U8 L3: Christianity

The Teachings of Jesus

- first four books of the New Testament, or the Gospels, tell of Jesus's life - Accepted many jewish teachings - stressed love and acceptance of all, especially the poor and weak - stated that god would create an eternal kingdom in heaven for the faithful

Paul of Tarsus (ca. 4 BCE-ca. 64 CE)

- jew and citizen of rome - persecuted christians in his early life - converted to christianity after being visited by a vision of jesus - is considered the most influential leader of the early church - is believed to have been martyred for his beliefs

The Early Church

- paul was an influential leader of the early church, spreading the Christian faith - christians were persecuted by tht eoman government until the reign of Constantine - Constantine helped to make Christianity the official religion of Rome - the roman catholic church became the official christian church

Jesus of Nazareth (ca. 4 BCE-ca. 30 CE)

- was a jew raised in the village of Nazareth - began his public ministry at age thirty - is believe by many to be the awaited Messiah and son of God - is reported to have performed many miracles - is called "the Christ" or "Jesus Christ" from the greek word for "savior"

On this map of the Roman Empire, which letter corresponds with the birthplace of Jesus? A) A B) B C) C D) D

A) A

The Ressurrection

According to the gospels, three days after his burial, a living jesus appeared to his followers - he then ascended into heaven - the christian holiday of Easter celebrates the resurrection

Which of the following correctly shows a cause and effect of Christianity's rise in the Roman Empire? A) Christians were persecuted. —> Support for and growth of Christianity declined. B) Constantine embraced Christianity. —> Christianity expanded in Rome. C) Romans embraced polytheism. —> Support of Christianity grew. D) Constantine rose to power. —> Christians were persecuted.

B) Constantine embraced Christianity. —> Christianity expanded in Rome.

Jesus answered, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who both stole his possessions and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. By chance a certain priest was going down that way. When he saw him, he passed by on the other side. In the same way a Levite also, when he came to the place, and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a certain Samaritan, as he traveled, came where he was. When he saw him, he was moved with compassion, came to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He set him on his own animal, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him . . . Now which of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to him who fell among the robbers?"The man said, "He who showed mercy on him."Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise." Background information: This parable comes from the book of Luke in the New Testament. Here, Jesus is teaching a man about the meaning behind "loving one's neighbor as oneself." During Jesus's time, Jews viewed a people called Samaritans unfavorably. Which of these statements best describes the lesson Jesus is teaching? A) Refrain from robbing and beating others B) Take care of people in need, even if they are your enemies. C) Help out others if they are your neighbors. D) Stay away from priests and Levites, who are not to be trusted.

B) Take care of people in need, even if they are your enemies.

And thus by this wholesome counsel and most upright provision we thought to arrange that NO ONE WHATSOEVER SHOULD BE DENIED THE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE HIS HEART TO THE OBSERVANCE OF THE CHRISTIAN RELIGION, of that religion which he should think best for himself. Read this passage, focusing on the capitalized phrase. What is the main idea of this passage? A) People have no right to worship in their own way. B) People should be forced to observe the Christian religion. C) People should be free to observe Christianity if they want to. D) People are forbidden from worshipping in the Christian fashion.

C) People should be free to observe Christianity if they want to.

What was the trend in the percentage of Christians in the world's population in the first 350 years of Christianity? A) slow but steady growth B) steady, high growth C) initial slow growth followed by an explosion of growth D) initial explosive growth followed by a leveling off of growth

C) initial slow growth followed by an explosion of growth

Write a short paragraph explaining what you think are the key reasons Christianity spread to and survived in the Roman Empire.

Christianity spread through the work of Paul to carry the message throughout the empire. It survived because the people remained firm in their beliefs. This helped it to survive and attract new believers until it was embraced by Emperor Constantine.

