In in the past, I had the “Hollywood” persecution view. I was unaware of this until this year. Christianity was not exclusively an “underground” belief system. In fact, persecution was rather spasmodic before 250, when Decian began his persecution efforts. It was interesting to me how I’ve had this view of Christians in the early church constantly hiding and meeting in secret, paired with rampant persecution. Although these types of martyrdom happened, the early church often had more freedom to be a Christian. In fact, based on the article, as long as it appeared that one was sacrificing to Roman gods, everything was stable. The issue with this is that many refused to betray their faith by finding ways around this law, and so voluntarily became martyrs, as in the case of Perpetua. It takes great courage to refuse the “easy way out,” and remain resolute and full of integrity in the face of danger.
In this weeks readings something that really struck me was, the courage and bravery of these Christian men and women. By refusing to sacrifice gifts to the emperor, or denying Christianity, or worshiping false gods these men and women would be killed. Even though this was the case for Christians, they still kept strong with their faith even if it lead to losing their lives. These Martyrs were willing to sacerfice their lives and family to be examples and encourgment for other believers by boldly standing until their last breath and proclaiming Jesus. Perpetua gave up her son and her family, not regretfully but with joy to die for her belief in Jesus Christ. Even with swords and wild animals Perpetua did not lose her faith in Jesus Christ. "You must all stand fast in the faith and love one another, and do not be weakened by what we have gone through"(Perpetua's diary). As Christians we need to remember that throughout every hard struggle or even death, to make sure that nothing will shake our foundation and belief in Jesus Christ. That we like these Martyrs will be able to stand with no fear in our trials, but knowing that Jesus Christ is with us.
Perpetua’s diary really stood out to me. I found her story very sad and moving. I thought it was a good look into what Christians might of felt and went through in that time. I also found the Martyr reading very interesting. After reading Perpetua’s story and others like it I kind of assumed that in this time period the killing of believers happened all the time and Christians were just rounded up and put in the arena. I now realize now though that it was mostly Christians, like Perpetua who sort of gave themselves up by not sacrificing to the Roman gods or finding a way around it. The fact though that all Christians were not just being rounded up and killed does not make Perpetua’s story any less sad or disturbing. She seemed like a very courageous woman and a strong Christian. Reading her diary made me think of Christians in other countries who are being persecuted for their faith, maybe not exactly to that extent, but they are still being harassed, looked down upon, imprisoned, or killed. This reminds me of how fortunate we are to live in a country where we can freely worship God and how we should pray for those whose circumstances are not as fortunate.
It’s incredible that these people were willing and joyful to be killed in the arena. They were faithful to their God in the end. It would have been easy to say “No, actually I’ve changed my mind. I don’t believe Jesus is my savior.” They would have been able to continue their normal lives. Maybe they thought about that. But maybe they also thought about the guilt they would have lived with for the rest of their lives. Just for saying by saying one word. No, they knew that they had to be faithful, even if it meant the pain of death. Though I wouldn’t be surprised if the thought of betraying their God never crossed their mind. Even if you don’t believe in Jesus as savior, you have to admire all the martyrs’ faithfulness. That brings up another point. Why would someone be so faithful that it meant an extremely painful death? The only logical reason would be that the thing that person believes in is true.
These people were amazing there love for God went far over what many "Christians" today would. The extreme torture that they endured was astronomical. The slow death of being burned alive, the gruesome, gory death of being ripped apart by wild beasts, and many more were what theses innocent people faced for simply believing that there was a savior. Thousands gave their lives for Christ and stayed faithful to him. Do you think that you would too? At many times I wonder. Would I have giving up my life for God if I was in that kind of situation? Its something that I wouldn't be able to know unless I faced that kind of situation, but it does make you think. God loves us to the point that he gave up his life in one of the most painful way known to the Romans at the time. Can we do the same?
