Christianity

Definition

Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, emphasizing faith in Jesus as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. As it emerged within the context of Roman civilization, it profoundly influenced culture, literature, theater, and religious thought throughout the medieval period and beyond.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Christianity began as a small Jewish sect in the 1st century CE in the Roman Empire and rapidly grew into a major world religion.
2. The spread of Christianity was facilitated by the Pax Romana, which allowed safe travel and communication across the empire.
3. Medieval literature often reflected Christian themes, with works focusing on moral lessons, biblical stories, and allegories that conveyed spiritual truths.
4. Medieval theater evolved as a means to convey Christian messages, with mystery plays and morality plays depicting biblical events and moral dilemmas.
5. Christianity's influence on symbolic systems can be seen in the use of religious iconography, rituals, and the interpretation of symbols such as the cross.

Review Questions

• How did Christianity adapt and spread during the Roman civilization, influencing social and cultural aspects?
  • Christianity adapted by utilizing the existing infrastructure of the Roman Empire for its spread, benefiting from roads and trade routes for missionary activities. It appealed to various social classes, offering a sense of community and hope during times of turmoil. As a result, it influenced art, philosophy, and law within Roman society, challenging pagan beliefs and practices while promoting new moral frameworks.
• In what ways did medieval literature reflect Christian beliefs and values during this period?
  • Medieval literature served as a vehicle for expressing Christian beliefs through allegorical tales, moral lessons, and retellings of biblical stories. Works like Dante's 'Divine Comedy' encapsulated spiritual journeys aligned with Christian doctrine. Such literature reinforced religious teachings while also exploring themes like redemption, sin, and divine justice, which resonated with audiences seeking spiritual guidance.
• Evaluate the impact of Christianity on medieval theater and its role in shaping cultural expressions during this time.
  • Christianity significantly shaped medieval theater by introducing religious themes and narratives into performance art. Mystery plays brought biblical stories to life for audiences who were largely illiterate, making complex theological concepts accessible. This not only educated the public about Christian doctrines but also reinforced community values through collective participation in these theatrical expressions. Over time, these performances laid the groundwork for more complex dramatic forms in later European literature.

Related terms

Gospels: The first four books of the New Testament that describe the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Council of Nicaea: An important early Christian council that convened in 325 CE to address various theological disputes and establish foundational Christian doctrines.

Schism: A split or division in a religious community, particularly referring to the Great Schism of 1054 that divided Christianity into Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy.