Chapter 6 Section 3
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Rise of Christianity
Rise of Christiani ty

Rome allowed provinces to practice
different Religions

They needed to honor the gods of Rome
and the “divine spirit”
   Most people were polytheistic (more then
one god)
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Rise of Christiani ty

Jews & Rome

Judea is a Roman Province in 6 AD

At first, Jews were not required to be
loyal to divine spirit. (because they
believed in one god)

Christians were a tiny sect in a small,
backward province

Chances of survival or spreading were
slim
Rise of Christiani ty

Jews & Rome
   Judea is a Roman Province in 6 AD
   At first, Jews were not required to be loyal to divine spirit. (because they believed in one god)

Zealots = Jews that feared Judaism
would be weakened by outside
influences and rebelled against
Rome.
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Rise of Christiani ty

Jews & Rome

Judea is a Roman Province in 6 AD

At first, Jews were not required to be loyal to divine spirit. (because they believed in one god)

Zealots = Jews that feared Judaism
would be weakened by outside
influences and rebelled against
Rome.

Others believed God would send a
Messiah or Savior.
Rise of Christiani ty

New Religion founded by followers of
Jewish teacher Jesus of Nazareth

Jesus began teaching around 27 AD

Discuss time frames & problems….

Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John
   Time frame…… lecture 23
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Rise of Christiani ty

New Religion founded by followers of
Jewish teacher Jesus of Nazareth

Jesus began teaching around 27 AD

Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke & John
   Time frame……
   Jesus emphasizes must love God
above all else. “one true God”

God cares more for all people then laws
and rituals
Rise of Christiani ty

Romans feared Jesus would lead an
uprising

= Enemy of the State!

Pontius Pilate = Roman Governor
   Crucified him - resurrection becomes central event of new religion.
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Spread of Christiani ty

Disciples spread the message in
Jewish communities of Palestine.

Christianity spread slowly

1. Appeals increased as life in empire
becomes more difficult.

2. Christianity accepted everyone.

3. By 300 AD it was to large to punish all members. (martyrs)
Spread of Christiani ty

Disciples spread the message in Jewish
communities of Palestine.

Christianity spread slowly

1. Appeals increased as life in empire
becomes more difficult.
   2. Christianity accepted everyone.

3. By 300 AD it was to large to punish all
members. (martyrs)

ROME ACCEPTS CHRISITANITY AS
RELIGION
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SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY

Paul = #6

Lived during Jesus time.
   Doubtful if paths ever crossed

Participated in persecution of
Christians and then converted.
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SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY

Paul = #6
   Successful missionary to Greece, Syria, and
Asia Minor. (not as successful with Jews)
   Writings constitute an important part of
New Testament
   Role in development in Christian theology.
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SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY

Paul = #6
   27 books of New Testament

14 are attributed to Paul
   (4 or 5 of those may have been written by others)
   Dies 64 AD = executed.
Rise of Christiani ty

66 AD to 70 AD- Jews revolt against
Rome

Rome destroyed all but the western
wall of the Second temple “ Wailing
Wall ” = Sacred site today.
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Rise of Christiani ty

66 AD to 70 AD- Jews revolt against
Rome

Rome destroyed all but the western
wall of the Second temple “Wailing
Wall” = Sacred site today.

Rabbis = Jewish scholars who interpet
scriptures.
   Become leaders of Jewish congregations
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Rise of Christiani ty

In 135 AD Roman Emperor Hadrian
   Put down Jewish revolt & ban all Jews from the holy city of Jerusalem

Jews built outside Jerusalem
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Rise of Christiani ty

In 135 AD Roman Emperor Hadrian

Put down Jewish revolt & ban all Jews from the holy city of Jerusalem

Jews built outside Jerusalem

New Religion founded by followers of
Jewish teacher Jesus of Nazareth
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SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY

312 AD Emperor Constantine declared his support of
Christianity.
   Promoted it, baptized on death bed
   391 AD Theodosius made
Christianity the official Religion of the Empire.
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SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY
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SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY

Organization of Church
   Priest
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SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY

Organization of Church

Priest

Bishops
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SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY

Organization of Church
   Priest
   Bishops- Dioceses today
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SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY

Organization of Church

Priest

Bishops

Patriarch - Bishops of Empire cities .
   Rome = bishop = POPE
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SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY

Organization of Church
   Priest
   Bishops

Patriarch - Bishops of Empire cities
   Bishop of Rome = POPE
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SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY

Organization of Church

Priest

Bishops

Patriarch - Bishops of Empire cities
   Bishop of Rome = POPE

Cardinals

Archbishops
SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY

325 Council of Nicaea
   Trinity = 3 persons or forms in one
God

Father, Son, Holy Spirit
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