Christianity : Christianity And The Past

Christianity is one of the most influential religions on both ancient and modern Western society, with the religion based on the teachings of the prophet Jesus Christ who lived approximately between the years of 5 BC and 33 AD. It is claimed that Christ was the son of God whose spirit was embodied and sent to Earth as a human being to bring peace and prosperity to the less fortunate, and absolve the world of its sin. Jesus preached a doctrine of a supreme monotheistic god who ruled over the universe, as well as ethics and morals especially centred on the concept of faith and forgiveness. If one was to live their life in accordance to the Will of God and the teachings of Christ found in the written word of the Holy Bible, one would be absolved of their sin and ascend to the spiritual realm of God, known as Heaven, after their physical death.

Christianity over the course of history has a vast influence on individuals, society and the way believers conduct themselves. It provides morals, practices and ethics that every Christian attempts to live by. Throughout the many denominations in the Christian church, Paul of Tarsus had a significant influence on the faith. His contribution to the development and expression of Christianity is immense and can be seen to stem from his writing and missionary journeys which have implemented his ideas and interpretations onto the development of Christianity. After Jesus, Paul was arguably the most significant figure in Christianity as his teachings form a significant part of the New Testament. Like may other Pharisees of that time in history, Paul sought to suppress the early Christian movement. He accused early Christians of blaspheming against God and breaking Mosaic Law. However, Paul had a life-changing experience when he had a vision of Jesus, and he spent the remainder of his life as a missionary for the early church. Centuries after his ministry, his teachings still influence Christian theology.

Many believe that the writings of early Church Fathers were lectured to different sects. In fact, one may assume that there are Similarities and differences between Tertullian and Justin Martyr. Particularly, let’s compare Tertullian’s and Justin Martyr perspective of faith, reason, and philosophy! Justin Martyr is Known as the defender of the faith (Tony lane), (p.10) He looked for truth in Greek philosophy. Likewise, his apology is in defense of the Christian faith and belief of Christianity. Of the writings that subsist, his First Apology (c. 155 c.e.; English translation, 1861) contains a resilient appeal for justice lectured to Antoninus. In that work, he clarifies Christian morals to influence his reader of Christian faithfulness and honesty. However, also central to this writing is his claim that Hebrew prophecy and Greek philosophy, both informed by the divine Logos (the Word), pointed to the coming of Christ. Through such dispute, he facilitated to institute the early Christian theme which faith is greater than Greek philosophy and is the result of Judaic belief. In Justin’s awareness, merely those who were controlled by fears failed to recognize these facts. His Second Apology (c.

The reading in Irvin and Sunquist covered the intellectual beginning of early Christianity. Disagreement and division mark the intellectual beginning of early Christianity. Multiple controversies developed. These controversies were contemporaneous with the spread of Christianity in Europe and toward the East. For this reason, there was an enormous diversity of opinions in the early churches geographically dispersed in a decentralized manner. Fundamental differences regarding Christology influenced the cultures encountering Christianity. However, some new cultures graphed Christianity onto their own culture. Christianity originated from the lower classes of society in some areas, while being established by the rulers in other areas. This fact underscores the

Robert Louis Wilken writes of early Christianity from the perspective of Roman historical accounts, focusing on five major critics of the religion, and ultimately drawing the conclusion that these critics were instrumental in helping Christians more clearly define their faith through self-examination and defense of their own beliefs. With the exception of Pliny, whose opinions and actions were of little consequence throughout the Roman Empire, true dialogue began to take place as Christian philosophy was challenged by Galen, Celsus, Porphyry, and Julian the apostate. Wilken offers an opportunity to view the history of the Christian faith as it was seen and perceived by Roman officials and philosophers; the former concerning themselves more

Both Tertullian and Justin Martyr are apologists defending the Christian faith; however, their approach is from two different mindsets. The mindset in which Justin Martyr approaches faith, reason, and philosophy shares similarities with the ideals of early Christian scientists who sought to grow in their faith through their studies and therefore saw their studies as extensions of their faith. Justin saw that the faith in Jesus Christ was the inevitable answer to his philosophical questions. Justin utilizes the prophesies and history of the Jewish people to explain his reasoning as to the soundness of the philosophy and faith in Christ. Even arguing that Plato, himself, developed his line of reasoning from the prophets and so by careful

Christianity was inspired by Judaism and was spread throughout Rome. It didn’t start off popular and wasn’t looked at respectfully. Within the 2nd and 3rd centuries it had a rocky start with the Roman Empire and was the “cause” of invasions and internal crises. In Germany throughout the year of 249-250 they made it mandatory to all follow the same religion of the Emperor. They were told to worship only Roman Gods. The christians couldn't make the necessary sacrifices: the result was a series of savage outbursts of violence against them.

The book The Rise of Christianity by Don Nardo was used thoroughly, and was quite helpful, during the research step of this project. The Rise of Christianity was written in 1999 and originated in San Diego, California by the publishing company Greenhaven Press. The purpose of this book is to inform readers about early Christianity’s creation, spread, and the struggle the first Christians experienced while trying to tell others about their faith. The book also tells the story of Jesus’ life, a few of his disciples, and talks about key figures who made a big impact on Christianity itself and the people who, sceptic at

One year ago today, historian mark Sanchez went on a journey to establish a deep understanding on a topic that is often obliterated; Early Christian martyrs and how their missionary journeys have impacted on growth and development of the church. Before he departed for his journey, Sanchez researched two Martyrs that aroused his interest into this topic - St. Paul and St.Stephen. While conducting his

Christianity has been a part of society for many generations and has always been interpreted, dissected, and taken apart and put back together again in many ways to understand the true meaning of Christianity, but in this awakening the Bible has been misinterpreted, and abused by both sides to gain more favor and power for themselves. This trend had happened for hundreds of years, from the early church, the Catholic Church and the reformation, to many empires and kingdoms, and some governments today. The question is though what can be Christianity be defined as? Liberal or Conservative?

The transition from paganism to Christianity was not an easy one as explained by Rodoifo Lanciani and we know this through the many writings, tombstones, building, and documentations of events occurring at the time. However, there is one group that could document this transition better than any other, the prostitutes.

St Paul of Tarsus plays a significant role in Christianity, explicitly in the development of his Christian theology. Most of his teaching on Christianity is his amplifications and explanations of the teachings of Jesus, which openly invite individuals into the life of Christ in great detail. Paul’s remarkable writing capabilities leave a lasting impact upon Christianity in the past and present context, through the widespread themes in his epistles to the missionary journey. St Paul of Tarsus writings has shaped the way Christians should live in response to Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.

Persecution in the church was expected and even prized as martyrs believed suffering brought them closer to Christ. But the church abused this understanding and created a cult of saints reflective of the old paganism of Rome. The purpose of this paper is to explore the early church and the persecution and criticisms that it went through. A background of the causes of such oppression will also be discussed as well as the role that Christians at that time played during this time of hurt. This paper will utilize the time frame of the first and second century and will highlight the role of the rulers at that time and their effect on the early church.

Contact between Roman polytheists and early Christians cultivated a series of thoughtful and analytical exchanges in the dialogue of “Octavius”, the work of Celsus, and the writing of Porphyry. The writings produced by Pagans at this time allow individuals today to understand the practice of paganism today in major world countries such as India and China, where paganism thrives. The Roman polytheist’s assaults on Christianity illustrates the principals of reason and judgment. Nevertheless, the Pagan works represent mankind’s logos and survive today and are instrumental into understanding the twenty-first century paganism.

The history of Christianity was composed of opposing views and many were ready to break out of the norms and build a stronger definition of Christianity. The significance of