RISE OF CHRISTIANITY
Religion in the Roman Empire Polytheistic & based upon the Greek gods Romans were not very emotional about their religion
ROMAN EMPIRE ROME CONQUERS JUDEA 63 B.C. - Romans conquer the Hebrew kingdom of Judea & allowed “ Romanized Jews ” who showed respect and obeyed Roman laws to govern Judea
RISE OF CHRISTIANITY Birth of Jesus Christ Joseph / Mary Bethlehem – Matthew 2 age 30, began preaching what would become Christianity Created a “ Cultural Revolution ” Christians and the Roman Empire differed on the reason for life Rome – “live the good life” Christianity – “life was a pit stop in preparation for the life after death”
Life and teachings of Jesus Christ becomes the New Testament Teachings found in the Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke, John teaching based on Jewish Law, but taught followers to live “ Ethically ” not just to observe the laws Monotheism Jesus was God’s son Jesus taught of God’s Love, Mercy, and Forgiveness “Golden Rule” MISSION: BRING SPIRITUAL SALVATION TO BELIEVERS TEACHINGS OF JESUS
“ Sermon on the Mount ” Moral and ethical teachings of Christianity “ Beatitudes ” o values that Jesus used to guide, point, and teach “ Lord’s Prayer ” Became the value system for western civilization
THE APPEAL OF JESUS’ TEACHINGS 1)Salvation to people in a world full of suffering and Injustice 2)Gave life meaning and purpose beyond everyday living 3)Not restricted to men – “universal appeal” 4)No “initiation rites” Communion Baptism 5)Christians example of helping each other 6)Martyrs – “The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Christian Church” 30K Christians in Rome at time of Constantine 6) NO ONE EVER DIED TO SAVE SOMEONE Sacrifice of Jesus
ROMANS DISLIKE OF JESUS Christians viewed as being disloyal: 1)Did not worship Roman Emperor as a god 2)Did not worship Roman gods 3)Secret meetings Roman gods were punishing the empire for Romans allowing Christian impiety Christians were not killed because they worshipped God, they were killed because they worshipped ONLY God