Christianity in the Pax Romana

Today in class, we went over our tests. I actually did a lot better than I thought. I got a 90!! I was pretty shocked and happy considering I had no idea we had a test. Kelley had to call her mom because her ride went home sick so she called her on the phone. She asked if she could go to Rita's and I think her mom said yes. So I guess she's going to Rita's. Then we began our notes on Christianity in the Pax Romana. Christianity was a new religion in the empire. It all began with Jesus. Most of what we know comes from the Gospels. The Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and it means "good news."Jesus was a Jewish itinerant preacher in Judea. He set himself apart from other "Messiahs." Jesus taught that one must strive for perfection because God was perfect. He sought out the imperfect society. His followers believed he was Messiah and that he came to end the world and bring the truly faithful into the Kingdom of God. Jesus was deemed as a threat to Roman Rule and was crucified. His followers believed that he rose from the dead and ascended to heaven. They then attempted to spread the word of his teachings and were known as the apostles. Paul was a Jew who became a follower of Jesus after a miraculous vision on the road to Damascus. He talked of "predestination" which meant that God chose who was to be saved and who was to be damned. He was well-traveled and helped find churches in many places. he also kept in touch with new Christians by writing letters (Corinth, Thessalonia, Rome, and Ephesus.)