What challenge did the message of monotheism and salvation, spread by Jesus around 30 CE, pose to the Roman Empire? It strengthened the worship of Caesar. It had no impact on established norms. It posed a threat to Roman authority.

Answer 1

The challenge posed by the message of monotheism and salvation, spread by Jesus around 30 CE, primarily posed a threat to Roman authority. The teachings of Jesus and the early Christian movement emphasized a single, sovereign God and often called for loyalty to this God above all earthly powers, which directly conflicted with the Roman practice of polytheism and the worship of the Emperor as a divine figure. This new faith encouraged followers to prioritize their allegiance to God over the state, which was seen as a subversive challenge to the authority and stability of the Roman Empire. The refusal of early Christians to worship the Emperor and participate in traditional Roman religious practices was perceived as a rebellion that could undermine social cohesion and the power of the imperial regime.