Rise of Christianity

Christianity Judaism in Rome: living in Judea,

persecuted by RomeJesus: born Jewish

Began teaching at 30 years old: love for God, neighbors, enemies and one’s self, & salvation

Said was incarnation of God coming to save humanity from sins

Romans worried plotting overthrow of Empire Had him executed via crucifixion

Apostles Peter & Paul spread through Roman Empire

Christianity Persecuted at first (think: Nero)Emperor Constantine

Converts to Christianity Stops persecution & makes it legal

Emperor Theodosius official religion Rome

Christianity Bible inspired by God

Jewish teachings, life of Jesus & disciples, epistles (letters) of early missionaries

Jesus is God in flesh Path to salvation is Christ

All mankind is sinful, nothing you can do to save selfBelieving in Jesus & following him gets you to heaven

Christianity spread during the Pax RomanaEmbraced all peoplegave hope to the powerlessoffered a personal relationship with a loving Godpromised eternal life

Christianity AssignmentFrom the perspective of a Roman Christian,

choose one of the following assignments to describe your life in Rome:Short StoryLetter Comic Strip