RELS 108 Lecture 11: Week 5: Christianity (Lectures 11-13)
Document Summary
Historical background the roman empire in the 1st century ce. The way of the few that affected the many. The roman empire was vast yet politically stable. Common intellectual culture- greek and roman philosophy and religion. No major religious affiliation, a rise in cults . Paul spread christianity after the death of jesus. Sadducees- emphasis on following only the torah, remained loyal to the temple and. Pharisees- advocated innovations in interpretation of the torah, represented the piety of the common jew. Essenes- emphasis on purity, both ritual and physical: john the baptist (baptism) Zealots-actively opposed roman rule of judea, revolted. Not much is known about early life until baptism- by cousin john the baptist (30) Joseph: carpenter/woodworker: jesus inherits his father"s occupation. A dove flies by, the heavens open, and god spoke to them saying this is my son, and with him i am well pleased : 40 days/40 nights in the wilderness to meditate & the devil tempts jesus.
