1. The Moral Uprising of Roman

2.  Romans originally worshipped nature spirits, which evolved into gods and goddesses.  Adopted Greek religion and mythology.  Saw the emperor as Rome’s chief priest.  Variety of religions existed because Romans were allowed to worship freely.

3. JJews were free to practice their religion but Roman government was cruel to them. JJews rebelled in 66 A.D. but were put down in 70 A.D. The Temple was destroyed and thousands of Jewish people were killed. 1132 A.D. The Jews are exiled from Jerusalem. MMany Jews hoped a messiah would save them.

4.  Jesus (5 B.C. – 27 B.C.) grew up in Nazareth and traveled Judea preaching to his fellow Jews and collecting many disciples.  Preached about the approaching kingdom of God, repenting for sins, love, and forgiveness.  Used parables to convey messages.

5. SSome Jews believed he was the Messiah. RRomans believed Jesus to be a powerful political man who could jeopardize their ways. TThey sentenced him to be crucified until death. HHe was resurrected 3 days later. For followers, proof that he was the Son of God.  C Christo = messiah

6.  Began as a sect of Judaism, Christians taught their faith was the only true one. Rejected the emperor, military, and festivals.  In time, became its own religion.  Romans feared that any other religion would bring the wrath of their Gods and Goddesses.  Christians were persecuted by the Romans. If caught creating trouble, they would be killed or thrown to the lions in the arenas.

7.  Christians would be killed by lions in the arenas.  They would rather be killed than give up their faith. Known as martyrs, or people who died for what they believed in.

8.  With the downfall of the empire, people turned to the solid and comforting beliefs of Christianity.  Constantine was important in defending the rights of Christians and their worship. By 300’s A.D., Christianity increased dramatically in Italy.  Theodosius made Christianity the official religion in 392 A.D. Outlawed Hellenistic & Roman religion.

9.  Realized they needed to be organized and unified to maintain their status as a religion.  Needed a clear statement of Christian beliefs to avoid divisions in the church.  St. Augustine was a brilliant man and made many important defences for Christianity. Was made a saint for his works.

10.  The church’s hierarchy had the perish at the bottom. It was run by a priest. A group of perishes was called a diocese, overseen by a bishop.  Archbishops governed Christians in the large cities of the empire. The archbishops of the five leading cities were called the patriarchs.  The head of all churches was the Pope.

11.  Greek-speaking Christians in the east would not accept the Pope. They would eventually become the Eastern Orthodox Church.  The Latin Westerns who accepted the Pope became Roman-Catholics.  The separation was known as a schism.

12.  Golden Rule: Do onto others as they would have do onto you.  The Bible is the word of God and Jesus.  Jesus loves us unconditionally, despite our sins.  Monotheism: Only 1 God.  Jesus is the Messiah.  Loving God / Christ will result in everlasting life.