emperor made his final coup etat, by making all people in the Empire bow and make sacrifices to the Roman gods under threat of death. [Some relevant information from; Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity-www.enotes.com/genocide-encyclopedia/christians-roman-persecution ]
To Rome, the Christians who did not accept their Gods, especially Jupiter, was unacceptable. The early believers did not make sacrifices to Gods, did not carry pendants and obelisks of their Gods, and many in the empire simply distrusted these Christians who did unspeakable things in secret. These people were so bad, even the Jews, who were unruly themselves at times and who served what they called the ‘one true God’, did not accept these Christians.
Nero had the self-admitted Christians arrested. Then, on their information, large numbers of others were condemned–not so much for starting fires as because of their hatred for the human race. Their deaths were made amusing. Dressed in wild animals’ skins, they were torn to pieces by dogs, or crucified, or made into torches to be seton fire after dark as illumination. Despite their guilt as Christians, and the ruthless punishment it deserved, the victims were pitied. For it was felt that they were being sacrificed to one man’s brutality rather than to the national interest.” [Christian Persecution-www.unrv.com/culture/christian-persecution.php]
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