Transcript Rome Notes Ch 6 part 3 - Christianity

The Rise of Christianity and its Impact
on the Roman Empire
• Christianity began as an offshoot of Judaism.
• Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the
son of God and that by following his message
their souls will be saved.
• Christianity was very appealing to poor,
powerless people.
• Christianity spread rapidly through the Roman
empire, and eventually became the official
religion of Rome.
Jews under Roman Rule
• By 63 BCE – Judea
controlled by Rome
• Some cooperate with Rome
• Zealots – seek to kick Rome
out
• Messiah – was a savior who
was predicted to arrive
soon
• Many small movements at
the time looking for
Messiah
• Followers of Jesus Christ
believed he was the
Messiah
Jesus Christ as a Historical Figure
• Carpenter who became
public teacher / preacher
around 30 yrs
• Message =
– 1. Personal relationship with
loving God,
– 2. God would establish eternal
kingdom of heaven for
repentant sinners
• 12 Disciples / Apostles –
Most info from them
• Message is well received by
poor, etc
Death of Jesus
• Arrives in Jerusalem – Seen as
threat by Roman and Jewish
leaders
• Arrested, executed (Pontius
Pilate)
• Body disappears – followers
claim he appeared to him
• After “resurrection” many
come to believe he was
Messiah (Christos = Messiah)
• Apostles spread message – led
by Peter
How did Christianity spread so fast?
• Example of Paul
– Before – enemy of
Christianity, claims a vision
– Later – spends his life
spreading message of Christ
• Pax Romana – Makes travel
safe, easy – allows for rapid
spread of ideas
• Universal Appeal of the
message helps spread it
• Jewish Rebellion and
Diaspora contributes to
spread
Persecution of Christians
• Refusal to worship
Roman gods =
opposition to Roman
authority
• Christians used as
scapegoats
– Nero example
• Martyrs
• Persecution did little to
slow growth of
Christianity
Organization of Christian Church
•
•
•
•
•
Very hierarchical
Priest
Bishop
Bishop of Rome (Pope)
Rome is center of
power SO.. Becomes
center of Church
Emperor Constantine becomes a
Christian
• While preparing for battle,
Constantine prays, has a
vision of a cross
• Constantine starts to
practice Christianity, but
doesn’t officially convert
until just before death
• Constantine ends
persecution
• Edict of Milan – makes it an
official religion
• 380 – becomes official
religion of Rome
Issues faced by the early church
• Codification of beliefs
– Heresy
– New Testament
– Council of Nicea
• St. Augustine and the
“City of God”