1. Religion in the Roman Empire

2. Religion in the Roman Empire
How can we describe religion in the Roman Empire?
Comparisons and contrasts between Judaism and Christianity?

3. Greco-Roman Religion Traditional Religion Initially “animistic”
Then anthropomorphic gods
State-run priesthoods
Pontifex maximus
Vestal Virgins
Vestal Virgins

4. Greco-Roman Religion
The Pantheon (AD ), Rome

5. Greco-Roman Religion

6. Greco-Roman Religion Mystery Religions Popular! Attractive Examples
Communion with deity
Ethical guidance
Spiritual equality
Examples
Cult of Isis
Mithraism

7. Greco-Roman Religion Emperor Worship Some emperors deified after death
Imperial cult established
Foundations during reign of Augustus
Cult statue of Augustus (early 1st cent.)

8. Greco-Roman Religion
Questions?

9. Second-Temple Judaism
Persian king allowed Jews to return to Palestine (539 BC)
Constructed second Temple ( BC)

10. Second-Temple Judaism
Roman Occupation of Palestine
Jews had been ruled by priest-kings
Romans invaded 63 BC  ended Jewish independence
Judaism a religio licita

11. Second-Temple Judaism
The Second Temple (“Herod’s Temple”)

12. Second-Temple Judaism
First-Century Jewish Religion
Diversity
Apocalyptic
MESSIANIC EXPECTATION
Messiah (“Anointed one”)
“Messiahs” crushed

13. Second-Temple Judaism
Jesus of Nazareth (ca. 6 BC – ca. AD 30)
“Kingdom of God”
Criticized religious authorities
Miracle worker?
Presented as Messiah in earliest sources

14. Second-Temple Judaism

15. Second-Temple Judaism

16. Second-Temple Judaism
What Became of Jesus?
Religious leaders infuriated, fearful
Tried, executed  sentenced to death by Pilate
Movement lived on
Resurrected?
Apostles stole body?

17. Second-Temple Judaism

18. Second-Temple Judaism
The Fate of the Jews
Jewish War (66-70)  Jerusalem captured, Temple destroyed
Bar Kochba Revolt (132-35)  Jews lost their state

19. Second-Temple Judaism
Questions?

20. Early Christianity The Apostolic Church Under leadership of apostles
Based in Jerusalem
Preached “gospel”
Early focus: Jews
Pentecost

21. Early Christianity Paul of Tarsus (d. ca. 64) Pharisee  Christian
Brought gospel to “Gentiles”
Three missionary journeys
Epistles

22. Early Christianity
The Sacraments
BAPTISM
EUCHARIST

23. Early Christianity Persecution MARTYRS Why persecution?
Seen as distinct from Judaism
Refused to worship emperor
“Great Persecution” (early 4th cent.)
Blandina the Martyr (2nd cent.)

24. Early Christianity Constantine the Great (r. 306-337)
Converted to Christianity (ca. 312)
Edict of Milan (313)
First Christian emperor
Constantine
Labarum

25. Early Christianity
Basilica of St. Peter (324), Rome

26. Early Christianity Arian Controversy Jesus Christ: creature, or God?
COUNCIL OF NICAEA (325)  Christ of same “essence” as the Father
Arians revived, almost defeated “orthodox” cause
Arianism condemned (381)

27. Early Christianity Augustine of Hippo (354-430) Church father
Famous convert
Prolific writer
Confessions
City of God
Highly influential theologian
Augustine of Hippo

28. Early Christianity
Questions?

29. Religion in the Roman Empire
How can we describe religion in the Roman Empire?
Comparisons and contrasts between Judaism and Christianity?