Christianity
Background Info
-Religion has always played a large role in Roman society
-However, the polytheistic system was very impersonal
-So.....As the empire grew so did the new religion called 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.
-He took up carpentry.
-At the 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 of information 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 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, and against Christianity.
-He was able to do many of his speeches, and travel throughout the Roman Empire because it was during Pax Romana.
Charts
-Christian
--Belief that Jesus is the Messiah
--Acceptance of Gentiles and Jews alike
-Jewish
--Belief that Jews are the chosen people
--Adherence to Jewish law
-Both
--Belief in one God
--Belief in the Ten Commandments
Organization Chart:
Pope
Bishops Bishops Bishops
Priest Priest Priest Priest Priest
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 or cause.
Popularity
-Became a world religion for multiple 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.
-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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