Key Concepts in Early Christianity

  • Christianity's Origin

    • Emerges from Jewish ethical monotheism.
    • Roman rule imposed laws and customs, affecting local religions.

  • Roman State Religion Characteristics

    • Personal in nature, focused on appeasing gods for eternal security.
    • Included imported 'mystery religions' from the East (Egyptian, Persian, Indian deities).
    • Emphasized spiritual salvation over material wealth and required moral purity.
    • Heavily ritualistic with elaborate initiation ceremonies.

  • Teachings of Jesus

    • Scholars agree on core teachings.
    • Jesus did not aim to establish a new religion separate from Judaism.

  • The Synoptic Gospels

    • Include Mark, Matthew, and Luke.
    • Gospel of Matthew: Written for Jews with Christian perspectives.
    • Gospel of Luke: Targeting a gentile Christian audience.
    • Gospel of John: Authored long after Jesus's death.
    • Paul's Letters: Address challenges faced by expanding Christian communities.

  • Paul's Message

    • Jesus is the Savior for humanity.

  • Challenges for Early Christianity

    • Debate over gentiles' obligations to Jewish law.

  • Significance of 'Christ'

    • Greek term for Hebrew 'Messiah'.

  • Eastern vs. Western Church Schism

    • Eastern Church aligned with state; Western Church maintained independence.

  • Reformers' Goals

    • Martin Luther and John Calvin stressed salvation is through God, not human effort.