Assignment task:
Document 1: Teachings of Christianity from Paul
Background: Paul, a Jew from Asia Minor, played one of the most influential roles in spreading Christianity throughout the Roman empire, especially to non-Jews. As Paul traveled around the Mediterranean, he sent letters to Christian communities explaining the teachings of Jesus and encouraging Christians to stay faithful. His letters became part of the New Testament, the Christian addition to the Hebrew the Bible.
- Consider this source in the context of the relief carving above. Why might Romans feel threatened by Paul's message?
Document 2: Biography of Marcellus the Centurion (Christian Martyr)
Background: Christians who were killed in times of persecution became known as martyrs, or people who suffer or die for their beliefs. Marcellus was a Roman centurion, or foot soldier, who publicly declared his Christian faith.
A man is put right with God only through faith in Jesus Christ, never by doing what the Law requires... So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles [non-Jews], between slaves and freemen, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus.
- What does this carving suggest about the role of slaves in Roman society?
- How did Marcellus defy the values of the Roman Empire?
- When Marcellus declares his loyalty to Christianity at the end, he is deserting the empire-- how?
Document 3: St. Lucy (Christian Martyr)
Background: Lucy vowed to remain unmarried and to give her money to the poor so that she might attain spiritual wealth. With her mother's approval, she carried out her plans, but her thwarted suitor denounced her to the local consul, Paschasius. Before a crowd of spectators, Paschasius ordered her to sacrifice to the gods of the state, but, undaunted, Lucy spoke of her belief in Jesus, which enraged him. He accused Lucy of seducing people with both body and words, but she proclaimed her virtue and incorruptibility. Paschasius ordered his men to take her away; however, they were unable to lift her. The consul accused her of witchcraft, but she boasted that Jesus was safeguarding her. She was subjected to different types of physical torture, but they were all ineffective. Finally, the consul's henchman thrust a dagger into her throat, but she continued to speak about her faith. Ultimately, many in the crowd was converted before her death.
- How would Lucy's actions threaten Roman social structure?
When considering all of the evidence, how to write one sentence thesis statement that answers the question: Why did Roman rulers view Christianity as a threat?