Lesson 8: The Rise and Spread of Christianity

Video Lesson

At the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

Historical Context: Christianity began in Palestine during the first century AD, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ, who was born in Bethlehem under Roman rule.
Teachings: Jesus preached love, forgiveness, and the coming of the Kingdom of God, attracting a following that viewed him as the Messiah.

Threat to Roman Unity: Early Christians were seen as a challenge to the Roman Empire’s stability and unity. Their refusal to worship the Roman gods and the Emperor led to suspicion and hostility.
Nero’s Reign: The first major persecution of Christians occurred during Emperor Nero’s rule (AD 54–68), marking a period of significant suffering for early followers of Jesus.

Conversion: In 312 AD, Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity, significantly altering its status within the Empire. His conversion was a turning point for the religion.
Edict of Milan (313 AD): This edict established religious tolerance for Christianity, allowing it to be practiced openly and freeing Christians from persecution.

Official Adoption: Under Emperor Theodosius the Great (378–395 AD), Christianity was declared the official religion of the Roman Empire in 392 AD, further solidifying its place in society.
Unifying Force: As the Roman Empire declined, Christianity emerged as a key unifying force in Western Europe during the Middle Ages, shaping cultural and social norms.

Power Struggle: The early Christian era saw competition for religious authority between Rome and Constantinople. The Pope in Rome and the Bishop of Constantinople had differing views on church governance, language, and rituals.
Great Schism (1054 AD): Disagreements ultimately led to the split of the Christian Church into two main branches: the Roman Catholic Church in the West and the Greek Orthodox Church in the East. The Greek Orthodox Church later diversified into various Eastern Orthodox churches.

Protestant Reformation (1517): In the 16th century, Martin Luther initiated the Protestant Reformation, challenging the practices of the Catholic Church. This movement resulted in the establishment of Protestant denominations, further dividing Western Christianity into the Roman Catholic Church and various Protestant groups.

Continued Influence: Today, Christianity remains one of the world’s major religions, with distinct traditions and practices within the Roman Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Churches, and Protestant denominations, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Christian belief and culture.