Religion in the Roman Empire

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

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

Greco-Roman Religion Mystery Religions Popular! Attractive Examples Communion with deity Ethical guidance Spiritual equality Examples Cult of Isis Mithraism

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 one”) Some Jews longed for deliverance from Romans “Messiahs” crushed

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

Second-Temple Judaism

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

Second-Temple Judaism The Fate of the Jews Jewish War (66-70)  Jerusalem captured, Temple destroyed Bar Kochba Revolt (132-35)  Jews lost their state

Second-Temple Judaism Questions?

Early Christianity The Apostolic Church Under leadership of apostles Based in Jerusalem Preached “GOSPEL” Early focus: Jews Pentecost

Early Christianity Paul of Tarsus (d. 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 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 Arian Controversy Jesus Christ: creature, or God? COUNCIL OF NICAEA (325 Convened by Constantine Christ of same “essence” as God the Father Arians revived, almost defeated “orthodox” cause Arianism condemned (381)

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?