Abstract
This paper, written from the perspective of a believing Christian, analyzes how Christianity became the religion of the Roman Empire in light of the epoch's morality and beliefs. Life in pre-Christian Rome is described as self-centered and egotistical, based on actions with personal and superficial benefit. The leaders who adopted Jesus' faith are discussed as being the reason the religion became widespread. The outlook of early Christianity is described as preaching good and overcoming evil, a completely new approach for the pagans. Various Biblical and theological quotes are used throughout the paper to reinforce the author's view of why Christianity became the largest religion in the world.

From the Paper
"Christians could look at Jesus and see themselves in his image--they could understand his pain and relate it to theirs. Sacred rituals and intimate meetings with others of the same belief helped Christians feel a sense of togetherness and unity with their fellow man and with their savior, Jesus Christ (Durant 600). Everyone is accepted into the Christian family, as "Roman Christians are to accept one another, just as they have been accepted by Christ" (Donfried 198). In succession, each new Christian would undergo a series of sacraments, beginning with baptism to wash away original sin (Durant 600). Using symbolic water as the tool for washing, "through baptism, one became a part of the corporation" (Frey 76). Forgiveness was easy to obtain, another important reason of early Christians to follow the path of righteousness."

Tags:pagans, Rome, morality, afterlife

Abstract
This paper examines a number of ways in which the Roman Empire shaped and influenced the development of early Christianity. This is primarily shown through its culture and traditions. The paper also includes an analysis of the teachings of Jesus.

From the Paper
"The early Roman Empire shaped and influenced the development of early Christianity in a number of ways. First, because Jesus taught in terms of the society of the day, the Roman Empire's culture and traditions became the context for the Christian message. Second, the efficiency of the Roman Empire facilitated the spread of Christianity. Third, Constantine helped unfold Christianity's grand unifying ideal (Habbott). Fourth, Constantine increased the physical connectivity of Christians (Habbott). Finally, Constantine decreased the physical connectivity..."

Tags:Roman Empire, Constantine, Jesus, Christianity

Abstract
This paper examines the Christian art of the first five centuries C.E., which is potentially a source of a great deal of data and information about Christianity during the period in question. The author explains that the origins and development of early Christian art are indebted to a number of factors. These factors are comprised of certain styles associated with certain regions and practices, converts to Christianity adopting pagan practices, and to more than purely aesthetic functions such as pedagogical uses. The paper concludes that early Christian art did not spring into existence without roots. Rather it can be seen as an undisrupted continuous seam going back to ancient religions and practices.

From the Paper
"Textual evidence seems to suggest that certain theologians did indeed go against the production of cultic art objects for the practice of idolatry while perhaps understanding the difference between that and the functional uses of art whether it was decorative, symbolic or didactic. Christians probably understood that smaller objects did not have much significance. So when larger objects did come on to the scene it was not of a great shock since they were not seen as objects of worship and "therefore presented no danger of idolatry." Some scholars believe that many of the Christian converts that came from a polytheistic background abandoned their old practices since they would recognize it was incompatible with their new faith."

Tags:antiquity, theologian, affiliation, landscape, Alexandria, nimbus, Rabbinic, catacomb, motif

Abstract
This paper consists of four papers, each dealing with a part of Justo Gonzalez's "The Story of Christianity," Volume1: "The Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation."

Tags:THEOLOGY AND RELIGION STUDIES / CHRISTIANITY, early christian church

Abstract
This paper discusses the spread of Christianity in Ancient Rome. It outlines the origins of Christianity, including the response of the Jews and the impact on Jewish life in Jerusalem. It discusses the preaching of Jesus, and its continuation after his death by Paul. The paper goes on to discuss the response of Roman leaders to its growing popularity.

From the Paper
"Between the first and second centuries, Christianity gradually became the prevailing religion of Rome. The burden of how to respond to this new religion was placed upon the Roman government. Many kings or emperors of the Romans responded to Christianity in a different fashion. Over this large amount of time Christianity fought its way into the hearts and souls of the Roman people. "

Tags:Christ, Jew, Herod, Messiah, Temple, conversion

Abstract
This paper examines the factors that were responsible for the formation of Christianity, particularly in the context of Orthodoxy and Heresy. In other words, the paper discusses how Christianity became Christianity as seen through the lenses of Orthodoxy and Heresy. The research explores several defining moments in the history of Christianity including proto-orthodox and the boundary markers that enabled the proto-orthodox to prevail and become the dominant religion of the empire from the first through the fourth century.

