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Christianity. Chapter 6- Rome. 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. Religious Diversity. Mystery Ritual Cult of Isis- offered women equal status
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Christianity Chapter 6- Rome
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
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
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
Jesus and His Message • Gospel means “good news” • Tells of Jesus’ life, teaching, death • Matthew, Mark, Luke, John (first four books of New Testament)
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
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
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
Spread of Christianity • Peter- establishes Christianity in Rome • First Pope? • Paul- spreads Christianity throughout Asia Minor
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
Persecution • Rome saw Christians as being disloyal and trouble makers • Martyr- people who die for their believes
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
Early Christian Church • Patterns • Baptism • Communion • Marriage • Death • Women were teachers, but later barred from holding any position in Church
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
Power of Church • Church owned land • Killed or tortured those with different ideas or beliefs that challenged power