The Romans primarily had issues with, and at times persecuted, Judaism and Christianity. This animosity stemmed from the monotheistic nature of these religions, which clashed with the Roman polytheistic beliefs and the associated imperial cult.
Why the Romans Disliked Monotheistic Religions
Rome was generally tolerant of different religions within its empire, often incorporating foreign deities into their own pantheon. However, Judaism and Christianity posed a unique challenge for several reasons:
- Rejection of Roman Gods: The core tenet of monotheism – belief in one god – meant that Jews and Christians refused to worship the Roman gods and participate in the imperial cult (the worship of the emperor as a god). This was seen as a sign of disloyalty and potentially disruptive to the social order and pax deorum (peace of the gods).
- Social Exclusivity: Both Judaism and, later, Christianity tended to form distinct communities with their own customs and laws, setting them apart from the wider Roman society. This perceived separateness aroused suspicion and resentment.
- Perceived Subversiveness: Roman authorities sometimes viewed these religions as subversive forces. In the case of early Christianity, the belief in a "kingdom of God" was interpreted by some as a direct challenge to Roman authority.
- Misunderstandings and Rumors: Early Christians were often targets of rumors and accusations, such as cannibalism (due to misinterpretations of the Eucharist) and incest (referring to their practice of calling each other "brother" and "sister").
The Case of Judaism
The Romans had a long and complex relationship with the Jewish people, marked by periods of relative tolerance and violent conflict. The Jewish revolts against Roman rule, particularly the Great Jewish Revolt (66-73 CE) and the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132-136 CE), resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life, further fueling Roman animosity towards Judaism.
The Case of Christianity
Christianity, initially a sect within Judaism, faced similar challenges. The refusal of Christians to worship Roman gods led to sporadic persecutions, particularly during the reigns of emperors like Nero and Diocletian. However, Christianity eventually gained popularity and, under Emperor Constantine, became tolerated (Edict of Milan, 313 CE) and later the state religion of the Roman Empire.
In conclusion, while Romans tolerated many religions, it was primarily Judaism and Christianity that faced significant opposition due to their monotheistic beliefs which clashed with the Roman polytheistic traditions and perceived challenges to imperial authority.
