Lex Fridman JESUS In Ancient Rome: I COMPLETELY DISAGREE With Prof. Aldrete

This is a video reaction and response to the section of the Lex Fridman's podcast on Ancient Rome about Christianity and Jesus of Nazareth. On this video we will expand on religion in ancient Rome both in terms of the Roman pagan traditions and on how the Romans viewed early Christianity.

Link to the original podcast I'm responding to:
   • Gregory Aldrete: The Roman Empire - Rise a...  

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Christianity emerged and spread rapidly throughout the Roman Empire during the 1st to 4th centuries AD, profoundly shaping the religious and cultural landscape of the ancient Mediterranean world.
The religion began with Jesus of Nazareth and his followers in Judea, a Roman province. After Jesus' crucifixion around 30-33 AD, his disciples, led by figures like Peter and Paul, began spreading his teachings. Paul's missionary journeys and letters to early Christian communities were particularly influential in expanding the faith beyond its Jewish origins.
Initially, Roman authorities viewed Christianity as a sect of Judaism. However, as it grew and developed a distinct identity, Christians faced periods of persecution. They were often seen as subversive for refusing to participate in imperial cult worship and rejecting many Roman social norms.
Despite persecution, Christianity continued to gain converts across all social classes. Its message of salvation, equality before God, and community support appealed to many in the cosmopolitan Roman world. The religion spread through urban centers along trade routes, with house churches forming the basis of early Christian communities.
A turning point came in 312 AD when Emperor Constantine converted to Christianity. The Edict of Milan in 313 AD granted religious tolerance, ending official persecution. Constantine's patronage accelerated Christianity's growth and began its transformation from a marginalized sect to the empire's dominant religion.
By the late 4th century, Christianity had become the official state religion of the Roman Empire under Theodosius I. This profound shift would shape European history and culture for centuries to come.
The rise of Christianity in the Roman era demonstrates how a nascent religious movement can transform an empire, highlighting the complex interplay between political power, social dynamics, and religious belief in shaping historical outcomes.

Jesus of Nazareth, also known as Jesus Christ, is the central figure of Christianity. He lived in the 1st century CE in Judea, a region under Roman rule at the time. While most of what we know about Jesus comes from Christian sources, particularly the New Testament Gospels, he is also mentioned in some non-Christian historical texts.
According to Christian tradition, Jesus was born in Bethlehem to Mary and Joseph. The Gospels describe his birth as miraculous, with Mary conceiving through the Holy Spirit. Jesus began his public ministry around the age of 30. He traveled throughout Galilee and Judea, preaching, teaching, and reportedly performing miracles.
Jesus' teachings focused on love, forgiveness, and the coming of God's kingdom. He often taught using parables and was known for challenging religious and social norms of his time. He gathered a group of followers, including the Twelve Apostles, who helped spread his message.
Roman authorities, with the cooperation of some Jewish leaders, arrested and crucified Jesus. This occurred around 30-33 CE. Christians believe Jesus rose from the dead three days after his crucifixion, a central tenet of Christian faith.
Christians view Jesus as the Son of God and the promised Messiah, believing his death and resurrection offer salvation to humanity. Jesus' life and teachings have had an enormous influence on world history, shaping not only religious thought but also art, culture, politics, and philosophy across the globe.
It's important to note that while Christians view Jesus as divine, other religious traditions have different perspectives. For instance, Islam recognizes Jesus as a prophet but not as God, while Judaism generally does not accept Jesus as the Messiah.

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