Development of Christianity5-4

Roman Religion• Official religion worshipped a number of gods

and goddess.• Closely resembles Greek religion but with

different names.• Relationships with gods created peace and

prosperity and this happened through the state priests.

• Romans were tolerant of other religions

Hellenistic Religion

•During Hellenistic era, people were given tremendous freedom.

•Jewish religion spread in Judea but there was a lot of unrest between Jews and Roman rule

Rise of Christianity

•Jesus traveled and preached throughout Roman empire

•His preaching eventually stirred controversy because he was seen as a potential revolutionary – rulers were afraid he would create a revolt against Rome.

•After his death by Roman authorities, followers claimed he rose from the dead, sparking the spread of Christianity.

The spread of Christianity• Many followers of Jesus, called apostles, spread

out over Roman empire and set up Christian communities

• Passed the teachings of early Christianity orally• His disciples eventually wrote down their

personal accounts which created the New Testament of the Bible

• Romans were tolerant of other religions unless they were seen as a threat.▫Christianity seen as a threat when they wouldn’t

worship the original Roman gods

Triumph of Christianity•Romans persecuted Christians at first but it

only gave Christianity strength.•People flocked to this outlawed religion

because…▫It was personal and offered eternal life to

believers▫Seemed familiar, offered immortality for the

sacrificial death of a savior/god▫Fulfilled human need to belong▫Was attractive to all classes but especially the

poor and powerless

Constantine

•3rd century – Diocletion was one of the last great persecutions▫Knew it was too great of a force to be

blotted out.•4th century Roman had their first Christian

emperor – Constantine▫Proclaimed the Edict of Milan which state

official tolerance of Christianity▫Romans adopted Christianity as their

official religion under Theodosius the Great