1. Christianity in the Roman Empire
Global History: Adamiak

2. Reactions to Jesus
Seen as a threat to the Roman social structure due to his message
Poor are favored by God
All are equal
Forgiveness of/Love your enemies

3. Reactions to Jesus
“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s. Give to God what is God’s.”
Spoke of his “Kingdom”

4. Crucifixion

5. Spread of Christianity
After Jesus’ crucifixion his followers spread his message
Peter  First pope who goes to Rome to start a Church

6. Spread of Christianity
Paul
Convert who wrote letters to inform others of Jesus’ message
Traveled throughout the empire
Roman roads allow for religion to spread

7. Roman Reactions to Christianity
Seen as a cult
Reasons  (Refer to in-class reading)
Roman anti-Christian graffiti: “Alexmenos is worshipping his god.”

8. Romans Reactions to Christianity
Persecuted by many Roman emperors
Nero (Reign 54 – 68)
Has Peter and Paul executed
Diocletian (Reign 284 – 305)
Confiscated Church property
Removed Christians from army
Destroyed Christian books

9. Ichthys

10. Constantine (Reign 306 – 337) Embraces Christianity
Sees Christianity as a way to increase his power
Connects himself to God and Jesus
Reinforces his divinity
Ability to eternally condemn people
Control people’s beliefs
Issues Edict of Milan
Proclaims a policy of religious tolerance in Rome
Returns all lands confiscated to the Church

11. Council of Nicaea (325)
Constantine calls a meeting of bishops to standardized Christian beliefs
Books of the Bible Selected
Reaffirms the divinity of Jesus
Sets dates for Easter
Develops doctrine of the Holy Trinity
Three Gods in One
Father
Son
Holy Spirit