Christianity - beliefs and spread

Roman Religion and Beliefs

Polytheistic Tolerance:
- The Roman Empire was known for its religious tolerance, allowing various religions to coexist.
- Borrowed from Greek religion and mythology.
Gods and Pantheon:
- The Romans worshipped many gods, often represented in architectural forms such as arches and domes.
Numen:
- Concept of a life force or soul present everywhere, influencing the good and bad in the world.
- Emphasizes the belief in free will amidst divine influence.

Roman Conquest:
- 63 BCE, Rome conquered Palestine (Israel).
- Jewish beliefs were firm against idol worship, adhering to the first covenant with God as the chosen people.
Temples and Covenants:
- Significant locations included the Temple, with a second covenant involving the Ten Commandments.
- Jewish beliefs include the coming of the Messiah and an inherent understanding of God's attributes, but not a complete comprehension of His nature.
Roman Abuse of Jews:
- Incidents of abuse led to discontent, eventually resulting in revolts and diasporas around 70 AD.

Identity and Role:
- Jesus was a Jewish figure, recognized as the Messiah (Christos in Greek), seen as a teacher, healer, and divine son of God.
Key Teachings:
- Salvation through faith in Him, emphasized in the Sermon on the Mount.
- Core messages included humility, mercy, and love towards the poor and suffering.
- Promoted inner transformation over strict adherence to the law, thus angering Jewish leaders.
Martyrdom:
- "The blood of the martyr is the seed of the Christian Church," signaling the founding principles of Christian belief formed under persecution.

Similarities:
- Both religions are monotheistic, believing in one God.
Differences in Beliefs:
- Christians view Jesus as the Son of God and part of a trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
- Christian doctrines include the Crucifixion and Resurrection, emphasizing salvation and life after death.
- Christianity practices baptism as an outward sign of commitment.

Contrast in Laws:
- The old Jewish law focused on actions, whereas the teachings of Jesus focused on the heart and intentions behind those actions.

Definition:
- Martyrs are individuals killed for their faith, regarded as witnesses (from the Greek word 'mártys').
Respect and Veneration:
- Early martyrs were respected and viewed as powerful leaders, often serving as examples of faith and sacrifice.

The Twelve Apostles:
- Primary disciples of Jesus, responsible for spreading his teachings mostly to the Jews.
Role of Paul:
- Paul extended the reach of Christianity to non-Jews, utilizing the Roman postal system and infrastructure like roads and ports for effective communication.

Societal Tensions:
- Roman parties and excess contributed to dissatisfaction among the poor and enslaved, making them more receptive to Christianity's promise of equality before God.

Reasons Christianity was a "slave's religion":
- Promoted ideas of mercy, justice, and hope, countering their experiences of abuse and suffering.
Role of Paul in Spreading Christianity:
- Used Roman infrastructure while writing epistles (letters) to connect and establish communities.

Diocletian Reforms (284-305 CE):
- Implemented elaborate ceremonies to enhance prestige and divided the empire for better governance.
- Maintained total control over the Eastern empire, attempted to stabilize the economy and farming practices.
- Persecuted Christians as scapegoats (304-305 CE).
Constantine's Key Actions (306-337 CE):
- Increased trade and instituted the Edict of Milan (313), allowing religious tolerance for Christians.
- Convened the Council of Nicea (325) to establish key doctrines such as the Trinity.
- Founded Constantinople as a new capital on the Bosporus Strait, marking a pivotal shift in power allocation and governance.