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Even in the first two or three centuries of Christianity, it seems that members of the faith could be both bigoted and intolerant of other beliefs. The example of Marcellus the centurion is a case in point. Obviously having become a Christian, he threw away his arms and the ensigns of his office, and exclaimed with a loud voice that he would obey none but Jesus Christ the eternal King, and that he renounced forever the use of carnal weapons and the service of an 'idolatrous' master. He refused to serve in an army not under the control of a Christian. Marcellus was justifiably found guilty of desertion, as no doubt an army officer would today if he quit in front of his troops because he happened to follow a religion different from that of the President.
Christians did serve in the Roman army, as we know from Constantine's rise to power, and continued to do so without quibble after the rise of the Christian emperors. But it seems it was not an uncommon position among the early Christians to refuse to serve a non-Christian emperor.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 16y agoMany people were Christians, so when they didn't join, the Roman army grew even weaker! Thus, it was harder to defend Rome from the many attacks of the Barbarians.
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Why did roman officials consider christians enemys of the empire?
Because they did not worship gods or goddesses like the Romans did. Some Christians turned away from their responsibilities as Roman citizens, such as serving in the army.
Did Christians serve in the roman Senate?
When Christianity was endorsed by the Christian Romans Emperors, these emperors appointed Christian senators.
Who was allowed to serve in the roman army?
Yes.Yes.Yes.Yes.Yes.Yes.Yes.Yes.Yes.
Why did the Roman Emperor persecute Christian?
Christians refused to worship Roman gods.
Who had to serve in the roman army?
All free men were supposed to serve in the Roman army. However, just because one was eligible to serve, did not necessarily mean he had to serve. During peacetime, the army generally had enough volunteers to keep its ranks fairly full. When there was trouble, though, more men were needed to be trained and fill the ranks. In these circumstances officials went around drafting young men for a military career.All free men were supposed to serve in the Roman army. However, just because one was eligible to serve, did not necessarily mean he had to serve. During peacetime, the army generally had enough volunteers to keep its ranks fairly full. When there was trouble, though, more men were needed to be trained and fill the ranks. In these circumstances officials went around drafting young men for a military career.All free men were supposed to serve in the Roman army. However, just because one was eligible to serve, did not necessarily mean he had to serve. During peacetime, the army generally had enough volunteers to keep its ranks fairly full. When there was trouble, though, more men were needed to be trained and fill the ranks. In these circumstances officials went around drafting young men for a military career.All free men were supposed to serve in the Roman army. However, just because one was eligible to serve, did not necessarily mean he had to serve. During peacetime, the army generally had enough volunteers to keep its ranks fairly full. When there was trouble, though, more men were needed to be trained and fill the ranks. In these circumstances officials went around drafting young men for a military career.All free men were supposed to serve in the Roman army. However, just because one was eligible to serve, did not necessarily mean he had to serve. During peacetime, the army generally had enough volunteers to keep its ranks fairly full. When there was trouble, though, more men were needed to be trained and fill the ranks. In these circumstances officials went around drafting young men for a military career.All free men were supposed to serve in the Roman army. However, just because one was eligible to serve, did not necessarily mean he had to serve. During peacetime, the army generally had enough volunteers to keep its ranks fairly full. When there was trouble, though, more men were needed to be trained and fill the ranks. In these circumstances officials went around drafting young men for a military career.All free men were supposed to serve in the Roman army. However, just because one was eligible to serve, did not necessarily mean he had to serve. During peacetime, the army generally had enough volunteers to keep its ranks fairly full. When there was trouble, though, more men were needed to be trained and fill the ranks. In these circumstances officials went around drafting young men for a military career.All free men were supposed to serve in the Roman army. However, just because one was eligible to serve, did not necessarily mean he had to serve. During peacetime, the army generally had enough volunteers to keep its ranks fairly full. When there was trouble, though, more men were needed to be trained and fill the ranks. In these circumstances officials went around drafting young men for a military career.All free men were supposed to serve in the Roman army. However, just because one was eligible to serve, did not necessarily mean he had to serve. During peacetime, the army generally had enough volunteers to keep its ranks fairly full. When there was trouble, though, more men were needed to be trained and fill the ranks. In these circumstances officials went around drafting young men for a military career.
Why did roman officials consider christians enemys of the empire?
Because they did not worship gods or goddesses like the Romans did. Some Christians turned away from their responsibilities as Roman citizens, such as serving in the army.
Was the Roman army loyal?
Yes, extremely. There was no greater honour in the Roman Empire than to serve it. The army embodied this principle in the highest manner.
Were the first Catholics pacifist?
Yes. The early Christians (whom we consider also to be the first Catholics) often refused to be inducted into the Roman army. They did this for two reasons: (1) the Roman army required its members to sacrifice to the pagan gods, which Christians refused to do; and (2) at times the Roman army officers would issue commands that Christians felt were deplorable, such as to slaughter unarmed civilians.
What two kinds of people serve in roman army?
Those who volunteered and those who were conscripted.
Were women allowed in the romen army?
Women were not allowed to serve as members of the Roman Legions.
Did Christians serve in the roman Senate?
When Christianity was endorsed by the Christian Romans Emperors, these emperors appointed Christian senators.
Why did the Roman plebeians go on strike in 494 BC?
Because they refused to serve in the army.
Were Catholics in the Roman army?
Yes, there were many Catholics (Christians) in the Roman army, but most kept their religion a secret as they were subject to the death penalty if discovered. St. Sebastian and St. George are good examples.
How old do you have to be to serve in the roman army?
The minimum age for the Roman army was 18, but this was only if the guy had reached his full growth potential. They generally liked men about 20 to 25 years of age.
Who was allowed to serve in the roman army?
Yes.Yes.Yes.Yes.Yes.Yes.Yes.Yes.Yes.
Why did Nero persecuted Christians?
It is most probable that Nero had nothing against Christians personally, but they made a convenient scapegoat for the burning of Rome which allowed him to build his extravagant palace on the previous site of ancient Roman temples. The early Christians were not liked among the Roman public because they would not serve in the Roman Army or acknowledge the traditional Roman gods. Nero's palace was never finished. In time, hatred for the Christians abated while Nero became ever more unpopular, and he was overthrown. The Senate tried him in absentia, found him guilty, and sentenced him to be beaten to death. It was a Roman punishment not used anymore, but Nero was so hated that it was reinstated especially for him, and he stabbed himself in the throat rather than be put to death in this manner.
Why did the Roman Emperor persecute Christian?
Christians refused to worship Roman gods.
