Chapter 5, Section 4 Christianity

Rome and Christianity  Rome was tolerant of most religions, but the Jewish monotheistic faith created problems.  Zealots revolt, 135 A.D. the diaspora occurs.  On to the scene, a Jewish carpenter named - Jesus

Roman Beliefs Observation of proper ritual ensure favour with the gods Believe that because they had such success with the Empire is because of the god’s favour. “We have overcome all the nations of the world, because we have realized that the world is directed and governed by the gods” - Cicero

Jewish Background Judea was a largely independent state, until the Romans conquered in 6 A.D Ruled by a Procurator, or Governor oHoHeard of Pontius Pilate? Group called the Zealots, one of many, pushed for the violent overthrow of the Romans Jewish revolt started in 66 A.D results in the Zealots destruction at Masada, and the destruction of the Jewish Temple.

Jesus Arrives Christ – Greek from ‘christos’, or “Savior/Messiah” Believed his mission was to complete salvation promised to Israel throughout its Jewish History The two commandments of Christian Beliefs “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Mt 5:17) “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. This is the first commandment. The second is this: Love your neighbor as thyself” (Mt 22:37-40)

Rome and Christianity  JC - problems with the Romans on the “One God” issue…problem with the Hebrews on the Healer / Messiah issue  Eye for an Eye vs. Love your enemy???  Salvation for those who believe….big selling point!  What kind of life do most Romans live? (Think of what class most people belong to?)

Death & Resurrection Jesus is eventually turned over to the Roman procurator, Pontius Pilate Proclaimed to have risen from the dead, according to the Gospels and fulfilling the old prophecies Believed to be the Messiah, or savior of the Jews.

The Spread Christianity begins as a cult within Judaism (and remains a cult until the 300’s) o Cult – followers of exclusive system of beliefs of practices After reports of Jesus’ resurrection, the religion was able to take hold in the region” Simon Peter o Jewish fisherman who follows Jesus o An Apostle, or leader, soon recognized as the leader of Jesus’ followers Paul of Tarsus, or Paul, joins later and becomes the greatest contributor to the New Testament and the emerging Church

Peter’s Charge “And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” (John 21:15-17), KJV

Paul’s Teaching Jesus is the SaviorSon of God who came to earth to save humanityJesus’ death “clean-slated” humanity’s sins By accepting Jesus AS Christ, people could be saved and reconciled.

Problems Orally passed down all teachings for hundreds of years Epistles, or letters, written by Paul, the Apostles, and others (hundreds of them) used as the basis for belief and practice No Bible yet Takes about 800 years for that to happen, and then there are dozens of versions even today!!

New Testament Literally, the “New sayings” or “New Account” of God Old Testament is made up of Jewish “Torah”, plus added other books. NOT Entirely the Jewish “Torah” as is commonly thought. Sayings, Teachings, and Letters of followers form the basis of the “Gospels”, or Good news

Persecution of the Christians  Paul (10-67) spread Christianity under Pax Romana  Christians were later made scapegoats, and then martyrs…. 2 key terms

Rome and Christianity  Emperor Constantine converts and issues the “Edict of Milan” 313 A.D. ending Roman persecution  Emperor Theodosius makes it the official religion in 392 A.D.

Rome and Christianity  Structure…...bishops…….…Bisho p of Rome - the Pope (Rome was where Peter and Paul suffered martyrdom)  The Church will replace the Roman empire as far as “World Stability”