Hi,
The persecution against Christianity that began in the year 285 was sparked by several factors. Here are the main reasons:
- 1. Emperor Diocletian's edict: In 285, Emperor Diocletian issued an edict that marked the beginning of a more systematic and widespread persecution against Christians in the Roman Empire. Diocletian believed that Christianity threatened the stability and unity of the empire, and he sought to suppress its growth.
- 2. Political and religious tensions: The Roman Empire was a polytheistic society, and the rise of Christianity presented a challenge to the traditional religious practices. Christians refused to worship the Roman gods or participate in imperial cults, which angered both the political and religious authorities.
- 3. Fear of social disruption: Christians were seen as a separate community with different customs and beliefs. Their refusal to conform to the societal norms and religious practices of the time led to suspicions and fears that they could disrupt social cohesion and stability.
- 4. Scapegoating: During times of political and social unrest, Christians were often blamed and scapegoated for various problems within the empire. They were accused of undermining traditional values, causing natural disasters, and even plotting against the emperor.
- 5. Growth of Christianity: By the third century, Christianity had gained significant popularity and influence, challenging the authority of the Roman state religion. This growth and perceived threat to the traditional order led to a backlash from the Roman authorities.
Overall, the persecution against Christianity that began in 285 was a result of political, religious, and social factors. It was an attempt by the Roman authorities to maintain control and suppress a growing religious movement that posed a challenge to the existing power structures.
I hope that this helped you. :)