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The Rise of Christianity. Objectives: What were the main causes for the spread of Christianity in the roman world? Understand the diverse religions included in the early roman empire. Diverse Religions. Many different religions existed Isis in Egypt
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The Rise of Christianity Objectives: What were the main causes for the spread of Christianity in the roman world? Understand the diverse religions included in the early roman empire
Diverse Religions • Many different religions existed • Isis in Egypt • Jupiter, Mars, Juno (traditional Roman Gods) • High degree of religious tolerance
Judea Most Jews were reluctantly willing to live under Roman rule Others, called Zealots, were not Called for Rebellion Romans leveled Jerusalemdiaspora Jewish people scattered across the Middle East and Europe
Jesus Christ Born around 4 B.C. in Bethlehem Grew up worshipping God and followed Jewish Law By age 30, he began preaching and performing miracles
Apostles Jesus recruited 12 apostles They traveled to Jerusalem to spread his message
Teachings • Based on Jewish Law • Emphasized justice, morality, and service to others • New beliefs • Proclaimed himself to be the Son of God
Death To Roman authorities, Jesus was a threat because his speeches could inflame those eager to end Roman rule Betrayed by one of his disciples
Death / Resurrection Crucifixion His disciples saw him rise from the dead Commanded them to spread his teachings
Paul • Never met Jesus • Had a vision of Jesus speaking to him • Spread his Christianity to Rome • True Missionary
Rome Embraces Christianity Emperor Constantine issued Edict of Milan (A.D. 313) Emperor Theodosius makes Christianity official religion of Roman Empire by the end of the 4th century Begins corruption of original message of Christianity
The Spread • Appealed most of all to poor. Why? • Constantine and vision (312) • Led to Edict of Milan 313 AD • Nicene Creed by Constantine 325 • 390 Theodosius declares it official religion