1. The Rise of Christianity

2. Religious World of the Romans
During the late Roman Republic, Rome’s state religion declined

3. Roman Religion Polytheistic- worshiped many Gods
Believed success in empire = Gods were 
Tolerant of other religions-
Many local Gods- even emperors worshipped

4. Jewish Background
By A.D. 6 Judea had been made a Roman province and placed under a procurate.

5. Jewish Background Judea was divided:
Sadducees- favored cooperation with the Romans
Essenes- awaited a Messiah
Zealots- advocated the violent overthrow of Roman rule

6. Rise of Christianity
In this chaos a preacher named Joshua Ben-Joseph began spreading his teachings

7. Rise of Christianity Jesus taught: One God
Transformation of the inner person
AFTERLIFE

8. Reactions To Jesus Some welcomed Jesus as the Messiah
To Roman authorities, Jesus was a potential rival
Roman procurator, Pontius Pilate ordered Jesus’ crucifixion

9. Spread: Paul of Tarsus
Paul founded communities throughout Asia Minor and shore of the Aegean
Stories of Jesus overcoming death spread
Jesus’ disciples recorded teachings of Jesus
Known as the Gospel “good news” =
New Testament

10. Spread of Christianity
Jerusalem was the first center- later moved to eastern Europe
Romans historically tolerated other religions
Romans viewed Christianity as harmful to the state

11. Why Was Christianity A Problem?
Christians believed that there was only one God
Christians refused to worship state Gods and emperors
Romans saw this as treason- punishable by death

12. Persecution
Persecutions began during the reign of Nero

13. Result of Persecutions
Christians held meetings in secret
Persecutions caused Christians to become more organized
Emerging role of Bishops who assumed more control over church communities

14. WHY Does Christianity Spread?
Salvation in a world of suffering and injustice
Gave life meaning and purpose beyond simple material
Jesus= human and easy to relate to
Did not require expensive or painful initiation
Fulfilled human need to belong

15. Christianity from Judaism to Constantine:
Crash Course World History #11