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.

Aim #9: Why did Christianity gain lasting appeal? Do Now: Read the Sermon on the Mount

handout and answer the questions on the sheet.

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 byPontius Pilate (Roman governorof Judea), and crucified.

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?

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.

III. Roman Reaction to ChristianityA. Roman government initially rejects it

B. In the 1st and 2nd 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?

III. Roman Reaction to ChristianityD. 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?

Critical Thinking Question: Write a paragraph Do you think the rise of Christianity will

ultimately make the Roman Empire stronger or weaker? Why?