Outline the historical and cultural context in which Christianity began
Study Notes for Studies of Religion Stage 6 Syllabus
Christianity emerged in the first century CE in the region of Judea, which was a part of the Roman Empire. It was a time of great social, political, and religious change, and the Roman Empire was a cosmopolitan and diverse place that was home to many different cultures and religions.
The region of Judea, where Christianity originated, was predominantly Jewish, and Judaism was the dominant religion in the area. However, there were also many other religious traditions that were practiced in the region, such as the various mystery religions, Gnosticism, and various sects of Judaism.
The founders of Christianity, Jesus of Nazareth and his apostles, were all Jewish and they taught a message that was grounded in Jewish tradition. However, their message was also innovative and new, and they attracted a diverse group of followers from many different cultural and religious backgrounds.
As Christianity spread, it encountered many different cultures and religions, and it was influenced by these encounters. For example, when Christianity spread to the Greek-speaking world, it was influenced by Greek philosophy and culture. When it spread to the Roman Empire, it was influenced by Roman culture and law.
Overall, the cultural and historical context in which Christianity began was one of great diversity and change, and Christianity itself has always been a religion that has adapted and evolved in response to its cultural and historical surroundings.
