1. Christianity: From Persecution to Belief

2. The Beginnings of Christianity Jesus Christ, born in Roman ruled Palestine When Christianity began in the first century, the Romans dismissed it as a minor Jewish sect, that would have little effect on the rest of the world.

3. Beliefs Beliefs God’s laws were the Ten Commandments- handed down to people through a prophet- Moses It was recorded in a sacred book- The Torah This was unique at the time- Belief in a single, all powerful deity and a written code of beliefs

4. Jesus Christ Jesus Christ Jesus Christ began teaching that the prophecies of the Torah were coming true in 30 CE. Followers believed he was the son of God. People saw him as the MESSIAH- who had come to free them from Roman rule

5. Jesus Christ (continued) Jesus Christ (continued) some people saw Jesus as a potential revolutionary who might lead a revolt against Rome His opponents finally turned him over to Roman authorities and he was crucified by Pontius Pilate

6. Persecution Persecution Other religions were tolerated unless these religions threatened public order or morals What concerned Roman rulers, was that Christians preached that all people were equal in the eyes of God.

7. Persecution (continued) Persecution (continued) Christians refused to worship either the emperor or the Roman Gods. People blamed the Christians for natural disasters such as floods or famines…as these were punishments from the Gods. Rituals such as eating bread (body of Christ) and drinking wine (his blood), were acts of cannibalism.

8. The Empire Adopts Christianity Although Christians were being persecuted, Christianity continued to grow Roman religion: For the good of Rome Christianity: Salvation & Eternal Life Attractive to all classes of people

9. The Empire Adopts Christianity The Empire Adopts Christianity By the fourth century, it was clear that Christianity was here to stay In 313 Constantine issued allowed official tolerance of Christianity Constantine became the first Christian Emperor

10. By 395 CE, Christianity became the official religion of Rome.

11. Read page 229-232 REFLECT AND ANALYZE  2 a,b  3  4