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
Christianity was one of the many different religions competing for the attention of people of the Roman Empire during the first three centuries CE. The paper shows that its growth during this time was extraordinary, and by the early part of the fourth century CE, it would become the official religion of the Roman Empire. The paper shows that this growth can be accredited to several different facets of the religion: its universal acceptance of all people regardless of their pasts, the strong sense of community within its congregations, its duty to care for the weak, sick and needy, and the miracle of the resurrection of Jesus. The paper shows that, when combined with the great demographic shifts that were occurring in the Roman Empire, it is much easier to understand the extreme growth of the early Christian church.

From the Paper
"Another appealing aspect of early Christianity was the strong sense of community within its congregations. With the Roman Empire newly established, and the Romans being tolerant of different religious customs, many new immigrant groups moved into the area. Similar to any new group of individuals in a society, their goal was acceptance into the Roman society, to find a sense of belonging. Acceptance into the Christian church meant acceptance into a close-knit community."

Tags:hierarchy, faith, Messiah, disciples, congregation

Abstract
The paper explores the ideas of the historians Gibbon and Doran on Christianity and the Roman empire and discusses the thesis that Christianity had much to do with the decline of the Roman Empire. The paper addresses the idea that Christianity and the Roman Empire were in constant strife, with Roman values seen as evil and Christian ideals as the source of good and light. The paper reaches the conclusion that early Christianity influenced the Roman Empire only in its later development when it had already achieved success in number, strength and authority.

Outline:
Christianity as Good and Rome as Evil
Turning Tides
Conclusion

From the Paper
"It is often argued that Christian resistance to such civic duties as paying sacrifices and taxes to civic Gods was the beginning of the strife between the Roman Empire and the early church. The fact that the defendants claimed not to have engaged in this sort of civic rejection implies that it was a common accusation and that at least in this case the accusation was likely inflammatory but not necessarily true. The breakdown of tribute and tax paying would have been a serious social and bureaucratic problem, and would likely mark a civic breakdown that would constitute a significant way that Christians might have, in mass, affected the Roman civic structure."

Tags:taxation, gods, martyrdom, church

From the Paper
"The city of Ephesus was a major seaport in the first century Roman empire, located on the Cayster River. The river brought down much silt, forming a fertile plain, which also contributed to the wealth of the city. (Ironically, this same silt eventually filled the harbor and the coast is now three miles west of the city.) However, at the time of Paul's arrival in Ephesus it was a thriving metropolis with a long (and checkered) history. That Paul found any converts in Ephesus is itself a miracle considering both the wealth and the pagan religion that Ephesus was steeped in.
Besides its position as a land and sea trading center (being the terminus of one land route and easily accessed by two others, in addition to its favorable port) Ephesus had a unique history with Rome. "Partial recovery came to the western edges of the..."

Abstract
The paper reviews the intellectual and societal roots of Christianity as a religion emergent in the Roman empire. Jesus' view of the religion is discussed as a renewal of Hebrew idealism, plus the radical interpretation of Paul towards glorification of a Holy Spirit. The early successes of Christianity are mentioned in relation to main historical arguments.

Abstract
This paper examines how Tibesar, basing his work on primary sources wherever possible, asserts that although the Franciscan Order was by no means the primary religious order in colonial Peru, the Franciscans successfully integrated the Indians into Spanish culture. The paper describes the contents of the book as well as the type of sources used.

From the Paper
"The author constantly admits that there is a dearth of documentary materials written by religious persons of the sixteenth century. Rather, most documents were written by military personnel or conquistadors. Rather than become discouraged by this lack of source material, Tibesar works closely with the materials provided to him by the Franciscan Order in modern Peru. The focus for the book is specifically on the Franciscan Order, but by necessity Tibesar places the Order in social, political, and historical context in order to provide an accurate account of its role in sixteenth century Peru. Tibesar notes that the Franciscan Order contended with frequent clashes of interest with Spanish authorities, both religious and secular, in their attempts to convert the Indians. For the Franciscan, Christian spirituality and way of life were far more important than establishing organized bodies of governance in New Spain. Therefore, the friars basically remained true to their ideals of Christianity."

