Download THE DECLINE OF ROME AND THE RISE OF CHRISTIANITY

THE DECLINE OF ROME AND THE RISE OF CHRISTIANITY
Focal concern: Why did the Roman Empire decline and fall, and how did
Christianity triumph?
I.
The Pax Romana and the Spread of Christianity
A. The “Golden Age “ of the Antonines
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The Roman Peace: What made the Roman Peace what it was?
IMPERIAL CULTPROSPERITYCOMMERCETOLERATION2.
Impure Gold: What unresolved problems threaten Rome’s future?
MOBSLAVESSPECTACLESWARB. Origin and Spread of Christianity
1. Judaism: Jesus was a Jew
a) Judaism:
b) Jesus:
Teaching: The Kingdom of God …where is it?
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Early Christian Preaching
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FORGIVENESS:
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PACIFIST:
2. The Gentile Mission / Spread the GOSPEL (“
Paul/ “Saul of Tarsus”:
- a Roman,
- His original mission was
- His conversion experience
- JAIL
- His next mission was
3. Missionary Strategy:
- to spread Christianity to all people… called “
4. Major Centres: aka wealthy centers
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5. Reasons for Success: Why did it Appeal to Romans?
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II.
CAESAR or CHRIST
A. Empire: Crisis and Reform
1. After the Golden Age
a) Severe Severus: Provincial Governor
b) Breakdown of Order:
- 235-285 BCE: 26 Emperors in 50 years!!!…murders etc.
2. Recovery: “CLAUDIUS GOTHICUS”
a) Against the Barbarians:
b) Aurelian the Restorer:
c) Diocletion’s Solution: for security
d) Constantine’s Reform: conversion experience
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