2. Beginnings of Christianity
Movement within Judaism
Monotheistic
Judea controlled by Rome
Jews allowed to worship freely, but punished when revolted
Remember, Jewish captives built the Coliseum
Basic Teachings of Christianity
One God
Jesus is the messiah, or anointed one
Pacifists
10 Commandments
1st Love God
2nd Love your neighbor as your self
Follow these to achieve salvation and eternal life after death

3. What do you know about how Christians were treated under Roman rule?

4. Christianity vs Rome: If Rome was so tolerant of other religions, why did they not like Christians?
Monotheistic
Refused to worship Roman gods, including the emperor
Jesus was crucified for fear of causing revolt against Rome
Rome might fall if this happened
Polytheistic
Tolerant of other religions
Expected ALL to celebrate Roman rituals and gods
Emperor is a god and should be worshipped as such

6. Spread of Christianity
After Jesus’ death (and Christian belief of resurrection and assumption)
Paul
Spread message of Jesus as Savior and Son of God
Founded Christian communities in Asia Minor
Wrote letters outlining Christian beliefs

7. Why was Christianity able to attract and maintain so many followers?
personal and offered salvation and eternal life to individuals
seemed familiar….Jesus was a human figure
fulfilled the human need to belong within communities…love and services for all
open to ALL classes with the promise of eternal life after death
Very popular with the poor

8. EDICT OF MILAN 313 AD Christianity is officially tolerated in Rome!
Thanks Constantine!