The Rise of Christianity

Christianity  In 395 A.D. Christianity was the official religion of the Roman Empire by the emperor Constantine.  Constantine: was a Roman Emperor; he is best remembered in modern times for the Edict of Milan in 313, which fully legalized Christianity in the Empire, for the first time  Christianity reshaped Roman beliefs and became the central institution of western civilization for nearly 1,000 years

Religious Diversity  There was still a lot of religious diversity in the Roman Empire. Some people worshipped mystery religions where they had secret rituals.  However, despite these odd religions, the empire was still very accepting of Christianity. This was because they had been polytheistic for a very long time.

Judea-p  In 66 A.D. there was a revolt when the Jewish people in Judea went against Roman rule. They were squashed by the powerful Roman army and many Jewish people were killed.

Jesus  Jesus was born in 4 B.C. and taught the message of the Jewish tradition.  However, He testified to the Trinity and salvation through grace by faith in Him, His crucifixion, and His resurrection.  He was ordered to death by the Roman prefect Pontius Pilate.  After his death, he was seen, taught for a little longer, and then ascended into heaven.

Jesus’s Disciples  Following his death, his disciples began establishing Christian communities. After a while, Christianity became a central faith often associated with the Jewish religion.  Paul, a Jew from Asia Minor, had the largest influence on the spread of Christianity. He traveled all over the Roman empire, explaining and expanding Jesus’ teachings. –map on p.144

Jesus’s Disciples  Judas  Peter  James  John  Matthew  Mark  Luke  Thomas  Simon  Andrew  Phillip  Bartholomew  Paul*

Persecution of Christians  Christians were persecuted by some Roman officials. Many Roman leaders killed Christians.  These people were called martyrs, or someone who suffers or dies for their beliefs.  Peter and Paul were both persecuted and killed for their faith in Christ by the Emperor Nero.

Early Christian Beliefs/Practices  A Christian community shared a common faith and began churches. Baptism began as representation and a proclamation that believers had been forgiven of their sin b/c of what Christ did for them and His grace. Baptism began as representation and a proclamation that believers had been forgiven of their sin b/c of what Christ did for them and His grace.  They also ate bread and drank wine in a sacred meal called the Eucharist/Communion.  Women were much more equal in this religion and were teachers and administrators in church.

Beliefs  Each church had a priest, with a bishop having authority over him.  The most important bishops of the Roman Empire were called patriarchs. They were in Rome, Antioch, Alexandria, Jerusalem, and Constantinople.  After the Roman Empire declined, the Christian church took the place of ruling over the people in the area.