Why did Rome try to stamp out Christianity?
Rome tolerated Judaism because it appeared ancient and therefore deserving of respect. Christianity, however, presented itself as something new rather than ancient. Since Rome respected only longstanding religions, it rejected this new faith. Consequently, Roman Caesars, including Nero, did everything they could to stamp it out.
Les explains that Rome tolerated the Jewish religion, even allowing temple worship until 70 A.D., and never opposed it. But when Christianity made itself known, Rome did everything it could to stamp it out. The reason, according to Les, is that Rome—pagan though it was—had respect for any ancient religion, whether its own or someone else's. In Rome's eyes, Judaism was as ancient as you could get, so they put up with it. Christianity, however, was not ancient; it was something new, and that they could not accept. Consequently, the Roman Caesars, including Nero, did everything they could to stamp it out. Les says some of this mentality comes in.