1. Homework Read the documents for the Fall of the Roman Empire DBQ and answer all of the scaffolding questions. Next current events article due Tuesday.

2. Aim #9: Why did Christianity gain lasting appeal? Do Now: Read the Sermon on the Mount handout and answer the questions on the sheet.

3. I. Founder of Christianity – Jesus of Nazareth Born about 2,000 years ago in the Jewish kingdom of Judea (today Israel), then under the control of the Roman Empire. Raised as a Jew, worked as a carpenter. In 33 A.D., he is arrested for his radical beliefs, tried by Pontius Pilate (Roman governor of Judea), and crucified.

4. Beliefs of Christianity Read over the comparison chart between Christianity and Judaism and answer the following questions: 1. What beliefs and practices did Christianity take from Judaism? 2. What characteristics, beliefs and practices make Christianity different from Judaism?

5. II. How were Jesus’ teachings spread? A. Jesus taught his message during the last three years of his life (example: Sermon on the Mount). B. Through his disciples / apostles (followers). Wrote the Gospels (40 A.D. – 100 A.D.) C.Through Paul of Tarsus: Jewish Roman citizen who founded Christian communities, wrote the Epistles.

6. III. Roman Reaction to Christianity A. Roman government initially rejects it B. In the 1 st and 2 nd centuries A.D., Christians are often persecuted in the Roman Empire. They are made scapegoats for all the problems of the Empire. C. Many Christians were martyred Yet, Christianity continues to spread. Why?

7. III. Roman Reaction to Christianity D. Eventually, Christianity gains acceptance in Rome: 1. In 313, Emperor Constantine passes the Edict of Milan, proclaiming official tolerance of Christianity. He also converted to Christianity. 2. Under Emperor Theodosius (378-395), Christianity becomes the official religion of the Roman Empire. Why do these leaders change their minds? How can Christianity benefit them?

8. Critical Thinking Question: Write a paragraph Do you think the rise of Christianity will ultimately make the Roman Empire stronger or weaker? Why?