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Who was Josephus and what was his significance in relation to Jesus?
A Jewish historian who wrote for Rome and referenced Jesus, but his accounts are considered problematic due to their Christian implications.
What did Tacitus note about Jesus in his historical writings?
A Roman historian, referenced Jesus by reflecting societal realities and expressed annoyance with Christians.
What event did the Babylonian Conquest in 587 result in for the Jewish people?
Conquered Juda and spread Jewish communities across the world.
What was the outcome of the Persian Conquest for the Jewish people?
Allowed the Jews to return to their land, but they still did not have independence.
Why was Alexander the Great's conquest significant for Israel?
Took over the Persian Empire, but after his death, his empire was divided into four parts, resulting in conflicts over Israel.
What is Hellenism and how did it affect Jewish thought?
Spread of Greek thought, which was responded to differently by Jewish communities; some embraced it while others rejected it.
Who was Philo and what was his approach to Hellenism?
A Jewish philosopher who embraced Hellenism and sought to blend Jewish thought with Greek philosophy.
Describe the Essenes' response to Hellenism.
This group lived in the desert and rejected any involvement with Greek thought and life.
What was the main goal of the Zealots in relation to Hellenism?
This group aimed to rebel against Hellenism.
How were the Pharisees different from the Sadducees?
This group was more liberal, associated with common folk, and were 'of the people,' whereas the second group were elites connected to the temple and did not believe in the resurrection.
What did the Maccabean Revolt aim to achieve?
It sought Jewish independence from Hellenistic rule and was able to establish some autonomy for about a century.
What was the Roman Conquest in 63 BC significant for Israel?
This led to the reoccupation of Israel, ultimately leading to the destruction of the temple.
What characterized Roman religious policies during their rule over Israel?
This required worship of Roman gods and were tolerant towards other religions, wanting to maintain religious antiquity.
What was Paul known for in the early Christian church?
A missionary to the Gentiles and his teachings were significant in the growth and success of Christianity.
Identify one distinctive of the early church.
Early Christians observed the Sabbath on Saturday and worshiped on Sunday.
What is the Gospel of Thomas?
A Gnostic document not authored by this person, and it is considered heretical by the Church.
Who led the Church in Jerusalem before 70 AD?
James, the brother of Jesus and one of the earliest leaders of the Christian community.
What is Ebionism?
A heretical belief among Jewish Christians that rejected the virgin birth and certain other Jewish teachings.
What did Docetism teach regarding Jesus?
Taught that Jesus only appeared to be human and did not truly suffer.
What does Gnosticism emphasize?
Emphasizes the need for deep secret knowledge, viewing the material world as evil and the spiritual world as good.
What is Marcionism known for rejecting?
Rejects the Old Testament and most of the New Testament and posits a different God than the God of the Old Testament.
Who was Ignatius of Antioch and what was his significance?
A bishop who wrote seven letters and opposed Docetism and Ebionism; he was martyred for his faith.
What did Irenaeus of Lyons emphasize in his teachings?
This person expressed the universality of faith and apostolic tradition, and he was the first to identify the four gospels.
What criteria are used for tests of canonicity in early Christian texts?
Apostolicity, catholicity, antiquity, and orthodoxy.
What is Apostolic Tradition in early Christianity?
Illustrates the church structure and teaches the necessity of a three-year preparation before baptism.
Who were the Montanists and what did they emphasize?
Elevated the role of the Holy Spirit over bishops and the person of Jesus.
What was The Didache?
An early Christian document that outlines Christian morals and practice.
What was the focus of Justin Martyr's philosophical work?
Blended philosophical traditions with Christian ideals, stating that the best philosophies align with Christianity.
What does the term 'Ecclesia' refer to?
The assembly of the Church.
How did Romans perceive early Christianity?
An economic threat, an incestuous and cannibalistic religion, and believed Christians were bad citizens.
