The Development of Christianity Chapter 5.4

Religion in the Roman Empire

Augustus revived traditional Roman religious festivals and

ceremonies to bring back the Roman state religion.

It focused on the worship of a number of gods and

goddesses–including _______________,

_____________, __________________ and

______________–based on the Greek Olympian deities.

Beginning with Augustus, emperors often were declared

gods.

Roman Religion

The Romans believed that

_________________________________

brought them into a right relationship with the

gods, which guaranteed peace and prosperity.

They also believed that their success at empire

building meant the _________ favored them.

The Romans were _____________of local religions

and worship.

Many Romans were drawn to the religions of the

____________________areas they had conquered.

These religions gave a more spiritual experience to

them, promised entry into a higher reality, and taught

of a life after death superior to the present one.

Judaism in the Empire

By A.D. 6, Judaea, which covered the lands of the ancient

kingdom of Judah, was a Roman ________________

under the direction of a procurator.

Unrest was common in Judaea, even among factions of

Jews.

Jewish Factions

Among the Jews, the

___________________counseled cooperating with

the Romans.

The _________________promoted close

observance of religious law to protect Jewish identity

from Roman influences.

The __________________awaited God to save

Israel from oppression.

The _________________advocated overthrowing

Roman rule.

The Rise of Christianity

_____________, a Jew, began to preach in the midst of this

conflict.

Jesus taught that _________________________was most

important, not adhering to laws or rituals.

He commanded that ___________________________

__________________________________________

Jesus taught the virtues that would later shape the value

system of ________________________________: humility,

charity, and love of others.

The Rise of Christianity

Jesus’ opponents turned Jesus over to the Roman

authorities because they thought he might cause people

to revolt against Rome. The procurator,

________________________, ordered his crucifixion.

Followers of Jesus believed he overcame death, however.

Many Jewish followers believed he was the

_________________who had come to save Israel.

Christo = Messiah

Christianity spreads Through the Empire

___________________ was a prominent figure in early

Christianity.

Another prominent leader was ___________.

Paul took the message of Jesus to both Jews and non-

Jews, or __________________.

He founded many Christian communities in Asia Minor

and along the Aegean Sea.

Paul taught that Jesus was _____________________

_________________who had come to Earth to save all

people.

Christianity spreads Through the Empire

Jesus’ death could make up for people’s ________ and

offer them ______________.

Paul wrote letters (______________) to Christian

communities, and other disciples may have written down

Jesus’ sayings.

Between A.D. 40 and 100, these became the basis of the

written _______________(“the good news”).

The Gospels tell of Jesus’ life and teachings, and they form

the basis of the _______________________, the

second part of the Christian Bible.

Roman Persecution

Christianity’s basic values differed from Greco-Roman values.

Even so, at first the Romans paid little attention to the spread of Christianity.

That attitude changed.

Romans came to see Christianity as harmful to public order and morals because Christians ______________ __________________________________________

This was an act of treason, a capital crime.

Christians believed, however, in one God only and that worshipping false gods would endanger their _________________.

Roman Persecution

Roman persecution of Christians began under

________________ reign, (A.D. 54–68). He blamed

Christians for the fire that burned much of __________.

He subjected them to cruel deaths.

In the second century, persecution lessened, though it

continued to a degree.

By the end of the rule of the five good emperors,

Christians made up a small but strong minority.

Appeal of Christianity

Christianity is _______________________.

Gave meaning and purpose to individuals.

Roman religion is state-based.

Christianity is ___________________.

Sacrificial death. No painful or expensive rites.

Christianity fulfills need to

________________. Communities were

bound in love, helping one another and

others.

The Roman Empire Adopts Christianity

Roman persecution strengthened Christianity by

__________________________________________

The emerging control over Christian communities by

_________________was important to this change.

The Christian Church was creating a distinction between

the ______________(church leaders) and the

__________________(everyday church members).

The Roman Empire Adopts Christianity

Christians formed communities based on love and

care.

Christianity was especially attractive to the

_________ ___________________________

Everyone, regardless of status, could gain salvation

and all were

_____________________________________.

Martyrs people who choose to die

rather than give up religious beliefs

The Roman Empire Adopts Christianity

Emperors in the third century began new waves of

persecution, ending with the great persecution by

________________________ at the beginning of the fourth

century.

Christianity was too strong for force to destroy it, however.

Christianity prospered in the fourth century.

_________________became the first Christian emperor.

In 313 his _____________________ officially sanctioned

tolerating Christianity.

Under __________________________, the Romans

adopted Christianity as their official religion.

By this sign you will conquer…

_________________became the first

Christian emperor.

In 313 his

________________________officially

sanctioned tolerating Christianity.

Under

______________________________, the

Romans adopted Christianity as their official

religion.