Christianity
Jesus of Nazareth
- Viewed as the Messiah or savior by Christians
- Born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea
- Baptized by John the baptist
- Took up ministry at age 30
- Gospels were written by the disciples or pupils, also called apostles.
Paul
- really influenced the spreading of Christianity
- Once a Jew and against Christianity
- Able to do his speeches and travel throughout the Roman Empire because it was during Pax Romana.
Christians accepted Gentiles and Jews
Jews thought they were the chosen people.
Both believe in one God and both believe in the Ten Commandments.
Persecution of Christians
- 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.
- Persecuted Christians were known as martyrs.
Popularity
- Became a world religion for multiply reasons
- embraced all people
- gave hope to the powerless
- appealed to those who were repelled by the extravagances of imperial Rome
- offered personal relationship with a loving God
- 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
- Had the Christian symbol painted of artisan's shields
- He was successful in battle. Began to accept Christianity.
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