Easter Celebrates Christianity’s Historic Rise Against Rome’s Brutality
TOLEDO, Ohio — On a day when Christians worldwide commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the historical roots of this religious awakening reveal a remarkable tale of resistance and triumph against an empire. Nearly two millennia ago, a Roman governor in modern-day Turkey encountered the burgeoning cult of Christianity, perceiving it as a threat to Rome’s power.
As the governor, Pliny the Younger, conducted inquiries into the group, he reported to Emperor Trajan that their practices were filled with ‘depraved and immoderate superstition.’ “I believe it all the more necessary to find out the truth from two slave women, whom they call deaconesses, even by torture,” he wrote, reflecting the oppressive regime that sought to stamp out dissent.
Despite the brutal tactics employed by the Roman Empire, the early Christians proved resilient. Their movement began in a marginalized corner of society and grew to become the world’s dominant faith, something that historian Tom Holland describes in his book, “Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World.” Holland notes that the cross, once a symbol of suffering, transformed into a global emblem of hope.
“What we celebrate today isn’t just about Easter but also about the rise of a faith that stood resilient against brutal systems of power,” said theologian Dr. Michelle McKnight, reflecting on the profound implications of this Easter Sunday.
The early Christian communities addressed the socio-economic disparities prevalent in Roman society. Historian Rodney Stark noted that many lived in appalling conditions, where poverty was rampant and life expectancy hovered around 35 years due to high infant mortality rates.
“The Christians provided what we would now recognize as a welfare state,” Stark wrote. “They cared for the sick during plagues when most fled, showing compassion that was distinctly lacking in Roman society.”
The Christians didn’t merely preach about salvation; they established orphanages and hospitals, filling a notable compassion gap. In addition, their approach to wealth redistribution, as shown in the Book of Acts, offered a model of early communal living that addressed immediate needs.
“All the believers were one in heart and mind,” reads Acts 4:32, indicating their unified effort to uplift the marginalized.
Civil rights activist John Lewis once highlighted the power of community in resisting oppression, stating, “We were stronger because we were together.” This echoes the sentiment surrounding early Christians, whose personal loyalties and relationships played a key role in expanding their movement, often transcending cultural and social barriers.
Many early believers were initially drawn to the Christian faith not solely by doctrine but because of the persuasive influence of friends and family. Sociologist Stark posits that the attraction was largely due to the growth of mutual support networks among Christians, contrasting sharply with the political and social isolation fostered by Rome.
A pivotal shift occurred when Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity and began endorsing the faith. Yet, scholars argue that with this acceptance, the radical messages of resistance and social justice became muted, evolving into a focus on spiritual salvation post-death rather than immediate concerns of the oppressed.
Today, as two billion Christians mark Easter, the implications of this history resonate. “The miracle of Easter extends beyond the resurrection; it encompasses resilience against oppression,” said Fr. Mark Charles, an episcopal priest. “It reminds us that hope persists in the face of tyranny.”
In these challenging times, the Easter narrative serves not just as a religious observance but as a call to reflect on the power of community and compassion in the face of adversity, emphasizing that resistance can arise from the most unlikely of origins.
The courage of early Christians may have been overshadowed by subsequent historical developments, yet the spirit of their fight for justice lives on today. While the names of those early deaconesses remain lost to history, their bravery and commitment to their community continue to inspire countless individuals seeking equity and justice in today’s world.
