the development of christianity world history i. early roman religion the original roman religion...
Post on 19-Dec-2015
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Early Roman Religion• The original Roman religion was
polytheistic (many gods).– The Romans were tolerant of other
religions, allowing the worship of native gods in their province.–By 6 AD, Judaea had become a
Roman province.Mars, the God of War
The Rise of Christianity• Sometime around 30 AD, a
Jewish prophet named Jesus preached throughout Judaea.– Jesus’ preaching was controversial,
as some saw him as a revolutionary who may lead a revolt against Rome.• Jesus’ opponents turned him
over to Roman authority.
– Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator, ordered Jesus’ crucifixion.• After Jesus’ death, his followers
claimed that he rose from the dead and appeared to them.
– Christianity began as a movement within Judaism.
The Spread of Christianity– Apostles, or leaders of Christianity, helped it spread.• Peter was the leader of the apostles.• Paul took the message of Jesus to non-Jews.
– Teachings were spread orally and through gospels, or written records of Jesus’ life, which became part of the New Testament.• New Testament – second part of the Christian Bible.
– Plebeians were the first to practice Christianity.• Many Romans viewed the Christians as harmful since
they refused to worship state gods and Emperors.– The Roman government began persecuting (harassing)
Christians under Nero, who blamed Christians for a fire that destroyed much of Rome.
Triumph of Christianity• Christianity became more organized and continued
to spread throughout Rome.– By the second century AD, persecution of the Christians
diminished.– Roman roads and the peaceful conditions of the Pax
Romana allowed Christianity to spread quickly.• People of all classes began practicing Christianity.
– In 312, Constantine became the first Christian emperor.• Christianity became the official religion of Rome under
Theodosius the Great.