Christianity, which arose from Judaism, spread throughout the Roman Empire despite persecution and eventually became the state religion.
The Establishment of Christianity
- Jesus (c. 4 BCE–c. 30 CE): He worked in the Galilee region of Judea
- He taught "love of God" and "love of one's neighbor," emphasizing inner faith rather than the Law
- He was regarded as dangerous by Jewish leaders and crucified under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate
- His disciples believed in the "Resurrection" and preached his teachings; Paul spread Christianity throughout the Roman Empire
From Persecution to the State Religion
At first, the Roman Empire persecuted Christianity, including the great persecution under Emperor Nero. However, in 313 CE, Emperor Constantine officially recognized Christianity through the Edict of Milan. At the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, the Athanasian position (the doctrine of the Trinity) was established as orthodox.
In 392 CE, Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire.
At first, the Roman Empire persecuted Christianity, including the great persecution under Emperor Nero. However, in 313 CE, Emperor Constantine officially recognized Christianity through the Edict of Milan. At the Council of Nicaea in 325 CE, the Athanasian position (the doctrine of the Trinity) was established as orthodox.
In 392 CE, Emperor Theodosius made Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire.
Key Points
- Jesus' teachings: love and forgiveness, and equality for all people
- Official recognition in 313 CE → establishment as the state religion in 392 CE
- Catholicism (West), Eastern Orthodoxy (East), and Protestantism (the later Reformation)
Practice Questions
- State the emperor who officially recognized Christianity and the year.
- State the name of the council held in 325 CE that established Christian doctrine.
- Who made Christianity the state religion of the Roman Empire?
Answers
- Emperor Constantine, 313 CE (Edict of Milan)
- The Council of Nicaea
- Emperor Theodosius