Chapter 16 Christianity

Section 1 The Beginnings of Christianity

(1) On whose life and teachings is Christianity based?

Jesus

(2) Where did Jesus live?

in Palestine

(3) When did Jesus live?

during the reigns of Augustus and Tiberius

(4) What religion was Jesus?

Jewish

(5) How did Jesus use stories to present his teachings?

He used parables (stories) about people and things that were familiar to his audience.

(6) Why was there much unrest in Jerusalem in 30 CE?

The Romans were mad because the Jews refused to worship statues of the Roman emperor. The Jews were tired of high taxes and the pressure put on them by the Romans.

(7) What happened to Jesus in Jerusalem in 30 CE?

He was greeted by many Jews as the messiah. He was convicted of treason. He was crucified outside Jerusalem.

(8) Where did Christianity spread to first?

Jews in Palestine and then outside Palestine.

(9) How was Paul important to the early spread of Christianity?

He decided to teach Christianity to gentiles (non-Jews) as well as to Jews. He spread the Christian message throughout the Roman world. He was Christianity’s 1 st missionary.

Paul of Tarsus

Based on this artifact, why might Roman officials have considered Jesus a threat?

Hand-backs

Current Events

Hand-outs

The Notes Situation

Section 2 Christianity and Rome

(1) What were some of the conditions within the Roman Empire that helped Christianity spread?

The Pax Romana allowed Christian missionaries to move across Roman lands safely. The Roman system of roads allowed Christian missionaries to travel quickly. Since most people spoke Latin or Greek, the missionaries could speak with them directly.

(2) What were some of the disagreements/ differences between Romans and Christians that made life difficult for Christians?

Christians refused the honor the Roman emperor as a god. Christians did not want to serve in the army or hold public office. Christians criticized Roman festivals and games.

(3) In the big picture, did Christianity spread or die out during the 300s CE? Why?

It spread because… * it began to draw people from all classes (not just poor & enslaved) * Romans were growing tired of war and feared the end of the empire * Romans began to admire Christians

(4) How did Emperor Constantine I come to accept Christianity (312 CE)?

As he was about to go into battle, he saw a flaming cross in the sky. Below it were the words “in this sign thou shalt conquer.” Constantine won the battle and became Roman emperor. He believed that God had helped him gain his victory.

(5) What role did Emperor Constantine I play in the spread of Christianity during the 300s CE?

In 313 CE, he issued the Edict of Milan. This gave religious freedom to all people and made Christianity legal. He had churches built in Rome & Jerusalem. He used gov’t money to pay for Christian schools. He let church leaders enter gov’t service and excused them from paying taxes.

Constantine I

(6) What role did Emperor Theodosius play in the spread of Christianity?

In 392 CE, he made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire. (At the same time, he outlawed all other religions.)

Theodosius I

Does anybody remember his name from earlier this year?