The Rise of Christianity & The Catholic Church
1. How did Christianity become established in the Roman Empire?
Christianity was established in the Roman Empire through the conversion of Emperor
Constantine in 312 AD, followed by the Edict of Milan in 313 which allowed Romans to
have religious freedom. From this point, many Romans chose to follow Christianity as it
was an appealing religion (see answer for question 3), and by 380, Christianity was
announced as the state religion.
2. What are the essential beliefs of early Christian faith?
Christianity is a religion based on morals, good faith and righteousness. The essential
beliefs that set it apart were that Jesus Christ was the Messiah and son of God, and would
provide salvation to all of his disciples and believers. His followers believe in his
crucifixion, ascension to Heaven and his resurrection as well.
3. How did Christianity spread?
Christianity was a religion which offered inclusion for all classes and sexes. This was a
very attractive quality for the religion, as well as the fact that all of Christ’s believers
would be promised salvation. Christian churches soon became ubiquitous, which led to
the Edict of Milan and eventually the Edict of Thessalonica -- which is when Christianity
was announced as the state religion.
4. What was the impact of the early church on the Roman Empire?
The Roman Empire, prior to the early church, was composed of Roman polytheists and
Jews. Both groups were involved with tense conflict, and when Christianity was
introduced, they each had a strong reaction. Jewish leaders felt challenged, especially
considering that Jesus himself was born a Jew. Romans believed that Christianity would
lead to a rebellion, which is why Jesus was arrested and ultimately crucified. However,
many Roman citizens were attracted to Christianity as it was extremely inclusive and
promised salvation to all followers.
1. How did Christianity become established in the Roman Empire?
Christianity was established in the Roman Empire through the conversion of Emperor
Constantine in 312 AD, followed by the Edict of Milan in 313 which allowed Romans to
have religious freedom. From this point, many Romans chose to follow Christianity as it
was an appealing religion (see answer for question 3), and by 380, Christianity was
announced as the state religion.
2. What are the essential beliefs of early Christian faith?
Christianity is a religion based on morals, good faith and righteousness. The essential
beliefs that set it apart were that Jesus Christ was the Messiah and son of God, and would
provide salvation to all of his disciples and believers. His followers believe in his
crucifixion, ascension to Heaven and his resurrection as well.
3. How did Christianity spread?
Christianity was a religion which offered inclusion for all classes and sexes. This was a
very attractive quality for the religion, as well as the fact that all of Christ’s believers
would be promised salvation. Christian churches soon became ubiquitous, which led to
the Edict of Milan and eventually the Edict of Thessalonica -- which is when Christianity
was announced as the state religion.
4. What was the impact of the early church on the Roman Empire?
The Roman Empire, prior to the early church, was composed of Roman polytheists and
Jews. Both groups were involved with tense conflict, and when Christianity was
introduced, they each had a strong reaction. Jewish leaders felt challenged, especially
considering that Jesus himself was born a Jew. Romans believed that Christianity would
lead to a rebellion, which is why Jesus was arrested and ultimately crucified. However,
many Roman citizens were attracted to Christianity as it was extremely inclusive and
promised salvation to all followers.
