Section 6: Spread of Christianity

Origins of Christianity Roots in Judaism Was led by Jesus of Nazareth

proclaimed the Messiah Conflicted with polytheistic beliefs

Roman Power Power spread to Judea Judea became province-6 AD

Messiah Savior who would restore kingdom of the Jews

Jesus Born 6-4 BC Jewish and Roman subject

Ministry of Jesus Teachings Monotheism Stressed love for others

Gospels Information about Jesus come from the

Gospels Written by Disciples

Jesus’ Death Rome concerned over popularity Arrested and convicted by Pontius Pilate Crucified

Beliefs, traditions, and customs of Christianity Monotheism Jesus as both Son and incarnation of God Life after death New Testament Christian doctrines

Peter Apostle Spread teachings established church in Rome

Christianity Spreads Followers of Jesus began to spread his ideas

Paul Hebrew who opposed to Christianity Had vision and heard voice on road to

Damascus Began to spread Christianity throughout

empire

Pax Romana Safe travel helped spread Christianity Common language allowed understanding of

message

Paul’s Teachings Christ-son of God Anyone could be Christian Allowed religion to grow

Jewish Rebellion 66 AD-Jews rebelled 70 AD-Rome destroyed Jewish Temple

Western Wall left standing (Wailing Wall) Diaspora-Jews were spread throughout Empire

creating scattered Jewish communities

Western Wall

Persecution of Christians Christians refused to worship Roman Gods Persecuted by Nero Peter and Paul put to death in Rome

Decline of Pax Romana Christians imprisoned and executed Martyrs-sacrificed own life for their beliefs Missionaries-People who spread religious

teachings

World Religion By 3rd century AD, there were millions of

Christians in the Roman Empire Appeal of Christianity

Embraced all people Gave hope to powerless Life after death

Constantine Roman Emperor Battle at Milvian Bridge-312

AD Saw Cross of Light Gave credit for victory to

Christian God

Ended Persecution 313 AD-plan to end persecution of Christians Edict of Milan

one of the religions approved by the emperor Theodosius (380 AD)

Made Christianity official religion of Roman Empire

Christian Church Structure Priest-heads local level Bishop-several local churches Pope-Head of the church and Roman Bishop Rome Center of Church

Heresy Contradicting basic church teachings

New Testament Official standard of belief

Nicene Creed 325 AD Constantine moved to solidify teachings of

Christianity Defined basic beliefs of Christianity

Fathers of the Church Early writers and scholars who defined church

teachings Augustine

Teachings/Writings Needed grace of God to be saved Had to belong to church and receive sacraments

The City of God

Spread of Christianity Popularity of the message Early martyrs Carried by the Apostles, including Paul,

throughout the Roman Empire

Impact of Church The Emperor Constantine converted to

Christianity and it became the official state religion

source of moral authority. Loyalty to the Church more important than

loyalty to the Emperor. main unifying force of Western Europe.