During the first 200 years, what was the nature of persecution faced by Christians?
Local and sporadic rather than universal.
What was Emperor Nero's connection to early Christians?
After Rome burned, they blamed Christians, leading to persecution of them.
What action did Emperor Trajan recommend regarding Christians?
They should not be hunted down, but rather identified if they caused problems.
What type of persecution did Emperor Diocletian focus on?
Persecution on church leaders and pastors.
Who was Tertullian and what was his stance on philosophy?
A Christian who rejected Greek philosophy and emphasized the gospel; he was also the first to use the term 'Trinity.'
What contribution did Clement of Alexandria make to Christian thought?
Argued that understanding God was a divine gift rather than acquired through education.
What is known about Perpetua?
A Christian woman who willingly accepted martyrdom.
Who was Cyprian and what was his conviction regarding church membership?
The Bishop of Carthage who believed one must be part of the church in order to be saved.
What was Origen known for in early Christian thought?
Had allegorical views of scripture and was prominent in Alexandria.
What significant act did Constantine perform regarding Christianity?
Was baptized on his deathbed, marking a pivotal moment for the faith.
What was the Edict of Milan?
Allowed for religious tolerance for Christianity and all religions.
What major change did Theodosius implement regarding Christianity?
Made Christianity the official religion of the Roman Empire, making it punishable to be non-Christian.
Define Asceticism in the context of early Christianity.
Synonymous with monasticism, involves inducing personal suffering through self-discipline.
What does martyrdom mean in the Christian context?
Refers to being killed for one's faith.
How did monasticism respond to Christianity's official status in Rome?
Developed as a movement in response to Christianity becoming the official religion of Rome.
Describe the role of hermits in early Christian monasticism.
Lived in seclusion and practiced an ascetic lifestyle of solitude and prayer.
What are 'anchorites'?
Interchangeable with hermits and lived solitary, ascetic lives.
What characterizes communal monks in early Christianity?
Lived in communities, abiding by specific rules and sharing possessions.
What is another term for communal monks?
Cenobitism
Who is Eusebius and what is his importance in church history?
Known as the first church historian, arguing that God triumphed through Constantine's conversion.
What was the focus of the Proceedings of Zenophilus?
Primarily concerned with the confiscation and suppression of Christian sacred texts. This document illustrates the tensions between the early Christian community and the Roman authorities, highlighting efforts to undermine Christian teachings by targeting their written scriptures.
Who is considered the father of monasticism?
Anthony of Egypt; for his desert life and renunciation of wealth.
What does Adoptionism propose about Jesus?
Suggests that God adopted Jesus, distinguishing him from being inherently divine.
What is the main premise of Sabellianism?
Teaches that there is no distinction between Jesus and God.
What was a key teaching of Arianism?
Teaches that there was a time when Christ did not exist, which prompted the Nicaean Council.
Who was Arius of Alexandria and what was his role in early Christianity?
Was the originator of Arianism, leading to significant theological disputes.
What was the Nicene Council designed to address?
Called by Constantine, was intended to resolve the controversies surrounding Arianism.
What did the Nicene Creed accomplish?
Produced by the Nicene Council as a statement of Christian faith addressing common heresies.
What was the role of Alexandria in early Christianity?
An important church center in Egypt, influential in early Christian thought.
What characterized the church in Antioch?
Was influenced by Aristotle and focused on reading scripture historically.
Why is Constantinople significant in Christianity?
Named after Constantine, became the capital of Rome and was an important center for the Church.
What was the focus of the Council of Chalcedon?
Aimed to resolve debates surrounding Arianism.
What theological question did Donatism raise?
Questioned whether a bishop could be restored to office after having recanted their faith during persecution.
What was Augustine of Hippo's position regarding Donatism?
Opposed Donatism, stating that people who recanted could be restored.
Who was Gregory of Nyssa and what was his significance?
Defended Christianity and contributed to early church thought.
