The Development of Christianity World History I

Early Roman Religion The original Roman religion was polytheistic (many gods). – The Romans were tolerant of other religions, allowing the worship of native gods in their province. – By 6 AD, Judaea had become a Roman province. Mars, the God of War

The Rise of Christianity Sometime around 30 AD, a Jewish prophet named Jesus preached throughout Judaea. – Jesus’ preaching was controversial, as some saw him as a revolutionary who may lead a revolt against Rome. Jesus’ opponents turned him over to Roman authority.

– Pontius Pilate, the Roman procurator, ordered Jesus’ crucifixion. After Jesus’ death, his followers claimed that he rose from the dead and appeared to them. – Christianity began as a movement within Judaism.

The Spread of Christianity – Apostles, or leaders of Christianity, helped it spread. Peter was the leader of the apostles. Paul took the message of Jesus to non-Jews. Paul – Teachings were spread orally and through gospels, or written records of Jesus’ life, which became part of the New Testament. New Testament – second part of the Christian Bible.

– Plebeians were the first to practice Christianity. Many Romans viewed the Christians as harmful since they refused to worship state gods and Emperors. – The Roman government began persecuting (harassing) Christians under Nero, who blamed Christians for a fire that destroyed much of Rome.

Triumph of Christianity Christianity became more organized and continued to spread throughout Rome.spread – By the second century AD, persecution of the Christians diminished. – Roman roads and the peaceful conditions of the Pax Romana allowed Christianity to spread quickly. People of all classes began practicing Christianity. – In 312, Constantine became the first Christian emperor. Christianity became the official religion of Rome under Theodosius the Great.