(**Edited note: So sorry it took me so long to publish this post. Wes sent this to me when we were studying Chapter 13, and life just got in the way of a timely post. Sorry!!)
really bummed i had to miss the discussion in class last week (Chapter 13), the beginning of this chapter has been a big point of interest to me for a long time. in college i read a book on the differences of major religions, and the "human" reasoning or explanations behind them. when the author came to Christianity, he claimed that the real reason the word of christ spread so quickly throughout the region was because the leaders of the roman government at the time secretly wanted and encouraged it to. not because they were believers in christ, but mainly for the content and instructions in the first half of this chapter. to obey all laws of the government, that they were actually placed into power by god himself to enforce his will, to pay taxes, and not rebel against them. that their reward is in the life after this one ... to even embrace suffering and even persecution! that always made alot of sense to me.
on another note i love vs 8 "let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another." wow that one is totally getting highlighted!
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Wes, I have studied Roman history for many years and have never heard of this explanation for the rapid spread of Christianity. I would like to see this man's research and references to assess his theory. In my study, I have found that the Roman Empire extensively persecuted Christians and saw the Christian religion as a threat to the unity and health of the empire because they believed that if their gods were not honored by all in the empire, the gods would refuse to protect the empire. Thus, Christians and Jews, who would not worship any other god, were clear targets. Let me know if you have this author's work.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mark