1. Christianity Chapter 6- Rome

2. Setting the Scene • Appeared during Pax Romana • Church took the over the role of Roman Empire upon its destruction • Christian Church was the center of power for almost 1,000 years

3. Religious Diversity • Mystery • Ritual • Cult of Isis- offered women equal status • Religious Toleration • Show loyalty to Roman gods • Acknowledge spirit of emperor • Division in Judea • Jews could worship freely • Many Jews absorbed Greek culture

4. Jewish Revolt • Zealots- Jewish people who called for revolt against Rome and establish independent Jewish state • Messiah (chosen king) would appear to rule • Rome destroyed temple in 66 AD • Thousands killed • Jewish people scatter around Empire/World

5. Jesus and His Message • Gospel means “good news” • Tells of Jesus’ life, teaching, death • Matthew, Mark, Luke, John (first four books of New Testament)

6. Life of Jesus • Born in Bethlehem, descendant of King David • Grew up in Nazareth • Twelve followers (disciples/apostles) help spread message • Healings and moral lessons

7. Message • One God • Ten Commandments • Called himself “Son of God” • Spiritual salvation and eternal life • Sermon on the Mount • Mercy and sympathy for the poor • God’s Love

8. Death • Jesus welcomed in Jerusalem for his teaching and ideas • Jewish priests see him as a troublemaker • Judas (a disciple) helps the soldiers capture Jesus • Jesus is turned over to Roman law, but they see no reason to kill him • For fear of rebellion, Jesus is turned over to the people, who crucify him • Gospel says he rises from the dead

10. Spread of Christianity • Peter- establishes Christianity in Rome • First Pope? • Paul- spreads Christianity throughout Asia Minor

11. Paul • Paul had never seen Jesus • Paul (otherwise known as Saul) persecuted Christians himself • Sees Jesus in a vision and begins to share faith • “Jesus sacrificed his life out of love for Mankind” • Wrote several books of Bible- Romans, First and Second Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, First Thessalonians, Philemon, and Hebrews

12. Persecution • Rome saw Christians as being disloyal and trouble makers • Martyr- people who die for their believes

13. Appeal • Welcomes all- rich or poor • Comfort in message of love • Better life after death • Incorporates teachings of Plato, Stoics, etc. • Written in Greek or Latin, which was understood by all in Roman Empire • Constantine issues Edit of Milan, which ends persecution of Christians • Theodosius makes Christianity official religion, outlawing other gods

14. Early Christian Church • Patterns • Baptism • Communion • Marriage • Death • Women were teachers, but later barred from holding any position in Church

15. Structure of Church • Diocese- an area (Catholic diocese is spilt between Sioux Falls and Rapid City) • Pope- head of Catholic Church in Rome • Bishop- head diocese • Priest- head of individual church

16. Power of Church • Church owned land • Killed or tortured those with different ideas or beliefs that challenged power

17. The End