Paganism in the Roman world did not like the word faith...

Paganism in the Roman world did not like the word faith, as the religion was not based on deep conviction but a sense of obligation, you were expected to perform the ritual of worship in exchange for material gain the deity would bestow upon you.

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It was not about believing, but observing the correct form, publically. Worship was a transactional thing, you venerated the gods in exchange for material benefit (you will be fertile, become rich, etc) and to the romans wealth and success were virtue.

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The Roman Pantheon held a multitude of gods which were worshipped equally, not only was the veneration of the gods seen as the glue which held society together. In the pagan system, if one group refused to venerate the gods, they would anger them and be at fault for all problems.

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All of this culminated in the cult of the Emperor as all of the worship designed to promulgate and strenghten the cult of the emperor as the focal point of the Roman state. Thus to go against the Emperor was to go against all the gods & all the great powers which ruled the earth.

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Generally, it was the elites who promulgated the cult of the emperor and patronized the cult of the gods, as this was the safest path towards elevating oneself in society. So political favour were given to those who most fervently supported the cult of government.

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So when sacrifice to the emperor became mandatory for all citizens they did not understand why it would conflict with Christians beliefs, their refusal to worship the state (which was so strong) was alien to the Romans.

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The idea of suffering for your beliefs was completely moronic to the pagans, the purpose of worship to them was to gain strenght and power, not about believing in ideals. You dont need to believe in it, just do it and you get benefits so why refuse?

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Source for this is Ryan Reeves lecture "Roman Pagan Life and Worship" on youtube.

Literal idiot

didnt read christkike