1. Do Now: Could a Christian or a Jew be loyal to an early Roman emperor the same way as a citizen of Rome? Why or why not?

2. Rome Emperors In ancient Rome, the emperors were often seen as gods and the prosperity of the Roman Empire was viewed as a result of how happy the gods were with the Roman people.

3. Beliefs about Jesus Most Christians agree, Jesus was the son of God. Jesus’ mother Mary, became pregnant with him while still a virgin. Jesus could perform miracles.

4. Jesus was not the first Christian! Christian means – follower of Christ (Jesus) One cannot follow themselves.

5. Saint Peter One of Jesus’ original 12 disciples. Witnessed many of Jesus’ miracles. Crucified in Rome as an old man. According to Catholics, Peter was the first Pope and most important disciple. The Orthodox Church believes Peter was equal with Paul.

6. St. Paul Born Saul, he originally was against Jesus’ teachings. After Jesus’ death, he saw Jesus in a dream and became a follower. Never actually met Jesus. Believed Jesus would return. Paul decides to convert gentiles (non- Jews) to Christianity. As a religious leader, he relaxed many Jewish laws (dietary restrictions) and attracted many new followers. Considered the founder of the Eastern Orthodox church

7. Paul Spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire.

8. Catholic Church Hierarchy

9. Pope Francis I – the current Pope (Jorge Mario Bergoglio)

10. Pope Benedict XVI – the current Pope Emeritus.

11. Rules for Priests and Nuns Cannot get married Take a vow of poverty Not allowed to have sex May not have kids Must give belongings to charity Essentially married to God.

12. Sacrament – n a formal religious ceremony conferring a specific grace on those who receive it

13. The Seven Sacraments Baptism – entered into the faith as a baby Confirmation – initiation into faith with maturity. Communion/Eucharist – eat the body of Christ, drink the blood of Christ Reconciliation – seek forgiveness from sin (confession) Marriage – Get married in a holy ceremony Last Rites/ Anointing the Sick – final prayers by a priest before death. Holy Orders – Joining the priesthood.

14. How did it really spread? Emperor Constantine I – was the first Roman emperor to embrace Christianity.

15. Constantine I: Emperor from 306–337CE Issued Edict of Milan in 313CE – gave freedom of religion to all peoples in the Empire. Declared himself a Christian after turning 40. Gave money to the church. Moved the capitol of the empire from Rome to Constantinople.