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The first imperial or national Chinese dynasty was the Qin or Ch'in dynasty (221-206 B.C.), which was founded by the ruler of the Zhou vassal state Qin, Prince Zheng.  The Qin dynasty was superb in battle, using chariots and iron weaponry, and that enabled Prince Zheng to conquer all the Chinese states and unify the country.  The Qin dynasty built many internal improvements, such as roads, canals and irrigation, using iron and bronze tools.  It was the Qin dynasty that began to construct the Great Wall, which stretches today for 1,400 miles.  China has always feared and been threatened by foreign invaders, and the wall was a way to defend itself by augmenting the natural protections of geography.  It is from "Qin" that the name "China" is derived.  But the Qin dynasty's highly legalistic approach to governing eventually led to rebellion.

The first imperial or national Chinese dynasty was the Qin or Ch'in dynasty (221-206 B.C.), which was founded by the ruler of the Zhou vassal state Qin, Prince Zheng.  The Qin dynasty was superb in battle, using chariots and iron weaponry, and that enabled Prince Zheng to conquer all the Chinese states and unify the country.  The Qin dynasty built many internal improvements, such as roads, canals and irrigation, using iron and bronze tools.  It was the Qin dynasty that began to construct the Great Wall, which stretches today for 1,400 miles.  China has always feared and been threatened by foreign invaders, and the wall was a way to defend itself by augmenting the natural protections of geography.  It is from "Qin" that the name "China" is derived.  But the Qin dynasty's highly legalistic approach to governing eventually led to rebellion.

The Han empire or dynasty (206 B.C. to A.D 220, with only a brief interruption from A.D. 6-23) built on the foundation of the Qin dynasty - literally.  The walls and roads were extended and improved during this period.  Liu Bang was the first Han ruler, and he imposed a centralized government that was stable for many years.  Empress Lu was a woman who seized power from 195-180 B.C. and then installed her sons as emperors while they were still infants.  Han Wudi (141-87 B.C.) was the longest serving Han ruler.  He was known for appointing efficient provincial administrators.

The Han empire or dynasty (206 B.C. to A.D 220, with only a brief interruption from A.D. 6-23) built on the foundation of the Qin dynasty - literally.  The walls and roads were extended and improved during this period.  Liu Bang was the first Han ruler, and he imposed a centralized government that was stable for many years.  Empress Lu was a woman who seized power from 195 until 180 B.C. and then installed her sons as emperors while they were still infants.  Han Wudi (141-87 B.C.) was the longest serving Han ruler.  He was known for appointing efficient provincial administrators.

The Han dynasty expanded the territory of China into Vietnam and Korea, and administered justice to the country from a centralized and organized civil service.  This was the most significant of all Chinese dynasties, and is compared by historians to the Pax Romana period in the Roman empire (which we will discuss in the next lecture).  The Han dynasty valued education highly, and even created a scholar class of people known as "shi".  Historians criticize the Han dynasty, however, for treating women in an inferior manner.

The Han dynasty expanded the territory of China into Vietnam and Korea, and administered justice to the country from a centralized and organized civil service.  This was the most significant of all Chinese dynasties, and is compared by historians to the Pax Romana period in the Roman empire (which we will discuss in the next lecture).  The Han dynasty valued education highly, and even created a scholar class of people known as "shi".  Historians criticize the Han dynasty, however, for treating women in an inferior manner.

The Han dynasty developed the famous Silk Road: 5,000 miles of interconnected roads linking China to the Mediterranean region, which enabled trade in silk and fine goods to greatly increase.  Buddhism spread widely along the Silk Road, promoted both by traders and Buddhist monks, and reached China in A.D. 100.  A new religion designed to appeal to merchants, Manichaeism (named after its founder Mani (A.D. 216-272)), also spread to Turkish nomads by teaching self-denial and acceptance of both Buddha and Jesus as prophets.  Notice how Buddhism would predictably become more popular outside India than Hinduism did;  Buddhism was not based on one's class or family heritage, while Hinduism was.

The Han dynasty developed the famous Silk Road: 5,000 miles of interconnected roads linking China to the Mediterranean region, which enabled trade in silk and fine goods to greatly increase.  Buddhism spread widely along the Silk Road, promoted both by traders and Buddhist monks, and reached China in A.D. 100.  Another new religion designed to appeal to merchants, Manichaeism (named after its founder Mani (A.D. 216-272)), also spread to Turkish nomads by teaching self-denial and acceptance of both Buddha and Jesus as prophets.  Notice how Buddhism would predictably become more popular outside India than Hinduism did;  Buddhism was not based on one's class or family heritage, while Hinduism was.

