Transcript Christianity notes

Christianity
• What do you already know about
Christianity?
Aim: How did people relate to Christ’s message?
Do now:
*NOTES*
THE RISE OF CHRISTIANITY / CHRISTIAN BELIEFS
1.Jesus Christ- believed to be the messiah (savior)
promised by GOD in the Old Testament
-born a Jew and Roman subject in Bethlehem (presentday Israel)
-Freed believers from sin and offered resurrection in the
afterlife
(Resurrection: rise from the dead and enter Heaven)
-Age 30, Jesus taught, did good works and performed
miracles
-Crucified by Jews and Romans at age 33
-Rose from the dead after 3 days
Document 1
“Our Roman gods demand sacrifices from their subjects.
Without their blessings, the Roman Empire is doomed. Yet
those who follow the teachings of Christ refuse to make
sacrifices to the gods, claiming that their God is the only true
god. What nonsense!!! Those silly people and their silly
ideas. They should get on their knees and worship the
ground that Jupiter and Minerva have create.”
- Maximus, Roman Governor
According to document 1, why did the Roman
government view Christians as a threat to the Empire?
Document 2
“The teachings of Christ tells us that ‘Thou shall not kill’ and that
‘Those who take up the sword, shall perish by the sword.’
Therefore we shall not join the Roman legions and kill strangers
in a strange land. And if the Emperor decides that we must be
executed for upholding our beliefs, we gladly become martyrs.”
- Paulus, Roman Christian
According to document 2, why would the Emperor
execute Christians?
Document 3
“How dare they refuse to honor me!?! All good Romans must
burn incense before my statues and honor me as a god. Yet
these Christians refuse to do so. Well, if I have to feed every
last one of them to the lions, I will. If I have to sew them into
the skins of wild animals and have packs of dogs rip them to
shreds, I will. If I must crucify every last one of them, I will.
Sooner or later, they will acknowledge me as their superior
ruler.”
- Nero, Roman Emperor
According to document 3, how could Christians in the
Roman Empire have avoided a painful execution?
Why did Jesus’ followers think he was
the Messiah?
• After Jesus’ death, his body was placed in
a tomb. After 3 days he appeared to his
followers.
• This convinced his followers that he was
the Messiah.
Christianity Spreads
• All of Jesus’ followers spread his ideas.
• Teachings did not contradict Jewish law;
his first followers were Jews.
• A new religion is born based on the
teachings of Jesus.
A New World Religion
• The widespread appeal of Christianity:
– Embraced all people
– Gave hope to the powerless
– Appealed to those who were against the
extravagances of Rome
– Personal relationship with God
– Promised eternal life after death.
Basic Beliefs
• Follow the teachings of Jesus Christ who
they believe is the Son of God who lived a
sinless life, was crucified and rose again
on the 3rd day.
• Monotheistic religion that grew out of
Judaism
• The Bible is the holy book (sacred writings
and is composed of 2 parts, Old
Testament and New
Testament
Aim: How did people relate to Christ’s message?
Do now:
Festivals/Ceremonies/Holy Days
• Christmas-celebration of the birth of Jesus
• Easter-celebration of the death and
resurrection of Jesus
• Lent-40 day period leading up to Easter;
time when some Christians remember
their sins and fast, or give up, something
during this time; begins on Ash
Wednesday
Aim: How did people relate to Christ’s message?
Do now:
Sacred Places
• Places of worship are called churches or
cathedrals
• Worship leaders are called priests,
preachers, reverends, pastors, etc.
• Jerusalem is the holiest city (it is also holy
for Jews and Muslims)
Aim: How did people relate to Christ’s message?
Do now:
3 Branches
• Roman Catholic
• Protestant ( examples are Baptist,
Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran,
• Church of Christ, etc.)
• Orthodox
Aim: How did people relate to Christ’s message?
Do now: