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Rise of Christianity. Religion in the Roman Republic. Roman empire tolerated diversity of its subjects Citizens must show loyalty by worshipping Roman gods Because most were polytheistic, they didn’t mind worshipping the Roman gods along with their own
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Religion in the Roman Republic • Roman empire tolerated diversity of its subjects • Citizens must show loyalty by worshipping Roman gods • Because most were polytheistic, they didn’t mind worshipping the Roman gods along with their own • Growing number of people looking elsewhere for spiritual fulfillment
Before Jesus… • In 63 B.C.E., Romans took over the Holy Land • Herod was given rule of Judea/S. Palestine • at the time, Romans excused Jews from worshipping their gods • Herod died around 4 B.C.E. • divisions intensified among Jews over politics and religion
Herod’s kingdom & tomb Mediterranean Sea
Jews ~ Divided in Roman Palestine • Sadducees: religious leaders (priests) who maintained the temple; they saw Roman rule as inevitable • Pharisees: everyday people devoted to following Jewish law (“orthodox”) • Am ha’aretz: everyday Jews (rural, uneducated) who didn’t follow all the religious laws but were believers • Zealots: called on Jews to revolt against Rome and reestablish an independent state
The Messiah • The Hebrew word mâšîah means ‘anointed one’ sent by God • In the 6th c. B.C.E. the Jews hoped God would send someone to return them from exile • In the 2nd c. B.C.E. they hoped God would defeat foreign enemies, such as the Romans • NOTE: The concept of an eschatological (“the end of the world”) messiah emerges in the era after Christ
The Messiah • During Roman rule, the Jewish belief in a messiah was as diverse as the Jews; some beliefs included: • God would destroy the enemies of Jews • a new Garden of Eden would be created • most believed God would expel the Romans and send someone to be a reformer and leader/teacher • any messiah would be a descendent of David
Enter Jesus… • Born in Bethlehem…? • around 4 BCE • Jewish • Raised in a time of great debate~ exposed to political &religious diversity of the time • Almost all of what is believed of Christ’s life is written in the Gospels • written 100+ years after Jesus’ death
The story of Jesus • The Gospels, for the most part, tell a consistent story of Christ’s life and teachings • devout, observant Jew • an independent, critical thinker • used parables • performed miracles of healing • called himself the Son of God
Christ’s Teachings • 10 Commandments • laws of Moses and Jewish prophets • love in many forms • esp. forgiveness • show kindness to all, including the needy, disabled and oppressed • give and you shall receive • justice, morality, and service to others
The Two Commandments • Love of (the one) God • Love your neighbor as yourself • These were not “new” commandments (Deut & Lev), but Jesus de-emphasized the other commandments
Condemned to Death • Seen by Roman authorities as a threat to their rule • Put to death but believed by Christians to have arisen from the dead and ascended into heaven
After Christ’s Death • Apostles and followers spread his teachings • Apostle Peter established Christianity in the city of Rome • Paul played the most influential role
Christians Are oppressed • seen as disloyal to Rome • practicing in secret made them appear evil • persecution by rulers such as Nero led to martyrdom
Christian Message Appeals to many • Welcomed all people ~ message of love & • equality • Incorporated ideas of Greek philosophers • Missionary work made easier because of Roman unity • Persecution brought new converts
Rome Becomes Christian • Edict of Milan ~ 313 C.E. • Emperor Constantine granted freedom of worship to all citizens of Roman Empire • Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the official religion by the end of the 300s
Fall of Rome - 476 CE • Christian Church • took over much of • the Empire’s role • * remained the central institution of Western • Civilization for 1,000 years
Rome Becomes Christian: Early Christian Church Develops… Page 170