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Christianity Historical Context • Different Jewish Groups in Jerusalem with different interpretations of Judaism • Palestine • Roman Empire • Polytheistic religions being worshipped • Emperor Worship • Greek Philosophy Jesus of Nazareth Life Preaching • Jesus born in Bethlehem, near Jerusalem He was a Jew • Message of renewal and warning • Nearly all knowledge of Jesus comes from Gospels—first four books of New Testament • Performed miracles of healing; defended the poor, oppressed • Learned carpentry, studied writings of Jewish prophets • Must love God above all, love others as much as self • Gathered group of disciples • Instructed people to repent of sins, seek God’s forgiveness Death and Resurrection Jesus’s popularity, crowds alarmed authorities who feared political uprisings • Jesus arrested, tried, sentenced to death • According to New Testament, after crucifixion – Jesus rose from dead – Made contact with disciples – Ascended into heaven • Followers believed Resurrection, Ascension revealed Jesus as the Messiah Christians believe • Jesus was God • Died and Resurrected • Jesus Christ shall return again • Heaven and Hell • Christian Bible –Old Testament(Hebrew Bible) New Testament(Gospels, Letters, Teachings of Jesus) Christians believe In the Christian Holy Trinity • God the Father • God the Son • God the Holy Spirit Christianity Spreads After the Death of Jesus • Apostles • Paul • The teachings of Jesus spread through letters written to Christian communities, followers traveling around the Roman Empire, and through oral tradition 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. 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? Three Major Christian Denominations • Roman Catholic • Eastern Orthodox • Protestant • There are many more in the world today Important Years in Christianity • 313- Edict of Milan: Roman Emperor Constantine converts to Christianity and introduces religious tolerance • 1054-Great Schism: Split between Eastern and Western Christians(Roman Catholic & Eastern Orthodox • 1517-Martin Luther: Rejects authority of Roman Catholic Church and begins Reformation Christian Holidays • Christmas: -celebrates the birth of Jesus -celebration in churches -presents are exchanged • Easter: -celebrates the resurrection of Jesus -celebration in churches around the world Christian Places of Worship-Church Symbols Catholic Priest, Pope, Orthodox Priest Nun and Preachers