1. Religion in the Roman Empire

2. Greco-Roman Religion Traditional Religion Initially “animistic”
Then anthropomorphic gods
State-run priesthoods
Pontifex maximus
Vestal Virgins
Vestal Virgins

3. Greco-Roman Religion
The Pantheon (AD ), Rome

4. Greco-Roman Religion

5. Mithras Slaying the Bull,
Greco-Roman Religion
The Mystery Religions
Popular!
Attractive
Communion with deity
Ethical guidance
Spiritual equality
Eternal life
Examples
Cult of Isis
Mithraism
Mithras Slaying the Bull,
British Museum

6. Greco-Roman Religion Emperor Worship Some emperors deified after death
Imperial cult established
Foundations during reign of Augusts
Cult statue of Augustus (early 1st cent.)

7. Greco-Roman Religion
Questions?

8. Second-Temple Judaism
Persian king allowed Jews to return to Palestine (539 BC)
Constructed second Temple ( BC)

9. Second-Temple Judaism
Roman Occupation of Palestine
Jews had been ruled by priest-kings, after expulsion of Greeks
Romans invaded 63 BC  ended Jewish independence
Judaism a religio licita

10. Second-Temple Judaism
The Second Temple (“Herod’s Temple”)

11. Second-Temple Judaism
First-Century Jewish Religion
Diversity
Apocalyptic
MESSIANIC EXPECTATION
Messiah (“Anointed”)
Some Jews longed for the “coming Messiah(s)” to deliver them from Romans
“Messiahs” crushed by Romans

12. Second-Temple Judaism
Jesus of Nazareth (ca. 6 BC – ca. AD 30)
Itinerant rabbi
Twelve apostles, large following
Preached coming “Kingdom of God”
Criticized religious authorities
Miracle worker?
Presented as Messiah in earliest sources

13. Second-Temple Judaism
Possible evidence of Jesus’ intentions: manner of his entry into Jerusalem?

14. Second-Temple Judaism
What Became of Jesus?
Religious leaders infuriated, fearful
Tried, executed  sentenced to death by Pilate
Movement Lived On
Resurrected?
Apostles stole body?

15. Second-Temple Judaism
2013

16. Second-Temple Judaism
The Fate of the Jews
Jewish War (66-70)
Revolt  war!
Crushed by Romans
Jerusalem captured
Temple destroyed
Bar Kochba Revolt (132-35)
Last stand  failure
Jewish state gone

17. Second-Temple Judaism
Questions?

18. Early Christianity The Apostolic Church Under leadership of apostles
Based in Jerusalem
Preached “GOSPEL”
“Good news” about Jesus and “coming Kingdom”
Focused on Jews
Pentecost

19. Early Christianity Paul of Tarsus († ca. 64) Pharisee  Christian
Brought Gospel to “Gentiles”
Three missionary journeys
Epistles

20. Early Christianity The Sacraments Baptism: rite of initiation
Eucharist: sacred meal of bread and wine

21. Early Christianity Persecution of Christians MARTYRS: “witnesses”
Why persecution?
Seen as distinct from Judaism
Refused to worship emperor
“Great Persecution” (early 4th cent.)
Blandina the Martyr (2nd cent.)

22. Early Christianity Constantine the Great (r. 306-337)
Converted to Christianity (ca. 312)
Edict of Milan (313): toleration for Christians
First Christian Emperor
Launched Christianization of empire
Lavished wealth upon Church
Church now privileged
Constantine
Labarum

23. Early Christianity
Basilica of St. Peter (324), Rome

24. Early Christianity The Arian Controversy
Jesus Christ: creature, or God?
Arius: creature
Bishop of Alexandria: God
Constantine convened COUNCIL OF NICAEA (325)
Christ is of same “essence” as God the Father
Arians condemned
Arians revived, almost defeated “orthodox” cause
Arianism ultimately condemned (381)
Jesus Christ: God and human
TRINITY affirmed

25. Early Christianity Augustine of Hippo (354-430) Church father
Famous convert
Prolific writer
Confessions
City of God
Highly influential theologian
Augustine of Hippo

26. Early Christianity
Questions?

27. Religion in the Roman Empire
How can we describe religion in the Roman Empire?
Comparisons and contrasts between Judaism and Christianity?