Tags:new, spain, conversion, mission

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that Ehrman, like most modern scholars, has understood the importance of applying exegetical thinking when reading the scriptures, and through this approach he leads the reader towards a clear understanding that women were, historically, fully involved in all roles conducive with leading, training, and teaching Christian believers. The writer discusses that women were, without any doubt, indispensable to the successful continuation and growth of the early church. The writer points out that during his entire life, Jesus treated women with respect, as being trustworthy, responsible and as being quite capable of performing roles within the local church, the community, and the home. The writer concludes that as depicted by Ehrman, this fact has been clearly recognized by the majority of those who have researched this subject, and yet still women face questions concerning intentions, motives, and fundamental rights as a believer in Christ.

From the Paper
"Jesus did, of course, speak clearly about matters concerning the ultimate judgment of mankind, end time issues, and the destruction of the planet, but he also spoke on many other subjects. Erman declares, rather glibly, that Jesus had no intention of bring about social reform, and yet there is clear evidence within the Gospels that Jesus often spoke on issues that were humanitarian, social, and communal. He was concerned for the well-being of mankind in all areas - physically, socially, and spiritually - and it is this clearly visible concern that brings so many people into the faith when reading the Gospels."
"Within the biblical narratives of Jesus' life, there are many examples that portray Him as being authoritative, out-spoken, insistent, defying, and so forth - which are all images that clearly identify Him as being quite the opposite to the meek and mild, watered-down, representation of Jesus that is often preached throughout our churches. Jesus was a radical, an anomie, who challenged given social norms, values, and beliefs, and turned the ancient world upside down."

Tags:leadership, Bible, Christianity, role

Abstract
This paper examines the first and third Crusades in terms of their success and failure and ultimately their impact on Christian-Muslim relations in the Middle East. The author describes the first Crusade and the eventual internal conflicts among the Christians that allowed Muslims to rise up against the Europeans. Leaders on both sides are described, especially Saladin. The paper gives historic details of various battles, with particular emphasis on the fight for control of Jerusalem. The paper includes a discussion of anti-Western attitudes by Muslims that may have developed as a result of the Crusades.

From the Paper
" Generally speaking, the First Crusade was ignited in 1095 by predominantly French Christians whose main intention was to seize the sacred city of Jerusalem from Muslim control. This First Crusade was considered as a magnificent success in 1099, due to the crusaders conquering Jerusalem and maintaining control of the Holy Land for seventy-eight years despite much Muslim restlessness and bitter resentment. Internal conflicts among these crusaders then began to increase as a result of more nations joining in their actions against the Muslims. Some of these conflicts include arguments on leadership, political differences and war strategies."

Tags:Crusades, Muslims, Jerusalem, Holy, Land, Saladin, Richard, the, Lionhearted

Abstract
This is a short paper on the writings of some of the very early fathers of the Christian/Catholic church, Ignatius and Clement. This paper mostly relates to the role and importance of bishops and priests to the early church.

From the Paper
"Clement and Ignatius certainly agree that only an exclusive group within the faith is permitted to hold worship services and offer gifts. Clement devotes a significant portion of his First Letter to the issue, stating that the orderly procedure of preaching and worship depends on God's will. Thereafter, he explains the basis for the doctrine of apostolic succession concluding that those who celebrate "the sacrifices" (the Eucharist) with persons of proper authority "shall be guilty of no slight sin.""

Tags:communion, doctrine

Abstract
This essay examines historical fiction as seen in the famous Hollywood movie Quo Vadis. The successes and failures of the film in accurately portraying Roman history and the struggle between early Christianity and Roman society are analyzed. Through a look at real historical sources, we can see that for the most part the film is an entertaining but flawed example of the retelling of a historical event and the personalities of that time. For example, the film leads viewers to believe that this period of history was the climax of the conflict between imperial Rome and early Christianity, but in fact Nero was no worse for the Christians than many other emperors before and after his reign.

From the Paper
"The characters of Marcus Vinicius and Lygia in the film are symbolic of the rift between imperial Rome and the early Christians, however, they are fictional characters and did not exist in ancient Rome. Galba was in fact the real leader who replaced Nero (he does in the film as well), but he was a seventy-year old man who only ruled for about six months before he was executed by rivals in the forum and replaced by Otho."

Tags:ancient, hollywood, quo, rome, vadis