Parallels between the opposition to Christianity in pagan Rome and among modern Native Americans

 The striking parallels between the opposition to Christianity in pagan Rome and among modern Native Americans present a fascinating topic for exploration. Let’s delve deeper into this intriguing comparison:

Many pagan Romans in the first few centuries AD perceived Christianity as a threat to their culture, religion, empire, and even civilization. Similarly, some Native Americans in modern times have viewed Christianity as a force that threatened their indigenous traditions, beliefs, and way of life. Both instances involve the encounter of a dominant culture with a missionary religion, often resulting in tensions over identity, autonomy, and heritage.

Pagan Roman Concerns about Christianity

1. Threat to Roman Religion:
   The Romans believed their success and stability were intertwined with the favor of their gods. Christianity's refusal to honor Roman gods and participate in traditional rituals was seen as atheistic and disrespectful.

   • Tacitus described Christians as "haters of mankind" because their beliefs rejected Roman public rituals essential to civic unity (Annals 15.44).
   • The Christian refusal to worship the emperor as divine was seen as treasonous, as exemplified in martyrdom accounts such as that of Polycarp, where the refusal to sacrifice was directly interpreted as defiance of the state.

2. Social Disruption:
   Christianity's message of universal salvation and equality under God challenged the hierarchical Roman society.

   • The Apostle Paul, in Galatians 3:28, stated, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus."
   • This inclusivity upset traditional Roman social structures, where loyalty to family, clan, and patronage was central.

3. Political Concerns:
   Christianity was considered a secretive sect that met in private and preached allegiance to a "Kingdom of God," which some Romans interpreted as a political threat.

   • The Roman historian Suetonius referred to Christian unrest under Nero as stemming from a group causing "new and mischievous superstition" (Life of Nero 16).
   • This view persisted until Constantine's Edict of Milan (313 AD), which legalized Christianity and reframed it as compatible with the Roman state.

4. Cultural Clash:
   Romans valued traditional education rooted in Greco-Roman mythology and philosophy, while Christians criticized such pagan practices.

   • Early Church Fathers like Tertullian famously asked, "What has Athens to do with Jerusalem?" signaling a rejection of pagan philosophy (De Praescriptione Haereticorum 7).
   • Christians also condemned gladiatorial games and practices like infanticide, both integral to Roman society.

Parallels with Native American Views on Christianity

1. Cultural Erosion:
   Native Americans often viewed Christianity, introduced through colonization, as a threat to their spiritual traditions and communal life. Missionary efforts frequently involved suppression of indigenous practices and imposition of European cultural norms.

   • The Cherokee and other tribes lost religious autonomy as Christian boarding schools punished traditional practices and promoted Christian doctrine.
   • Vatican documents, like Dominus Iesus (2000), have acknowledged the Church's efforts to spread Christianity but faced criticism for not fully addressing its impact on indigenous cultures.

2. Imposition of Foreign Values:
   Similar to Roman pagan concerns, Native Americans saw Christianity as undermining their societal values.

   • Many tribes practiced communal landholding, which clashed with the individualism encouraged by Christianized settlers.
   • Theologians like Vine Deloria Jr., a Native American scholar, have critiqued Christianity's role in displacing indigenous spiritualities.

3. Political and Sovereignty Concerns:
   Just as Roman authorities feared the subversive potential of Christianity, Native Americans experienced Christianity as a tool of colonial control.

   • Treaties were often signed with missionaries as intermediaries, creating distrust.
   • The Doctrine of Discovery, a papal decree (1493), granted Christian explorers rights over "discovered" lands, ignoring indigenous sovereignty.

4. Resistance and Adaptation:
   Despite initial rejection, both Romans and Native Americans showed instances of blending traditional and Christian beliefs.

   • In the Roman Empire, the rise of syncretism allowed for a gradual blending of pagan festivals into Christian traditions (e.g., Saturnalia into Christmas).
   • Among Native Americans, figures like Black Elk found ways to reconcile Christianity with indigenous spirituality.

Objective Historical and Theological Perspectives

1. Historians:

   • Edward Gibbon, in The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, argued that Christianity contributed to the weakening of Roman civic virtues.
   • Modern historians, like Peter Brown, emphasize Christianity's adaptability and the sociopolitical factors behind its success.

2. Theologians:

   • Augustine of Hippo, in The City of God, defended Christianity against accusations that it undermined Rome, arguing it provided a moral foundation superior to paganism.
   • Contemporary theologians such as Karl Rahner recognize the tension between Christianity's missionary mandate and cultural respect, emphasizing dialogue over domination.

Conclusion

The reactions of pagan Romans and Native Americans to Christianity share significant parallels. Both viewed the faith as a threat to their religious, cultural, and political systems, yet both also engaged with it in ways that led to adaptation and resistance. By studying these interactions, we gain insight into the broader dynamics of cultural encounters and the challenges of religious expansion.