1. Christianity

2. Terms--Christianity Cults (Cult of Isis, Mithra, Sol Invictus)
Apostolic Succession
Septuagint
Paul of Tarsus
Pharisees
Sadducees
Heresies
Gnosticism
Arianism
Constantine (r. 306 – 337)
Edict of Milan (313)
Council of Nicea (325) – Nicene Creed

3. Four Phases 1. Life & times of Jesus 2. Formation of the Church
3. Christianity & the Church spread
4. Christianity & Roman world become one

4. Mystery Cults/Religions
Cult of Isis Cult of Mithra Cult of Sol Invictus

5. Apostolic Succession
Message of Jesus was transmitted from Jesus to the disciples and then on to other members of the Christian community, throughout the generations, forming a living chain of the word of God

6. The Septuagint
A pre-Christian Greek version of the Jewish Scriptures edited by Jewish scholars & adopted by Greek- speaking Christians

7. Paul of Tarsus Missionary activities
Helped transform Christianity into a world religion
Was a Pharisee
Conversion experience

8. Paul (Saul) of Tarsus

9. Early Christianity—Hard to Understand
First Christians continued with Jewish practices (i.e. Dietary prohibitions, etc.)
Hard for non-Jews to comprehend

10. Paul of Tarsus Removed Jewish practices
Made it easier for non-Jews to understand
Said: “All you have to do is believe in & follow Jesus”
Result: More converts

11. Heresies Losing ideas in doctrinal battles Two major heresies:
Gnosticism
Arianism

12. Gnosticism Belief in hidden or ‘secret’ knowledge
Demiurge (deity subordinate to the ultimate Creator of the universe)
Goal: discover the ‘secret’ knowledge—will lead to salvation

13. Arianism Revolved around the nature of Jesus
Since He was mortal & the Son of God, was he less divine than God?
Founded by Arius in 4th century

14. Martyrs Willing to die for their faith Believed God would protect them
Looked forward to the Kingdom of Heaven

16. Martyrs
“The Church was built on the blood of the martyrs”

17. Constantine

18. Constantine Heading into Battle—312 A.D.

19. Edict of Milan (313 A.D.) Emperor Constantine
Legalized Christianity in Roman Empire
Returned confiscated property to Christians
Put Christianity on the same level as Roman religions
Allows it to grow and flourish

20. Council of Nicea (325)
“It’s the Father AND the Son”
Nicene Creed