Question

name: kvalley h
the rise of christianity
overview
the romans took control of judah and turned it into a roman province called judaea. many jews hoped that a messiah would help them win back their freedom from the romans. jesus of nazareth preached of gods love and forgiveness. roman authorities thought jesus was a political rebel, and they crucified him. jesus life and his disciples report of his resurrection led to a new religion called christianity. the religion attracted many followers because it gave meaning to peoples lives, appealed to their emotions, and promised happiness after death. the religion also gave people the chance to be a part of a caring group and provided women with new roles. the roman government persecuted christians. people who were willing to die rather than give up their religion became martyrs.
eventually, christianity became the official religion of the roman empire. early christians set up a church organization ruled by a hierarchy. under this organization, church leaders became known as the clergy, and the regular church members became known as the laity. as the church grew, the bishop of rome was given the title of pope.
monks and nuns played important roles in the spread of christianity. they established monasteries and convents and served as missionaries, teaching their religion to nonbelievers. as christianity continued to spread, christians founded new communities and spread their faith to various parts of europe.
focus questions
after learning about christianitys founding and growth, think about these essential questions:

1. how did christianity become established within the roman empire?
2. what are the essential beliefs of early christian faith?
3. how did christianity spread?
4. what was the impact of early church on the roman empire?

Explanation:

1. Christianity initially faced persecution as Jesus was seen as a political rebel. Over time, its appeal to emotions, promise of meaning and after - life happiness, and provision of community attracted many followers. Eventually, it became the official religion of the Roman Empire, with an established church hierarchy.
2. Essential beliefs included the divinity of Jesus, his resurrection, and God's love and forgiveness.
3. Monks, nuns, and missionaries played key roles in establishing monasteries, convents, and spreading the faith to non - believers across Europe.
4. The early Church influenced the social, cultural, and political aspects of the Roman Empire, leading to the development of a new social order with clergy and laity classes.

Answer:

1. It initially faced persecution but grew due to its emotional appeal, community aspect, and promise of after - life happiness, eventually becoming the official religion with an established hierarchy.
2. Divinity of Jesus, his resurrection, God's love and forgiveness.
3. Through the efforts of monks, nuns, and missionaries who established religious institutions and spread the faith to non - believers.
4. It influenced social, cultural, and political aspects, creating a new social order with clergy and laity classes.