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### Jerusalem and Early Christianity: Culture, Values, and Historical Impact ###

Chapter Six explores the intricate relationship between Jerusalem, early Christianity, and cultural values rooted in both biblical and Graeco-Roman traditions. It covers significant historical periods such as the Patriarchs, Exodus, Conquest, and the Monarchy, presenting the ethical teachings encompassed in the Hebrew Bible and the emergence of Christian beliefs. Key aspects include the life and teachings of Jesus, the spread of Christianity through figures like Paul, and the artistic expressions that flourished under early Christian influence. The chapter also delves into the challenges posed by persecution and examines the legacy of early Christian art, architecture, and music. ###

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### Jerusalem and Early Christianity: Culture, Values, and Historical Impact ###

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  1. Chapter Six:Jerusalem and Early Christianity Culture and Values, 6th Ed. Cunningham and Reich

  2. Jerusalem and Early Christianity • Biblical tradition + Graeco-Roman Culture • Children of Israel, Israelites, Jews, Hebrews • Period of the Patriarchs • Period of the Exodus • Period of the Conquest • The United Monarchy • Divided Kingdom and Exile • The Return

  3. The Hebrew Bible and Its Message • “Bible”  Byblos • The Law, the Prophets, the Writings • Hebrew canon (C.E. 90) • Septuagint • Moral guide, ethical and religious stability • Not a philosophical treatise

  4. Basic Motifs of the Bible • Biblical Monotheism • God exists before the world • God pronounces creation as “good” • Humans are the crown of creation • God deeply involved in the world • Covenant (testament) • Renewed covenant = New Testament

  5. Basic Motifs of the Bible • Ethics • Moral code for individuals and society • Ten Commandments • Prohibitions, positive commands • Prophetic writings • Critics of social injustice, defenders of poor • Reminders of the covenant

  6. Basic Motifs of the Bible • Models and types • Events, stories, characters as models • Contemporary impact of biblical tradition • Literature • Art • Social institutions

  7. The Beginnings of Christianity • Life of Jesus • Gospels • Prophetic tradition of Jesus • Parables, Beatitudes • Jesus as Christ, the Messiah • Significance of resurrection

  8. Christianity Spreads • Saul of Tarsus (Paul) • Tireless missionary • Non-Jewish converts • Theological letters • Social, religious factors for growth • Peace, facility of travel, koine, audience • Emphasis on salvation, freedom • No class distinction

  9. Christian Persecution • Nero’s Circus • Claudius, Decius, Valerian, Diocletian • Christians as traitors to the state • Refusal to express pietàs • Apologists • Justin Martyr (100-165) • Emperor Constantine

  10. Early Christian Art • Catacombs, underground cemeteries • Frescoes • Salvation; Communion; Virgin and Child • Glass and Sculpture • Christ as Good Shepherd, glass disks • Carved sarcophagi • Inscriptions • Name, date of death, decorative symbol

  11. Dura-Europos • Evidence of religious tolerance and coexistence • Religious buildings on “Wall Street” • Complex religious existence • Artistic mingling of Eastern and Roman styles • Precursor of Byzantine art

  12. Constantine and Early Christian Architecture • Emperor Constantine (C.E. 306-337) • Edict of Toleration • Basilica-Style Churches • Current site of St. Peter’s Basilica (Vatican) • Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Jerusalem) • Jesus’ burial site

  13. Early Christian Music • From Jewish traditions • Chanting sacred texts • Professional Chorus vs. Single Cantor • Greek doctrine of ethos • Instrumental music = unsuitable • Standardization of vocal music • Responsorial, antiphonal

  14. Chapter Six: Discussion Questions • Discuss contemporary examples that illustrate the permeation of the biblical tradition in our culture. • Explain why Nero and other Roman emperors were unwilling to tolerate Christianity. From a political standpoint, was the severity of punishment inflicted on Christians warranted? Why or why not? • Consider the archeological findings of Dura-Europos. In what ways does history over-simplify past events? In two thousand years, what will future generations assume about our culture, religions, and religious tolerance? Explain.

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