The Rise of Judaism & Christianity A Historical Perspective

Monotheism Belief in one God Belief in one God Monotheistic religions began in the Middle East Monotheistic religions began in the Middle East Judaism Judaism Christianity Christianity Islam Islam

History of Judaism 1800 B.C.E. drought and famine push the Hebrews into Egypt 1800 B.C.E. drought and famine push the Hebrews into Egypt They are enslaved by the Egyptians They are enslaved by the Egyptians Moses frees them and brings them to the Sinai Peninsula Moses frees them and brings them to the Sinai Peninsula Moses receives the 10 Commandments Moses receives the 10 Commandments Creates a Kingdom of Judah (Israel) Creates a Kingdom of Judah (Israel)

History of Judaism – Cont. Many foreign rulers conquer the Kingdom of Judah Many foreign rulers conquer the Kingdom of Judah Eventually the Roman Empire conquers Israel and the Jews Eventually the Roman Empire conquers Israel and the Jews Jews become scattered within the Roman Empire Jews become scattered within the Roman Empire Jewish Diaspora = scattering of Jews throughout the world Jewish Diaspora = scattering of Jews throughout the world

Teachings of Judaism God = Yahweh 10 Commandments are religious & ethical laws Torah – sacred text (Old Testament of the Bible) Individuals are responsible for actions

Emergence of Christianity Began being practiced by Jews in Eastern Mediterranean Began being practiced by Jews in Eastern Mediterranean Originally thought of as a Sect (subgroup) of Judaism Originally thought of as a Sect (subgroup) of Judaism Diverged from Judaism as non-Jewish people began converting Diverged from Judaism as non-Jewish people began converting

Early Roman Religion During this time many Romans worship nature sprits During this time many Romans worship nature sprits Adoption of Greek mythology Adoption of Greek mythology Began worshiping the Emperors as Gods Began worshiping the Emperors as Gods

Jesus of Nazareth Does not accepted the Roman Emperor as God Does not accepted the Roman Emperor as God Big controversy among Christians and Jews is he is the messiah Big controversy among Christians and Jews is he is the messiah Controversy troubles Roman officials who believe he threatens their power Controversy troubles Roman officials who believe he threatens their power Roman governor Pontius Pilate sentence’s Jesus to death for being a political rebel Roman governor Pontius Pilate sentence’s Jesus to death for being a political rebel

Spread of Christianity Jesus’ death strengthens and spreads Christianity Jesus’ death strengthens and spreads Christianity Those who believe Jesus was the messiah become Christians Those who believe Jesus was the messiah become Christians

Christian Appeal & Beliefs Offers hope and eternal life for all Offers hope and eternal life for all Everyone is = in God’s eyes Everyone is = in God’s eyes Control over destiny Control over destiny Accept Torah but also created the New Testament Accept Torah but also created the New Testament Accepts 10 commandments Accepts 10 commandments Trinity: God, Jesus & Holy Ghost Trinity: God, Jesus & Holy Ghost

Geography