I find it ironic that the very thing that the emperor was trying to exterminate, being Christianity, was growing in spite of all the killings. I think Perpetua must have seen the people's need for a hope and resolve to stay strong. Not just that, but she was so deeply rooted in her faith that she wanted to die for it, because it was so important to her. It must have been intriguing to the average citizen what kind of god a person served in order to be willing to die for him. Then there were also those who pretended to cooperate with the government. It makes me wonder, was that just as wrong as denying God outright?
i find it interesting how it was sort of an option to be persecuted. there were ways for people to not be persecuted. matter of fact it wasn't that hard not to be persecuted. but if you were a martyr you were known as a hero. i also find it interesting how it wasnt necessary for the emperor to persecute the christians but he did it because of the troubles in the empire. i wonder what would have happened to christianity if the christians hadn't been persecuted.
The article pointed out fascinating reasons for the start of martyrdom. The Roman Emperor Decius was becoming worried because of the swelling population of Christians. Unlike other religions of the time, Christianity was organized throughout the empire making it very influential. In addition, a Christian’s counter-cultural beliefs made him stand out in contrast to the pagan beliefs. Corruption among the aristocrats and fear of those on the outside (barbarians, Persians, and Germans) threatened the Romans. In reality, fear was driving the emperor’s actions and anything that went against the ancient Roman culture and religion that he could control, he did. So the emperor created a plan that he hoped would either extinguish the Christian population or subdue it. He had people hunt out the bishops and try to force them to recant and if they didn’t they were killed. He forced the rest of the Christians to make sacrifices to the emperor. In the end, the plan failed in multiple ways. Christians found ways to go around that rule by forging certificates of their sacrifice, bribing officials, or making their pagan friends do it, etc. Those who were killed for their open refusal of the sacrifices (martyrs) began to be highly praised and almost worshiped in the church. In the end, martyrdom strengthened the church in ways the Roman emperor never imagined.
Those who were martyred at the time of Decius’s persecution of the Christians truly understood the importance of their faith and what Christianity was all about. Jesus was the first martyr. As he hung there on the cross he was demonstrating to all His followers to come, that the Christian walk would not always be easy. Jesus was a hero just like the martyrs of Decius's time were considered heroic minorities. These martyrs were demonstrating true discipline and true knowledge of the gospel. “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” Matthew 16:25. This verse portrays what was happening to the Christians who did not fully commit to their faith but instead found ways around being persecuted. These Christians who were trying to save their life had trouble reentering Christianity once the persecution was over (whoever saves their life will lose it) while those who were martyred did not back down but took up their cross and followed Christ. They were striving for glory that would come in the kingdom of heaven, not comfort here on earth. God continually teaches throughout the bible to take up your cross and follow Him. Suffering now will always result in glory later. As we look back in history we can see that these martyrs understood the true meaning of suffering and didn’t think of it as a punishment but saw that the time was now to show the world what Christianity really was. I strongly commend every martyr for setting the standards high for other Christians to look up to and admire!
Should you have let someone who had renounced and denied their faith in the heat of persecution have access into the community of the church? I believe that yes, we should allow them to come back, them being truly repentant over their denial. It was sad to read that many renounced their faith, and resorted to bribing and dishonesty to stay alive. But to not allow them back into the church would be cutting them off from the body, the fellowship. I would think many would need to come back into the church, if they were (as I hope many were) genuine about their repentance. They would now need the accountability in their walk with Christ (was there accountability back then?), so as to continue following him, to avoid falling away when persecution does come. One example in the Bible where a member denies Christ is when Peter denied Jesus three times. When Peter realizes his sin, by the sound of the rooster, he “…broke down and wept.” (Mark 14:72 ESV) This shows a repentant heart. As a side note, I found reading about the martyrs a good reminder for the martyrs today, in other countries, who are faithfully enduring persecution. Yet, in the spiritual sense, we are all martyrs, if we are Christians, by dying to ourselves every day.
