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Early Christianity: Origins, Spread & Evolution

Explore the birth, teachings, and expansion of Christianity from Jesus of Nazareth to Constantine’s role, shaping the religion. Dive into historical events and key figures in the growth of the faith.

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Early Christianity: Origins, Spread & Evolution

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  1. Early Christianity JoLyn Tatum, B.S.

  2. Who? • Yeshua Ben Joseph, aka: Yeshua of Nazareth, Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ • Born in Palestine • Approximately 4 BCE • John the Baptist • Jewish prophet out of Jerusalem • Approximately 12 disciples • #s vary depending on source…

  3. Jesus

  4. Where? • Palestine • Politically unstable • Under severe Roman oppression for decades • Jewish citizens expected the imminent arrival of a military/political/religious leader (Messiah) • Zealots were actively promoting the overthrow of the Romans

  5. When? • 26 CE • When Jesus was baptized by John • Became a preacher • Gathered his followers • 30 CE • Jesus executed in Jerusalem • Brothers continue movement • Jews called them Nazoreans, others called them Christians • Concentrate on converting Jewish citizens • Meanwhile, Paul of Tarsus converts and begins campaign… • Concentrates on non-Jewish citizens (Gentiles)

  6. Paul of Tarsis

  7. Paul’s Journeys…

  8. Paul’s Journeys…

  9. When (cont.) • 70 CE • Romans destroy Jerusalem • Jews flee Palestine • Nazorean movement weakened (probably absorbed by “Pauline Christian” movement • 330 CE • Constantine declares Christianity the national religion

  10. Constantine…

  11. Why? • Many possibilities… • St. Paul’s great ability as an orator and his organizational skills • Created a network of churches throughout eastern Mediterranean • New freedom of movement • Importing of things, including religion • Largely adopted by “common” Greeks • Gospels written with this population in mind as audience (used their language)

  12. Why (cont.) • Compilation of doctrines and text known as the New Testament • Rome’s realization that Christianity was a true threat to Roman culture… • Resultant persecution of Christians • “Heroic martyrs confronting the might of Rome”

  13. Why (cont.) • Constantine • Very powerful and successful general • Has a vision…based on a nearby bishop’s interpretation, Constantine adopts a view of Christianity that includes the Old Testament as well as the New. • Still persecutes Christians who only follow the New Testament • Great opportunity for the expansion of Christianity because of the large amount of funds that Constantine allots to the bishops…

  14. Why (cont) • Constantine (cont.) • Called the Council of Nicea in 325 CE • Had just completed his conquest of Rome • There was some discrepancies in Christian teachings, so this meeting was called to iron things out • Similar traditions as other religions of the time • Dinner worships/gatherings • Celebrations • Christmas stems from Feast of the Son of Isis, Winter solstice, Yule, etc. • Declared the birthday of Jesus in 350 CE by Pope Julius I

  15. Spread of Christianity…

  16. Spread of Christianity

  17. References • The Evolution of Christianity • From Jesus to Christ: Why did Christianity succeed? • The Jesus Movements: 7BCE to 170 CE • Christmas’ Pagan Origins.

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