Chapter Six:Jerusalem and Early

ChristianityCulture and Values, 6th Ed.

Cunningham and Reich

Jerusalem and Early Christianity

Biblical tradition + Graeco-Roman Culture Children of Israel, Israelites, Jews, Hebrews

Period of the Patriarchs Period of the Exodus Period of the Conquest The United Monarchy Divided Kingdom and Exile The Return

The Hebrew Bible and Its Message

“Bible” Byblos The Law, the Prophets, the Writings Hebrew canon (C.E. 90) Septuagint Moral guide, ethical and religious

stability Not a philosophical treatise

Basic Motifs of the BibleBiblical Monotheism

God exists before the worldGod pronounces creation as “good”Humans are the crown of creationGod deeply involved in the worldCovenant (testament)

Renewed covenant = New Testament

Basic Motifs of the BibleEthics

Moral code for individuals and societyTen Commandments

Prohibitions, positive commandsProphetic writings

Critics of social injustice, defenders of poor

Reminders of the covenant

Basic Motifs of the BibleModels and types

Events, stories, characters as modelsContemporary impact of biblical

traditionLiteratureArtSocial institutions

The Beginnings of Christianity

Life of JesusGospels

Prophetic tradition of JesusParables, Beatitudes

Jesus as Christ, the MessiahSignificance of resurrection

Christianity SpreadsSaul of Tarsus (Paul)

Tireless missionaryNon-Jewish converts Theological letters

Social, religious factors for growthPeace, facility of travel, koine,

audienceEmphasis on salvation, freedomNo class distinction

Christian PersecutionNero’s CircusClaudius, Decius, Valerian, DiocletianChristians as traitors to the state

Refusal to express pietàsApologists

Justin Martyr (100-165)Emperor Constantine

Early Christian ArtCatacombs, underground cemeteriesFrescoes

Salvation; Communion; Virgin and ChildGlass and Sculpture

Christ as Good Shepherd, glass disksCarved sarcophagi

InscriptionsName, date of death, decorative symbol

Dura-EuroposEvidence of religious tolerance and

coexistenceReligious buildings on “Wall Street”Complex religious existence

Artistic mingling of Eastern and Roman styles Precursor of Byzantine art

Constantine and Early Christian Architecture

Emperor Constantine (C.E. 306-337)Edict of Toleration

Basilica-Style ChurchesCurrent site of St. Peter’s Basilica

(Vatican)Church of the Holy Sepulchre

(Jerusalem)Jesus’ burial site

Early Christian MusicFrom Jewish traditions

Chanting sacred textsProfessional Chorus vs. Single CantorGreek doctrine of ethos

Instrumental music = unsuitableStandardization of vocal music

Responsorial, antiphonal

Chapter Six: Discussion Questions

Discuss contemporary examples that illustrate the permeation of the biblical tradition in our culture.

Explain why Nero and other Roman emperors were unwilling to tolerate Christianity. From a political standpoint, was the severity of punishment inflicted on Christians warranted? Why or why not?

Consider the archeological findings of Dura-Europos. In what ways does history over-simplify past events? In two thousand years, what will future generations assume about our culture, religions, and religious tolerance? Explain.