The Rise of Christianity
Religious World of the Romans During the late Roman Republic, Rome’s state religion declined
Roman Religion Polytheistic- worshiped many Gods Believed success in empire = Gods were Tolerant of other religions- Many local Gods- even emperors worshipped
Jewish Background By A.D. 6 Judea had been made a Roman province and placed under a procurate.
Jewish Background Judea was divided: Sadducees- favored cooperation with the Romans Essenes- awaited a Messiah Zealots- advocated the violent overthrow of Roman rule
Rise of Christianity In this chaos a preacher named Joshua Ben-Joseph began spreading his teachings
Rise of Christianity Jesus taught: One God Transformation of the inner person AFTERLIFE
Reactions To Jesus Some welcomed Jesus as the Messiah To Roman authorities, Jesus was a potential rival Roman procurator, Pontius Pilate ordered Jesus’ crucifixion
Spread: Paul of Tarsus Paul founded communities throughout Asia Minor and shore of the Aegean Stories of Jesus overcoming death spread Jesus’ disciples recorded teachings of Jesus Known as the Gospel “good news” = New Testament
Spread of Christianity Jerusalem was the first center- later moved to eastern Europe Romans historically tolerated other religions Romans viewed Christianity as harmful to the state
Why Was Christianity A Problem? Christians believed that there was only one God Christians refused to worship state Gods and emperors Romans saw this as treason- punishable by death
Persecution Persecutions began during the reign of Nero
Result of Persecutions Christians held meetings in secret Persecutions caused Christians to become more organized Emerging role of Bishops who assumed more control over church communities
WHY Does Christianity Spread? Salvation in a world of suffering and injustice Gave life meaning and purpose beyond simple material Jesus= human and easy to relate to Did not require expensive or painful initiation Fulfilled human need to belong
Christianity from Judaism to Constantine: Crash Course World History #11