Rome\'s 3 biggest mistakes.

[sonic]

I think that part of the problem with Christianity was that in a way it made people 'opt-out' of Roman society. The early, pagan senators etc wanted to have the authority and respect that came with many pagan appointments - especially, of course, that of Pontifex Maximus. However, once inaugurated, they were still expected to live a life dedicated to the state, including serving in the armed forces and other, non-military duties.

However, becoming a Christian bishop etc resulted in that individual being taken out of the mainstream public life and forced only to serve God. In this way, many individuals who would have helped stave off the decline of Rome through their martial or civil abilities - one example being Ambrose of Milan, who forced hhe emperor Theodosius to do penance - were sidetracked and their services, on the whole, lost.

It is this dogmatic, restrictive side to Christianity that was - and still is - one of its greatest faults.