Christianity

The Life of JesusThe basics

There is some debate about when Jesus livedThe Bible says he was born during the reign of Herod the Great

Reigned until 4 BCHe died while Pontius Pilate was prefect of Judea

AD 26-36Most agree he lived from 3 BC to 33 AD

Jesus’ TeachingsJews were treated badly under Roman ruleThey turned inward and closed off their community

Saw the world as split between Jews and Gentiles

Jesus preached tolerance, love, and equality

He wanted to “fix” JudaismMany of His followers believed that He was the prophesied Messiah and Son of GodHe would lead the Jews to victory over Rome

Jesus’ TeachingsJesus’ teachings upset two groups:

Jewish High Priests because Jesus created controversy within the Jewish traditionRoman government was afraid Jesus would reduce their authority

Romans arrested JesusHe was crucified at age 33This is the end of the story for JewsBut….

Jesus’ ResurrectionBut…

Followers believed Jesus rose from the deadBecause of this…People began to believe that Jesus was the Messiah and the Son of God

“New” religion was created and spread throughout the Roman Empire

Spread of Christianity

Why did it spread so rapidly?Equality

The Roman world was split between citizens, non-citizens, and slaves, and there was little/no opportunity to move upOnly Roman citizens had rightsChristianity taught that everyone was equal to God

Slaves = CaesarSense of Calm and Happiness

To Romans, death was scaryTo Christians, death meant eternal peace in heaven

Life expectancy was only about 35

Constantine I (the Great)Romans were still hostile towards ChristianityBattle of the Milvian Bridge

Constantine challenged by rivalNight before battle, Constantine sees vision“Through this sign, you shall conquer”Constantine uses symbol on shieldsWins battle, rival drowns in river

Became sole Emperor of Rome

Constantine Spreads ChristianityConstantine converts to Christianity

Gave tax breaks and elevated status to ChristiansCaused many conversions

AD 381 – Christianity made official religion of Empire by Theodosius I

This paved the way for followers of Christianity to number over 2 billion today

Capital moved to Constantinopolis

Split in the Empire

Differences in Opinion

Officially there was one churchMany Christians disagreed on specifics

Latin ChurchCentered in RomeLed by Pope (Il Papa)Followed by Western Europeans

Greek ChurchCentered in ConstantinopleLed by Byzantine EmperorFollowers from Mid East and East. Europe

Differences in OpinionCoptic Church

Centered in AlexandriaLed by a “Patriarch”Followed by Egyptians and Ethiopians

Nestorian ChurchCentered in AntiochFollowed by Syrians, Iranians

In the 500’s, the Coptic and Nestorian Christians separated from the rest

Split in the ChurchIn 1054, the Latin and Greek Churches officially splitToday they are known as the Roman Catholic and Orthodox Churches

Roman CatholicismOne billion followers

Mostly in Europe and N. and S. America

Catholics believe that the Pope has final say on:

Biblical interpretationChurch rules

Pope traces his power to St. Peter

First introduced Christianity to RomeConsidered first Pope

Capital is Vatican CityCurrent Pope: Benedict XVI

The Orthodox ChurchSplit from the Catholics (Schism)

Leadership and theology problemsPracticed mainly in Southeast Europe, Russia, Armenia, and Mid EastFollow a different calendar than the others

Celebrate Christmas Jan. 7Easter later

Protestantism (Reformation)Broke from the Roman Catholics in 16th centuryMartin Luther main proponent

Nailed 95 Theses to door of Wittenberg Cathedral in 1517ExcommunicatedBegan Lutheran Church

King Henry VIII broke from Rome in 1531

Anglican and Episcopal ChurchOthers include:

Baptists, Methodists, Calvinists, Presbyterians, Puritans, etc.

Most non-denominational churches in the US are Protestant

Holy Cities and Pilgrimages

JerusalemPalestine contains the main sites of Jesus’ lifeHuge tourist destinations

Vatican CityIn RomeHome to PopeVisited by millions each yearContains many artifacts of Catholicism