1. Why Did Christianity Take Hold in the Ancient World?
Grade 7 Social Studies DBQ
May-June 2017
= Needed for ESSAY, DUE Thursday, June 8

3. Aramaic: an ancient, 3,000-year-old language, modern forms of which are still spoken today
Messiah: Hebrew for “the deliverer,” one who will bring peace to the kingdom of Israel. Greek word for messiah is “Christo,” meaning savior.
Apostles: followers of Jesus who spread his word
New Testament: the second “half” of the Christian Bible, which deals with the life and teachings of Christ. Separate from Old Testament, which contains the Hebrew scriptures.
Gospels: In old English, gospel means “good news.” First four books of the New Testament are referred to as the four gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
Converts: People who change their beliefs, in this case, to Christianity.

5. Jesus of Nazareth
Born around 6 BCE in Bethlehem because of census ordered by Emperor Augustus

6. Jesus used stories, known as parables, to help teach his message of the Golden Rule

7. Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum 27 CE

8. Body Paragraphs Introduction Conclusion
TITLE: Why did Christianity Take Hold in the Ancient World?
Introduction
BABY THESES: Reasons that Christianity took hold
Body Paragraphs
ARGUMENT: Explain how this reason helped Christianity grow.
Conclusion

9. Document A The Gospel of Luke (80-90 CE)
The parable of the good Samaritan
How does this document help answer the question, “Why did Christianity Take Hold in the Ancient World?”

10. Notes on The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Document A):
“Good Samaritan” is often used as a metaphor to describe a stranger who comes to the aid of someone because it is the right thing to do.
The Samaritans were a group of people related to the Jews, but relations were not very good between the groups. The fact that a Samaritan (and not a fellow Jew) came to the victim’s rescue is a very important part of the story.
Example of the idea of the “Golden Rule”, caring for others

11. Document B H. Koester (2009)
How does this document help answer the question, “Why did Christianity Take Hold in the Ancient World?”

12. Notes on Immortality in the Ancient World (Document B):
Immortality- idea of living forever
What do you remember about other civilizations’ ideas of immortality?
In the Roman idea of the Afterlife, there were still levels- one for “heroes” and one for “commoners”

13. Document C E. Pagels (2009)
How does this document help answer the question, “Why did Christianity Take Hold in the Ancient World?”

14. Notes on The Individual and God (Document C):
According to Christianity, all human beings are made in “the image of God”
Every life matters and has inherent moral value
How was this idea reflected in the early years of the
United States as a country?
“We hold these truths to be self-evident,
that all men are created equal…”

15. Document D H. Koester (2009)
How does this document help answer the question, “Why did Christianity Take Hold in the Ancient World?”

16. Notes on The Individual & Society (Document D):
Life in the ancient world was hard
-widespread poverty was the norm
-childbirth for women very dangerous
-high rate of infant/childhood death
With this backdrop, teachings of universal equality would have had a great appeal

17. Document E J. Borg an J. Crossan (2009)
Roman view:
Christian view:
How does this document help answer the question, “Why did Christianity Take Hold in the Ancient World?”

19. Notes on The Path to Peace (Document E):
Christianity teaches that peace comes through Justice (not Violence, as the Romans believed)
Which type of peace is more likely to last: one brought about because of military victory, or one that happens because of justice and legal-based decisions?
Dulce et Decorum Est (“It is sweet and fitting to die for one's country.”)

20. Wilfred Owen 1893-1918 Died in combat on November 4, 1918
Author of Dulce et decorum est (borrowed words from Roman poet Horace)

21. Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori: mors et fugacem persequitur virum nec parcit inbellis iuventae poplitibus timidove tergo.
How sweet and honorable it is to die for one's country: Death pursues the man who flees, spares not the hamstrings or cowardly backs Of battle-shy youths.

22. Document F J. McManners (1990)
How does this document help answer the question, “Why did Christianity Take Hold in the Ancient World?”

23. Notes on The Work of Paul
(Document F):
Paul (originally known as Saul) was a devout Jewish man who, in his early years, was highly critical of Christianity
Many historians believe that Paul was executed by the Romans in the early 60s CE
How did communication in the ancient world differ from modern-day communication?

24. Document G Pliny the Younger (112 CE)
How does this document help answer the question, “Why did Christianity Take Hold in the Ancient World?”

25. Notes on Document G:
Roman authorities were influenced by the local shopkeepers because the Christians refused to buy sacrificial items.
Pliny found that the Christians were not breaking any law. They had their own customs, such as hymn singing and prayers.
Christians maintained the “courage of their convictions”.

27. Possible Bucket Topics

28. Possible Bucket Topics
Message of love
Universal eternal life/immortality
Message of universal acceptance, lack of social hierarchy
Alternative to Roman thought, ideology, way of life
Commitment of early followers
Message of non-violence
Paul (his story, his missionary trips, epistles)

29. Body Paragraphs Introduction Conclusion
TITLE: Why did Christianity Take Hold in the Ancient World?
Introduction
BABY THESES: Reasons that Christianity took hold
Body Paragraphs
ARGUMENT: Explain how this reason helped Christianity grow.
Conclusion

30. Background Information (for introduction to essay)
Write at least two sentences about Christianity (from Background Essay).
Talk about the province of Judea, Jesus, the “messiah”, apostles, gospels etc.
Write at least one sentence about the Roman Empire (from what you learned in Chapter 34)

31. DBQ Introduction: “Some Assembly Required”
From page 345, 347
Why did Christianity become a major religion in the Ancient World?
From page 349
“Understanding
the Question”
From page 365

32. 75%
Grade Level Expectation
100%
87.5%

33. DBQ Writing Process: Complete pre-writing/planning (outline)
Write first draft
Peer Edit/revise a classmate’s paper (and be thinking about how to improve your own)
Edit/revise your first draft, incorporating your classmate’s suggestions and your own ideas about how to improve your paper
Turn in final copy