1. Chapter Six: Jerusalem and Early Christianity
Culture and Values, 6th Ed.
Cunningham and Reich

4. Jerusalem and Early Christianity
Biblical tradition + Graeco-Roman Culture
Children of Israel, Israelites, Jews, Hebrews
Period of the Patriarchs
Period of the Exodus
Period of the Conquest
The United Monarchy
Divided Kingdom and Exile
The Return

6. The Hebrew Bible and Its Message
“Bible”  Byblos
The Law, the Prophets, the Writings
Hebrew canon (C.E. 90)
Septuagint
Moral guide, ethical and religious stability
Not a philosophical treatise

7. Basic Motifs of the Bible
Biblical Monotheism
God exists before the world
God pronounces creation as “good”
Humans are the crown of creation
God deeply involved in the world
Covenant (testament)
Renewed covenant = New Testament

8. Basic Motifs of the Bible
Ethics
Moral code for individuals and society
Ten Commandments
Prohibitions, positive commands
Prophetic writings
Critics of social injustice, defenders of poor
Reminders of the covenant

9. Basic Motifs of the Bible
Models and types
Events, stories, characters as models
Contemporary impact of biblical tradition
Literature
Art
Social institutions

10. The Beginnings of Christianity
Life of Jesus
Gospels
Prophetic tradition of Jesus
Parables, Beatitudes
Jesus as Christ, the Messiah
Significance of resurrection

11. Christianity Spreads Saul of Tarsus (Paul)
Tireless missionary
Non-Jewish converts
Theological letters
Social, religious factors for growth
Peace, facility of travel, koine, audience
Emphasis on salvation, freedom
No class distinction

12. Christian Persecution
Nero’s Circus
Claudius, Decius, Valerian, Diocletian
Christians as traitors to the state
Refusal to express pietàs
Apologists
Justin Martyr ( )
Emperor Constantine

13. Early Christian Art Catacombs, underground cemeteries Frescoes
Salvation; Communion; Virgin and Child
Glass and Sculpture
Christ as Good Shepherd, glass disks
Carved sarcophagi
Inscriptions
Name, date of death, decorative symbol

19. Dura-Europos Evidence of religious tolerance and coexistence
Religious buildings on “Wall Street”
Complex religious existence
Artistic mingling of Eastern and Roman styles
Precursor of Byzantine art

21. Constantine and Early Christian Architecture
Emperor Constantine (C.E )
Edict of Toleration
Basilica-Style Churches
Current site of St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican)
Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Jerusalem)
Jesus’ burial site

22. Early Christian Music From Jewish traditions
Chanting sacred texts
Professional Chorus vs. Single Cantor
Greek doctrine of ethos
Instrumental music = unsuitable
Standardization of vocal music
Responsorial, antiphonal

24. Chapter Six: Discussion Questions
Discuss contemporary examples that illustrate the permeation of the biblical tradition in our culture.
Explain why Nero and other Roman emperors were unwilling to tolerate Christianity. From a political standpoint, was the severity of punishment inflicted on Christians warranted? Why or why not?
Consider the archeological findings of Dura-Europos. In what ways does history over-simplify past events? In two thousand years, what will future generations assume about our culture, religions, and religious tolerance? Explain.