CL 324 - Seminar: The Persecution of the Christians in the Roman World

(3.00 cr.)

An exploration of the causes, nature, and extent of early Christian persecutions until Christianity became the official religion of the Roman Empire in the fourth century. Topics include the Jewish-Greek- Roman environment of early Christianity; Rome's policies toward foreign cults; Christians' reputation for extreme promiscuity and cultic atrocities; comparison with competing cults; the danger of open profession of the new faith; and Christian acceptance of the ancient world. Given the muddled understanding of the early Christian persecutions, the course examines and dispels the myths and brings some order to the chaos. Written or electronic permission of the instructor. Same course as HS 475 . IC/IM