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ReplyDeleteIn in the past, I had the “Hollywood” persecution view. I was unaware of this until this year. Christianity was not exclusively an “underground” belief system. In fact, persecution was rather spasmodic before 250, when Decian began his persecution efforts. It was interesting to me how I’ve had this view of Christians in the early church constantly hiding and meeting in secret, paired with rampant persecution. Although these types of martyrdom happened, the early church often had more freedom to be a Christian. In fact, based on the article, as long as it appeared that one was sacrificing to Roman gods, everything was stable. The issue with this is that many refused to betray their faith by finding ways around this law, and so voluntarily became martyrs, as in the case of Perpetua. It takes great courage to refuse the “easy way out,” and remain resolute and full of integrity in the face of danger.
ReplyDeleteIn this weeks readings something that really struck me was, the courage and bravery of these Christian men and women. By refusing to sacrifice gifts to the emperor, or denying Christianity, or worshiping false gods these men and women would be killed. Even though this was the case for Christians, they still kept strong with their faith even if it lead to losing their lives. These Martyrs were willing to sacerfice their lives and family to be examples and encourgment for other believers by boldly standing until their last breath and proclaiming Jesus. Perpetua gave up her son and her family, not regretfully but with joy to die for her belief in Jesus Christ. Even with swords and wild animals Perpetua did not lose her faith in Jesus Christ. "You must all stand fast in the faith and love one another, and do not be weakened by what we have gone through"(Perpetua's diary). As Christians we need to remember that throughout every hard struggle or even death, to make sure that nothing will shake our foundation and belief in Jesus Christ. That we like these Martyrs will be able to stand with no fear in our trials, but knowing that Jesus Christ is with us.
ReplyDeletePerpetua’s diary really stood out to me. I found her story very sad and moving. I thought it was a good look into what Christians might of felt and went through in that time. I also found the Martyr reading very interesting. After reading Perpetua’s story and others like it I kind of assumed that in this time period the killing of believers happened all the time and Christians were just rounded up and put in the arena. I now realize now though that it was mostly Christians, like Perpetua who sort of gave themselves up by not sacrificing to the Roman gods or finding a way around it. The fact though that all Christians were not just being rounded up and killed does not make Perpetua’s story any less sad or disturbing. She seemed like a very courageous woman and a strong Christian. Reading her diary made me think of Christians in other countries who are being persecuted for their faith, maybe not exactly to that extent, but they are still being harassed, looked down upon, imprisoned, or killed. This reminds me of how fortunate we are to live in a country where we can freely worship God and how we should pray for those whose circumstances are not as fortunate.
ReplyDeleteIt’s incredible that these people were willing and joyful to be killed in the arena. They were faithful to their God in the end. It would have been easy to say “No, actually I’ve changed my mind. I don’t believe Jesus is my savior.” They would have been able to continue their normal lives. Maybe they thought about that. But maybe they also thought about the guilt they would have lived with for the rest of their lives. Just for saying by saying one word. No, they knew that they had to be faithful, even if it meant the pain of death. Though I wouldn’t be surprised if the thought of betraying their God never crossed their mind. Even if you don’t believe in Jesus as savior, you have to admire all the martyrs’ faithfulness. That brings up another point. Why would someone be so faithful that it meant an extremely painful death? The only logical reason would be that the thing that person believes in is true.
ReplyDeleteThese people were amazing there love for God went far over what many "Christians" today would. The extreme torture that they endured was astronomical. The slow death of being burned alive, the gruesome, gory death of being ripped apart by wild beasts, and many more were what theses innocent people faced for simply believing that there was a savior. Thousands gave their lives for Christ and stayed faithful to him. Do you think that you would too? At many times I wonder. Would I have giving up my life for God if I was in that kind of situation? Its something that I wouldn't be able to know unless I faced that kind of situation, but it does make you think. God loves us to the point that he gave up his life in one of the most painful way known to the Romans at the time. Can we do the same?