Emperor Constantine's Conversion

Constantine fought to become emperor of the Roman Empire - according to legend, he received a message from God before a battle - Constantine won the battle and gave credit to the "God of the Christians" - became a devout follower

Constantine's Leadership

Constantine legalized worship throughout the empire - ended persecutions of Christians - standardized Christian beliegs through the creation of the Nicene Creed

And thus by this wholesome counsel and most upright provision we thought to arrange that no one whatsoever should be denied the opportunity to give his heart to the observance of the Christian religion, of that religion which he should think best for himself. Based on your knowledge of the history of Christianity, who wrote this document? A) Paul B) Jesus C) Moses D) Constantine

D) Constantine

Who was responsible for spreading the message of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire? A) Matthew B) Jesus C) Constantine D) Paul

D) Paul

Wrap-Up

During the Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church would dominate European government and society. - vitually all europeans were catholics - the leader of the church--the pope--held as much power as any king

According to the Bible, what made the circumstances of Jesus's death unique? He was baptized at death. He was resurrected three days later. He was crucified on a wooden cross. He was given the first Christian burial.

He was resurrected three days later.

The Foundations of Christianity

Jesus of Nazareth was a Jew born in Judea - it is believed by many to be the awaited Messiah and the son of God - it is reported to have performed many miracles and taught kindness and acceptance - was tried and executed, but his followers believe he was resurrected

The Christian faith began in the [SAMARIAN; ROMAN; EGYPTIAN] Empire. It was founded by Jesus, who some believed to be the long-awaited [MESSIAH; TEACHER; EMPEROR]. Jesus's life is told in the first four books of the New Testament, which are called the [DISCIPLES; PARABLES; GOSPELS]. According to Christian tradition, he was executed, then rose again from the dead, an event called the [PARABLE; GOSPEL; RESURRECTION]. This event is celebrated on the Christian holiday of [EASTER; CHRISTMAS; PENTECOST].

ROMAN; MESSIAH; GOSPELS; RESURRECTION; EASTER

Christian Churches

The Church - Eastern Orthodox - The Catholic Church in Rome --- Protestant churches

Judaism in the Time of Jesus

The Jewish people in Judea lived under Roman rule - Rome allowed Jews some religious freedom - Some looked forward to the arrival of the Messiah

sect

a branch of a larger religious group

The teachings of Jesus could be best described as a focus on acceptance and love for all, especially the poor and weak true believers above all others. those who became Christian. Roman officials, to win their approval.

all, especially the poor and weak

The Roman Catholic Church

by the 300s, a loose organization had formed - bishops supervised a group of churches - the bishop of rome was the leader of the church - by 380, the roman catholic church was the official church of the empire

the Persecution of Early Christians

christians refused to worship roman gods - christians suffered persecution for their beliefs - despite this, the church continued to grow

Christian Beliegs

contains two parts: old testament and new testament - Christianity is a monotheistic religion - all Christians consider Jesus to be the son of God - they believe that he was sent to save mankind from sin - Christians believe that they will attain salvation by following his teachings

The Disciples of Jesus

jesus attracted many followers, and thousands came to hear him speak - he chose twelve men to be his closest disciples - these men were charged with spreading the christian faith

The First Christians

jesus's disciples and followers began to spread the word about jesus - traveled across the empire, spreading the message that jesus was the messiah - in the beginning, christianity was seen as a sect of judaism

Jesus's Trial and Crucifixion

jesus's popularity concerned roman and jewish leaders - people called him the Messiah, or king - he was tried and executed on the orders of the roman governor, Pontius Pilate

disciple

one of the close followers of Jesus during his lifetime

Gospel

one of the first four books of the New Testament, titled Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

The Early Chirch

paul traveled across the roman empire, spreading christianity - converted people of all faiths - wrote about half of the books of the new testament - established many churches

resurrection

rising from death and coming back to life

martyr

someone who chooses to die rather than to deny his or her beliefs

Messiah

the king who is expected to arrive and free the Jews from bondage; savior