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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