‘Domination – The Fall of the Roman Empire and the Rise of Christianity’

Professor with meticulous research alice roberts It traces the growing acceptance of Christian monotheism in the time of Jesus Christ and begins to fill the religious roles of bishops and clergy within three centuries. Dermot Daley reviews Domination – The Fall of the Roman Empire and the Rise of Christianity.

THE BOOK OF PROFESSOR ROBERTS Domination – The Fall of the Roman Empire and the Rise of Christianity It is cleverly titled with the word ‘Dominion’ derived from the Latin word ‘dominion’ meaning ‘Master’. It took a few chapters to see where he was going after wading through archaeological references to 5th-century Welsh saints and their strange coincidences in Brittany, France.

This detail seemed a bit odd, given the contentious paths to sainthood in the early days of Christianity. Professor Roberts has an excellent background in archaeology, history, evolution, human anatomy and physiology, so perseverance was required.

The Roman Empire was a remarkable achievement, embracing and advancing the social and technical advances of Greek civilization while preserving the continuity of polytheism, a god in every case.

Professor Roberts does not delve into the life and politics of Jesus of Nazareth, other than describing him as the figurehead of the early cult of Christianity, who was later elevated to divine status.

However, he notes that the accepted records of his life were documented 65 to 100 years after his death.

And in particular, he acknowledges the zealous evangelism of the converted Saul/Paul, who eagerly detailed and promoted the Christian cause in his correspondence with believers probably between 40 and 60 AD, but written much later, stating that by the third century only five to twenty percent of the population could read.

Professor Alice Roberts (Rwendland | Wikimedia Commons)

Through meticulous research, Roberts traces the growing acceptance of Christian monotheism and identifies its initial appeal. “humble fishermen and tent makers” In the time of Jesus Christ.

Then, over the course of three hundred years, it drifted fluidly from high positions in the Rome-based civil government to high-ranking positions in the nascent Christian church, and began to be steadily adopted by a noble class filling the ecclesiastical roles of bishops and clergy.

He notes that by 300 AD, only one to two percent of the Roman Empire were followers of Christianity.

Professor Roberts goes into great detail about the symbolism and influence of the Roman Emperor Constantine, who is thought to have embraced Christianity and thus gave impetus to the movement.

Professor Roberts argues that the real change of power occurred with Constantine coming to power. Council of Nicaeawhere central principles were adopted and Christianity became its own brand.

This turning point signaled the official implementation of Christian values such as charity and charity, when it became the duty of bishops to provide illumination oil and food to the poor. Early Christians encouraged monasteries and communities that could accumulate wealth through land and thus find ways to avoid taxes (which benefited women).

Professor Roberts argues that prosperity was considered a sign of God’s grace, and this solidified Christianity as the ‘firm’ or ‘company’ archetype.

It reveals that the fall of Rome was not an overnight sensation, but rather a loosening of control, sometimes from colonized Gaul, sometimes from Rome itself. At times the Roman order prevailed; at other times, allegiances fluctuated between rival invaders and different Gothic and Visigoth kings. Sometimes Goths acted as mercenaries for the Romans. Life for the ruling classes as well as the peasants still seemed to go on without much turmoil.

Professor Roberts admits that he cannot understand why the new cult of Christianity was preferred by societies that had been trapped in polytheism for millennia (Greek) and centuries (Roman), and ‘One God’ it just seemed that way ‘Ticket to heaven’ What Christians promise.

Professor Roberts ‘an impressive series’Selected References‘ to his extremely knowledgeable background. Still don’t seem to have met ‘Key to Immortality‘ with Brian C. MurareskuExploring sacred rituals from the Bronze Age to Greek and Roman civilizations and the founding of the Christian Church. This work offers a deep understanding of some of the rituals that resonate in the Christian faith to this day.

Like Professor Roberts, Brian C. Muraresku is impeccably qualified, and anyone considering either book would benefit from including the other.