Hist 151 1st Edition Lecture 14Current LectureThe Calendar - AD (anno domini) and CE (common era)- Importance of religion in European historyChristianity- Edward Gibbon (1737-1794)—“Decline and Fall of the Roman empire”- Christianity and fall of Rome—cause or coincidence?Judea-Growth- Troubled time under Roman empire- Herd as king; Pontius Pilate as governoro Crucifixion a low-class mode of execution- Open rebellion 66CE- Sack of Jerusalem- 70 ADo Favorable religious climate for messiaho Hoped for salvation from Roman oppression- Saint Paul (d. 67 CE)o Evolution from small Jewish sect Jews & Gentiles- Rituals & law- Who can preach in the temple Council of Jerusalem 50Ce- Circumcision no longer required- Baptism & communion roots- Universality emphasized Hellenized: early doctrines worked out in Greek- Paul’s letters- Body & soul—flesh & spiritWhat needs did early Christianity meet?- w/ growth of cities disruption; rootlessChristianity’s Appeal (becoming more popular in 3 rd and 4 th century)- for women, slaves, lower classo with low stakeo little could be satisfying in state religiono hope for forgivenesso sense of purpose—salvation o secret meetings- emotional sustenance- community & equality - persecutions bind togetherCompeting religions - similar features: suppliers, etc- roman state religion & household godso needs to the state, emperor worship- mystery religions: cults of Zoroaster & Isiso life after deatho emersion in watero gods
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