In this Grade 4 lesson from Discovering Our Past: a History of the World, students examine how Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire, exploring key factors such as Roman roads, shared languages, and the religion's message of comfort and community. Students also learn why Romans mistreated early Christians, including the role of emperors like Nero and Diocletian, and how the faith survived persecution to gain imperial acceptance under Constantine. Vocabulary terms including martyr, clergy, hierarchy, and doctrine are introduced within the context of the early church's development.
Section 1
Christians Spread Their Message Throughout Rome
Christianity spread via Rome's peaceful territories, well-built roads, and common languages. Its message of comfort, hope for afterlife, and community support attracted people seeking alternatives to Roman state religion.
Section 2
Romans Persecute Christians Despite Growing Faith
Romans mistreated Christians because they refused to worship the emperor, criticized Roman festivals, rejected warfare, and buried their dead in catacombs. Despite persecution and martyrdom, Christianity continued to flourish.
Section 3
Constantine Transforms Christianity's Status
After experiencing a vision of a cross before battle, Emperor Constantine supported Christianity through the Edict of Milan, which allowed religious freedom. He built churches, exempted Christians from taxes, and gave them government positions.
Section 4
Church Leaders Develop a Hierarchical Structure
The early church organized its leaders in levels, like a pyramid. Priests led local churches, bishops supervised groups of churches, and archbishops managed larger areas. Cardinals were important church leaders who helped the pope. The pope was the highest leader of the Church, so he is shown at the top of the pyramid. This hierarchy helped the Church stay organized and keep its beliefs united.
Section 5
Christians Compile Important Sacred Texts
Early Christians preserved Jesus's teachings in four gospels written by apostles. These accounts, along with other apostolic writings, became the New Testament, which combined with Jewish scriptures formed the Christian Bible.
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Section 1
Christians Spread Their Message Throughout Rome
Christianity spread via Rome's peaceful territories, well-built roads, and common languages. Its message of comfort, hope for afterlife, and community support attracted people seeking alternatives to Roman state religion.
Section 2
Romans Persecute Christians Despite Growing Faith
Romans mistreated Christians because they refused to worship the emperor, criticized Roman festivals, rejected warfare, and buried their dead in catacombs. Despite persecution and martyrdom, Christianity continued to flourish.
Section 3
Constantine Transforms Christianity's Status
After experiencing a vision of a cross before battle, Emperor Constantine supported Christianity through the Edict of Milan, which allowed religious freedom. He built churches, exempted Christians from taxes, and gave them government positions.
Section 4
Church Leaders Develop a Hierarchical Structure
The early church organized its leaders in levels, like a pyramid. Priests led local churches, bishops supervised groups of churches, and archbishops managed larger areas. Cardinals were important church leaders who helped the pope. The pope was the highest leader of the Church, so he is shown at the top of the pyramid. This hierarchy helped the Church stay organized and keep its beliefs united.
Section 5
Christians Compile Important Sacred Texts
Early Christians preserved Jesus's teachings in four gospels written by apostles. These accounts, along with other apostolic writings, became the New Testament, which combined with Jewish scriptures formed the Christian Bible.
Book overview
Jump across lessons in the current chapter without opening the full course modal.
Continue this chapter