1. Monotheistic Religions in the Roman Empire Christianity & Judaism

2. Early History of Christianity

3. Yahweh Founder of the Arab people Founder of the Hebrews IslamChristianityJudaism Hagar -- Abraham -- Sarah | | Ishmael Isaac

4. Empire & New “Mystery” Religions What “Mystery” religion is this? Featured a miracle performing founder Offered secret knowledge Promised individual salvation and eternal life Focused on a savior deity who died and came back to life In groups ate sacred food and drink Seventh day was sacred Founder’s birthday at the end of December Mithraism

5. Jesus of Nazareth Born in Roman occupied Palestine Born in Roman occupied Palestine Became a wandering rabbi who taught: Became a wandering rabbi who taught: Hebrew scripturesHebrew scriptures Moral perfectionMoral perfection “Blessedness” of society’s outcasts“Blessedness” of society’s outcasts NonviolenceNonviolence Executed by Romans Executed by Romans

6. Early Foundations The 11 Disciples of Jesus spread the Christian faith The 11 Disciples of Jesus spread the Christian faith Disciple – one who is taughtDisciple – one who is taught Apostle – one who is sentApostle – one who is sent Christian means “little Christ” Christian means “little Christ”

7. Peter the Apostle First of the Apostles First of the Apostles Traveled to Rome to become the first Bishop. Traveled to Rome to become the first Bishop. “The Rock”“The Rock” “Pope”“Pope” Crucified during reign of Nero Crucified during reign of Nero

8. Paul the Apostle A Jewish enemy of the Christians. A Jewish enemy of the Christians. Had a vision of Christ Had a vision of Christ Spent the rest of his life spreading Christ’s teachings. Spent the rest of his life spreading Christ’s teachings. Enabled anyone to convert to Christianity Enabled anyone to convert to Christianity Beheaded during Nero’s reign. Beheaded during Nero’s reign.

9. Christianity’s Attraction Eternal life and a relationship with God Eternal life and a relationship with God Everyone could participate Everyone could participate Encouraged conversionEncouraged conversion Sins were forgiven Sins were forgiven Judaism presented too many boundaries Judaism presented too many boundaries

11. Diocletian "Edict against the Christians“ 303 CE "Edict against the Christians“ 303 CE Scriptures burnedScriptures burned Churches burnedChurches burned Priests arrestedPriests arrested Christians tortured and killedChristians tortured and killed

12. How did Christianity survive? 313 CE – Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity & ended persecution 313 CE – Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity & ended persecution Edict of MilanEdict of Milan 392 CE – Emperor Theodosius established Christianity as the Roman Empire’s only faith 392 CE – Emperor Theodosius established Christianity as the Roman Empire’s only faith 1,000 CE, all European states were Christian and the majority of Europeans were Christians 1,000 CE, all European states were Christian and the majority of Europeans were Christians

13. Judaism in the Roman Empire

14. King Herod Rebuilt the Holy Temple Upper class Jews accepted him Small farmers and commoners did not He was a foreigner He used the people’s taxes to pay for his palaces Zealots – Jewish rebels

15. Zealots Viewed Romans as greedy Viewed Romans as greedy Awaited the Messiah Awaited the Messiah Started a mini- guerrilla war Started a mini- guerrilla war Herod executed Jewish priests and their family members Herod executed Jewish priests and their family members This turned many others against him This turned many others against him

16. Diaspora In Greek, the word Diaspora means dispersion or scattering In Greek, the word Diaspora means dispersion or scattering

17. The First Diaspora 66 CE – The Jews rebelled against Rome 66 CE – The Jews rebelled against Rome 70 CE, Romans marched into Jerusalem 70 CE, Romans marched into Jerusalem Destroyed the Temple complexDestroyed the Temple complex Only the west wall remains Only the west wall remains Annexed Judea as Roman provinceAnnexed Judea as Roman province Drove many Jews from PalestineDrove many Jews from Palestine 72 CE – Battle of Masada 72 CE – Battle of Masada

18. Masada Zealots fled to Masada Zealots fled to Masada 900 held out against 15,000 Roman soldiers 900 held out against 15,000 Roman soldiers Mass suicide Mass suicide

19. The Second Diaspora 132 CE – Another Jewish revolt 132 CE – Another Jewish revolt Fighting lasted for three years Fighting lasted for three years At the end, the Jews lost once againAt the end, the Jews lost once again They were forced to leave their homelandThey were forced to leave their homeland The Jews didn’t return until 1948 when Israel was created The Jews didn’t return until 1948 when Israel was created