Day 25: Introduction to Christianity

Early Roots Early on in Ancient Rome, a new religion, Christianity emerged in a distant corner of the Empire. Many different religions existed in Rome. At first, it was small and little noticed by the Roman leadership.

Jesus of Nazareth -Born in 4 B.C. in Bethlehem -Worshipped God and followed Jewish law -At 30 began preaching to villagers, used parables. These are short stories with simple moral lessons to communicate his ideas -Recruited 12 disciples to help him spread his ideas, called apostles, in Jerusalem -Some Jews in Jerusalem welcomed Jesus, many of the priests felt he threatened their leadership -Roman authorities felt Jesus would lead the Jews in a revolt against their rule

Death of Jesus -According to the gospels, Jesus was betrayed by one of his disciples, arrested by the Romans, and killed by crucifixion-a person was bound to a cross and left to die -Rumors then spread that Jesus had not died but had risen from death and commanded his disciples to spread his teachings -After the disciples reported he ascended into heaven

Christianity Spreads -Followers called themselves Christians -Disciples preached the messages of Christianity throughout the Roman world (Several books of the New Testament are these letters) -Paul played the most influential role in spreading Christianity after the death of Jesus. -Peter established Christianity in Rome itself (First pope)

Christians Become Oppressed -Romans were not tolerant towards Christians because: 1) They refused to honor the emperor with sacrifices 2) They refused to worship Roman gods to protect the state 3) Christians were used as scapegoats, blamed for social and economic problems 4) Many Christians became martyrs- or people who suffer or die for their beliefs 5) However, Christianity continued to spread due to the fact that all people were welcome

Early Christian Church Emperor Constantine issued the Edict of Milan in A.D. 313. The Edict granted freedom of worship to all citizens of the Roman empire By the end of the century, Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion of the Roman empire

The Great Schism The East–West Schism, also called the Great Schism and the Schism of 1054, was the break of communion between what are now the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches, which has lasted since the 11th century.

Major Denominations and Sects Within Christianity

Major Points of Christianity God is viewed by Christians as a Trinity. Meaning God is in three parts: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit The Birth of Jesus is celebrated on December 25. His birth was to Mary, a virgin, and Joseph in Bethlehem. Forty days before Easter, Christians engage in Lent, a time of reflection and fasting. The Day of Jesus’s Crucifixion is known as Good Friday Christians believe Jesus rose on the third day after his death and this day is called Easter Sunday, the highest holiday in Christianity Christians have sacraments such as baptism, communion and confirmation. These change based on the denomination of Christian. John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

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