Early Christianity

I. Beginnings of Christianity

A. Land of Palestine (Judah of Israel)

B. Dates (Jesus): Born 3 to 2 BC, Died 30 or 33AD, roughly 34 to 35 years old (only influential last 4-5 years)

C. Jewish tradition

1. Charismatic faith healer

2. Claims fulfillment of Jewish prophecies

3. Messiah (spiritual not political)

II. Central Teachings

A. Old Testament Beliefs of the Hebrews

B. Humans created by to have relationship

C. Adam/Eve and the fall from relationship

D. Jesus: Virgin birth (not the seed of man = not cursed)

E. Sacrifice for others (substituted punishment)

F. Resurrection – Relationship Restored

F. Trinity of Christianity: Three expressions of the same force (Monotheistic)

1. God (Yahweh) 2. Jesus the human expression3. Holy Spirit the spiritual expression that

resides in the world (dimensional)

III. Early ChristianityA. Paul 6-67AD

1. Roman citizen 2. Former persecutor of Christians: Converted 3. to travel, evangelize in Mediterranean 4. Organized many early Christian

communities 5. Wrote much of Christian New Testament

St. Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles

St. Paul: Apostle to the Gentiles

The Spread of Christianity by 600

The Spread of Christianity by 600

IV. Appeal of Christianity

A. all equal in eyes of God

B. Universal - anyone could join

C. Forgiveness in an unforgiving empire

D. Strongly idealistic (stood for something)

E. Bloody and ruthless persecution stimulates massive growth

V. Effects on Rome

A. Moves people away from addictions to Activity

B. Awakens many to the status of Rome

C. Culture within a culture

D. Divided Rome

E. Higher way vs. same old same old