Outline:
Introduction
Proto-Orthodox
Heretical Text and Heretical Doctrines
The Rule of Faith and Apostolic Succession
Gender
The Appeal to Jewish Antiquity
Future Research
Conclusion

From the Paper
"In addition to docetic theologies there were other theologies that emerged and were deemed to be heretical by the proto-orthodoxy. Among these was the adoptionists theology. This particular theology asserted that Jesus was a man but he was not divine. They also asserted that Jesus was adopted by God as his son (Grant). Those that held this view asserted that there were church traditions that solidified this view but just what these church traditions were differed greatly from that of proto-orthodox Christians (Grant). Adoptionists also claimed that all Christian held the aforementioned doctrine. However proto-orthodox Christians argued that the doctrine of the adoptionists was in opposition to scriptures (Grant). They also asserted that Christian apologists and anti-heretical authors had throughout history, declared that Jesus was God or that Jesus was both God and Man (Grant). In addition both hymns and psalms that were written from the beginning of time describe Christ as the Logos and describe him as God (Grant). "

Tags:apostolic, theology, jewish, roots, jesus, christ

Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at ways in which women affected the history of the Church in the West. The writer discusses their virginity as a model of piety for all society, their participation in preserving learning and the upper-class dominance of church rule-making.

From the Paper
"The position of women in the formative centuries of the Church was something of a moving target. Precisely how they were to be conceptualized and treated evolved over time. According to Brown the position of women came to be more closely defined beginning in the third century not because there were not social practices and customs reserved to and or concealed from women but because the aristocracy that had embraced Christianity and accepted it as the locus of social as well as spiritual control wanted a universal definition. Previously ..."

Tags:women's role, church, virginity, piety, learning, virginity, early Christian church

Abstract
This thesis discusses the subject of Christian missions throughout the world. It is divided into four chapters, beginning with the world situation before the birth of the mission, continuing with the early missionary activities and early Christian persecutions. The author provides a clear explanation of how the early Christians and missionaries were persecuted under the different emperors and the rapid growth of the Christianity in spite of all the persecutions. Finally he explains the relevance that the early missions have today.

Outline:
Introduction
The World Situation before the Birth of the Mission
Starting Point for the Mission and Early Missionary Activities
Early Christian Persecutions

From the Paper
"The Church came into existence in the world with our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. "When the fullness of time was come", St. Paul writes, "God sent his Son, born of a woman, that he might redeem them who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of the sons" (Gal. 4: 4-6). Thus early Christian mission involved in the person of Jesus. The early Christian community owed to the disciples; Easter experience, the experience of the risen Lord, for its mission. If we observe carefully, we can understand that Easter is the point of connection between ministry of Jesus and the mission of his followers. We should not forget that Church and mission were synonyms. The early community lived through mission and for mission. Every early Christian promoted the cause of mission either by word or by the example. The chief agents of the spread of the Christian faith were not professional missionaries who made it a living, but men and women involved in ordinary life."

Tags:disciples, rights, leaders

Abstract
Early Christian art rarely tries to represent reality as is. This art is characterized by religious symbolism and its purpose is to portray the spiritual world, rather than depict three-dimensional figures. The paper examines how the beliefs of early Christians were reflected in their art. Originally, pagan art contained gods and heroes, but in their place emerged the Christian figures who dominated art for nearly a thousand years. The paper explores how these religious messages were depicted through images of golden halos, in architectural designs, miniature scriptures and supernatural symbols.

From the Paper
"In early Christian art there are often personifications of the sun and moon, which were drawn from pagan imagery, but also came to represent the relationship between the old testament (the moon), which could only be understood in light of the new testament (the sun). Art often focused on the supernatural, and the paintings were rich in symbolic meaning. Radiant colors, suspended angels, and detailed symbols were the motifs used to represent the supernatural. Many early Christian masters were monks and craftsmen. In AD 533, reincarnation was declared a heresy by the Council of Constantinople; before then, reincarnation could be depicted in art as well."

Tags:Christ, Muiredach, Cross, nativity, crucifixion, God

Abstract
In this article, the writer provides a discussion of the Early Christian Church from the death of Christ to the First Council of Nicea. The writer looks at the struggles the Church, and discusses how these struggles were resolved.

From the Paper
"During this period the Early Church struggled to define itself including its ideology practice and authorities. Out of early diversity and conflict arose self-definition and dominance for Christianity. Within this process a number of conflicts and controversies arose from conflicts with Judaism about the meaning of monotheism to controversies among Christians about the nature ..."

Tags:monotheism, Christianity, bishops, Prophets, Paul, Matt, Titus, Constantine, persecution, Trinity, God