DREIESKIVA​|Roald Kvam

Edward Gibbon’s The Christians and the Fall of Rome is an excerpt from his monumental work, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, first published in six volumes between 1776 and 1788. Gibbon was one of the most influential historians of the Enlightenment, and his analysis of the decline of the Roman Empire has shaped historical thought for centuries. This particular section explores the role of Christianity in Rome’s downfall, a controversial thesis that has been debated extensively. Gibbon argues that the rise of Christianity weakened the martial vigor and civic engagement of the Roman populace, ultimately contributing to the empire’s decline.

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The thesis of Gibbon’s argument

Gibbon’s central argument is that the rise of Christianity fundamentally altered Roman society in a way that made it less capable of sustaining its imperial ambitions. He contends that the Christian emphasis on pacifism, an afterlife, and the rejection of worldly ambitions led to a decline in civic and military virtues. According to Gibbon, early Roman society thrived on a sense of duty, patriotism, and discipline, but the growing influence of Christianity shifted people’s focus from earthly concerns to spiritual salvation.

Additionally, he criticizes the Christian Church for creating a separate power structure within the empire. As the Church became more influential, it diverted resources and attention away from the state, fostering internal divisions and conflicts. Gibbon sees this as a contributing factor to Rome’s inability to respond effectively to external threats, such as the invasions by barbarian tribes.

The decline of Roman virtues

One of the key aspects of Gibbon’s argument is that Christianity promoted passivity and otherworldliness at the expense of the civic virtues that had once defined Rome. He suggests that Romans who converted to Christianity became less willing to serve in the army or engage in public affairs. Unlike the traditional Roman religion, which was closely tied to state affairs and civic duty, Christianity encouraged its adherents to focus on the afterlife rather than earthly responsibilities.

Gibbon also argues that the spread of monasticism contributed to this decline. Monastic communities withdrew from society, emphasizing asceticism and personal salvation rather than public service. This, in his view, further weakened the empire by removing capable individuals from the political and military spheres.

Religious intolerance and internal struggles

Another factor Gibbon examines is the internal divisions caused by religious disputes. As Christianity grew, so did conflicts between different sects and factions within the faith. The empire witnessed numerous theological disputes and schisms, such as the Arian controversy, which divided Christians over the nature of Christ. These conflicts often led to violent confrontations, weakening the internal stability of the empire.

Furthermore, Gibbon points out that Christian leaders were often engaged in power struggles, sometimes at the expense of imperial unity. Bishops and other church officials became powerful political figures, sometimes acting in opposition to the state. The Church’s growing influence also led to conflicts between the imperial government and ecclesiastical authorities, diverting resources and attention from Rome’s external threats.

The Role of Superstition and Miracles

Gibbon, influenced by Enlightenment skepticism, criticizes the role of superstition in the rise of Christianity. He argues that the early Christians relied heavily on miracles and divine intervention to promote their faith, which he sees as a sign of credulity and intellectual decline. He contrasts this with the rational and pragmatic spirit of early Roman society, which he believes was eroded by Christian teachings.

He also points to the Christian rejection of classical learning and philosophy as a contributing factor to Rome’s decline. Many early Christians viewed secular knowledge with suspicion, leading to a loss of intellectual and scientific progress. Gibbon laments the destruction of pagan temples, libraries, and classical institutions, seeing it as part of a broader decline in Roman culture.

The impact on the military

Gibbon highlights the impact of Christianity on Rome’s military effectiveness. He argues that the Christian doctrine of turning the other cheek and avoiding violence was incompatible with the martial values that had sustained the empire for centuries. While Rome had previously thrived on a strong, disciplined army, the spread of Christian pacifism led to a decline in recruitment and morale.

Additionally, Gibbon criticizes Christian emperors for prioritizing religious matters over military affairs. He points to instances where Christian leaders engaged in theological disputes while external enemies, such as the Germanic tribes and the Huns, threatened Rome’s borders. This neglect of military preparedness, he argues, left the empire vulnerable to invasion and conquest.

The role of persecution and martyrdom

Gibbon also examines the persecution of Christians under earlier Roman emperors and its long-term effects. He acknowledges that the brutal treatment of Christians under emperors like Nero and Diocletian helped to strengthen the resolve of Christian communities. However, he suggests that the later triumph of Christianity led to a reversal of roles, with Christians themselves engaging in persecution of pagans and heretics. This cycle of religious conflict, in his view, contributed to social instability and weakened the cohesion of the empire.

The church’s accumulation of wealth and power

Another major point in Gibbon’s analysis is the accumulation of wealth and political power by the Christian Church. As Christianity became the dominant religion of the empire, the Church acquired vast amounts of land, wealth, and influence. This, Gibbon argues, diverted resources away from the state and military, further weakening Rome’s ability to defend itself.

He also criticizes the corruption within the Church, pointing to instances where religious leaders engaged in power struggles and political intrigue. Instead of focusing on spiritual matters, many church officials became deeply involved in worldly affairs, contributing to the decline of imperial authority.

The fall of Rome and the role of christianity

While Gibbon acknowledges that the fall of Rome was caused by multiple factors, including economic decline, military defeats, and political corruption, he maintains that Christianity played a significant role in accelerating the process. He argues that the weakening of civic virtues, internal divisions, and neglect of military affairs all contributed to Rome’s eventual collapse.

However, Gibbon’s thesis has been widely debated by historians. Some argue that his Enlightenment biases led him to overemphasize the negative impact of Christianity while downplaying other factors. Others point out that the Eastern Roman Empire, which was also Christian, survived for centuries after the fall of the Western Empire, suggesting that Christianity alone was not responsible for Rome’s decline.

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Edward Gibbon’s The Christians and the Fall of Rome presents a provocative and controversial argument about the role of Christianity in the decline of the Roman Empire. He contends that the rise of Christianity weakened the martial, civic, and intellectual foundations of Roman society, making it less capable of sustaining its imperial power. By promoting passivity, religious conflicts, and a shift in priorities away from state affairs, Christianity, in Gibbon’s view, played a key role in Rome’s downfall.

While modern historians recognize that the fall of Rome was a complex event with multiple causes, Gibbon’s analysis remains one of the most influential interpretations of this historical transition. His critique of religious influence on politics and society continues to spark debate, making his work a vital contribution to our understanding of history and the interplay between religion and civilization.