Discussion for Edward Gibbon's The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Chapter XV (Parts I–IV)
Reading Dates: July 13 – July 19, 2025
Discussion Questions:
Gibbon argues that Christianity’s success was due to its zeal, structure, and promise of eternal life. Can you think of other movements—religious or secular—that have succeeded for similar reasons? What draws people to commit so deeply?
How does Gibbon’s tone and interpretation of Christianity’s growth strike you? Does his skepticism feel objective, or does it suggest a personal bias?
Gibbon emphasizes the organization and discipline of early Christians. Are there examples today where community structure plays a similar role in sustaining belief or activism?
What parallels can you see between the rise of Christianity and the rise of modern ideologies or social movements?
Anything else you want to discuss?
Themes and Ideas to Explore:
1. Causes of Religious Expansion
Gibbon examines the spread of Christianity not through divine intervention, but through human factors: fervent belief, missionary zeal, moral rigor, and a promise of eternal life. His analysis sets a secular, historical frame for understanding the rise of religion.
2. Religious Institutions as Political Forces
Gibbon explores how Christian communities organized themselves and created parallel power structures to Rome’s civic order. This raises questions about how faith communities can challenge or coexist with political institutions.
3. Critique of Religious Orthodoxy and Superstition
With Enlightenment skepticism, Gibbon critiques the credulity and alleged corruption of early Church figures, suggesting that the faith’s moral appeal was paired with institutional power-seeking. His approach continues to shape debates about religion in history.
Background and Influence:
Enlightenment Skepticism: Writing in the 18th century, Gibbon brought a rational, often critical eye to religious history. He was influenced by Voltaire and other skeptics of organized religion.
Controversial Reception: Gibbon’s account of early Christianity stirred outrage among church authorities, especially his insinuation that its success owed more to politics and passion than divine truth.
Long-Term Legacy: Gibbon helped pioneer a new kind of historical writing—detailed, skeptical, and literary—that influenced both secular historians and modern critics of religious narratives.
Key Passage for Discussion:
"The five following causes may be assigned for the rapid growth of the Christian church: I. The inflexible, and if we may use the expression, the intolerant zeal of the Christians... II. The doctrine of a future life, improved by every additional circumstance which could give weight and efficacy to that important truth... III. The miraculous powers ascribed to the primitive church... IV. The pure and austere morals of the Christians... V. The union and discipline of the Christian republic."
Gibbon offers a rational and secular explanation for Christianity's rise, attributing its spread to social, moral, and organizational strengths rather than divine inspiration. Do these five causes still seem persuasive to you today? What parallels can you draw to other successful belief systems or movements?
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