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The Rise of Christianity
Rome Notes #4
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2. Origins in Judaism
• Romans were polytheistic. (Mythology)
• When the Romans took over a land they
allowed people to worship their gods as long as
they also honored the Roman gods and the
“divine spirit” of the emperor.
• Some Jews known as zealots, believed they
had to revolt to protect their belief in only one
God and create their own nation.
• Other Jews believed that God would soon send
a messiah or savior to lead Jews to freedom.
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3. • In 66-70AD they revolted against Rome.
• The Romans then sacked the holy city of
Jerusalem and destroyed all of the Jewish
temple except the western wall. Wailing Wall.
• In 135AD Hadrian banished all the Jews from
the holy city of Jerusalem. Diaspora
• Rabbis –Jewish scholars who interpreted
scripture and learned Jewish Law. Rabbis
became the leaders of Jewish
communities outside of
Jerusalem.
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Beliefs of Christianity
and Teachings of Jesus of Nazareth
Jesus began teaching around 27AD.
According to the Gospels: Jesus traveled the
countryside with his followers and disciples,
performing miracles, and defended the poor.
His life & teachings are recorded in the
gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
The gospels make up the first 4 books of the
new testament of the BIBLE. (Holy Book)
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6. • Jesus’ teachings were derived from
Jewish traditions.
• He emphasized that:
• People must love God above all else.
• They should love others as they love
themselves
• There is One true God. Monotheism
• God cares for all people; especially
those that are suffering
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7. • Romans feared Jesus would lead an uprising.
• Jesus was arrested, put on trial by Pontius
Pilate (the governor), and crucified.
• According to the Gospels: Jesus rose from the
dead, remained on Earth for 40 days, and then
went to heaven.
• His followers then called him
Jesus Christ, believed he was
the Messiah, and had died for their
sins.(christos = Greek word for Messiah)
• Followers believed through this they
could be redeemed from God’s final judgment.
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8. Christianity Spreads
• Christianity was appealing because it accepted
everyone, poor and rich alike and provided an
afterlife.
• It was spread by the Apostles, including Paul,
throughout the Roman Empire
• The Roman government viewed Christianity
as a Jewish sect.
• Romans angry:
--Christians converted people
--spoke out against polytheism=Roman Beliefs
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10. • The Romans outlawed Christianity.
Martyrs – people put to death for their beliefs.
• But after the 5 Good Emperors, Rome
entered a time of violence and unrest.
200sAD.
• Realizing they could not punish all
Christians, Rome accepted Christianity.
• It was adopted and legalized by Emperor
Constantine after a successful battle.
• Theodosius made Christianity the official
religion of Rome
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11. Impact of the Church of Rome
in the late Roman Empire
• The Christian church became more
organized and became known as the
Roman Catholic Church.
• Christian doctrine was established by
early church councils
• Priests conducted services and
ceremonies
• Bishops were above priests and headed
the church in each city
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12. • Patriarchs of these cities became Pope (latin
word meaning “father”)
• Peter, Jesus’ disciple was considered the
first pope.
• Church became an example of moral
authority
• Loyalty to the church became more
important than loyalty to the Emperor
• Church became main unifying force of
Western Europe
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