1. Development of Christianity
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2. Roman Religion
Official religion worshipped a number of gods and goddess.
Closely resembles Greek religion but with different names.
Relationships with gods created peace and prosperity and this happened through the state priests.
Romans were tolerant of other religions

3. Hellenistic Religion
During Hellenistic era, people were given tremendous freedom.
Jewish religion spread in Judea but there was a lot of unrest between Jews and Roman rule

4. Rise of Christianity
Jesus traveled and preached throughout Roman empire
His preaching eventually stirred controversy because he was seen as a potential revolutionary – rulers were afraid he would create a revolt against Rome.
After his death by Roman authorities, followers claimed he rose from the dead, sparking the spread of Christianity.

5. The spread of Christianity
Many followers of Jesus, called apostles, spread out over Roman empire and set up Christian communities
Passed the teachings of early Christianity orally
His disciples eventually wrote down their personal accounts which created the New Testament of the Bible
Romans were tolerant of other religions unless they were seen as a threat.
Christianity seen as a threat when they wouldn’t worship the original Roman gods

6. Triumph of Christianity
Romans persecuted Christians at first but it only gave Christianity strength.
People flocked to this outlawed religion because…
It was personal and offered eternal life to believers
Seemed familiar, offered immortality for the sacrificial death of a savior/god
Fulfilled human need to belong
Was attractive to all classes but especially the poor and powerless

7. Constantine
3rd century – Diocletion was one of the last great persecutions
Knew it was too great of a force to be blotted out.
4th century Roman had their first Christian emperor – Constantine
Proclaimed the Edict of Milan which state official tolerance of Christianity
Romans adopted Christianity as their official religion under Theodosius the Great