Christianity in the Roman Empire Global History: Adamiak

Reactions to Jesus Seen as a threat to the Roman social structure due to his message Poor are favored by God All are equal Forgiveness of/Love your enemies

Reactions to Jesus “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s. Give to God what is God’s.” Spoke of his “Kingdom”

Crucifixion

Spread of Christianity After Jesus’ crucifixion his followers spread his message Peter  First pope who goes to Rome to start a Church

Spread of Christianity Paul Convert who wrote letters to inform others of Jesus’ message Traveled throughout the empire Roman roads allow for religion to spread

Roman Reactions to Christianity Seen as a cult Reasons  (Refer to in-class reading) Roman anti-Christian graffiti: “Alexmenos is worshipping his god.”

Romans Reactions to Christianity Persecuted by many Roman emperors Nero (Reign 54 – 68) Has Peter and Paul executed Diocletian (Reign 284 – 305) Confiscated Church property Removed Christians from army Destroyed Christian books

Ichthys

Constantine (Reign 306 – 337) Embraces Christianity Sees Christianity as a way to increase his power Connects himself to God and Jesus Reinforces his divinity Ability to eternally condemn people Control people’s beliefs Issues Edict of Milan Proclaims a policy of religious tolerance in Rome Returns all lands confiscated to the Church

Council of Nicaea (325) Constantine calls a meeting of bishops to standardized Christian beliefs Books of the Bible Selected Reaffirms the divinity of Jesus Sets dates for Easter Develops doctrine of the Holy Trinity Three Gods in One Father Son Holy Spirit