Slide 1

DEVELOPMENT OF
CHRISTIANITY

Big idea: Christianity spread
throughout Roman Empire and
becomes state religion.


Slide 2

The Rise of
Christianity


Slide 3

Religion in the Roman Empire
 State religion –(polytheistic) gods &

goddesses.
 ritual = happy gods & prosperity.
 Tolerant -other religions.
 Judaism
 Judea-Roman Providence
 Procurator- Roman Governor.
 Unrest
 Sadducees –Priest, cooperation with
Rome.
 Pharisees –Scholars-strict religious law
=protection from Rome.
 Essenes- lived apart from society-God
will save from oppression.
 Zealots -overthrow of Roman rulewaiting for Messiah.


Slide 4

Rise of Christianity
 Jesus travels teaching Christianity
 messiah. (anointed one)
 Mission -salvation God promised

Israel.
 focus transformation of inner
person.
 10 Commandments.
 revolutionary -might revolt against
Rome.
 Crucified .


Slide 5

Christianity Spreads
 Apostles spread message.
 Paul -message to Gentiles (non-Jews) of
messiah.
 Jesus death –forgave sins .
 Christianity passed orally.
 Paul -letters (epistles) outline beliefs.
 gospels-New Testament.


Slide 6

Roman Persecution
 Romans 1st little attention to Christians,

seen as part of Judaism.
 Eventually seen as threat to public order.
 Christians –treason-death.


Slide 7

 Roman Empire adopts
Christianity
 Christianity grew










Structured
 clergy -separate from
laity (regular
people).
Fulfilled human need
to belong.
(communities).
Diocletian-Last
persecution.
Constantine- 1st
Christian emperor.
 Edict of Milan
Theodosius the Great Christianity official
religion .


Slide 8

5-4 Section Review
 Who was the head Roman official of
a province?
 Procurator

 Romans were tolerant of other
peoples’ religions unless those
religions did what?
 Threatened public order or morals
 Who was the founder of Christian
communities in Asia Minor?
 Paul


Slide 9

5-4 Section Review
 Roman persecutions made
Christianity what?
 Stronger, more organized, and more
committed
 What were Christian church leaders
called?
 Clergy
 Christianity grew for what reasons?
 It was personal for individuals, it
held familiar beliefs, it provided care
and support for all
 What were Christian church
members called?
 laity


Slide 10

5-4 Section Review
 Christianity was especially attractive
to who?
 The poor

 What is the second part of the
Christian Bible?
 New Testament
 The Jewish Essenes group did what?
 Awaited for God to save Israel