Roman and Greek Mythology Compared to Origins of Christianity

Roman and Greek Mythology Compared to Origins of Christianity

I. Greek/Roman Mythology A.Mythology- traditional storiesdealing with the gods and heroes of a particular people B. Greek and Roman mythology waspolytheistic-believingin more than one god or goddesses. C. Greek/Roman gods lived in the heavens, the earth, and theunderworld. D. People of Greece and Rome believe that their gods controlled all aspects of their lives.

I. Greek/Roman Mythology E. Roman mythology was adopted fromGreekmythology. 1. Greek god = Zeus; Roman god = Jupiter 2. Greek god = Poseidon; Roman god = Neptune 3. Greek god = Aphrodite; Roman god = Venus F. People built temples, made sacrifices, and prayed for assistance in their lives. G. Both believed in the afterlife but gave more attention to this life. H. Mythology in the Roman Empire. 1. Conquered people by the Roman could continue to practice their religion as long as it was not see as a threat to Roman rule. 2.Christianitywas seen as a threat to the power of the emperors rule.

I. Christianity - OriginsA.Judaismis the basis of Christianity. Christianity grew and is related to this religion. B.Monotheism- Christiansbelievein one God. C. Originally Christianity was seen as a threat to the polytheism beliefs of theRoman Empire and to the power of the emperor.

II. Christianity - Founder A. Jews are waiting for a savior known as aMessiah. B. Christians believe thatJesus of Nazarethwas theMessiah. C.Jesusis considered the founder ofChristianity

III. Christianity Foundational BeliefsA.Jesus hadfollowersor12disciples(apostles)who helped Jesus spread his teachings. B. Jesus was considered a healer and prophet C. He was considered theSonof God. D. Jesus taught amessageof love and devotion to God and allhuman beings. E. Christians believe that Jesus died on the cross as asacrificeto provide a way to forgive mankind. F. Christians believe that Jesus wasresurrectedfrom the dead so mankind could be forgiven of their sins and havea relationship with God. G. Christians believe that a life of good works reflects their relationship with God.

IV. Christianity Holy BookA. TheBiblecontains the sacred writings of Christianity

V. Christianity Spread of (Diffusion) Religion A. Christianity was first spread beyond Jerusalem and Judea as Christians moved to other areas to beingpersecutedfor their beliefs by the Romans. 1. For a period of time, it wasillegalto practice Christianity in the Roman Empire and if caught could face punishment. B. It spread throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean world due to the teaching and preaching of Jesus, Peter, Paul, and theJohn the Apostle. C. Christianity eventually became the official religion of the Roman Empire under the emperor Constantine. 1. Christianity then spread to all parts of the empire. 2. It effected western culture andwestern civilization. D. Today Christianity is predominately found on 3 continents: North America, South America, and Europe E. Today there are Christians found in most countries.