Christianity developed from Jewish traditions and the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Gospels written by Jesus' followers tell of his life, teachings of compassion, and that he was sentenced to death by crucifixion. Christianity spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire due to missionaries appealing to concepts of salvation and equality. It faced persecution until Emperor Constantine ended it in 313 AD. Today, Christianity exists in three main forms: Catholicism, Greek Orthodoxy, and Protestantism.

1. Christianity Development, Teaching, and Spread of the Religion

2. Rise of Christianity This religion grew out of Jewish traditions. Jewish prophets predicted that a messiah , or one anointed by Yahweh, would be sent to deliver the Jews from foreign rule Jesus, founder of Christianity

3. Rise of Christianity Gospels : written by the followers of Jesus, tell about the life of Jesus

5. Rise of Christianity Roman officials worried about Jesus’ popularity They considered him to be a rebel Jesus was sentenced to die by crucifixion

6. Teachings of Jesus Monotheism Believed in the Jewish God and the Ten Commandments Placed less emphasis on law More emphasis on compassion, forgiveness, and equality of all people Taught with parables : short stories with simple moral lessons

7. Teachings of Jesus Bible: the holy book of Christianity Includes all prophets of Torah and most books of the Torah Adds the New Testament, which includes the Gospels and other books by Jesus’ followers

8. Compared with Judaism, Christianity spread over far distances in a very short time This was due to a few factors: Judaism is mostly an ethnic religion Missionaries and martyrs Appeal of Christianity Spread of Christianity

9. Spread of Christianity Followers of Jesus were called “Christians” Christ= Savior= messiah Missionaries were able to spread Jesus’ teachings by taking advantage of a peaceful time in the Roman empire, and also good roads were available

10. Eventually, enough people were involved in Christianity that the Roman empire began to respond Christians were persecuted for not believing in the Roman gods Many Christians became martyrs : people who suffer or die for their beliefs Spread of Christianity

11. Widespread persecution continued until 313 AD Emperor Constantine ended persecution of Christians with an Edict of tolerance He converted on his deathbed Spread of Christianity

12. Spread of Christianity The appeal of Christianity Offered hope of salvation and eternal life There’s a sense of control over one’s destiny More about making the CHOICE to be moral The idea that everyone is equal

13. Three Forms of Christianity Today Catholicism Pope is an advocate, prayer to saints, etc. Greek Orthodox Formed when a Byzantine Emperor refused to recognize the Catholic Pope in Rome Protestantism Saints not prayed to, no Pope

14. Review Judaism Kingdom of Israel, Hebrews The Teachings of Judaism: law Vocabulary: Torah, Ten Commandments Christianity Rise of Christianity and teachings of Jesus Spread of Christianity and its appeal Three forms of Christianity Vocabulary: Bible, parables, martyrs