Section 4: The Rise of Christianity I. Jesus of Nazareth A. Jesus was a descendant of King David and was believed to be the messiah (a savior sent by God to lead the Jews to freedom) B. Jesus followed Jewish laws C. Went around preaching the word of God by using short stories with a moral lesson to communicate his ideas D. Jesus’ preaching upset some Jewish leaders, because he interpreted the laws differently

E. He taught the need for justice, morality and service to others (poor) F. Jewish priests considered Jesus a troublemaker. One of Jesus disciples betrayed him and led a group of Roman soldiers to him and they arrested. Then had him executed by crucifixion II. Christianity Spreads A. After Jesus’ death, his disciples spread his teachings throughout the Roman empire B. Paul helped to separate Christianity from Judaism

C. Romans were usually tolerant towards other religions, except Judaism and Christianity, because they refused to make sacrifices to the emperor D. Romans began persecuting them, especially when there was trouble in the empire E. Missionaries spread Christianity through the Roman Roads and across the Mediterranean sea F. Edict of Milan—issued by Constantine, granting freedom of worship

III. The Christian Church During the middle ages, the Christian church emerged as the most powerful force in Europe During the middle ages, the Christian church emerged as the most powerful force in Europe IV. The Early Communities A. All members were equal and called each other “brother” or “sister” B. Women led the way and served as teachers or administrators C. Clergy—performed religious ceremonies D. Had priests were controlled by bishops who were controlled by the pope (a.k.a. patriarch of Rome)

E. E. Church splits after fall of Rome— eastern (Orthodox Church  anti- pope) and western (Roman Catholic Church  pope) F. F. Roman Catholic Church grew stronger and began to run gov’t G. G. Ideas of Aristotle and other Greek thinkers were translated into Latin and spread into Western Europe and challenged Christian beliefs (faith vs. reason)

H. H. Thomas Aquinas—Christian scholar, brought together Christian faith and Greek philosophy  stated both faith and reason existed in harmony (God ruled over an orderly universe) V. The Judeo-Christian Tradition A. A. Shared heritage of Jews and Christians B. B. Judeo-Christian principles played a central role in the development of the democratic tradition