more for them what paganism had done (1). This was especially true of protection and of healing, primarily physical but also psychological. People flocked to the shrines of Asclepius and others; Could the Christian god, or more likely, the Christian sa

MacMullen's argues that the transition to paganism was not desired by all. The majority of those living outside of the cities had seen no reason to change religion. This is precisely why it was so important for Christianity to fill the gaps left by paganism. Christianity did not really absorb paganism, instead it assimilated some of its features to make the conversion of pagans easier. With the creation of the cults of the relics and patrons to watch over them, converts had to give very little up. Christianity had provided many attractive incentives to converts, without having to give anything up. This explains the expedient success Christianity had. Eighth

life, its pleasures and anxieties, for the sake of their faith and in hopes of eternal reward. Martyrs had given up life itself, often in terrible torment, for precisely the same reason. A monk might imitate the apostles or even the angels. The martyr had imitated Jesus (6). Thus one great appeal of martyrs and monks for the Christians was that they were unselfish protectors in a world where no one could do without a patron. They were also figures around whom communities could be built. This appeal of martyrs and monks brought about an uncountable number of conversions.

the sun, and bearing the inscription, Conquer by this (4).

more for them what paganism had done (1). This was especially true of protection and of healing, primarily physical but also psychological. People flocked to the shrines of Asclepius and others; Could the Christian god, or more likely, the Christian saints, fill those shoes?

The role of the local church became increasingly important within the civic community. It became manifest everywhere, though most dramatically where imperial institutions had failed. In the fifth century, towns were often threatened by foreign warlords or the equally savage armies of the imperial government. In an emergency, the pleas of the bishop or a respected monk, or the protection of a patron saint might be enough to avert a conflict. In Spain, Bishop Hydatius recorded that Vandal and Suevic leaders had harmed the cities and churches of Seville and Meacuterida in 427 AD (5). Soon after the attacks Gunderic the Vandal was possessed by a demon and perished, and Heremigarius the Sueve was "cast down in the River Ana by the arm of God and died (5)." When one reflects on such incident, it is easy to understand how the city churches of the Roman Empire sent down deep roots in the fifth century. Of all the institutions associated with Rome, they performed the best, and !

him from heaven...He said that about noon, when the day was already beginning to

For many, simply knowing a friend of God was thought to provide immediate and tangible benefits. Heaven had given Antony of Egypt the power to heal the sick. Athanasius's biography of Antony records, for instance, how the parents of an unnamed girl from Busiris came to the famous monk for help. The daughter had "a dreadfully offensive disease." Antony refused to promise anything, since healing came from the Savior, but said, "Go, if she is not dead, you will find her cured (6)." Of course she was cured. This miraculous healing is one of many that have been recorded. Antony was part of a generation of holy people who popularized asceticism as the epitome of the Christian life, as the best way to become a "friend of God." At the same time, martyrs and their relics began to take a far more prominent place in Christian thinking and worship. For martyrs, too, were friends of God, closer friends than monks were, but friends for much the same reason. Monks gave up normal !

He adopted the cross as his banner, and went on to defeat Maxentius. Thereafter he was convinced that the God of the Christians was the only true one, and that God had chosen him for a special role on earth. We must remember that his emergence as a Christian champion, just when a champion was needed,

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Antony Egypt, City God, Late Antiquity, God Christians, Ramsay MacMullen, Asclepius Christian, Robin Fox, According Eusebius, Illyricum Thrace, Roman Empire, historical records, late antiquity, religious history, fourth century, appeal martyrs monks, statues removed, historical record, appeal martyrs, distorted late, martyrs monks, records late, records late antiquity, historical records late, conflict spain bishop, avert conflict spain,
Approximate Word count = 3614
Approximate Pages = 14 (250 words per page double spaced)