09-26-2010, 01:41 PM
Ave Civitas,
I am wondering about the percentage of Christians among the Visigoth population, from the crossing of the Danube to AD 410.
What I think I know
1. The Visigoth Christians were Arian
2. Accepting Christianity was a prerequisite of Valens for crossing into Rome
3. At that time, baptism for the forgiveness of sins was a one-time allowance.
4. Many people did not accept baptism until late in life, lest they do something and not be allowed to enter heaven. (i.e. Constantine)
5. Alaric must have favored Christianity because he spared the churches in Rome (AD 410)
My assumption is:
1. Not all Visigoths were practicing Christians
2. Many may have still been heathen (practicing Visigoth paganism)
My questions are:
1. In your educated guesses, what was the percentage of Visigoths who were practicing Christians?
2. Would the heathen Visigoths have been open about their religion?
I am wondering about the percentage of Christians among the Visigoth population, from the crossing of the Danube to AD 410.
What I think I know
1. The Visigoth Christians were Arian
2. Accepting Christianity was a prerequisite of Valens for crossing into Rome
3. At that time, baptism for the forgiveness of sins was a one-time allowance.
4. Many people did not accept baptism until late in life, lest they do something and not be allowed to enter heaven. (i.e. Constantine)
5. Alaric must have favored Christianity because he spared the churches in Rome (AD 410)
My assumption is:
1. Not all Visigoths were practicing Christians
2. Many may have still been heathen (practicing Visigoth paganism)
My questions are:
1. In your educated guesses, what was the percentage of Visigoths who were practicing Christians?
2. Would the heathen Visigoths have been open about their religion?
AKA Tom Chelmowski
Historiae Eruditere (if that is proper Latin)
Historiae Eruditere (if that is proper Latin)
