DROPBOX ROME HW #4 V-SHARE 1. RISE OF CHRISTIANITY NOTES

Rise of Christianity

I. Religion in the Roman Empire A.Romans allowed conquered people to practice their own religion 1. These people had to honor Roman gods too. 2. Since most people were polytheistic at that time this was not a problem.

I. Religion in the Roman Empire B. Judaism 1. Judaea, where many Jews lived, came under Roman control in 6 AD 2. Romans let Jews practice their monotheistic religion as not to upset them.

I. Religion in the Roman Empire

II. Origins of Christianity A. Jesus of Nazareth 1. Born while Augustus was emperor (27 BC – 14 AD). 2. Was born in the Roman Province of Judaea 3. Began preaching around the countryside of Judaea around 27 AD. a. Gained disciples, or followers.

II. Origins of Christianity A. Jesus of Nazareth 4. Jesus preached a new message to the poor. 5. Out of these teachings came a new religion Christianity.

III. Beliefs of Christianity A. Christianity comes from Judaism. B. Monotheistic C. Jesus is both son and the incarnation of God.

III. Beliefs of Christianity D. Jesus’s teachings were based in Jewish traditions 1. People must love God above all else and must love others as they love themselves. 2. There is only one true God 3. Promised forgiveness and eternal life for those who accepted by faith what God has already done for them. 4. Life after death

III. Beliefs of Christianity E. New Testament: Contains accounts of the life of Jesus and writings of early Christians. F. Christian Doctrine (beliefs and the books of the Bible) were established by early church councils in the 4 th and 5 th Century AD.

IV. Death of Jesus of Nazareth A.Christianity’s monotheistic beliefs conflicted with the polytheistic religion of ancient Rome. 1. Jesus was arrested by Roman authorities in Judaea and put on trial. 2. Was crucified in 33 AD 3. His followers believed he was the messiah (savior) and had died for the sins of humans.

V. Spread of Christianity A. Apostles (sending away to spread a message) 1. Carried Christianity, including Paul, throughout the Roman Empire. B. Christian gains in popularity 1. It accepted everyone, poor and rich, alike 2. Promised hope and freedom from the penalties of sin and death

V. Spread of Christianity C. Christian Martyrs 1. At first the Romans left Christians alone, however as they tried to convert others the Romans because to crack down on them. 2. Many Christians were put to death by the Romans for their beliefs. 3. Martyr – Put to death for you beliefs.

V. Spread of Christianity D. Emperor Constantine of Rome 1. Converted to Christianity and made it legal to practice in the Roman Empire in 312 AD. 2. Became the official Roman religion in 391 AD 3. Church became a source of moral authority. 4. Loyalty to the church became more important than loyalty to the Empire.

V. Spread of Christianity DATABASE TERMS 24. Jesus of Nazareth 25. Disciples (Definition Only) 26. New Testament 27. Messiah (Definition Only) 28. Apostles 29. Martyrs 30. Constantine