ReplyDeleteI find it ironic that the very thing that the emperor was trying to exterminate, being Christianity, was growing in spite of all the killings. I think Perpetua must have seen the people's need for a hope and resolve to stay strong. Not just that, but she was so deeply rooted in her faith that she wanted to die for it, because it was so important to her. It must have been intriguing to the average citizen what kind of god a person served in order to be willing to die for him. Then there were also those who pretended to cooperate with the government. It makes me wonder, was that just as wrong as denying God outright?
ReplyDeletei find it interesting how it was sort of an option to be persecuted. there were ways for people to not be persecuted. matter of fact it wasn't that hard not to be persecuted. but if you were a martyr you were known as a hero.
ReplyDeletei also find it interesting how it wasnt necessary for the emperor to persecute the christians but he did it because of the troubles in the empire. i wonder what would have happened to christianity if the christians hadn't been persecuted.
The article pointed out fascinating reasons for the start of martyrdom. The Roman Emperor Decius was becoming worried because of the swelling population of Christians. Unlike other religions of the time, Christianity was organized throughout the empire making it very influential. In addition, a Christian’s counter-cultural beliefs made him stand out in contrast to the pagan beliefs. Corruption among the aristocrats and fear of those on the outside (barbarians, Persians, and Germans) threatened the Romans. In reality, fear was driving the emperor’s actions and anything that went against the ancient Roman culture and religion that he could control, he did. So the emperor created a plan that he hoped would either extinguish the Christian population or subdue it. He had people hunt out the bishops and try to force them to recant and if they didn’t they were killed. He forced the rest of the Christians to make sacrifices to the emperor. In the end, the plan failed in multiple ways. Christians found ways to go around that rule by forging certificates of their sacrifice, bribing officials, or making their pagan friends do it, etc. Those who were killed for their open refusal of the sacrifices (martyrs) began to be highly praised and almost worshiped in the church. In the end, martyrdom strengthened the church in ways the Roman emperor never imagined.
ReplyDeleteThose who were martyred at the time of Decius’s persecution of the Christians truly understood the importance of their faith and what Christianity was all about. Jesus was the first martyr. As he hung there on the cross he was demonstrating to all His followers to come, that the Christian walk would not always be easy. Jesus was a hero just like the martyrs of Decius's time were considered heroic minorities. These martyrs were demonstrating true discipline and true knowledge of the gospel. “For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.” Matthew 16:25. This verse portrays what was happening to the Christians who did not fully commit to their faith but instead found ways around being persecuted. These Christians who were trying to save their life had trouble reentering Christianity once the persecution was over (whoever saves their life will lose it) while those who were martyred did not back down but took up their cross and followed Christ. They were striving for glory that would come in the kingdom of heaven, not comfort here on earth. God continually teaches throughout the bible to take up your cross and follow Him. Suffering now will always result in glory later. As we look back in history we can see that these martyrs understood the true meaning of suffering and didn’t think of it as a punishment but saw that the time was now to show the world what Christianity really was. I strongly commend every martyr for setting the standards high for other Christians to look up to and admire!
ReplyDeleteShould you have let someone who had renounced and denied their faith in the heat of persecution have access into the community of the church? I believe that yes, we should allow them to come back, them being truly repentant over their denial. It was sad to read that many renounced their faith, and resorted to bribing and dishonesty to stay alive. But to not allow them back into the church would be cutting them off from the body, the fellowship. I would think many would need to come back into the church, if they were (as I hope many were) genuine about their repentance. They would now need the accountability in their walk with Christ (was there accountability back then?), so as to continue following him, to avoid falling away when persecution does come. One example in the Bible where a member denies Christ is when Peter denied Jesus three times. When Peter realizes his sin, by the sound of the rooster, he “…broke down and wept.” (Mark 14:72 ESV) This shows a repentant heart.
ReplyDeleteAs a side note, I found reading about the martyrs a good reminder for the martyrs today, in other countries, who are faithfully enduring persecution. Yet, in the spiritual sense, we are all martyrs, if we are Christians, by dying to ourselves every day.