The Christians and the Roman Empire - Softcover

Marta Sordi (author)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 080612637X ISBN 13: 9780806126371

Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press, 1994

Synopsis

The Christians and the Roman Empire overturns the myth of an unrelenting persecution of the subversive, Christian "outlaw." Using contemporary sources and authentic documents --including imperial edicts and records of the deeds of non-legendary martyrs--Marta Sordi shows that the conflict was primarily religious and almost never political. The Christians actually continued to profess their loyalty to the Roman Empire during the periods of persecution, and the Empire, which almost never thought of the Christians as a threat to security, often found itself acting simply as the secular arm of religious authorities during these periods of social and cultural intolerance.

About this title

Review:

"Sordi knows much about the early church and the Roman Empire. . . . She has given us a challenging book, well worth reading."--American Historical Review

"A thought-provoking and valuable study . . . it belongs on the reading list of every student of the period."--Classical Outlook

Synopsis:

Overturns the myth of an unrelenting persecution of the Christian 'outlaw' and also the more modern trend towards minimising the suffering of Christians, offering an alternative view.

About this edition

• Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 080612637X
• ISBN 13: 9780806126371
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 222