Chapter Six:Jerusalem and Early
ChristianityCulture and Values, 6th Ed.
Cunningham and Reich
Jerusalem and Early Christianity
Biblical tradition + Graeco-Roman Culture Children of Israel, Israelites, Jews, Hebrews
Period of the Patriarchs Period of the Exodus Period of the Conquest The United Monarchy Divided Kingdom and Exile The Return
The Hebrew Bible and Its Message
“Bible” Byblos The Law, the Prophets, the Writings Hebrew canon (C.E. 90) Septuagint Moral guide, ethical and religious
stability Not a philosophical treatise
Basic Motifs of the BibleBiblical Monotheism
God exists before the worldGod pronounces creation as “good”Humans are the crown of creationGod deeply involved in the worldCovenant (testament)
Renewed covenant = New Testament
Basic Motifs of the BibleEthics
Moral code for individuals and societyTen Commandments
Prohibitions, positive commandsProphetic writings
Critics of social injustice, defenders of poor
Reminders of the covenant
Basic Motifs of the BibleModels and types
Events, stories, characters as modelsContemporary impact of biblical
traditionLiteratureArtSocial institutions
The Beginnings of Christianity
Life of JesusGospels
Prophetic tradition of JesusParables, Beatitudes
Jesus as Christ, the MessiahSignificance of resurrection
Christianity SpreadsSaul of Tarsus (Paul)
Tireless missionaryNon-Jewish converts Theological letters
Social, religious factors for growthPeace, facility of travel, koine,
audienceEmphasis on salvation, freedomNo class distinction
Christian PersecutionNero’s CircusClaudius, Decius, Valerian, DiocletianChristians as traitors to the state
Refusal to express pietàsApologists
Justin Martyr (100-165)Emperor Constantine
Early Christian ArtCatacombs, underground cemeteriesFrescoes
Salvation; Communion; Virgin and ChildGlass and Sculpture
Christ as Good Shepherd, glass disksCarved sarcophagi
InscriptionsName, date of death, decorative symbol
Dura-EuroposEvidence of religious tolerance and
coexistenceReligious buildings on “Wall Street”Complex religious existence
Artistic mingling of Eastern and Roman styles Precursor of Byzantine art
Constantine and Early Christian Architecture
Emperor Constantine (C.E. 306-337)Edict of Toleration
Basilica-Style ChurchesCurrent site of St. Peter’s Basilica
(Vatican)Church of the Holy Sepulchre
(Jerusalem)Jesus’ burial site
Early Christian MusicFrom Jewish traditions
Chanting sacred textsProfessional Chorus vs. Single CantorGreek doctrine of ethos
Instrumental music = unsuitableStandardization of vocal music
Responsorial, antiphonal
Chapter Six: Discussion Questions
Discuss contemporary examples that illustrate the permeation of the biblical tradition in our culture.
Explain why Nero and other Roman emperors were unwilling to tolerate Christianity. From a political standpoint, was the severity of punishment inflicted on Christians warranted? Why or why not?
Consider the archeological findings of Dura-Europos. In what ways does history over-simplify past events? In two thousand years, what will future generations assume about our culture, religions, and religious tolerance? Explain.