1. Christianity
Where does Christianity trace its origins? How did Christianity spread? And what are its main beliefs?

2. Origins of Christianity
Christianity traces its roots back to the monotheism of Abraham and the religion of Judaism
Jesus of Nazareth is the central figure of this religion
He claimed to be the Messiah (the savior/deliverer of the Jewish Nation

3. Origins of Christianity
Christianity conflicted with the polytheistic beliefs of the Roman Empire
Jesus was crucified by the Roman Empire (the sentence was carried out by the Roman governor of Judea named Pontius Pilate

4. Origins of Christianity
Many Christians would be sacrificed prior to Rome’s conversion to Christianity
Rome converted to Christianity under the leadership of Emperor Constantine in 313 CE (A.D.)
The Edict of Milan legalized the open practice of Christianity in both the Western and Eastern Empires

5. Beliefs, Traditions, and Customs of Christianity
Christianity is monotheistic
They belief that god takes “3” different forms: God the father/creator, god incarnate (Jesus), and the Holy Spirit
Christians belief that Jesus was both the son and incarnation of God
Born of a virgin birth
His mother was Mary

6. Beliefs, Traditions, and Customs of Christianity
Belief in life after death
Eternal pleasure or suffering dependent on judgement of one’s life
The life and teaching of Jesus are found in the New Testament of the Christian Bible
The Gospels recount the life and work of Jesus
The rest of the New Testament contains the writings of later Christian scholars and leaders

7. Beliefs, Traditions, and Customs of Christianity
Many Christian beliefs and practices are not found in the Bible but rather were developed by early church councils
Christian doctrines developed by the Roman Catholic Church

8. The Spread of Christianity
Popularity of the message
Eternal life in paradise
Forgiveness for one’s sins (Jesus is the scapegoat)
Promotes humility and generosity
Early martyrs inspired others
Martyrs= those who died for their beliefs

9. The Spread of Christianity
Spread by the teachings and proselytizing of the Apostles (early teachers/disciples of Jesus)
The Apostle Paul was largely responsible for building the early churches and spreading Christianity throughout Rome

10. The Church of Rome (Roman catholic Church)
The Church became the source of moral authority
Loyalty to the church became more important that to the emperor of Rome
The Church became the main unifying force in Western Europe