Christianity Destroyed the Roman Empire, Essay Example

It is believed that Christians indeed disrupted the foundations and basis of the Roman Empire. However, their actions have barely caused the destruction of the Romans. As a religion Christianity refuted the fact that Rome was created by gods and would reign forever. Economic, social and political life of empire during the third century showed how strong the impact or the lack of it was.

From years 235-284 Roman Empire was engaged in civil war. Concurrently, Sassanid Persians were occupying Rome. Valerian was captured until he died. German tribes were attacking empire while destroying borders and moving to Asia and Greece. Aurelian attempted to restore the empire with new walls but invasions and war took their strong toll on the government. Christians were not present at this time nor in invasion or in the war.

Economically farm production was getting worse since the fields were destroyed by Roman army and the barbarians. Romans confiscated livestock and products from farmers, thus contributing to the failing economy. Circulation of gold coins was become extinct while silver was weakened causing inflation. Economy of the Roman Empire was depleted by social issues and invasions that did not include religions. Religions instead were having hardly any impact on the fall at that time.

With the shortage of soldiers due to plague, barbarians had to fight under commanders of Rome. They had little understanding of Roman traditions, thus had no attachment to the empire or its rulers. Christians did not recognize imperial authority or state gods but they hardly affected the well-being of the state like barbarians during the third century. Christianity also was seen as tolerable at that time. Therefore, it could not have direct impact on Empire. Transformation of Roman Empire was socially, politically and economically destroying its own system. Christians were never the major contributor to the fall. It might have been a distraction but never a main cause.