Christanity

Gospel of Matthew; Gospel of Mark; Gospel of Luke; Gospel of John

The four primary Gospel sources describing Jesus’ life and teachings (written c. 60–100 CE).

Why are the four Gospels historically important?

They are the earliest written accounts of Jesus’ teachings, crucifixion, and resurrection.

Main limitation of the Gospels as historical sources?

They were written decades after events and have theological purposes.

Flavius Josephus

First-century Jewish historian who referenced Jesus’ existence and crucifixion in Antiquities of the Jews.

Tacitus

Roman historian who recorded that Christus was executed under Pontius Pilate during Tiberius’ reign.

Significance of Tacitus and Josephus

Non-Christian sources confirming Jesus’ historical existence and execution.

Earliest Christian writings

The letters of Paul the Apostle (50s–60s CE).

Challenge in reconstructing the historical Jesus

Bias, theological interpretation, oral tradition, and limited independent detail.

Reason for Roman persecution of Christians

Refusal to worship the emperor and Roman gods, seen as disloyalty.

Nero (64 CE)

Blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome and ordered executions.

Great Persecution

Empire-wide suppression of Christians under Diocletian (303–311 CE).

Effect of persecution on Christianity

Martyrdom strengthened unity and attracted converts.

Colosseum’s role in persecution

Venue for public executions and martyrdom of Christians.

Symbolism of the Colosseum for Christians

Symbol of suffering, faith, and resistance.

How Paul spread Christianity

Missionary journeys and founding churches across the Roman Empire.

Paul’s importance for Gentiles

Taught Gentiles did not need full Jewish law to convert.

Importance of Paul’s epistles

Shaped early Christian theology and church organization.

Council of Nicaea (325 CE)

Affirmed Christ’s divinity and produced the Nicene Creed.

Council of Constantinople (381 CE)

Affirmed divinity of the Holy Spirit and strengthened Nicene doctrine.

Importance of Ecumenical Councils

Established doctrinal unity and structured church authority.

Theodosius I

Made Christianity the state religion of Rome (380 CE).

Impact on pagan practices

Temples closed, rituals banned, Christian festivals replaced pagan ones.

Example of pagan suppression

Closure of the Oracle of Delphi and the ancient Olympic Games.

Great Schism (1054)

Formal split between Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches.

Filioque dispute

Western addition to the Nicene Creed rejected by the East.

Authority dispute in Schism

Papal supremacy vs. equality of patriarchs.

Fourth Crusade (1204)

Western Crusaders sacked Constantinople, worsening division.

Long-term result of the Great Schism

Permanent division between Catholic and Orthodox Churches.