Rise of Christianity

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Rise of Christianity
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I. Jesus born about 6-4 B.C. in the town of
Bethlehem
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I. His messagebegan preaching at about age 30
around 26 A.D.a. Monotheistic (belief in
only one god)b. 10 Commandments
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c. Stressed peoples personal
relationship with Godd. Life after death
in an eternal kingdom for those who
were repentant (sorry) for their
sins.
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2. As Jesus preached from town to town, his
popularity grew, especially to the poor.
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3. Jesus deathhis popularity threatened
Roman rulers.a. 29 A.D. Roman ruler
Pontius Pilate had Jesus crucified
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b. According to the Gospel, after his death
Jesus rose from the dead three days after being
placed in his tomb
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Christianity Spread Through-out the Empire 1.
Pax Romanamade conditions perfect for
spreading Christianity a. Excellent
road system
b. Common
Language
(Latin)
Golden Age!
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2. PaulJesus disciple who played a large
role in the spread of Christianity by
teachinga. Jesus is the son of God who
died for our sins
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b. Christianity welcomes all converts.
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III. Persecution of Christians Christians
refused to worship Roman godsseen as opposition
to Roman rule
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1. Thousands of Christians were burned,
crucified or killed by wild animals in the arena.
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2. Despite this, by 300 A.D., there were one
million Christians in the Roman Empire.
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IV. Christianitys Appeal Christianity grew
because it1. Embraced all people
men/women, slaves, poor and nobles
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2. Gave hope to the powerless3. Promised
eternal life after death
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V. Structure of the Early Christian Church
Head of the Christian Church
POPE

Priests who supervise several local churches
BISHOPS
PRIESTS
Local spiritual leaders
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VI. Constantine(312 A.D.) Roman Emperor announced
the end of Christian persecution1. Edict of
Milan Constantine proclaims
Christianity approved by the emperor
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• Create a timeline, labeling all of the key dates
  for the Roman Empire we have discussed so far.
• Start with Caesar and end with the Edict of
  Milan.
• You must have at least 8 dates.

Assassination of Caesar
Edict of Milan