Early Christianity Flashcards
When was Paul writing his LETTERS, and to whom?
second third of 1st cent CE. to largely urban communities building a rapport especially with women, non-citizens of roman empire, and jewish ppl.
What was Paul’s authority?
didn’t really have any other than that which he built around him by continually convincing and justifying
How significant was Paul’s legacy?
he was widely read by those of his time and after
What was Paul’s approach to sex for his own life? In his teachings?
Rejected it wholly for physical pleasure was sinful, also whilst rejecting marriage. Accepted marital sex as a lesser evil.
What Christian doctrine in direct opposition to pagan beliefs was sex a good demonstration of?
moral determinism with man being able to chose to be sinful (have sex) or not
To what degree were Paul’s teachings on sex the consensus in the early days of Christianity?
The matter had little consensus but Paul’s oppostion to physical pleasure provided a clear framework that was largely accepted
When was the Great Fire of Rome? How does it relate to dev of early christianity?
64 BC. Nero blamed it on christians which led to the first serious instances of persecution.
In what years were Paul and Thecla travelling together? How was this episode written and immortalised?
162-80. As a romance fable
Around when was Clement of Alexandria writing?
late 2nd cent CE
What was Clement of Alexandria’s views on sex? How did he make his argument more convincing?
Refused to succumb to sexual desire that was everywhere in the Roman empire, but accepted marriage. Tied it in parts to classical conservatism (eg. opp to prostitution) and used his greek philosophical education
What was a specific part of the classical world that Clement clearly opposed in part of his rejection of physical pleasure?
The slave trade (‘the flesh trade’) which he saw in action whilst living in Alexandria
When were the New Testament and Gospels first codified?
2nd cent CE
When was Origen writing?
end of 2nd into 3rd cent CE
What did Origen think on sex?
It was impure for the body but procreation was necessary and christian devoutness could save someone
Around when were the events involving Perpetua and Felicitas?
early 3rd cent CE
Under which emperors and when were early Christians subject to the first round of legal discrimination by the R Emp? What did it involve?
Decius and Valerian, 250s. Enforced sacrifice to pagan gods or face prison/death.
When were the Diocletianic/Great Persecutions of Christians?
303-313
What happened as part of the Diocletianic/Great Persecutions of Christians?
emperors Diocletian, Maximian, Galerius, and Constantius passed legislation that removed legal rights from christians and enforced mandatory pagan sacrifice
What put an end to Diocletianic/Great Persecution?
Edict of Milan 313 CE by Constantine that encouraged the practice of Christianity leading to later state involvement in doctrine.
