Christianity In The Roman Empire

Paganism is a fourth-century term that refers to the population in the Roman empire who practised Polytheism. It is essential to note pagans themselves did not describe themselves using this word, but the Christians coined it during the 4th century. Since the early Christian Church created the definition of paganism, it is somewhat a controversial term. When they invented this word, Christianity was still a minority religion and just shows how much of an impact they were having so early on. Therefore, it is clear, Christianity was growing and had an effect on the life of the Roman empire. In this essay the word pagan will be used to describe the polytheistic people during the 3rd century of the Roman empire; it is not representing one unified
Paganism, as defined, is a polytheistic religion which means that pagan people worshipped multiple gods and goddesses in a religious context. The religion thrived and was supported by sacrifices and offerings made by individuals in the empire as it showed that the belief in these gods was alive. For the religion to strive, it was necessary for public involvement. The need for public participation is reinforced from the strict calendar of religious days given to the military forces of the empire. As source 1.1 of the textbook shows, the Roman military participated in many religious rites throughout the year. Many of these rituals involved the sacrifice of animals to the gods and showed the emphasis and prominence of supplication. Sacrifice reinforced the idea that the gods the Romans worshipped had powers and were able to affect their human lives on earth. Not only were the military forces of the empire involved in offering to the gods, but everyday citizens would provide in return for aid from gods or
For a basic understanding, Paganism was a polytheistic religion and Christianity even at its roots was a monotheistic religion. This just as a constant comparison can make just clear why these two religions would not be able to thrive in the same setting. As discussed in this paper, Paganism relied and was based heavily on the sacrifices of animals and worship of different gods and goddesses. It also was shaped around the idea that people believed these gods and goddesses existed with powers to affect humans. In comparison, Christians did not believe in sacrifice and instead prayed to a single god. Their religion thrived on communal prayer in a setting where they could share in their devotion, and a stubbornness that would exemplify their faith to the whole empire. Furthermore, it can be drawn that in a sense Paganism was much more of a private religion in comparison to Christianity. Individual in such a way that citizens did not need the whole world to know they had given a votive offering to one particular god or goddesses. In comparison, it was important for Christians to participate in communal activities and have the world see them as devoted Christians. Another central difference between the two ‘religions’ is sacrifice and prayer. Both these concepts were at the groundwork of these faiths and therefore provide a better understanding of each