Chapter 2: Christianity takes root Lesson 3: Growth amidst Persecution

Handout #6 Following the way of jesus Remember to complete the interview as an early Christian. What do you think the early Church believed about Jesus and following him? How is the life of the early Church similar or different to our Christian life today?

Snap of Jewish history after exodus Moses Promised land Babylonians Persians Greeks Romans

Growth amidst Persecution Give me an example of people or groups who have endured by sticking together and sticking to their beliefs.

Split from Judaism activity Typed. Heading. Find a partner. Write Q and A. What was the Jews’ initial reaction to Christians? Why did Jewish authorities begin persecuting Christians? Who were some early Christian martyred for their faith? What historical event marked the split from Judaism? Why did the Jews feel betrayed by the Christians?

Roman reaction to christians Why do think refusing to worship the Roman emperor would be a big deal? Why would it bring persecution to christians?

Roman reaction to christians Religio in Latin means “something that binds”. For Romans, religion bounded everything together. The objective of worship was gaining blessings from Gods. Strong morals? Not necessary. Roman emperors used the importance of religion. Augustus and Halley’s Comet. Christians denied existence of other gods and the emperor’s divinity. Rome saw Christianity as denial for Roman authority.

Apologists Wrote to convince Gentiles of the Truth and High morals of Christians. From St. Justin Martyr’s First Apology: “so we are called atheists. well, we do indeed proclaim ourselves atheists in respect to those whom you call gods, but not in regard to the Most true God, the Father of righteousness and temperance and the other virtues, who is without admixture of evil. On the contrary, we reverence and worship Him and the Son who came forth from Him and taught us these things…”

To the ends of the empire https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WftBqgqd_FE

To the ends of the empire Major reasons for rapid spread of Christianity: Jewish communities of the Diaspora Easy travel and common language Pax Romana Powerful spiritual message backed by powerful actions