Religious explanation of natural disasters: one reason for the controversy between Christians and pagans in the Ancient world (2nd to 4th centuries)

Abstract

In Antiquity, catastrophes and natural disasters are interpreted as a direct consequence of the displeasure of the gods to human actions. The refusal of the Christians to parti­cipate in the pagan religious ceremonies, and ultimately, to acknowledge the existence of these gods, is believed to be responsible for the alteration of the pax deorum. As a result, they hold the Christians responsible for the misfortunes that happen in the Roman Empire. Apologetic literature echoed these criticisms at the same time that devised his defence of Christianity. As a proof of the Christianity’s innocence, apologists expressed their commitment with society through the practice of an exemplary citizenship. In their opinion, the real culprits of the natural disasters are pagans, who with his immoral conduct and the persecutions of the Christians have provoked the divine anger.