Question

Please explain the conditions in the Roman Empire which allowed Christianity to grow while the Empire itself declined.

Answer 1

Christianity grew rapidly under Emperor Constantine and his Christian successors, partly because of state patronage, including the expenditure of enormous sums of imperial money. At the same time, this patronage contributed to the decline of the Roman empire, although scholars disagree as to whether it was the major single reason or merely a contributing factor to the decline of empire.

There were other reasons for the rapid growth of Christianity in the Roman Empire. The persecution of the pagan temples was one important factor. It has been pointed out that under pagan Rome, the Christians suffered around twelve years in total of widespread, official persecution, but that the pagan temples were persecuted throughout almost all the fourth century, until they were appropriated by the Christian churches late in the century and in the fifth century.

There were also other reasons for the decline of empire. Constantine's reorganisation of the army is considered to have weakened its effectiveness, so that the empire was less able to withstand barbarian attack. The Christian Church opposed all knowledge that did not contribute to the Church, thus leading to a decline in education and the destruction of ancient texts, even the fabled Library of Alexandria.