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Essential Understandings The followers of Jesus spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire, bringing it into conflict with Roman polytheism and eventually changing Western civilization. How did Christianity become established within the Roman Empire? What were the essential beliefs of the early Christian faith?

Origins of Christianity  Has roots in Judaism (Monotheistic) –Conflicted with polytheistic beliefs of Roman Empire  Founder: Jesus of Nazareth –proclaimed as the Messiah –Son of God & incarnation of God  incarnation: a living being embodying a deity or spirit

The Birth of Jesus  Born in Bethlehem between 2 and 4 A.D.  Family fled to Egypt for a period of time to escape King Herod  Grew up in Nazareth

His Ministry  Worked as a carpenter as a young man  Began his ministry around the age of 30  A teacher; performed many miracles including exorcisms and healings

Crucifixion and Resurrection What holidays celebrate these two events?

Beliefs, traditions, and customs of Christianity  Belief in life after death (resurrection)  New Testament –Contains accounts of the life and teachings of Jesus (Gospels), as well as writings of early Christians (Epistles)  Christian doctrine established by early church councils a teaching

Spread of Christianity How did Christianity spread?  Carried by the Apostles, including Paul, throughout the Roman Empire –apostle: a missionary of the early Christian Church

Paul’s Travels

A.D. ↓ A.D. ↓ ↑ A.D. ↑ A.D.

Spread of Christianity  Slowed as a result of persecution by Roman authorities  Adopted and legalized by Emp. Constantine

Church Councils  Areas would have a bishop (“overseer”)  Bishops came together to form church councils when important decisions needed to be made  Established Christian doctrine

As the Roman Empire declined in the West, the Church in Rome grew in importance, membership and influence. What was the impact of the early Church in the late Roman Empire?

Review Why did the Roman Empire Decline?  Economy  the cost of defense and devaluation of Roman currency  Military  Army membership included invaders, resulting in decline of discipline  Moral decay  People lost faith in Rome and the family  Political problems  Civil conflict and weak administration  Invasion  Attacks along the borders

Church of Rome in the late Roman Empire  Church became an example for moral authority  Loyalty to the Church became more important than loyalty to the Emperor  Church became main unifying factor in Western Europe

Symbols of Christianity Fish Alpha & Omega Cross Alpha & Omega Cross

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