Medieval Europe’s Religious Background

The Background Common themes emerging? Differences between the religions?

The Background Relevant Terms Polytheism Monotheism Messiah Apocalyptic

Greco-Roman Religion Traditional Religion Olympian gods Oracles State-run priesthoods in Rome No established “orthodoxy” Athena Parthenos (438 BC)

Greco-Roman Religion

Greco-Roman Religion The Pantheon (AD 118-125), Rome

Greco-Roman Religion

Greco-Roman Religion Mystery Religions Communion with particular deity Ethical guidance Spiritual equality Afterlife Isis

Greco-Roman Religion Emperor Worship Worship of rulers an ancient practice Origins during reign of Augustus Imperial cult established Cult statue of Augustus (early 1st cent.)

Greco-Roman Religion Questions?

Judaism The Basics YHWH The patriarchs Exodus under Moses Kings, Temple Disobedience  exile

Judaism Second-Temple Period Jews returned (539 BC)  Second Temple Religio licita under Romans Apocalyptic Messiah

Judaism The Second Temple (“Herod’s Temple”)

Judaism Jesus of Nazareth (ca. 6 BC–AD 30) Itinerant rabbi Three-year ministry (ca. 27-30 AD) 12 apostles Preached coming “Kingdom of God” Miracles, prophecy? Presented himself as Messiah?

Judaism

Judaism Jesus’ Prophecy regarding the Temple? “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. Behold, your house is being left to you desolate!” (Matt. 23:37-38)

Judaism

Judaism The Fate of Jesus “Action in the Temple” Criticized religious leaders Betrayed to authorities, tried Sentenced to death by crucifixion Resurrected?

Judaism The Fate of the Jews Anti-Roman sentiment continued Jewish War (AD 70)  Jewish defeat, destruction of Temple Bar Kochba Revolt (132-35) a failure  Jews lost homeland

Judaism Questions?

Early Christianity The Apostolic Church Apostles, Paul, women Based in Jerusalem Produced Gospels Preached “Good News”

Early Christianity Ecclesiastical Structure Bishops Presbyters Deacons

Early Christianity The Sacraments Baptism: rite of initiation Eucharist: sacred meal of bread and wine

Early Christianity Persecution Local, then Empire-wide persecutions Why? Distinct from Judaism Refusal to worship emperor Martyrs: “witnesses”

Capitoline Museum, Rome Early Christianity Constantine I (r. 306-337) and Toleration Pagan convert to Christianity Edict of Milan (313) First Christian emperor Launched Christianization of Roman Empire Church now privileged Constantine the Great, Capitoline Museum, Rome

Early Christianity Old St. Peter’s (324), Rome

Column from Old St. Peter’s, Vatican Grottoes Early Christianity Column from Old St. Peter’s, Vatican Grottoes

Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem Early Christianity Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem

Early Christianity Doctrinal Orthodoxy Trinity Christology God Human One person Divine and human natures preserved

Early Christianity Questions?

The Background Common themes emerging? Differences between the religions?