Chapter 4 Ways of the World


Chapter 4 
Q,2 “ Religion is a double-edged sword, both supporting and undermining political authority and social elites.” How would you support both sides of this statement?
I would use the example of the Christian religion. It aroused in a very troubled time in the Roman Empire in Palestine . Roman rule was brutal,  taxes were high , and the Roman and Jewish elite were very wealthy. The area was seething with rebellion. Into this  mix came Jesus of Nazareth. While some of his teachings preached peace and love of one’s enemy, some of his teachings and actions seemed to promote rebellion. Because of this he was executed .
As Christians entered Rome and Italy  they were viewed as atheists and traitors. They were oppressed because of their beliefs, including their aid to the poor and sick.  However, when hundreds of  years later, when the emperor converted the country to Christianity, the Church    became part of the ruling elite . It owned  a lot of land and used the taxes on the peasantry to build magnificent cathedrals and other projects.
Modern revolutions have perceived organized religion as an enemy. This was particularly true where a country had one established religion. Thus, in the French, Mexican, and Russian Revolutions churches were burned, priest were killed, and church properties were confiscated.  



Stories of Revolution in Russia's St. Petersburg by Rick Steves




Photo Reference:
 https://www.ricksteves.com/watch-read-listen/read/articles/russia-revolution-st-petersburg

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