RISE OF CHRISTIANITY:
From Persecuted Sect to
Imperial Religion
Urban
phenomenon & House worship
Pacifism
Social
Work
Defining Scripture: New Testament: Written c. 50-110 CE
(367 CE list of all 27
Books)
Periodic
persecutions: “Christ or Caesar!”
+Nero (60’s)
+Detached from Judaism
+Diocletian (303à) most vicious
+“Blood of the Martyrs is the seed of
the Church.” (Tertullian)
+Roots of Cult of SaintsàRelics under altars
Emperor Constantine: ABy this sign you will conquer!@(“In hoc signo vinces”)
1)Battle of Milvian Bridge (Arch)
2)Edict
of Milan (313): Christianity
tolerated
4)Churches, texts,
missionary activity, land, salaries, prestige, etc.
5)Council
of Nicea (325): Unify Religion
& Empire
A)Defining Christianity Orthodoxy (Acorrect belief or doctrine”)
B)Nicene Creed (One God as 3 Apersons@)
C)Heresy: Christ & God
6)Action
against Jews/Heresies/Pagans
380/1: Official Religion
of Roman Empire under Theodosius
