Christianity in the Roman Empire

Christianity in the Roman Empire

• Christianity became the largest single religion in the Roman Empire.
• Christian communities were scattered throughout the world.

Roman Emperor Constantine

• Roman Emperor Constantine granted Christianity liberty after a vision.
• Theodosius ended all pagan practices and temples.

Church Fathers and Theologians

• Church fathers became intellectual and theologians.
• Saint Jerome translated the Bible into Latin (Vulgate).

Monasticism

• Monasticism became a religious channel for the people.
• Saint Anthony started Christian monasticism in the 3rd century.
• Saint Benedict brought order to the monastic movement.
• Benedictine Rule provided guidelines for those joining monastic life.

Spread of Christianity

• Christian communities spread their faith and devotion.
• Persecution inspired more believers.
• Constantine's granting of liberty to Christians was crucial.
• Formal church government was established.
• Christian theologians influenced the understanding of the church.

Pope John XXIII and Aggiornamento

• Pope John XXIII called for Aggiornamento, aimed at reviewing the word of God and church practices.
• The Church conducted a self-examination in its 2000-year history.
• The Church aimed to obey the Holy Spirit, preach the Gospel, teach the faith.
• The Church also aimed to continue Vatican work, address modernity, return to the sources, teach balanced ecclesiology, highlight the work of the laity, encourage holiness, facilitate active participation in liturgy, and reach non-Catholics.