History of Medicine- Ancient Greek and Rome
Religious and Ethical Influences
Romans viewed Christianity slightly different from the general theory. They did not spend all their time hunting down Christians in order to crucify them or throw them to the lions. When Christianity first started in the Roman Empire, it was viewed as another sect of Judaism. There was no difference between the Jews and the Christians in the eyes of the Roman government. Christians were seen simply as a more radical group of Jews. When Christians were arrested for being Christian, they were asked many times what their religion was. It seems the Romans gave them many chances to deny their religion and keep their lives. All they had to do was say they were not Christians and they would be let go. If people were willing to die or be imprisoned for their beliefs, it made the religion be a love. They would let others know that their cause was good enough tto give up their lives. It was something special if its followers were willing to give up their lives in order to cling to it. Christianity was just like the mystery religions that gave people hope. They were willing to martyr themselves because Jesus the founder of Christianity and the presumed Son of God had been a martyr himself. This would prove to God and to themselves that they were worthy of the rewards an afterlife would give them. It would show how dedicated they were. And that their reward was more than what life could give them. The bible said that to live is Christ and to die is gain.
"Christianity In Ancient Rome". 24 Sep. 2008
http://www.crystalinks.com/romanmedicine.html
Hope, Valerie M. Death and Disease in the Ancient City. Vers. 2000
Prioreschi, Plinio. A History of Medicine. Vers. 1995.