The Rise of Christianity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

The Rise of Christianity - Essay Example Consequently, major rivalry occurred and still occurs due to division of various groups within the Christian religion. First century marked the beginning of Christianity mainly practiced by Jews. Christianity then spread to other areas of east and west. In Africa, Christianity spread due to missionary work and culminated to substitution of various African cultures and beliefs. During the transition age majority of Europe was under Christianity. Those who believe in Jesus are said to have internal peace and inheritor of another immortal life. Jesus performed various miracles before death and documentation exists in the bible. Additionally, following the commandments guarantees one access to eternal life (King James Bible Web). Consequently, reflection in the history of Christianity plays significant role in understanding development and growth of Christianity. This paper seeks to describe the rise of Christianity. Firstly, several stages and events characterize the rise of Christianit y. The most important thing that happened for the rise of Christianity to take place was the fall of Roman Empire (Caesars) that had established authoritarian regime in ancient period. Secondly, Jews played a central and important in the meaning of early Christianity. Thirdly, the coming of Christ for humankind was also significant followed by results of various teaching of the time. These teachings have the same effects to today’s society. Ancient Rome was characterized by authoritative rule of Caesar Augustus (Nardo 42-51). At the same time, transformations were taking place in Judea province. Additionally, Alexander the great was a great ruler who managed to overthrow Roman rule in Great Palestine and placed it under the watch of Ptolemy followed by Seleucids. Moreover, Jews returned from Babylon in 538 B.C with Moses rules and teaching as part of their belief systems. Torah was important in their religious practices based on the commands given to Moses by God. During this reign the Temple was a holy place that was accorded due respect. High priests were accorded maximum respect, as they had a special place in society assisted by Sanhedrin. Sanhedrin was important in implementation of Torah as laid down by Moses. Later, synagogue replaced the temple and was dominant as practiced by Judaism. However, temple was also a place of worship for Jews who were far away from Palestine. Moreover, Hebrews was translated into Greek to take care of Jews outside Palestine who practiced Greek as their language. Greek contributed to serious division in Judea but Greek prevailed due to support from pro-Greek Sadducees. King Seleucid declaration that temple be devoted to Zeus led to uprising by Jews who saw this as disrespect of temple. In 142 BC, Jews won this battle and were granted freedom (Nardo 45-59). The next rule after Judah was corrupt and this led to civil strife and war. However, Romans intervened and Palestine fell under stewardship of Roman. Herod was appo inted as Judea King and transformed the infrastructure. Pontius Pilate took over after Herod’s death. Most Jews hinged their hope on Jesus as a political messiah while others gave up and thought of Jesus as a spiritual leader. A section of Jews was impatient and advocated for revolution to get rid of foreigners and this resulted in a protracted battle with the Romans. Zealots killed large group of Romans in AD 66. At