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Early Christianity

Early Christianity. JoLyn Tatum, B.S. Who?. Yeshua Ben Joseph, aka: Yeshua of Nazareth, Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ Born in Palestine Approximately 4 BCE John the Baptist Jewish prophet out of Jerusalem Approximately 12 disciples #s vary depending on source…. Jesus. Where?.

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Early Christianity

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  1. Early Christianity JoLyn Tatum, B.S.

  2. Who? • Yeshua Ben Joseph, aka: Yeshua of Nazareth, Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ • Born in Palestine • Approximately 4 BCE • John the Baptist • Jewish prophet out of Jerusalem • Approximately 12 disciples • #s vary depending on source…

  3. Jesus

  4. Where? • Palestine • Politically unstable • Under severe Roman oppression for decades • Jewish citizens expected the imminent arrival of a military/political/religious leader (Messiah) • Zealots were actively promoting the overthrow of the Romans

  5. When? • 26 CE • When Jesus was baptized by John • Became a preacher • Gathered his followers • 30 CE • Jesus executed in Jerusalem • Brothers continue movement • Jews called them Nazoreans, others called them Christians • Concentrate on converting Jewish citizens • Meanwhile, Paul of Tarsus converts and begins campaign… • Concentrates on non-Jewish citizens (Gentiles)

  6. Paul of Tarsis

  7. Paul’s Journeys…

  8. Paul’s Journeys…

  9. When (cont.) • 70 CE • Romans destroy Jerusalem • Jews flee Palestine • Nazorean movement weakened (probably absorbed by “Pauline Christian” movement • 330 CE • Constantine declares Christianity the national religion

  10. Constantine…

  11. Why? • Many possibilities… • St. Paul’s great ability as an orator and his organizational skills • Created a network of churches throughout eastern Mediterranean • New freedom of movement • Importing of things, including religion • Largely adopted by “common” Greeks • Gospels written with this population in mind as audience (used their language)

  12. Why (cont.) • Compilation of doctrines and text known as the New Testament • Rome’s realization that Christianity was a true threat to Roman culture… • Resultant persecution of Christians • “Heroic martyrs confronting the might of Rome”

  13. Why (cont.) • Constantine • Very powerful and successful general • Has a vision…based on a nearby bishop’s interpretation, Constantine adopts a view of Christianity that includes the Old Testament as well as the New. • Still persecutes Christians who only follow the New Testament • Great opportunity for the expansion of Christianity because of the large amount of funds that Constantine allots to the bishops…

  14. Why (cont) • Constantine (cont.) • Called the Council of Nicea in 325 CE • Had just completed his conquest of Rome • There was some discrepancies in Christian teachings, so this meeting was called to iron things out • Similar traditions as other religions of the time • Dinner worships/gatherings • Celebrations • Christmas stems from Feast of the Son of Isis, Winter solstice, Yule, etc. • Declared the birthday of Jesus in 350 CE by Pope Julius I

  15. Spread of Christianity…

  16. Spread of Christianity

  17. References • The Evolution of Christianity • From Jesus to Christ: Why did Christianity succeed? • The Jesus Movements: 7BCE to 170 CE • Christmas’ Pagan Origins.

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