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Beginning of Christianity 1st – 4th C. CE Jesus (0-33 CE [6/4 BCE – 29 CE]) • Born in Bethlehem in Roman province of Judea • • • Educated in Judaism, became preacher • • Grew up in the town of Nazareth Lived during reign of Augustus From 30-33 CE traveled through Judea and Galilee preaching Taught: • • • • • Single God father: all men brothers Love God above all Life of each is sacred Practice charity, justice, golden rule “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” All people can be cleansed of sin and are worthy of salvation Jesus’ Death • Romans afraid because Jesus had aroused such strong feelings • Believed he endangered Roman Rule • 33 CE Roman governor Pontius Pilate arrested Jesus and ordered him crucified as a political rebel • His 12 disciples (followers) believed • He was the Son of God sent as the savior (Christ) • Proclaimed Jesus has risen from the dead and appeared to them • Teachings are written in the New Testament Early Church Leaders • St. Paul (1st C. CE) • Jewish, but born in Greece, so he could appeal to Greeks • Saw Christianity as a universal religion • Directed missionaries to focus on the gentiles (non-Jewish people) • Wrote letters to many churches which became part of the New Testament • St. Peter (1st C. CE) • First Bishop of Rome • Shaped Church’s internal structure • Used bureaucracy of Roman Empire as his model Travels of St. Paul Spread of Christianity within Roman Empire: 1st – 4th Centuries CE • Christianity gained converts because • People dissatisfied with old pagan religions • Ideas of one God, universal love, eternal salvation, and equality appealed to many • Equality especially appealed to poor and oppressed • Missionaries traveled throughout empire • Impressive early church leaders: courage, sincerity, ability • People impressed by early martyrs who died and were persecuted rather than denouncing their faith More Christianity in Rome • Oppression and Persecution • • • Pagan priests feared doom of their religions Upper class considered it a “slave religion” Romans accused Christians of treason because: • Refused to worship emperor • Refused to serve in army • Disapproved of gladiator fights and pagan rituals • 300 years Christians persecuted • Loss of citizenship, confiscation of property, torture, death BUT still grew Triumph of Christianity •313 Constantine ordered religious toleration by the Edict of Milan •325 Church leaders called to Nicea to outline basic Christian beliefs: Nicene Creed •392 Theodosius proclaimed it official state religion Nicene Creed (325 CE) I believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth, of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, the only-begotten, born of the Father before all ages. Light of light, true God of true God, begotten, not made, of one substance with the Father, through whom all things were made. Who for us men and for our salvation, came down from heaven, and was incarnate from the Holy Spirit and Mary the Virgin, and became man. He was also crucified for us under Pontius Pilate, and suffered and was buried. And He rose again on the third day, according to the scriptures. And He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. And He will come again with glory, to judge the living and the dead, and of His kingdom there will be no end. And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father, who together with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, Who spoke through the prophets. In one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. I profess one baptism for the remission of sins. I expect the resurrection of the dead; and the life of the world to come. Amen. Church Structure Dailies: Christianity • What is the importance of the Nicene Creed? • What did St. Paul do? • Who are Gentiles? • Describe the Church hierarchy. • What did Theodosius do? Dailies: Day 2 • What are the Gospels? • During what time period did Jesus live? • In what ways is Christianity a universal religions? • What is heresy? • How does Christianity appeal to the poor?