Chapter Six: Jerusalem and Early Christianity Culture and Values, 6th Ed. Cunningham and Reich

Jerusalem and Early Christianity Biblical tradition + Graeco-Roman Culture Children of Israel, Israelites, Jews, Hebrews Period of the Patriarchs Period of the Exodus Period of the Conquest The United Monarchy Divided Kingdom and Exile The Return

The Hebrew Bible and Its Message “Bible”  Byblos The Law, the Prophets, the Writings Hebrew canon (C.E. 90) Septuagint Moral guide, ethical and religious stability Not a philosophical treatise

Basic Motifs of the Bible Biblical Monotheism God exists before the world God pronounces creation as “good” Humans are the crown of creation God deeply involved in the world Covenant (testament) Renewed covenant = New Testament

Basic Motifs of the Bible Ethics Moral code for individuals and society Ten Commandments Prohibitions, positive commands Prophetic writings Critics of social injustice, defenders of poor Reminders of the covenant

Basic Motifs of the Bible Models and types Events, stories, characters as models Contemporary impact of biblical tradition Literature Art Social institutions

The Beginnings of Christianity Life of Jesus Gospels Prophetic tradition of Jesus Parables, Beatitudes Jesus as Christ, the Messiah Significance of resurrection

Christianity Spreads Saul of Tarsus (Paul) Tireless missionary Non-Jewish converts Theological letters Social, religious factors for growth Peace, facility of travel, koine, audience Emphasis on salvation, freedom No class distinction

Christian Persecution Nero’s Circus Claudius, Decius, Valerian, Diocletian Christians as traitors to the state Refusal to express pietàs Apologists Justin Martyr (100-165) Emperor Constantine

Early Christian Art Catacombs, underground cemeteries Frescoes Salvation; Communion; Virgin and Child Glass and Sculpture Christ as Good Shepherd, glass disks Carved sarcophagi Inscriptions Name, date of death, decorative symbol

Dura-Europos Evidence of religious tolerance and coexistence Religious buildings on “Wall Street” Complex religious existence Artistic mingling of Eastern and Roman styles Precursor of Byzantine art

Constantine and Early Christian Architecture Emperor Constantine (C.E. 306-337) Edict of Toleration Basilica-Style Churches Current site of St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican) Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Jerusalem) Jesus’ burial site

Early Christian Music From Jewish traditions Chanting sacred texts Professional Chorus vs. Single Cantor Greek doctrine of ethos Instrumental music = unsuitable Standardization of vocal music Responsorial, antiphonal

Chapter Six: Discussion Questions Discuss contemporary examples that illustrate the permeation of the biblical tradition in our culture. Explain why Nero and other Roman emperors were unwilling to tolerate Christianity. From a political standpoint, was the severity of punishment inflicted on Christians warranted? Why or why not? Consider the archeological findings of Dura-Europos. In what ways does history over-simplify past events? In two thousand years, what will future generations assume about our culture, religions, and religious tolerance? Explain.