Unit 3: Development of Monotheism

History 101, Unit 3 flashcards

Hebrew Bible/Old Testament

An ancient Jewish text detailing the covenant between God and Abraham.

Christian Gospels

Written accounts of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, composed after his death, which form a foundational text for Christianity.

St. Paul

A key figure in early Christianity, originally known as Saul of Tarsus, who converted to Christianity and became an apostle, spreading the message of Jesus through his missionary journeys and letters (Epistles) found in the New Testament

St. Perpetua

A Christian martyr from the 3rd century who was imprisoned and executed for her faith, remembered for her courage and her inspirational account of her visions in 'The Passion of Perpetua and Felicity'.

Martyrs

Individuals who suffer persecution and death for advocating, refusing to renounce, and making a sacrifice for their beliefs, often religious.

Constantine the Great

The first Roman Emperor to convert to Christianity, who ruled from 306 to 337 AD. He played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity within the Roman Empire and convened the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, which addressed issues of Christian doctrine.

Council of Nicaea

A gathering of Christian bishops convened by Emperor Constantine in 325

Unitarianism over trinitarianism

Determined the Christian doctrine

Theodosius

Roman Emperor from 379 to 395 AD. He is best known for making Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire and for convening the First Council of Constantinople in 381 AD, which further developed Christian doctrine.

Muhammad

The founder of Islam, regarded by Muslims as the final prophet. Born in Mecca around 570 AD, he received revelations from God (Allah) through the angel Gabriel, which were later compiled into the Quran.

The Hijrah

The migration of the Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD, marking the beginning of the Islamic calendar and a significant turning point in Islamic history.

Asceticism

A lifestyle characterized by the practice of strict self-discipline and abstention from indulgence, often for religious or spiritual reasons.

Hermits and monasteries

Hermits are individuals who live in seclusion, often for religious reasons, practicing asceticism; monasteries are communal living spaces for monks or nuns where they live, pray, and work together.

St. Benedict

A Christian monk from the 5th to 6th century who is best known for founding the Benedictine monastic order and for his Rule of Benedict, which outlines a guide for monastic life emphasizing prayer, work, and community.