The Testimony
of New Testament Scholars Pliny's Policy: Execution
Marking the beginning of the Roman Empire's legal prosecution of Christians. The Martyrs
Treated as criminals in the second and third centuries, the early Christians were subject to empire-wide persecution. Legitimization Under Constantine
From persecuted minority to official imperial religion - what caused this extraordinary reversal for Christianity? The Great Appeal
What did Christianity offer its believers that made it worth social estrangement, hostility from neighbors, and possible persecution?
of New Testament Scholars Pliny's Policy: Execution
Marking the beginning of the Roman Empire's legal prosecution of Christians. The Martyrs
Treated as criminals in the second and third centuries, the early Christians were subject to empire-wide persecution. Legitimization Under Constantine
From persecuted minority to official imperial religion - what caused this extraordinary reversal for Christianity? The Great Appeal
What did Christianity offer its believers that made it worth social estrangement, hostility from neighbors, and possible persecution?
also »
The Rise of Christianity: A Sociologist Reconsiders History
Two excerpts from Rodney Stark's book probing what helped Christianity succeed. One excerpt looks at the appeal of
the Christian message itself, for example, how it brought a new conception of humanity "to a world saturated with
cruelty." In 'Organization and Opportunity,' Stark examines other factors, such as paganism's weakness and the early
church's social structure, which helped draw so many to the new faith.
Audio Excerpt from the Documentary
New Testament scholars assess the reasons why Rome ultimately embraced Christianity.