Domitian

Domitian and Early Christianity

For scholars, it is difficult to uncover Domitian's exact policy towards the developing Christian community. It is generally agreed upon that he was the Emperor during the time that the Revelation to John was authored (95 or 96 C.E.). From a Christian perspective, the Revelation, the final canonical book of the New Testament, reveals God's plan for the Apocalypse. From a secular viewpoint, the Revelation could be viewed as a reaction to the anti-Christian policies of Domitian and some earlier emperors. At the time, Christianity was a struggling religion attempting to find a foothold in the classical world. In addition to sporadic persecutions Christians were also facing pressure to conform to the Imperial Cult of Domitian. Although it is unclear that Domitian officially enforced adherence to the cult, scholars generally agree that Roman governors forced citizens to participate in order to prove their loyalty and patriotism. Since Christian doctrine specifically forbids the worship of false idols, Christians refused to partake in this Imperial tradition. In the face of adversity many Christians may have been doubting their beliefs and may even been on the verge of abandoning Christianity all together. In this atmosphere it is conceivable that John of Patmos wrote the Revelation in hopes of inspiring fledgling Christians to persevere. Within the book several symbolic references are made about the Roman Empire and the incumbent Emperor, most likely Domitian. In short, Christians are reminded that their Savior will return to reward those who believe and punish those who do not and those who stand against believers.

Related Topics:
Christian - Revelation - New Testament - Apocalypse - Christianity - Roman

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