1. Rome Religion P. 332-338

2. Roman religion  Adopted Greek gods but changed to Roman names –Ex. Zeus=Jupiter, Aphrodite=Venus  Pray to wide group so not to offend any  Allowed conquered people to worship own gods and keep own customs

3. Jews  Believe in only one God- Yahweh  Romans believe Jews insult them by not worshipping Roman gods  Jews believe they shouldn’t listen to people who don’t worship the same God- rebel- defeated by Romans  Romans tax heavily and treat harshly  Emperor Hadrian- banned certain Jewish rituals- Jews rebel- defeated  Jews forced to leave Jerusalem

4. Christianity  Appeared in 1AD  Based on teachings of Jesus of Nazareth  Jews strictly practice Judaism  Believe Messiah (God’s anointed one) will come  Many believe Jesus was the Messiah  Christian Bible- 2 parts –Old Testament- history and ideas of Hebrews –New Testament- account of life and teachings of Jesus

5. Background  Jesus- born in Bethlehem- birth marks change from BC to AD  Mother, Mary- descendent of King David, married to a carpenter, Joseph  30 AD travel and teaching- challenged authority of political and religious leaders –Taught 2 rules: love God, love other people –Taught salvation- how to reach kingdom of God

6. Background (cont.)  30 AD- arrested –Killed by crucifixion –Buried –Resurrected 3 days later- sign that he was the Messiah –Called Jesus Christ from Greek word Christos

7. Early Christianity  Apostles- 12 disciples told people about Jesus  Gospels- writings of Apostles- Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John  Paul of Tarsus- traveled throughout Rome introducing non-Jews to Christianity

8. Early Christianity  In Rome- arrested and killed because refused to worship Roman gods  Emperor banned Christianity  Persecuted Christians  Christians met in secret  300AD- Constantine become emperor and Christian  313AD- Edict of Milan- removed ban on Christianity  Made Christianity Rome’s official religion