The Historical Jesus and the Rise of Christianity
Discover the origins of Christianity, rooted in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, a Jewish rabbi born around 4 AD. His ministry, lasting three years, involved crowds, miracles, and parables, asserting prophetic authority. Following his crucifixion, his resurrection three days later ignited a movement that transformed into a global religion. Experience the challenges early Christians faced, including Roman persecution, and learn how Christianity spread under Constantine. Explore various Christian denominations, each interpreting faith and beliefs about God, Jesus, and the Church differently.
The Historical Jesus and the Rise of Christianity
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Presentation Transcript
Christianity World History - LHS
Historical Jesus • Religion centered on life, teachings of Jesus • Called “The Christ”, which means “Annointed One” • Jesus was a Jewish rabbi born around 4 AD • His ministry (teachings) lasted about 3 years • Traveled, spoke to crowds • Performed miracles, including healing sick • Taught in parables (like Confucius)
Historical Jesus • Claimed to speak as a prophet, with the authority of Yahweh (angered people) • Arrested, handed over to the Romans as a revolutionary (“King of the Jews”) • Crucifixion was cause of death of Jesus (punishment for common criminal) • Resurrection: 3 days post crucifix. = tomb empty! (appearances) • Christians believed he continued to teach until he ascended to Heaven
Christianity: The Early Years • “Christianity ” started as a Jewish sect; it remained limited to Hebrews until about 100 AD, when the Church became open to gentiles (non-Jews) • Early Christians were willing to die for three beliefs • Jesus = son of God • Death & Resurrection • God’s love is infinite
Roman Persecution • Emperor Nero (64-68 AD) blamed Roman fire on Christians & was first emperor to persecute • Systematic murder, crucifixion, of Christians • Other Emperors prohibited citizens from converting to Christianity
Adoption of Christianity by Rome • In 313 AD, Emperor Constantine announced toleration of Christianity • Christianity spread quickly, from its scattered beginnings to the entire Roman Empire From Dark Blue = 325 AD To Light Blue = 600 AD
Types of Christians Today • Roman Catholics – most common “Christian” (1.1 billion) • Pope traces lineage to apostle Peter • Based in Rome • Eastern Orthodox (Greek / Russian) (233 million) • Leader was ER Emperor • Later, became patriarch of Constantinople
Types of Christians • Protestants disagreed with Catholic Church over abuses & corruption; broke away after 1520 (381 million) • Lutherans • Calvinism • Anglican • Baptists • Evangelicals • Quakers • Non-denominational
Beliefs of Christianity • Monotheistic Faith • Catholics believe that God is 3 aspects in 1 • Father • Son • Holy Spirit • Protestants = less or no Holy Spirit • Other Christians = more about “son” and less about Father or Spirit Catholic Interpretation of Trinity
Beliefs of Christianity • Jesus as son of God (savior of mankind) • Jesus’ teachings as guide for people to live their lives • Most important: God’s love is infinite • Second most imp: People should love their neighbor • Belief in (actual) Resurrection (symbol – eternal life) • Belief in prayer • All Christians pray to God • Catholics & O.C = Saints Shroud of Turin
Beliefs of Christians • Church is God’s Body on Earth, but man is flawed; therefore sin is possible among priests • Baptism required as commitment to Christian faith (infants / adults) • Eucharist – ritual of last supper of Jesus, disciples (transubstantiation – big disagreement!)