Why Were the Early Christians Persecuted?

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Religious Education Course Work II

Section A (i)

Why Were the Early Christians Persecuted?

        Throughout the history of the existence of Christians, they have been persecuted for their beliefs and for what they did.

        Christianity was set on its path by Jesus and came into its own after Jesus had left the world. Its first problem was identified when it was easily linked to Judaism. However, people quickly realised that it was a very different religion. This different religion was seen as a strange new cult, which began to spread across the countries, and people were beginning to feel threatened.

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        In the Roman Empire, everyone undertook the worship of the emperor and pagan gods. However, Christians did not tend to these rituals and kept to themselves. They were considered anti-social and started getting the attention of the police, something they did not want nor need.

        The Romans saw many Christian practises as strange and even unacceptable. Talk of eating the body and blood of Christ and the customary greeting with a kiss brought charges of cannibalism and incest. Their beliefs were also considered pointless and unworthy of respect. A drawing found in Rome of a man with a donkey’s ...

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