Religion and Christianity:
Background- Religion has always played a large role in Roman society. the polytheistic system was very impersonal. As the empire grew, so did the new religion called Christianity.
Jesus of Nazareth: Viewed as the Messiah or savior by Christians. Born in Bethlehem in Judea. Baptized by John the Baptist. He took up carpentry. At age of 30 he then took up ministry. For the next 3 years he preached, taught, did good works, and reportedly performed miracles.
History of Jesus: Historical records of the time mention very little about Jesus. Main source if info about his main teachings are the Gospels. These Gospels were written by his disciples or pupils, called apostles.
Jesus' Death: Jesus was growing in popularity and this concerned Roman and Jewish leaders. A governor of Rome named Pontius Pilate accused Jesus of defying the authority of Rome. He then was crucified on a wooden cross.
Spreading of Christianity- After Jesus' death, the followers of Jesus continued to spread his ideas. Despite the large amount of political and religious opposition, the new religion of Christianity began to spread.
Paul- a man who really influenced the spreading of Christianity. Was once a Jew, against Christianity. He was able to do many of his speeches, and travel throughout Roman Empire because it was during Pax Romana.
Charts: Christians- belief that Jesus is the Messiah. Acceptance of Gentiles and Jews alike.
Jewish- Belief that Jews are the chosen people. Adherence (follow) to Jewish law.
Both- Believe in one god, believe in the 10 commandments.
Organization chart:
Pope
Bishops Bishops Bishops
Priest Priests Priests Priests Priests
The people
Persecution of Christians: The main reason was that they refused to worship Roman gods. As Pax Romana began to crumble, persecution of the Christians increased. Thousands were crucified, burned , or killed by wild animals in the circus arenas. Other Christians and even some non-Christians regarded persecuted Christians as martyrs.
Martyrs- were people willing to sacrifice their lives for the sake of a belief of cause.
Popularity- Became a world religion for multiple reasons: Embraced all people, gave hope to all the powerless, appealed to those who were repelled by the extravagances of imperial Rome, offered personal relationship with a loving God, and promised eternal life after death.
Constantine accepting Christianity: Constantine was fighting over the leadership of Rome. He then prayed to the Christian God, and saw a cross. He then ordered the artisans to paint the Christian symbol on the shields. He was successful in battle so began to accept Christianity.
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