history alive : chapter 36. tree of monotheism (main branches
TRANSCRIPT
Origins and Spread of
Christianity
History Alive: Chapter 36
Tree of Monotheism(Main Branches
When and how did Christianity
originate? How did Christianity spread
throughout the Roman Empire?
Introduction:Essential Questions
Birthplace of Christianity
Birthplace of ChristianityJudea: Remote territory on eastern end of Mediterranean Sea• Once a part of the ancient
kingdom of Israel• Came under Roman rule
around 63 B.C.E.• 37 B.C.E. Herod came to a
rule/puppet of the Roman government
• Herod dies in 4 B.C.E.
Cont…
• Jews hated the Romans and were looking for a Messiah
• Prefects put in place by Rome• Council of Jewish leaders dealt with
local affairs, led by a high priest, outwardly peaceful
• Prophecies in sacred writing for G-d to send a savior
Birth of Jesus
• Messiah = “annointed one”• Augustus orders census • Mary and Joseph travel to
Bethlehem to be counted• The “Christmas Story”
The Nativity“The Christmas Story”
Birth of Jesus (Cont…)
• Probably born in 6 B.C.E. during the reign of King Herod
• Forced to seek shelter in a stable• Mary gave birth and wrapped him
in strips of cloth laying him in a manger
The Three Kings
• Very little known about Jesus’ childhood
• Likely studied carpentry and lived in Nazareth
Gospels: New Testament
• Four important writings/account of Jesus’ life
• Written by his followers (disciples: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John)
• Statements of faith in Jesus as the promised “Messiah”
• Greek word for Messiah was “Christos” or “the Christ”
Gospels: New Testament (cont…)
• Written down from oral and written sources
• Written 30 – 70 years after Jesus died
• Tell of events of Jesus’ life: working miracles, healing the sick, befriending the poor and friendless
• Preached of God’s mercy and love• Urged followers to love one
another
Teachings:
Parable: a simple story that explains a moral or religious lesson
Jesus’ Teachings
• Ministry consisted of teaching, healing and service to others
• Preached in synagogues• As popularity increased, He began
preaching in large, open spaces, towns and by the Sea of Galilee
• He invited 12 men to become his disciples
John the Baptist
• Jesus is baptized at the age of 30
• John identifies Jesus as the Messiah
• Turning point in Jesus’ life
• 40 days of praying in the wilderness
• Returned to Galilee and began preaching
• Based on traditional Jewish beliefs• Special emphasis placed on:
• Love• Mercy
“You shall love your God with all your heart and all your soul.”
“You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself.”
“Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God.”
{Pages 352 – 353 in H.A.}
The Crucifixion
• Passover (Jewish festival commemorating Exodus)
• Temple and the money-changers• Judas Iscariot (betrays Jesus)
• The Last Supper (Jesus gathers with his 12 apostles/disciples)
• Pontius Pilate (Roman prefect/sentences Jesus to death by crucifixion)
Pgs. 354-355 H.A.
The Resurrection1.What does the
Resurrection of Jesus Christ represent for Christians?
2.What holiday is celebrated by Christians to commemorate the Resurrection?
3.Why do eggs play a large role in the celebration of this holiday?
Early converts to Christianity were Jews.
Missionary Work of Paul:
•One of the most important people in Christianity•Born in Tarsus, Turkey•Devoted his life to spreading the teachings of Jesus in (missionary) Asia minor, Greece and Rome
Missionary Work of Paul: (cont.)
•His letters to early churches are in bible•Romans executed him in 65 C.E. (approximately)
•After his death, Catholic Church named him a saint
Aim: How did people relate to Christ’s message?Do now:
Christianity Spreads:•Over time, people, of all classes, begin to adopt this faith•Edict of Milan
• 313 C.E. Emperor Constantine • grants Christians freedom of religion
Tree of Monotheism(Main Branches
Divisions of the Christian Religions