Religion in the Roman Empire

Greco-Roman Religion Traditional Religion Initially “animistic” Then anthropomorphic gods State-run priesthoods Pontifex maximus Vestal Virgins Vestal Virgins

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

Greco-Roman Religion

Mithras Slaying the Bull, Greco-Roman Religion The Mystery Religions Popular! Attractive Communion with deity Ethical guidance Spiritual equality Eternal life Examples Cult of Isis Mithraism Mithras Slaying the Bull, British Museum

Greco-Roman Religion Emperor Worship Some emperors deified after death Imperial cult established Foundations during reign of Augusts Cult statue of Augustus (early 1st cent.)

Greco-Roman Religion Questions?

Second-Temple Judaism Persian king allowed Jews to return to Palestine (539 BC) Constructed second Temple (536-515 BC)

Second-Temple Judaism Roman Occupation of Palestine Jews had been ruled by priest-kings, after expulsion of Greeks Romans invaded 63 BC  ended Jewish independence Judaism a religio licita

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

Second-Temple Judaism First-Century Jewish Religion Diversity Apocalyptic MESSIANIC EXPECTATION Messiah (“Anointed”) Some Jews longed for the “coming Messiah(s)” to deliver them from Romans “Messiahs” crushed by Romans

Second-Temple Judaism Jesus of Nazareth (ca. 6 BC – ca. AD 30) Itinerant rabbi Twelve apostles, large following Preached coming “Kingdom of God” Criticized religious authorities Miracle worker? Presented as Messiah in earliest sources

Second-Temple Judaism Possible evidence of Jesus’ intentions: manner of his entry into Jerusalem?

Second-Temple Judaism What Became of Jesus? Religious leaders infuriated, fearful Tried, executed  sentenced to death by Pilate Movement Lived On Resurrected? Apostles stole body?

Second-Temple Judaism 2013

Second-Temple Judaism The Fate of the Jews Jewish War (66-70) Revolt  war! Crushed by Romans Jerusalem captured Temple destroyed Bar Kochba Revolt (132-35) Last stand  failure Jewish state gone

Second-Temple Judaism Questions?

Early Christianity The Apostolic Church Under leadership of apostles Based in Jerusalem Preached “GOSPEL” “Good news” about Jesus and “coming Kingdom” Focused on Jews Pentecost

Early Christianity Paul of Tarsus († ca. 64) Pharisee  Christian Brought Gospel to “Gentiles” Three missionary journeys Epistles

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

Early Christianity Persecution of Christians MARTYRS: “witnesses” Why persecution? Seen as distinct from Judaism Refused to worship emperor “Great Persecution” (early 4th cent.) Blandina the Martyr (2nd cent.)

Early Christianity Constantine the Great (r. 306-337) Converted to Christianity (ca. 312) Edict of Milan (313): toleration for Christians First Christian Emperor Launched Christianization of empire Lavished wealth upon Church Church now privileged Constantine Labarum

Early Christianity Basilica of St. Peter (324), Rome

Early Christianity The Arian Controversy Jesus Christ: creature, or God? Arius: creature Bishop of Alexandria: God Constantine convened COUNCIL OF NICAEA (325) Christ is of same “essence” as God the Father Arians condemned Arians revived, almost defeated “orthodox” cause Arianism ultimately condemned (381) Jesus Christ: God and human TRINITY affirmed

Early Christianity Augustine of Hippo (354-430) Church father Famous convert Prolific writer Confessions City of God Highly influential theologian Augustine of Hippo

Early Christianity Questions?

Religion in the Roman Empire How can we describe religion in the Roman Empire? Comparisons and contrasts between Judaism and Christianity?