Western Civilization I
Outline #11
Prof. Knight

The Rise of Christianity.

I.  The Reinvention of the Roman Empire
	The Emperor Diocletian (284-305)
		The Tetrarchy (rule by four)
			Empire divided into east and west
			One Emperor (Augustus) one Caesar for each section.
		Diocletian and co-ruler abdicate in 305AD
	Emperor Constantine  (307-337)
		Victor in Civil War (312AD)
		Attributes victory to use of Christian symbols
		Legalizes Christianity, eventually converts.

II.  The Beginnings of Christianity
	The religious context—Jewish Sects.
		Sadduccees:  Strict adherence to ritual, accommodation with Rome
		Zealots:  Violent opposition to Roman rule.
		Pharasees:  Looser interpretation of Bible, Focus on inward spirituality.
	John the Baptist:  One of many itinerant religious leaders.
	Joshua ben Joseph (AKA Jesus Christ)
	The 12 disciples (Peter and James main figures)
	The Gnostic Bible	
	Paul of Tarsus 
		Standardizes Christian message.
		Conversion of the Gentiles.
		Split between Christianity and Judaism
	The Gospels
		Synoptic:  Mark (oldest), Luke, Matthew
		Gospel of John (written last)
	Hellenization of Christianity:
	Relations with Rome:
		Sacrifices to the Emperor
		Persecution:
			Sts. Peter and Paul martyred under Emperor Nero.
			Sporadic persecution and tolerance under Roman Empire.
			Martyrs contribute to spread of Christianity.