Christianity Classical Culture

Written and material evidence offer insight into Christianity’s relationship in classical culture. Evidenced in literature and art, it is clear that the culture of the Roman Empire was an influence and was influenced by the rise of Christianity.

First, the use of a common language connected Christians to the Roman Empire. Their adoption of Greek to spread their message to the Roman Empire (van Voorst, 2013). Furthermore, within the Bible, there are words and ideas which reflect the time period during which they were written (van Voorst, 2013). Literature which was written after the Bible is also another indicator of Christianity’s relationship to classical culture. The work of apologists, or those who defended Christianity through

writing, develops a uniquely Christian vocabulary and thought process (van Voorst, 2013).
Another piece of evidence which reveals Christianity's relationship to classical culture is art. Many pieces and works which emerged during the Roman Empire are distinctly Christian (van Voorst, 2013). These works reflect Christian values and themes (van Voorst, 2013). When examining paintings, sculptures, and other art, the relationship between Christianity and classical culture is obvious.
This relationship between Christianity and classical culture represents how culture can influence religion and how religion can influence culture. From the presence of classical ideas in Christian literature to the reflection of Christian ideas in art from the classical period, Christianity is woven throughout the classical period.

References:
van Voorst, R. (2013). RELG: World. Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.