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Essential Understandings

Origins of Christianity  Has roots in Judaism (Monotheistic) –Conflicted with polytheistic beliefs of Roman Empire  Founder: Jesus of Nazareth –proclaimed as the Messiah –Son of God & incarnation of God  incarnation: a living being embodying a deity or spirit

The Birth of Jesus  Born in Bethlehem between 2 and 4 A.D.  Family fled to Egypt for a period of time to escape King Herod  Grew up in Nazareth

His Ministry  Worked as a carpenter as a young man  Began his ministry around the age of 30  A teacher; performed many miracles including exorcisms and healings

Crucifixion and Resurrection

Jesus

Beliefs, traditions, and customs of Christianity  Belief in life after death (resurrection)  New Testament –Contains accounts of the life and teachings of Jesus (Gospels), as well as writings of early Christians (Epistles)  Christian doctrine established by early church councils a teaching

Spread of Christianity

Paul’s Travels

A.D. ↓ A.D. ↓ ↑ A.D. ↑ A.D.

Spread of Christianity  Slowed as a result of persecution by Roman authorities  Adopted and legalized by Emp. Constantine

Church Councils  Areas would have a bishop (“overseer”)  Bishops came together to form church councils when important decisions needed to be made  Established Christian doctrine

Review Why did the Roman Empire Decline?

Church of Rome in the late Roman Empire  Church became an example for moral authority  Loyalty to the Church became more important than loyalty to the Emperor  Church became main unifying factor in Western Europe

Symbols of Christianity Fish Alpha & Omega Cross Alpha & Omega Cross