The Influence of Paganism on Early Christianity

September 27, 2010

The Spread of Christianity Throughout Rome

In 325 AD Emperor Constantine changed the official religion of the Roman Empire from Paganism to Christianity.

i. Paganism is a blanket term titling polytheistic religions (anything non-monotheistic)ii. From a Christian perspective Paganism refers to all non-Abrahamic religionsiii. In 312 AD Constantine issued the Edict of Milan making Christianity legal

Christianity is based on customs familiar to practicing Jews and Pagans.

iv. Changing a sign vs. changing a buildingv. A religion based in conversion in an empire as large as Rome had the ability to

spread faster

The Spread of Christianity Throughout Rome

Disciples, mainly Paul set up the doctrines that are the basis for Christianity:

- All humans are sinners because of Adam and Eve- Jesus was sent by God to save humans from their sins and made it possible for all

humans to be saved- Anyone could be saved through faith in God

The middle ages were hard times, and Christianity brought a sense of unity and comfort

Early Christian Art

• During it’s early years, Christian art worked to separate itself from Pagan art

i. Leaning towards subject matter and symbolism rather than focusing on depiction and realism

ii. Art was mostly found in catacombs and cemeteries, areas where large groups of people could not gather

In the Grecco-Roman style, artists and artisans were hired by the state, where as now anyone could be an artist.

This image is from the oldest part of the cemetery of St. Callistus.

*Artistic recreation

Early mosaic and relief of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist.

Churches and TemplesEarly Christians, along with many early religions, did not have a common standard building to practice in. More emphasis was placed on the actual ceremony of worship than the location. -Eventually material desire caused the Christians to move ‘onward and upward’ with their temple design.

Drawing from traditional Pagan design:-Sacred altar-Centralized point of focus -High tower or steeple to reach closer to God, indicating the God is literally “where the light is”, i.e. the Sun

The Church of George

Idolatry and Iconology

The concept of banning idolatry is not entirely taken literally: -All churches have one or more crosses, statues, murals or icons to help depict the image of God

Effigies that were erected were more widely accepted by Pagans until the physical became more worshiped than God.

The Cross

Christians believe that Jesus accepted crucifixion on a cross for the benefit of God’s people. However, Christians didn’t always use the cross as their religious symbol.

i. Being crucified was a death punishment that many people before Christ and after Christ were subjected to.

The cross was firstly associated with negativity and criminals rather than the hope, love and strength it represents today.

At first, the fish symbol was adopted to identify their religion until Constantine legalized Christianity and abolished crucifixion.

The Fish Symbol

• While the simplicity of the fish looks quite modern, it is actually one of the oldest recorded symbols used.

i. As early as the second century Titus Flavius Clemens (St. Clement of Alexandria), suggested that Christians identify themselves with a seal depicting a fish or dove.

-suggesting a symbol of peace and prosperity along with fertilityii. Even before it became initially accepted, the symbol was depicted on monuments.iii. The lowercase Greek character for Alpha (α) is similar to the fish symbol. This may

also have had some influence on the decision for Christians to adopt the symbol, since Jesus calls himself "the Alpha and the Omega”

Where and when was Jesus born?

• Putting “Christ back into Christmas” is a term widely used by evangelists, celebrating on December 25th.

i. No scholars know the exact scientific date and location of the birth of Jesus Christ

ii. The Pagan practice of sun worship was celebrated and elevated as ‘the sun of justice’ and the ‘sun of righteousness’

iii. Many scholars believe the Christian festival is but a continuation under a different name of the ancient solar festivity (Saturnalia)

ChristmasSaturnalia festival was held between the 17th

and 24th of Decemberi. Gift givingii. Feastingiii. Orgies

The colors red and green were use to symbolize the male fertility and the female incubation

iv. Red and green holly, wreathes and berries are still common Christmas decorations

v. The Christmas tree was a common symbol in Paganism. The palm tree represented the Pagan Messiah, Baal-Berith.

discussion

• Why do you think wearing a cross isn’t viewed as a form of idol worship?

• What are some other Christian rituals that involve idols?

Sources

• http://www.the-goldenrule.name/Baptism-Cotytto/Bapt_Naked_Baptism.htm

• http://godkind.org/pagan-holidays.html• http://www.seiyaku.com/• http://hubpages.com/hub/Early-Christian-Art