Timeline ~ CE 29Crucifixion of Jesus 34-64Missionary activity of Paul Brutal persecution by Romans 313Constantine tolerates Christianity 325 Council of Nicaea 391-2Christianity becomes state religion 479End of Western Roman Empire 529Benedict founds monastery

EARLY CHRISTIANITY Mosaic of the Good Shepherd- Ravenna

Outline I. I. Cultural context II.II. Influence of Judaism III.III. Early Christianity IV.IV.Christianity evolves: The 4 th Century V.V.Legalized Christianity

I. Cultural Context Mystical Religion –First through Third century is time of mystical religions holy groves, shrines, oracles, power of dreams high initiation fees belief in afterlife only for believers –usually have parades/ events in cities –power of astrology

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I. Cultural Context Gnosticism –A powerful and prevalent belief system –easily adapted to other religions –belief that “Wisdom” (or “light”) came to earth and returned to heaven Those who are enlightened or “chosen” will listen Seen as a conflict between “light” and “dark” –merging Greek philosophy toward religious ends

II. Influence of Judaism Roman world –skeptical, tolerant and mystical –especially cosmopolitan 1st Century widespread Jewish beliefs –unscriptural belief in afterlife –awaiting a Messiah

The career of Jesus –Born in Judea –Preaching, healing, and teaching –Arrival in Jerusalem during Passover (30 C.E.) Seen as foretold Messiah –Arrest Pontius Pilate Crucifixion II. Influence of Judaism

1st Century: Judeo-Christians –follow Jewish practices and add two others love feast (agapecutpe) Eucharist (re-enactment of Jesus’ last meal with his disciples).

II. Influence of Judaism St. Paul (c. 10–c. 67) –Converted to Christianity –Rejected Jewish law as irrelevant to salvation –Making converts among Greek-speaking Jewish communities –conversions lead to divergence from Judaism

Paul’s journeys

III. Early Christianity The appeal of Christianity –Communal aspect –Early organizational structure Special position of women Growth of Christianity

Christianity Expands

III. Early Christianity Threat to the state –why was Christianity viewed as a threat? Failure to accept state gods aversion to all political/social activity focus on otherworldly pursuits challenging social practices cannibalism

III. Early Christianity Roman Reactions –persecutions blamed as scapegoats Nero (64 CE) incites local persecutions Decius, Gallus and Valerian ( ) Diocletian (303)

III. Early Christianity Christian defense mechanisms –secret symbols –meeting places Homes – special role and power of women Catacombs

III. Early Christianity Catacombs - burial societies –burial of dead –decoration.

III. Early Christianity Art work –religious themes, concepts.

IV. Christianity evolves: 4 th Century Persecutions were intermittent and short-lived By 300, 1–5 percent of total Roman population were perhaps Christians

IV. Christianity evolves: 4 th Century Constantine and his “conversion” to Christianity –Battle of Milvian Bridge in 312 –Christianity tolerated in 313 CE (Edict of Milan) –determined to gain control of Christianity as a tool to unite the Empire new relationship with a Christian ruler individualism in Christianity.

IV. Christianity evolves: 4 th Century Council of Nicaea 325 Purpose: I.to end religious dispute over Arianism II.to define nature of relationship between imperial power and the church –church recognized Constantine’s power.

IV. Christianity evolves: 4 th Century 392 Theodosius I makes Christianity the official religion of Rome –persecutions continue –tolerant Roman religious view of world changes –impact on Christianity positive negative

V. Legalized Christianity Legalization and state support changes Christianity Disillusionment –Asceticism as a substitute for martyrdom –Response to increasing worldliness common people flee society to dedicate their lives to spiritual pursuits –emergence of hermits 3rd century –communal living 4th century

Monasteries in the west - c. 550

V. Legalized Christianity St. Benedict of Nursia (c. 480–c. 547) –The Latin or Benedictine Rule Poverty, chastity, obedience, labor and prayer –Absolute authority of the abbot –Missionary work –Dignity of human labor

St. Benedict’s Monastery

V. Legalized Christianity The growth of ecclesiastical organization –Hierarchical organization –Distinctions of rank –The pope as bishop of Rome –Creation of a male dominated church

Roman World ca. 450 CE