1. The Rise of Christianity Christianity And the Roman Empire /www.wallsfeed.com

2. The Rise of Christianity A world of many gods Hundreds of gods worshiped across the empire – Local deities and religions Foreign gods accepted into Roman traditions All beliefs were tolerated, in general http://us.123rf.com

3. The Rise of Christianity Unrest in Judaea Roman Empire allowed conquered to practice their own religion – Still had to show loyalty to the gods and the emperor Judaea conquered 63BC – Jews resent foreign rule – Believe a messiah (savior) will come and free them http://us.123rf.com

4. The Rise of Christianity Unrest in Judaea 37 BC Roman senate appoints Herod as ruler – Feared loss of power – Brutal and violent – Massacre of the Innocents Biblical account of the three wise men searching for the messiah http://us.123rf.com

5. The Rise of Christianity Christian Beliefs Jesus of Nazareth – Began life as a carpenter – Started teaching around age 30 – Traveled around region preaching to Jews for 3 years – Taught that he was the messiah the Jews were waiting for – Reinforced the Torah http://us.123rf.com

6. The Rise of Christianity Fundamental Christian Beliefs The Gospel – God created people to have a relationship with him – God demands perfection and people disobeyed him Separation from God (Adam and Eve) – People cannot be good enough to regain God’s favor – Jesus is the Son of God (messiah) and can solve the problem through a sacrifice Crucifixion and resurrection – Only Jesus is the way back to God http://us.123rf.com

7. The Rise of Christianity Roman Fears Jesus teaches that people must love God and love others – No problem with Rome Jesus teaches that God is greater than Caesar and that he, Jesus, is one with God – Problem for Rome Romans fear Jesus and followers may revolt Romans crucify (execute) Jesus http://us.123rf.com

8. Christianity Spreads Saul of Tarsus – Member of Jewish elite – Persecutes followers of Jesus – Converts to Christianity after he is visited by Jesus – Changes name to Paul Paul writes many letters to the newly forming churches teaching them Jesus’ message Travels throughout Mediterranean region http://us.123rf.com

9. Christianity Spreads Ways of Worship The Gospels – 4 Books written by apostles of Jesus about his life and ministry Christianity moves into cities – Popular with the poor of Rome Prayed and sang Read scripture (old testament) or from Paul’s letters Two rites – Baptism and the Lord’s Super http://us.123rf.com

10. Christianity Spreads Roman Reactions Christianity grows quickly Many Roman officials view Christians as enemy’s of the empire – Don’t worship Roman gods or emperor Emperor Nero – Blames fire on Christians – Arrested and killed – Paul imprisoned for 2 years then killed http://us.123rf.com

11. Christianity Spreads Roman Reactions Appeal of Christianity Rome blames its decline on the Christians – Persecuted for another 250 years Christian communities gave to poor Message of love, forgiveness and a better life attractive Jesus was a real person, not mythological Gospel easy to understand http://us.123rf.com

12. Christianity Spreads Appeal of Christianity Many emperors try to stop the spread Outlaw services, imprison priests, put many to death – Martyr – someone who dies for a cause By the 300s, one in ten Romans had accepted the Christian faith http://us.123rf.com