Why was Emperor Marcus Aurelius - such a refined civilized man - so harsh in his treatment of Christians?

Answer 1

The extent to which Marcus Aurelius directed, encouraged, or was aware of Christan persecutions is unclear. During his reign the number of persecutions in various areas of the empire seems to have increased. However, in this period it was the local officials who dealt with the Christians and it was them who were responsible for persecutions. They often acted independently. The emperors saw Christianity as a local issue to be dealt with by the local officials. There was no imperial policy with regard to Christianity