Christianity from Judaism to Constantine: Crash Course World History #11

Summary

In this Crash Course World History episode, John Green discusses the historical context and significance of Jesus. The episode explores Jesus's Jewish roots, his teachings, and his impact on the Roman province of Judea. It highlights the development of monotheism, the covenant with Abraham, and the Roman Empire's influence on Jewish life. The video delves into why Jesus was seen as the Messiah and how Christianity spread despite Roman persecution, ultimately flourishing under Emperor Constantine. Through engaging storytelling and humor, the episode provides a concise history of early Christianity.

Takeaways

• 📜 Jesus was born a Jew and grew up in the Jewish tradition.
• 👑 During Jesus's birth, the Roman emperor Augustus was called the son of God.
• 📖 The Hebrews initially worshipped many gods but later developed monotheism, the belief in one true god.
• 🤝 The concept of the covenant was central to Judaism, starting with Abraham.
• 🌍 By the time of Jesus's birth, Judea was a Roman province under Herod the Great.
• 💬 Jesus spread a message of peace, love, and justice, attracting a loyal group of followers.
• ⚖️ Jesus's anti-authoritarian stance and support for the poor made him a threat to the Roman authorities.
• ✝️ The Romans crucified Jesus because he was seen as a threat to their authority.
• 🔮 Early Christians believed Jesus was the Messiah who would redeem the world.
• 📈 Christianity spread due to the work of figures like Paul and the decline of the Roman Empire, eventually gaining prominence under Emperor Constantine.

Q & A

Who is the narrator of the video, and what is the main topic discussed?

The narrator is John Green, and the main topic discussed is Jesus and the origins of Christianity.

What does the Roman coin from around the time Jesus was born depict?

The Roman coin calls Augustus, the emperor, the son of God.

Why is an understanding of Christianity said to start with Judaism?

Because Jesus was born a Jew, grew up in the Jewish tradition, and was part of a messianic tradition in Judea.

What significant concepts did the Hebrews develop that became key to their religion?

The Hebrews developed monotheism, the belief in one true god, and the idea of a covenant, a deal with God.

Who was Abraham, and why is he important in understanding Judaism?

Abraham, originally known as Abram, is considered the 'big macher' or main figure in the covenant with God, which promised his descendants would be numerous and inherit the land of Canaan.

How is the God of the Hebrews described in the video?

The God of the Hebrews is described as singular, transcendent, deeply personal, involved in history, and demanding moral righteousness and social justice.

What was the political situation in Judea at the time of Jesus's birth and death?

Judea was under Roman control, first under Herod the Great and later under Herod Antipater, both of whom were seen as oppressive rulers to the Jews.

What was Jesus's message, and why was it seen as radical?

Jesus's message was one of peace, love, and justice, particularly resonant with the poor and downtrodden. It was radical because it was anti-authoritarian, challenging the powers that be.

Why did some people believe Jesus was the Messiah?

Some Jews believed Jesus was the Messiah because of prophecies that described a savior coming in times of trouble, and they saw Jesus's life and actions as fulfilling those prophecies.

How did the Roman Empire's decline contribute to the spread of Christianity?

As the Roman Empire declined, many people sought solace in Christianity, which offered the promise of an afterlife and a sense of hope amid worsening conditions.

What role did Paul (formerly Saul of Tarsus) play in spreading Christianity?

Paul traveled extensively throughout the Roman Empire, declaring that Jesus's followers did not need to adhere to Jewish laws, which helped open the religion to non-Jews and facilitated its spread.

Why was the symbol of the fish (Ichthys) significant for early Christians?

The fish symbol, Ichthys, was a secret symbol used by early Christians to identify themselves and discuss their faith without attracting Roman persecution.

What was Emperor Constantine's impact on Christianity?

Emperor Constantine allowed the worship of Jesus and eventually converted to Christianity himself, which significantly boosted the religion's acceptance and spread within the Roman Empire.

What are some reasons the narrator suggests for Christianity becoming a world religion?

Reasons include the continued persecution of Jews, Paul's efforts to include non-Jews, the common language of the Roman Empire facilitating spread, and the decline of Rome making people more receptive to Christianity's message.