Diocletian and Christianity

“The corruption of manners and principles, so forcibly lamented by Eusebius, may be considered, not only as a consequence, but as a proof, of the liberty which the Christians enjoyed and abused under Diocletian. Prosperity had relaxed the nerves of discipline. Fraud, envy, and malice prevailed in every congregation. The presbyters aspired to the Episcopal office, which every day became an object more worthy of their ambition. The bishops, who contended with each other for ecclesiastical pre-eminence, appeared by their conduct to claim a secular and tyrannical power in the church, and the lively faith which still distinguished the Christians from the Gentiles was shown much less in their lives than in their controversial writings.”

Edward Gibbon, The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire


It is easy to take a passage out of context from a vast and great book.

Gibbon’s volumes are not so much a history of Rome rather than an excuse to reflect on human nature. As excuses go, it’s a good one and quite well done.

Beware of those pronouncing and advocating objective ethics grounded in their personal and self interested belief in the god of their choice.

You may find yourself worshipping false idols.