Religion
What Being a Jew Meant in the Roman World
Unlike the pagans, Judaism believed in and worshipped only one god, Yahweh, the God of Israel. The Jews believed themselves to be the chosen ones whom the God would forever protect. […]
Religion
Religion
What Made Judaism Stand Out in the Roman World?
Judaism centered around a fellowship bound in worship. However, there were differences between different Jewish communities in the way they practiced the Jewish laws. […]
Christianity
Ancient Paganism and Modern Religion
In modern times, religion is important as it offers spiritual grounding, moral values, and a belief system. However, this wasn’t how religion was understood in the ancient Roman world. […]
Christianity
Defining Paganism and Christianity
The terms ‘pagan’ and ‘Christian’ weren’t very clearly defined in the ancient Roman world. For the Christians, pagans were old fashioned rural folks, and for the pagans, Christians were followers of an obscure Jewish teacher. […]
Christianity
Religion and Gods in the Ancient Pagan World
Ancient pagans, being polytheists, did not have to choose one particular god to worship; they could worship many. Though they didn’t believe in afterlife, they realized the power of gods. […]
Christianity
The Ebbing Christian Faith
Christianity and faith in religion seem to be slipping in the face of doubt and challenges of modernity. The emotional toil that a radical shift of religious perspective can have can be immense. […]
Christianity
Christianity and the Defeat of Paganism
The victory of Christianity over paganism was spectacular. Even before other religions could realize that there was a fight for dominance, Christianity had taken over. […]
Christianity
The Christianization of the West: A Historical Perspective
Christianity completely transformed Western art, literature, and philosophy. Historically, it single-handedly altered the fate of Europe with Rome adopting it as its official religion. […]
Christianity
Wondrium’s “The Triumph of Christianity” Explores Religion’s Rapid Growth
Christianity began in a polytheistic and Jewish Rome and expanded exponentially. However, at the same time, early Christian practices were even more varied than they are now. “The Triumph of Christianity” reveals how it “went viral.” […]
Christianity
Best-Selling Author Teaches New Wondrium Course on Early Christianity
Dr. Bart D. Ehrman returns to Wondrium for “The Triumph of Christianity.” His previous Great Courses included “The Historical Jesus” and “Lost Christianities,” among others. This may be his most important course yet. […]