1. Religion in the Roman World
Entry # 6

2. Objective Understand the importance of religion to the Romans
Describe the basic characteristics of Judaism
Explain the effect of Jesus’ ideas on the society of the Roman Empire

3. Religion in the Roman Empire
Romans were polytheistic
Roman Gods influenced by Greek Gods
ZeusJupiter
HeraJuno
Romans fearful that Gods won’t protect Empire
Persecuted those who did not worship the Gods or the Emperor

4. Abraham-The father of Judaism
Born in the city of Ur
Most likely lived during the time of Hammurabi (1750 BCE)
Believed in monotheism

5. Yahweh (God of the Hebrews) speaks to Abraham
God tells Abraham to leave Ur to go to Canaan
Covenant, or agreement, is made between God and Abraham
Abraham must have faith in God
God promises Canaan to Abraham’s descendants
Isaac=Judaism, Ishmael=Islam

6. Ten Commandments Ten Commandments Given to Moses on top of Mt. Sinai
Law code given to Moses for God’s people to live by
Becomes important to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam

7. The establishment of Judaism
Ten Commandments given to Moses
Judaism-religion of the Jewish people (Torah is the 1st five books of the O.T.)
God is just and His virtues must be imitated

8. Jesus of Nazareth Born around 4 BCE (?)
Historians believe Jesus was a carpenter by trade
Preached monotheism and 10 commandments
Died around 30 CE (?)

9. Jesus’ Ideas Love one another Live by the 10 Commandments
Love your enemies as neighbors
Live by the 10 Commandments
Turn away from sin, or going against God
God loves mankind…forgives sins if sorry
Salvation-saving of the human soul from evil with the promise of life after death.

10. Reaction to the teachings of Jesus
His ideas grow a lot of support
Disciples-a group of men who were his closest followers
Many believed he was the messiah (anointed one)
Opposition
Jewish leaders criticize Jesus for his ideas
Roman concerns
Pontius Pilate orders Jesus death by Crucifixion (nailed to a cross) in 30 CE

12. From Judaism to Christianity
Jesus and disciples considered themselves Jewish
According to Christian tradition, on the 3rd day after his death, Jesus rose from the dead
Resurrection-rising from the dead
Apostles (person who teaches) began spreading Jesus message of love throughout the empire

13. Ticket out the door Making inferences:
Why would Jesus’ ideas be dangerous to the Romans? Write a brief response to this question.