Saturday, March 7, 2020

Pliny Trajan Correspondence Essay Example

Pliny Trajan Correspondence Essay Example Pliny Trajan Correspondence Essay Pliny Trajan Correspondence Essay Plink explained to Trojan that in he past he had asked the people he came across whether they were Christians, and if they said they were Christians he would threaten them with punishment and ask them twice more whether they were Christian, and if they agreed every time he would send them for execution (Roman law does not accept a single confession as proof of crime). He would also send them to be executed if they were stubborn, as obstinacy and unbending perversity deserve to be punished. If there were Roman citizens Plink deemed to be insane he noted them down to be sent to Rome. Roman citizens had an advantage over others at this time, as if you were ordered to be executed you could appeal to the Emperor but if this appeal failed and you did have to be executed it would be by beheading, not crucifixion as per the other accused. Before long, Plink was handed a piece of unsigned paper that revealed the names of many Christians. When he met some of the people named on this list they told him they werent Christians, and proved this by reciting a prayer to the gods, made supplication with incense and wine to your statue, and moreover cursed Christ as Plink had heard that true Christians could not do his and refused to. Thus Plink had a dilemma on his hand -? he didnt know what to do, as the piece of paper he had been handed proved untrue (although some people said they had been Christians in previous years but had realized the error of their ways, so Plink let them leave peacefully after they worshipped Tartans statue and cursed Christ). These unsigned letters that he was handed allow us to have an insight in the early Church habits, as the repented earlier Christians told Plink what they used to do. They told Plink that Christians assembled on a fixed day (which we assume is Sunday, but we eave no proof) before day light to pray to God, to take an oath to not commit crime, theft, robbery or adultery, not to break their word and not to deny a deposit when demanded. They then departed and met again to eat ordinary but harmless food (I. E. He Christians were not eating human flesh as was common folklore). Plink was confused as to what to do he had not experienced this before and he needed advice on what to do. To gain more information on Christians, he asked 2 maid-servants how far this Christian tale was true, however he discovered nothing from them. They said it was a perverse and extravagant superstition. He concluded that the matter was worth deliberation. Christianity was having a huge effect on Bathing, where Pl ink was sent. Plink writes in his letter All ages and every rank, and also of both sexes are brought into present or future danger. The contagion of that superstition has penetrated not the cities only, but the villages and country; yet it seems possible to stop it and set it right. At any rate it is certain enough that the almost deserted temples begin to be resorted to, that long and issued ceremonies of religion are restored, and that fodder for victims finds a market (the farmers who brought into the various markets food for the temple victims Were in danger Of being ruined (Hardy) I. . Christianity Was bad for business at the time), whereas buyers till now were very few. We can gather from this that the superstition of Christianity was leaving Pagan temples deserted, hence clearly the Church had expanded noticeably and was impacting social and economic life in the province. Banks also says Plink however informs the emperor that his actions have reversed this trend. Trojan responds to Plink v ery bluntly, which is ironic compared to Plinks lengthy letter. He says Plink took the right course of action, but there is no laid no rule involving something like a set form of procedure. Trojan does give Plink some advice in case he gets into the same situation again. He says they (Christians) are not to be sought out; but if they are accused and convicted, they must be punished Papers, however, which are presented unsigned out not to be admitted in any charge, for they are a very bad example and unworthy of our time. Terrestrial concluded what a decision, owe hopelessly entangled! He says they must not be ferreted out, implying they are innocent; he orders them to be punished, implying they are guilty. He spares them and rages against them, he pretends not to see and punishes. Bruce also concludes Entangled as the ruling was, Trojan no doubt thought it was the most reasonable and expedient course in the circumstances. J Stevenson that Tartans belief that Christians were both innocent and guilty is sensible and a pragmatic decision, avoiding groundless accusations on one hand, but retaining sanctions if necessary on the other.

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