• Largest Religion in World – over 2 Billion followers

• Based on teachings of JESUS CHRIST• One God – Monotheism• Christians regard Jesus as Son of God• House of worship – Church• Services conducted by Priest/Pastor

CHRISTIANITY

• Holy Book of Christians – BIBLE• 2 major parts: Old Testament {Hebrew

Scriptures} New Testament {teachings of Jesus’ disciples}

BIBLE

• 6 – 4 B.C. Born in BETHLEHEM• Age of 30 – began preaching, reportedly

performed miracles• Main source of info – GOSPELS – writings of

Jesus’disciples the APOSTLES• Many believed he was the MESSIAH (savior)

JESUS CHRIST

The 12 Apostles

PETERANDREWJAMES {son of Zebedee}JOHNPHILLIPBARTHOLOMEWTHOMASMATTHEWJAMES{son of Alphaeus}THADDAEUSSIMONJUDAS

• Viewed as a threat by Jewish leaders – betrayed by Judas – Jesus is arrested – then turned over to the Roman Prefect (Governor) in Judaea – PONTIUS PILATE

• Pilate serves as Judge – finds Jesus innocent but lets crowd determine Jesus’ fate - he then sentenced Jesus to death by

CRUCIFIXION {nailed to a wooden cross left to die}

JESUS CHRIST

• CHRISTOS is a GREEK word meaning “savior”• Jesus’ followers become known as

“Christians”• By the 3rd century A.D. millions in Roman

Empire

CHRIST

• Embraced ALL People {men/women, young/old, rich/poor…}• Gave Hope to the Powerless• Offered a Personal Relationship with God• Promised Eternal Life After Death

WHY DID CHRISTIANITY GROW?

• Romans – Polytheistic – persecuted Christians for refusing to WORSHIP Roman Gods

• Crucified, Burned• Used for entertainment – killed by Wild Animals

in Arenas

Romans/Christianity

• 313 A.D. Roman Emperor CONSTANTINE ends Persecution of Christians

• 380 A.D. Roman Emperor THEODOSIUS made Christianity the Official Religion of Roman Empire

Roman Emperors

CONSTANTINE

THEODOSIUS