The Growth of Christianity in Rome

Nov 3, 2024

The Rise of Christianity in the Roman Empire

Introduction

  • Christianity emerged during the Roman Empire.
  • Rooted in Judaism, based on the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth.
  • Jesus: Traditional founder, prophet, and redeemer of Christianity.
  • Historical record of Jesus is limited; key events: Baptism by John the Baptist and crucifixion by Pontius Pilate.

Teachings of Jesus

  • Began ministry around age 30.
  • Taught the imminence of the Kingdom of God, open to all, including marginalized groups like prostitutes and tax collectors.
  • Jewish by birth, taught an offshoot of Judaism.
  • Executed for refusal to adhere to the imperial cult and causing dissent.

Relationship with Judaism

  • Seen as an offshoot of Judaism, similar to how Mormons are viewed by modern Christians.
  • Jesus claimed to be the Son of God, leading to skepticism and perceived threat among Jews.
  • Christianity spread through missionary efforts, particularly among non-Jews.

Spread of Christianity

  • Followers known as Christians, gathered in Antioch post-crucifixion.
  • Proselytized widely due to inclusive teachings appealing to marginalized groups.
  • Spread facilitated by:
    1. Appeal to the poor.
    2. Ease of idea dissemination in the Roman Empire.
    3. Prominent figures like the apostles.

Paul the Apostle

  • Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul, pivotal in shaping Christianity.
  • Advocated for inclusion of Gentiles without conversion to Judaism.
  • Helped Christianity evolve from a sect of Judaism to an independent faith.

Christianity and the Roman State

  • Initially, Christians were indistinguishable from Jews; both exempt from worshipping other gods.
  • As Christianity separated from Judaism, it lost legal protections, leading to persecution.
  • Refusal to worship Roman Emperors led to treason charges and persecution.

Jewish-Christian Distinctions

  • Jews distanced themselves from Christians to avoid persecution.
  • Jews did not proselytize, unlike Christians.
  • Christians considered a threat due to their refusal to follow Roman religious practices.

Persecutions and Martyrdom

  • Christians persecuted for refusal to conform to Roman religious norms.
  • Martyrs revered for dying for their faith; many became saints.
  • Persecution periods:
    1. 64 CE - The Great Fire blamed on Christians under Emperor Nero.
    2. Increased under Emperor Domitian around 96 CE.

Development of Christian Texts

  • Persecutions led to the documentation of Christian teachings.
  • New Testament (Gospels) written about 100 years post Jesus’s death.

Misunderstandings and Secretive Practices

  • Christians met secretly, leading to rumors of cannibalistic rituals (Communion misinterpreted).

Decline of Persecutions

  • Persecutions slowed during the political crises of the 3rd century.

Conclusion

  • All these events set the stage for Constantine's eventual embrace of Christianity.