Rise of Christianity

Christianity: Origins

• Jesus born around 6 to 4 B.C.E.• Born in Bethlehem and raised in

Nazareth in northern Palestine. (JERUSALEM)

• Jesus was both a Jew & a Roman subject.

• Christianity is based on Jesus Christ’s teachings. (rooted in Jewish tradition)

Christianity: Beliefs • Jesus accepted

10 Commandments

• Jesus is the Son of God

Christianity: Beliefs • MONOTHEISTIC—belief in 1 god• According to the bible Jesus died to save

the world.• (Bible) If you accept Jesus as your savior,

you will have eternal life. • One should lead a good life and follow

God’s word (in the Bible).

Christianity: Beliefs

• Christians believe in the Covenant

• Jesus taught mercy and sympathy for the poor & helpless.

Christianity: Beliefs

• Christians believe in the Covenant

• Jesus taught mercy and sympathy for the poor & helpless.

• “Love your enemies

Christianity: Beliefs

• Christians believe in the Covenant

• Jesus taught mercy and sympathy for the poor & helpless.

• “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you

Christianity: Beliefs

• Christians believe in the Covenant

• Jesus taught mercy and sympathy for the poor & helpless.

• “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, pray for those who mistreat you.

Christianity: Beliefs

• Christians believe in the Covenant • Jesus taught mercy and sympathy for

the poor & helpless.• “Love your enemies, do good to those

who hate you, pray for those who mistreat you…Do for others just what you want them to do for you.”

(The Gospel of Luke, 6:27-31)

Christianity: Sacred Texts

• Holy bible: 2 parts• Old Testament

– Includes: Hebrew scriptures = 10 Commandments & Dead Sea Scrolls (Torah)

• New Testament– Includes: The story of Jesus & his

teachings (first 4 books) = Gospel

Christianity: Leaders

• God = Father, Son, & Holy Ghost • Jesus = Messiah (“savior”) or Christ

(“Chosen one”)• Prophets = Abraham, Moses, &

John the Baptist, etc.• Disciples = 12 Apostles • Clergy = Pope, Cardinals, Bishops,

Priests, & Nuns. • (Teachers & Servants of God)

Christianity: Holidays

• Christmas = Birth of Christ

• Lent = Recognition of Self denial (Jesus 40 days in the Desert)

• Easter = Resurrection of Christ

• Pentecost = Decent of Holy Spirit

(Feast on 7th Sunday after Easter)

Christianity

Death of Jesus & Spreading of Christianity

Christianity: Death of Jesus

• 29 C.E. Jesus visited Jerusalem & was greeted by crowds as the Messiah or king.

• Chief priests of the Jews denied that he was the Messiah and said his teaching were blasphemy, or contempt for God.

• Roman governor Pontius Pilate arrested Jesus and had him sentenced to death by crucifixion.

Christianity: Death of Jesus

• Jesus’ body disappeared

• Jesus ascended into heaven

• Strengthened his followers

• Peter 1st apostle – spread the teachings of Jesus throughout Palestine & Syria

Peter was probably the founder of the Christian Church of Rome.

Peter was the first POPE.

Christianity: Spreads

Cross becomes Symbol of Christianity

-Paul had a vision of Christ

-Paul Spreads Christianity during Pax Romana

Ancient Rome and the Rise of Christianity: Section 4Progress Monitoring Transparency

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Color Transparency 32: Spread of Christianity

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Christianity: Spreads (Widespread Appeal)

• Embraced all people (slaves, poor, & nobles)

• Gave hope to powerless• People who were disgusted by

extravagances of imperial Rome• Personal relationship with a loving God• Eternal life after death

Christianity: Spreads (Persecution)

•Do not write this down

• Roman rulers used Christians as scapegoats for political and economic troubles.

• Nero blamed the Great Fires on Christians (64 C.E.)

• Apostles Peter & Paul were put to death, after 60 C.E.

• Persecuted regarded as MARTYRS.• Millions in R.E./missionaries = beyond

Christianity: Spreads

•Do not write this down

• (312 C.E.) Constantine had a vision of the cross of light bearing the inscription, “ In the sign, conquer.”

• (380 C.E.) Theodosius made Christianity the empire’s official religion.