We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
By Whom Were Early Christians Persecuted?
- Authors
Corke-Webster, James
- Abstract
The article challenges the traditional narrative of early Christian persecution by asserting that the persecutors were often fellow Christians or individuals closely associated with the victims. The author, James Corke-Webster, presents evidence that suggests that the accusations and acts of persecution frequently originated within the Christian community itself. This challenges the prevailing assumption that religious differences were the primary motive for persecution. Instead, the proximity to the victims, regardless of religious affiliation, emerges as a common factor. Corke-Webster argues that a fresh study of the victims' experiences is necessary, focusing not only on overt acts but also on microaggressions, domestic abuse, ostracism, and displacement. He emphasizes that this alternative perspective requires a reevaluation of the broader understanding of early Christian history, moving away from the prevalent "clash of religions" model and suggests that the study of early Christianity has often been characterized by an overarching interest in its rise as a distinct entity against the Roman Empire. The author also challenges the idea that the post-Constantinian period marked a significant shift in Christian persecution dynamics, arguing that attempts to mobilize the state against fellow Christians were not exclusive to this era but were consistent with principles of Roman imperial governance. The article concludes by highlighting the implications of this re-reading for the broader history of religions, emphasizing the importance of understanding religious dynamics within the complexities of local communities and wider cultural contexts.
- Subjects
CHRISTIANS; PERSECUTION of Christians; PRIMITIVE &; early church, ca. 30-600; VICTIMS; MOTIVATION (Psychology); ROMAN Empire, 30 B.C.-A.D. 476
- Publication
Past & Present, 2023, Vol 261, Issue 1, p3
- ISSN
0031-2746
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1093/pastj/gtac041