Medieval Europes Religious Background The Background Common themes emerging? Common themes emerging? Differences between the religions? Differences between the religions? The Background Relevant Terms Polytheism Monotheism Messiah Apocalyptic Greco-Roman Religion Traditional Religion Olympian gods Oracles State-run priesthoods in Rome No established orthodoxy Athena Parthenos (438 BC) Greco-Roman Religion The Pantheon (AD ), Rome Greco-Roman Religion Mystery Religions Communion with particular deity Ethical guidance Spiritual equality Afterlife Isis Greco-Roman Religion Cult statue of Augustus (early 1 st cent.) Emperor Worship Worship of rulers an ancient practice Origins during reign of Augustus Imperial cult established Greco-Roman Religion Questions? Judaism The Basics YHWH The patriarchs Exodus under Moses Kings, Temple Disobedience exile Judaism Second-Temple Period Jews returned (539 BC) Second Temple Eventual Roman occupation Religio licita Religious diversity Apocalyptic Messiah Judaism The Second Temple (Herods Temple) Judaism Jesus of Nazareth (ca. 6 BCAD 30) Itinerant rabbi Three-year ministry (ca AD) 12 apostles Preached coming Kingdom of God Miracles, prophecy? Presented himself as Messiah? Judaism Jesus and the Kingdom Kingdom ethics Thy kingdom comeon earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10) Kingdom parables Included the outcasts, Gentiles Judaism Jesus Prophecy regarding the Temple? O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, the way a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were unwilling. Behold, your house is being left to you desolate! (Matt. 23:37-38) Judaism The Fate of Jesus Action in the Temple Criticized religious leaders Betrayed to authorities, tried Sentenced to death by crucifixion Resurrected? Judaism The Fate of the Jews Anti-Roman sentiment continued Jewish War (AD 70) Jewish defeat, destruction of Temple Bar Kochba Revolt (132-35) a failure Jews lost homeland Judaism Questions? Early Christianity The Apostolic Church Apostles, Paul, women Based in Jerusalem Produced Gospels Preached Good News Early Christianity Ecclesiastical Structure Bishops Presbyters Deacons Early Christianity The Sacraments Baptism: rite of initiation Eucharist: sacred meal of bread and wine Early Christianity Persecution Local, then Empire- wide persecutions Why? Distinct from Judaism Refusal to worship emperor Martyrs: witnesses Early Christianity Constantine I (r ) and Toleration Pagan convert to Christianity Edict of Milan (313) toleration of Christians First Christian emperor Launched Christianization of Roman Empire Lavished wealth upon Church Church now privileged Constantine the Great, Capitoline Museum, Rome Early Christianity Old St. Peters (324), Rome Early Christianity Column from Old St. Peters, Vatican Grottoes Early Christianity Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem Early Christianity Doctrinal Orthodoxy Trinity Christology God Human One person Divine and human natures preserved Early Christianity Questions? The Background Common themes emerging? Common themes emerging? Differences between the religions? Differences between the religions?