Chapter 5 Section 4 Rise of Christianity

Focus Question>> How did Christianity emerge and then spread to become the official religion of the Roman empire? 1.emerged from a sect within Judaism 2.based on teachings of Jesus 3.Followers helped to make it a major religion. 4.Declared the official religion of the Roman by emperor Theodosius.

Objectives>> 1.Understand the divers religions included in the early Roman empire. 2.Summarize the teachings of Jesus and how they spread. 3.Outline the development of the early Christian Church.

INTRODUCTION 3 CENTURIES…… WOULD PASS FROM THE BIRTH OF CHRISTIANITY TO ITS ACCEPTANCE AS THE OFFICIAL RELIGION OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE

Early Empires Includes Diverse Religions Rome tolerated varied religious traditions of its subjects …….  Roman citizens had to honor Roman gods  Must acknowledge divine spirit of the emperor.  Roman religion focused on worship of a # of gods and goddesses - polytheism

Divisions Arise in Judea Background Info on Jewish Religion ✟ Judea was a Roman province ✟ Unrest was common among all, even Jews ✟ Sadducees (Jews) cooperated with the Romans ✟ Essenes(Jews) awaited a messiah who could save Israel from oppression and establish paradise on Earth  Zealots(Jews) advocated overthrowing Roman rule

63 b.c. – Romans conquer Judea ✟ Jewish people were concerned about the weakening of their religion. ✟ Conservatives call for strict obedience to Jewish laws and traditions. ✟ Zealots did not want to live under Roman rule 1. Zealots wanted Jews to revolt against the Romans (wanted an independent state).

Essenes(Jews) awaited a messiah ✟ messiah – anointed king sent by God would appear & lead people to salvation. ✟ Messiah would save Israel from oppression and establish paradise on Earth

66 a.d. – Jewish Rebel against the Romans 70 a.d. – Roman forces crushed the rebels, capture Jerusalem, & destroy the Jewish temple

The First-Century Jews The Second Temple

The Fury of Rome A testimony to the Roman destruction of the Jewish Temple may still be found in Rome, in the Forum

Jesus of Nazareth

Jewish Diaspora: The spreading of Jews beyond their historic homeland.

Christianity Spreads Through the Empire Jewish Rebellion –Jews rebel against Rome in 66 A.D. –Romans storm Jerusalem and destroy the Temple in 70 A.D. –Another Jewish rebellion occurs in 132 A.D., which the Romans crush. –Jews and ethnically Jewish Christians are barred from Jerusalem. –Diaspora—centuries of Jewish exile—from the Greek word for “dispersal”.

Jesus Proclaims His Teachings As turmoil engulfs the Jews In Judea…. a new religion emerges – Christianity. ✟ It began among the followers of a Jew named ………..Jesus

Life of Jesus is Portrayed in the Bible The Gospel - the 1 st 4 books of the New Testament give the account of Jesus’ life. 4 Followers of Jesus – Matthew, Mark, Luke & John wrote about the teachings of Jesus.

Jesus – born approx in 4 b.c. born in Bethleham, near Jerusalem grew up in Nazareth Jesus worshipped God & followed Jewish law ✟ Believed he worked as a carpenter ✟ Age of 30, began preaching by the sea of Galilee

Jesus of Nazareth Jesus used parables – short stories with simple moral lessons.

Jesus recruited 12 disciples or close followers 12 Followers of Jesus were known as apostles  apostles – leader or teacher of a new faith or movement

Jesus Teaches New Beliefs  Jesus taught inner transformation was most important, taught Golden Rule, taught humility, charity, and love for others  Judeans turned Jesus over to the Romans because they thought he might cause people to Revolt against Romans  Pontius Pilate ordered his crucifixion  Followers of Jesus believed that he overcame death and was the Messiah

Christianity The followers of Jesus spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, bringing it into conflict with Roman polytheism and eventually changing Western civilization.

The Crucifixion of Jesus

Spread of Christianity Carried by the Apostles, including Paul, throughout the Roman Empire Slowed as a result of persecution by Roman authorities Adopted and legalized by Emperor Constantine

Importance of the Church As the Roman Empire declined in the West, the Church in Rome grew in importance, membership, and influence. The Church became an example of moral authority. Loyalty to the Church became more important than loyalty to the Emperor. The Church became main unifying force of Western Europe.

Rome’s tolerant attitude towards religion was not extended to the Christians Nero used the Christians as scapegoats. Nero blamed Christians for the social & economic troubles of Rome.  Nero persecuted Christians…  Christians who died for their beliefs became known as martyrs….

Christianity Spreads Through the Empire Persecution of the Christians –Christians won’t worship the Roman gods or the emperor. –They are considered enemies of the State. –Roman rulers use Christians as scapegoats for hard times. –As Pax Romana crumbles, Christians are crucified, burned, and killed in the arena.

A World Religion Christianity’s Expansion –Christianity becomes a powerful force and appeals to people because of these reasons: embraces all people gives hope to the powerless appeals to those who repelled extravagance of Roman life offers a personal relationship with God promises eternal life after death

Constantine I: Edict of Milan 313 A.D. – ends the persecution of Christians

Theodosius Made Christianity the official religion of the Roman empire & repressed the practice of other faiths.

Patriarch Archdiocese/Archbishop Bishop/Diocese Priest/Parish Pope