OBJECTIVES: WHAT WERE THE MAIN CAUSES FOR THE SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY IN THE ROMAN WORLD? UNDERSTAND THE DIVERSE RELIGIONS INCLUDED IN THE EARLY ROMAN EMPIRE The Rise of Christianity

Diverse Religions Many different religions existed  Isis in Egypt (women)  Jupiter, Mars, Juno (traditional Roman Gods) High degree of religious tolerance

Judea Most Jews were reluctantly willing to live under Roman rule Others, called Zealots, were not Called for Rebellion Romans leveled Jerusalem  diaspora Jewish people scattered across the Middle East and Europe

Jesus Christ Born around 4 B.C. in Bethlehem Grew up worshipping God and followed Jewish Law By age 30, he began preaching and performing miracles

Apostles Jesus recruited 12 apostles They traveled to Jerusalem to spread his message

Teachings Based on Jewish Law  Emphasized justice, morality, and service to others New beliefs  Proclaimed himself to be the Son of God

Death To Roman authorities, Jesus was a threat because his speeches could inflame those eager to end Roman rule Betrayed by one of his disciples

Death / Resurrection Crucifixion His disciples saw him rise from the dead Commanded them to spread his teachings

Paul Never met Jesus Had a vision of Jesus speaking to him Spread his Christianity to Rome  True Missionary

Rome Embraces Christianity Emperor Constantine issued Edict of Milan (A.D. 313) Emperor Theodosius makes Christianity official religion of Roman Empire by the end of the 4 th century Begins corruption of original message of Christianity

Edict of Milan – Religious Freedom throughout!

The Spread Appealed most of all to poor. Why? Constantine and vision (312) Led to Edict of Milan 313 AD 390 Theodosius declares it official religion, even repressed other faiths!

Theology – “Talk or discourse about God” Increased scholarship and learning throughout the early Church and Roman Empire. Structure of the Church (Board exercise)