Throughout human history, people have been opposed to Christianity arguing that society would be better off without it. Today, prominent atheists like Richard Dawkins argue that Christianity, like all religions, is bad for society because its beliefs and practices lead to violence. Alister McGrath explains, “(Atheists believe) wherever religion exercises power, it oppresses and corrupts, using violence to enforce its own beliefs and agendas” (29). Roman rulers in the third century also viewed Christianity as a hindrance to the stable society they longed for, which resulted in persecution.PERSECUTION UNDER SEPTIMUS SEVERUS
During the third century, Severus worried about civil war due to the existence of various rebel groups within the empire. In an attempt to promote unity, he encouraged religious harmony by pushing for all people to join together and worship in the same manner. As a result, people were persecuted for converting to the Christian faith, for refusing to turn from their system of belief and for proselytizing. This increase of local persecution for Christians was similar to what took place in the second century. Severus claimed to do this for the good of the empire believing Christians to be lawbreakers who were a threat to stability because they opposed religious harmony.
PERSECUTION UNDER DECIUS
Decius had a deep desire to restore Rome to her ancient glory. He thought that one of the reasons this glory had been lost was because many had abandoned the ancient Roman gods. He truly believed that because the gods had been neglected, Rome had provoked them to anger. Under Decius’ reign, Christians who refused to worship Roman gods were accused of high treason. He believed that forcing Christians to recant would be a needed step toward the restoration of paganism. He used a combination of promises, threats, and torture to force worship. Origen was tortured so severely for his faith under Decius that he died shortly after his release in AD 254.
Those who stood their ground in the midst of opposition were known as “confessors” and were highly respected by other Christians. The boldness of these believers greatly strengthened Christians of the third century.
CONCLUSION
As stated earlier, many have argued and continue to believe that Christians are troublemakers and are to blame for the evils in our society. The truth, however, is that our society would be far more miserable were it not for Christ. In a book entitled “What if Jesus had Never Been Born” author James Kennedy discusses all the wonderful contributions Christianity has made to society.
For example, Christianity is known historically for its compassion. Without Christianity there would be no YMCA, no Salvation Army, fewer orphanages and hospitals etc. There would also be no Christian mission organizations, which provide shelter, food and clothing for those in need around the world.
Christianity has also done great things for education. The idea of education for everyone grew directly out of the Protestant Reformation. Harvard, Yale, William and Mary, Brown, Princeton, New York University, Northwestern University, and others have thoroughly Christian roots. Harvard, for example, got its start from Rev. John Harvard.
Christianity has also played a significant role in furthering people’s civil liberties. William Carey went to India and put a stop to the horrible practice of Widow burning and pushed women’s rights in that area of the world, while William Wilberforce was responsible for the abolition of slavery in most of the British Empire.
Although all of these are important, the most significant contribution is the life change that occurs when one trusts in Christ for Salvation. Relationships have been mended, killers have repented, alcoholic/drug addicts have been rehabilitated because they have been forgiven and restored to a right relationship with the one true God.
Society is not better off without Christianity. Christianity is what society needs the most. Many are searching and investing their lives in things that will not satisfy. Only Christ can gratify our souls and fill the void that we all have. Jesus promises in Matthew 11:28, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
McGrath, Alister. Challenges from Atheism. Beyond Opinion. Nashville: Thomas Nelson. 2007. 29.
