"The final pahan generation" refers to the last cohort of individuals who engage in unethical or immoral activities, often associated with criminal behavior. The term "pahan" comes from the Sinhala language and roughly translates to "wrong" or "evil." This generation is believed to exhibit a persistent inclination towards wrongdoing, often influenced by social, economic, or political factors. The concept of the final pahan generation is rooted in the idea that each successive generation may display an increase or shift in deviant behavior. It is argued that this phenomenon occurs due to a combination of intergenerational transmission of values, societal influences, and environmental factors. The final pahan generation is often seen as a cause for concern as it can perpetuate cycles of criminality and social disintegration within communities.
Anyway, guided by Ambrose of Milan, Emperor Gratian began to suppress paganism, in part by pulling all state funding for traditional religion. Then, in the 380s, his successor Theodosius made Nicene Christianity (as distinct from the Arian heresy) the religion of the empire. Watts writes that as the fourth century drew to a close, administration of empire was moving into the hands of younger men who did not have the sensibilities of their parents with regard to preserving the stability of the empire. Some, like the influential and assertive bishop Ambrose of Milan, were more interested in pursuing religious goals than in protecting stability and the “institutional inertia” preferred by their parents. In other words, the worn-out old vision could not survive both the turmoil within the administrative state, as well as the loss of faith of the younger generation.
Modern historians have highlighted the rising influence of bishops, the emergence of Christian ascetics, the explosion of pagan-Christian conflict, and the destruction of temples. Beginning in the 370s, however, men who had once served as teachers, advocates, and even imperial governors entered into bishoprics, a trend that accelerated as the fifth century approached, Watts writes.
The final pahan generation is often seen as a cause for concern as it can perpetuate cycles of criminality and social disintegration within communities. Its members may engage in activities such as drug trafficking, violence, theft, or other forms of organized crime. To address the challenges posed by the final pahan generation, it is important to focus on preventive measures.
The Final Pagan Generation: Rome's Unexpected Path to Christianity (Transformation of the Classical Heritage) (Paperback)
A compelling history of radical transformation in the fourth-century--when Christianity decimated the practices of traditional pagan religion in the Roman Empire.
The Final Pagan Generation recounts the fascinating story of the lives and fortunes of the last Romans born before the Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity. Edward J. Watts traces their experiences of living through the fourth century’s dramatic religious and political changes, when heated confrontations saw the Christian establishment legislate against pagan practices as mobs attacked pagan holy sites and temples. The emperors who issued these laws, the imperial officials charged with implementing them, and the Christian perpetrators of religious violence were almost exclusively young men whose attitudes and actions contrasted markedly with those of the earlier generation, who shared neither their juniors’ interest in creating sharply defined religious identities nor their propensity for violent conflict. Watts examines why the "final pagan generation"—born to the old ways and the old world in which it seemed to everyone that religious practices would continue as they had for the past two thousand years—proved both unable to anticipate the changes that imperially sponsored Christianity produced and unwilling to resist them. A compelling and provocative read, suitable for the general reader as well as students and scholars of the ancient world.
About the Author
Edward J. Watts is Alkiviadis Vassiliadis Endowed Chair and Professor of History at the University of California, San Diego. He is the author of Mortal Republic: How Rome Fell into Tyranny , among other books.
- Religion / Ancient
- Religion / Christianity / History
- History / Ancient
- Religion / Religion, Politics & State
- Hardcover (February 6th, 2015): $34.95
Watts writes that the pull of the world on these young men was often quite strong, and they had to fight fiercely to renounce it. Check this out:
This can involve implementing comprehensive education and awareness programs, improving access to quality healthcare, expanding employment opportunities, and providing social support networks. By addressing the root causes that contribute to the rise of this generation, there is a greater chance of breaking the cycle and reducing the prevalence of criminal behavior. However, it is crucial to avoid stigmatizing an entire generation based on the actions of a few individuals. Recognizing individual agency and understanding the complex web of factors that contribute to deviant behavior can help in promoting more effective solutions. In conclusion, the concept of the final pahan generation highlights the challenges associated with criminal behavior and the importance of addressing its root causes. By adopting a multidimensional approach focusing on prevention and support, it is possible to break the cycle and create a more inclusive and just society..
Reviews for "The Final Pahan Generation: Breaking Gender Stereotypes and Embracing Diversity"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "The Final Pahan Generation." The storyline was confusing and seemed to jump around without any clear direction. Additionally, the characters were not well-developed and I couldn't connect with any of them. The writing style felt disjointed and made it difficult to stay engaged in the story. Overall, I found this book to be a frustrating and unsatisfying read.
2. Emily - 2/5 stars - "The Final Pahan Generation" left me feeling underwhelmed. The plot felt cliché and predictable, and I found myself able to guess the twists and turns long before they happened. The pacing was also off, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. The dialogue felt stilted and unnatural, making it hard to believe in the relationships between the characters. Overall, this book failed to captivate me and I would not recommend it.
3. Michael - 1/5 stars - I wish I hadn't wasted my time on "The Final Pahan Generation." The writing was poor, filled with grammar and spelling mistakes that were distracting. The plot was confusing and lacked coherence, making it difficult to follow what was happening. The characters were one-dimensional and uninteresting, leaving me feeling detached from the story. I had high hopes for this book based on the synopsis, but it fell far short of my expectations.