Early ChristianThe Beginnings of Monotheism

The Roman Empire splits apart in 359 AD

By 400 AD the city of Rome has fallen to the Goths

Similarities between Jews and Christians

Monotheistic

Inclusive Religions

Use of Sacred Texts

Ten Commandments and Old Testament

Belief in forgiveness of sins, humility before God and faith in his presence

Differences

Jews Christians

Aniconic Art

Jesus is not the Messiah; Jews are still waiting

Iconic Art

Jesus as Savior

New Testament

Early Judaic art: Dura-Europos

Moses from Dura-Europos

Aniconism

2nd

Commandment

Catacombs

Confraternities

Catacomb of Saints Peter and Marcellinus

Syncretism

Jonah

Prefiguration

Santa Maria Antiqua Sarcophagus

Orants and Philosopher

Jonah

Good Shepherd and Baptism

Sarcophagus of Junius Bassus

Sacrifice of Isaac Christ as Teacher

Old St. Peter’s—Axial PlanInterior of Santa Sabina

Santa Constanza

Syncretism: Bacchus to Eucharist

Syncretism: Calf-Bearer becomes Good Shepard

Christ Enthroned

Vienna Genesis

Vellum: CalfskinParchment: Lambskin

Illuminated Manuscript

Continuous Narrative

Is Paganism Dead?

Priestess Performing Rites to Bacchus