13/01/2026
ROMAN CATHOLIC AND POLITICS 🔥
👇
Rome did not primarily fight wars over theology. Rome’s concern was power, order, and control of resources, not whether another people’s god existed.
Rome generally assumed many gods existed, not exclusively. Rome used religion as a tool
They rarely destroyed local gods
They often absorbed those gods into the Roman pantheon, and they allowed religious practice as long as it did not challenge Roman authority.
Loyalty to Rome (especially the Emperor) mattered more than belief
Religion was tolerated if it produced obedience.
Jews were tolerated (until rebellion)
Pagan cults flourished under Rome
Christianity was persecuted not for believing in God, but for refusing emperor worship and state control.
That is why the chief priest who accused Jesus Christ was concerned about how Jesus Christ's teaching could be used to entrap him against Caesar, who was the emperor at the time.
Rome understood that religion can be a stabilising force if controlled. So instead of fighting beliefs, Rome regulated priesthoods, supervised temples, and used religion to legitimise power.
Rome turned faith into an instrument of governance. “That is why Rev Fathers are trained not to speak against religion”
Roman-trained religious institutions emphasised order, continuity, and hierarchy.
Openly attacking other religions often caused instability so diplomacy, accommodation, and gradual absorption were preferred.
This does not apply uniformly to all clergy, all eras, or all traditions. Some church movements directly challenged paganism and paid for it with persecution.
Rome never denied the existence of other gods, their wars were never theological but economic and political.
They conquered lands, controlled resources, and governed people by allowing religious freedom, so long as that religion did not threaten Roman authority. Rome didn’t destroy idols; it regulated them.
Faith was tolerated, rebellion was not.
The Roman Empire did not fear belief
They fear independent allegiance
That is why Rome’s real enemy was never “false gods,” But any faith that produced loyalty beyond the state.
So, next time you see mix up practices that are canonised in the Roman Catholic Church are know that they are products of the religious tolerance of the Roman Empire.
If you look closely enough, you will discover your tradition in the Roman Catholic Church, and that will make you feel comfortable with the church.
Eden Chinatu
