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The Rise of Christianity Where and When In 6 AD, Rome took control of the formerly independent kingdom of Judea (Judah) The Savior God had promised the Jewish people a savior or “Messiah” who would restore the kingdom of Israel In the first two decades of the first millennium (0-20 AD), many though that he had come Jesus of Nazareth Born between 6-4 BC Born in Bethlehem (in Judea) Raised in Nazareth Carpenter Began preaching at age 30 – Taught – Performed miracles – Did good works Many of his beliefs held true to Jewish teachings Similarities to Judaism – Monotheism – 10 Commandments – Descended from Abraham Major Differences - Jesus is the Messiah - Eternal kingdom after death (not kingdom on earth like the Jewish belief) Where does this information come from? Gospels: first four books of the New Testament of the Bible (Christian holy text) Thought to have been written by one or more of Jesus' pupils – the apostles Jesus’ Death Popularity concerned both Jewish and Roman leaders Jewish Leaders – Denied that he was the Messiah – Said his teachings were blasphemy (contempt for god) Roman Leaders – Defied authority of Rome Spread of Christianity First followers were Jews Jesus’ teachings did not contradict Jewish law Soon became its own faith Paul An apostle and Jew who never met Jesus Converted in Syria Stressed that Jesus was the son of God Pax Romana made travel and the spread of ideas easy Common languages (Greek and Latin) allowed teachings to be spread Paul invited all Gentiles (non-Jews) to convert – universality of the religion – not just a local religion Persecution Christians refused to worship Roman gods – This was seen as opposition to Roman rule Christians used as scapegoats for problems When the Pax Romana was in decline, Christians were persecuted in large numbers – – – – Exiled Imprisoned Executed Crucified, burned, killed by wild animals Christianity’s Appeal Embraced all people – Jesus ignored wealth and status Gave hope to the powerless Appealed to those who didn’t like the extravagances of the Romans Offered a personal relationship with God Promised eternal life after death Constantine 312 AD: Emperor Constantine was fighting a great battle; saw image of a cross; troops were victorious 313 AD: Edict of Milan – declared Christianity to be one of the religions approved by the emperor Church Hierarchy Pope: father or head of church Bishop: supervises several churches Priest: led small groups of Christians Peter: “Rock” on which the Christian Church was built – First Roman bishop – All priests and bishops traced their authority to him Unifying the Faith Arguments over beliefs developed Heresy: a belief that appeared to contradict a church belief New Testament: single, official standard of belief – Gospels (1st 4 books of NT) – Letters of Paul – Other documents