Chapter 14: The Birth of Christianity

The Internet offers a range of social studies resources, including Web sites of museums, government agencies, educational institutions, and the news media. Listed below are links to some outstanding ancient history Web sites. Use them to learn more about the themes, ideas, and events in the lessons in this chapter.

Lesson 1: The Origins of Christianity

Early Christianity: An overview of early Christianity, from Washington State University's “World Civilizations” site. Includes a biography of Jesus.; http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/CHRIST/CONTENTS.HTM

The Life of Jesus Christ: British Broadcasting Company's “Religions of the World” site provides a summary of Christian beliefs about Jesus. Includes links to discussions of basic Christianity and the main branches of Christianity.; http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/people/features/world_religions/christianity_life.shtml

Lesson 2: The Early Christians

Paul of Tarsus: A brief biography of Paul of Tarsus is part of Washington State University's Early Christianity project.; http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/CHRIST/PAUL.HTM

The First Christians: Who Was Paul?: A very detailed discussion of the role the Apostle Paul played in spreading Christianity, from the Public Broadcasting System's series on Christianity.; http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/first/missions.html

The Rise of Christianity: Kansas University site summarizes the rise of Christianity and explains its appeal to such groups as women and slaves.; http://www.ku.edu/kansas/medieval/108/lectures/christianity_rise.html

Lesson 3: Rome and Christianity

Constantine Converts to Christianity: The “Christianity Chronology” project site describes Constantine's conversion to Christianity and its effect on the Roman Empire.; http://www.thenagain.info/WebChron/EastEurope/ConstantineConverts.CP.html

Christianity Glossary: Trinity: An easy-to-understand definition of the Trinity, with links to definitions of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, from the Christianity Glossary at a University of Wyoming site.; http://uwacadweb.uwyo.edu/religionet/er/christ/Cglossry.htm#ltr.t

Edict of Milan: Site provides a brief overview of the Edict of Milan, as well as the complete text.; http://www.personal.kent.edu/~bkharvey/roman/texts/milan.htm