ABSTRACT

The main argument of this paper is that at the turn of the 2nd and 3rd centuries AD, three important changes took place in Roman society, which pointed in new directions that were congruent with some of the characteristics of Christianity. On the one hand,
a new need for a universal system of social norms emerged in the imperial administration. On the other hand, traditional and retrospective Roman morality was being replaced by a more future-oriented moral narrative. The third major change was the emergence of a profane, political version of messianic expectations. This triple need for a universal moral order, faith in the future, and a messianic attitude embodied by the emperor was so strong that it made reform attempts inevitable in the legislation and organisation of the state. It is worth reflecting on these factors, as they bring to light new considerations that have received less attention until now, but nonetheless facilitated the general acceptance of Christianity.

keywords

Roman Empire , Roman society , Christianity , social norms , moral narrative

Hivatkozás (MLA)

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