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The Rise of Christianity

The Rise of Christianity. Religion in Rome. Roman religion shifted from the worship of pagan Gods to the worship of Christianity, which emphasized a more personal relationship between God and people Born as a movement within Judaism. Religion in Rome.

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The Rise of Christianity

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  1. The Rise of Christianity

  2. Religion in Rome • Roman religion shifted from the worship of pagan Gods to the worship of Christianity, which emphasized a more personal relationship between God and people • Born as a movement within Judaism

  3. Religion in Rome • Roman empire spreads to Judea (home of the Jews) around 63 B.C.

  4. Rise of Christianity • Rome takes control of Jewish kingdom in A.D. 6 • Many Jews believed they would once again be free • According to biblical tradition, God promised that a savior known as the Messiah would arrive and restore the kingdom of the Jews.

  5. Jesus of Nazareth • Around 6-4 B.C.E., a Jew named Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea • Jesus emphasized God’s personal relationship to each human being. • He taught people the importance of love for God, neighbors, enemies, and themselves • Apostles wrote about Jesus’s teachings in the Gospels

  6. Jesus of Nazareth • As he became more popular, Jesus was seen as a threat to older religious traditions and the authority of Rome. • Roman Governor Pontius Pilate sentences Jesus to death by crucifixion.

  7. Jesus of Nazareth • According to the Gospels, Jesus rose from his tomb three days after his death and appeared to his followers. • Hereafter: Jesus Christ (Christos = Greek for ‘messiah’ or ‘savior’

  8. Rise of Christianity • Despite religious and political opposition, Christianity spreads steadily throughout the Roman Empire • NOTE: The PaxRomanaprovided the ideal conditions for Christianity to spread • Why do you suppose this is true?

  9. Rise of Christianity • A.D. 66: Rome defeats a Jewish rebellion (Masada, Jewish Fortress)

  10. Rise of Christianity • ‘The various modes of worship, which prevailed in the Roman world, were all considered by the people, as equally true; by the philosopher, as equally false; and by the magistrate, as equally useful.’ - Edward Gibbon, The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

  11. Rise of Christianity • Despite the increasing popularity of Christianity, Romans continued to persecute Christians • Reason: Christians didn’t worship Roman gods. • Roman rules took this as opposition to them. • Persecute – to eliminate, discriminate, or subjugate a group of people based on their religion, race, or beliefs. • Other examples?

  12. Why did Christianity thrive in Rome? • Embraced all people • Gave hope to the powerless • Appealed to those who were repelled by the extravagances of Rome • Offered personal relationship with loving God • Promised eternal life after death

  13. Rise of Christianity • By third century, there are millions of Christians living in the Roman empire.

  14. Constantine • 312 A.D.: Constantine was fighting three rivals for leadership of Rome • Constantine marches to Rome and prays for divine help before the battle (Milvian Bridge) • Constantine sees image of a cross in the sky • Wins battle, credits his success to help of Christian God

  15. Constantine • 313 A.D.: Constantine announces an end to the persecution of Christians • ‘Edict of Milan’ – declares Christianity one of the religions approved by the emperor. • 380 A.D.: Christianity becomes empire’s official religion • Rome becomes seat of the papacy and center of the Christian Church

  16. Who am I?

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