Trade flourished on the Silk Road, which China used to transport silk, spices gems, wine, cosmetics and even grain to the Mediterranean.  By land the traders carrying the goods included all groups in the Middle East; by sea the Malay sailors mastered the tricky monsoon wind patterns.  The Silk Road was influential from 150 B.C. to A.D. 900.  Perhaps one might compare its enormous influence to the internet today!  Today, an important railway runs along a common route which was part of the silk road.

Trade flourished on the Silk Road, which China used to transport silk, spices gems, wine, cosmetics and even grain to the Mediterranean.  By land the traders carrying the goods to all groups in the Middle East; by sea the Malay sailors mastered the tricky monsoon wind patterns.  The Silk Road was influential from 150 B.C. to A.D. 900.  Perhaps one might compare its enormous influence to the internet today!  Today, an important railway runs along a common route which was part of the silk road.

   

   

The state philosophy of the Han dynasty was Confucianism.  Technology advanced during this time, as did the arts.  Paper, porcelain, the compass, the rudder, the seismograph and possibly acupuncture were all invented under the Han dynasty.  Detailed historical records were maintained.  Most Chinese people were farmers, but China's discovery of iron enabled it to develop some highly profitable manufacturing trade.

The state philosophy of the Han dynasty was Confucianism.  Technology advanced during this time, as did the arts.  Paper, porcelain, the compass, the rudder, the seismograph and possibly acupuncture were all invented under the Han dynasty.  Detailed historical records were maintained.  Most Chinese people were farmers, but China's discovery of iron enabled it to develop some highly profitable manufacturing trade.

The Han dynasty declined, in a manner similar to the decline and fall of the Roman empire, though a bit earlier.  Historians cite the same reasons for the decline of both empires:  too vast an empire to administer and keep together, invasions by barbarians, hardship caused by the spread of disease and poor harvests, and overall economic failure.  In both cases, leaders of the armies gained power as the empires declined, but the generals could not save the empires.

The Han dynasty declined, in a manner similar to the decline and fall of the Roman empire, though a bit earlier.  Historians cite the same reasons for the decline of both empires:  too vast an empire to administer and keep together, invasions by barbarians, hardship caused by the spread of disease and poor harvests, and overall economic failure.  In both cases, leaders of the armies gained power as the empires declined, but the generals could not save the empires.

But historians credit both the Han dynasty and the Roman empire with lasting contributions to the world:  roads and, for a while, peace and prosperity.  The Han dynasty left us with paper, a greater emphasis on education, and the marvelous Silk Road.  The Roman empire left us with a system of laws, a powerful language (Latin), and the spread of Christianity.

But historians credit both the Han dynasty and the Roman empire for their lasting contributions to the world:  roads and, for a while, peace and prosperity.  The Han dynasty left us with paper, a greater emphasis on education, and the marvelous Silk Road.  The Roman empire left us with a system of laws, a powerful language (Latin), and the spread of Christianity.

But just as the West fell into disorganization once Rome fell, so did China when the Han dynasty collapsed.  China was ruled by regional governments known as the Three Kingdoms (A.D. 220-280).  Many legends arose during this period, as described in a Chinese literature classic entitled, "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms."

But just as the West fell into disorganization once Rome fell, so did China when the Han dynasty collapsed.  China was ruled by regional governments known as the Three Kingdoms (A.D. 220-280).  Many legends arose during this period, as described in a Chinese literature classic entitled, "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms."

:She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name '''Jesus''',* because he will save his people from their sins.

:She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name '''Jesus''',* because he will save his people from their sins.

The footnote for "Jesus" (*) in the NIV translation explains, "Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua, which means the Lord saves."

The footnote for "Jesus" (*) in the above NIV translation explains, "Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua, which means the Lord saves."

The ancient Greek, Hebrew and Latin all lacked the modern English letter "J".  The Hebrew initially spelled Jesus as "Yeshua" and "y'hoshua", using two different spellings because of the tradition against pronouncing "the sacred part of Yahweh's name, so they changed the 'Yah', to 'Yeh'."<ref>http://www.plim.org/JesusOrigin.htm</ref>

The ancient Greek, Hebrew and Latin all lacked the modern English letter "J".  The Hebrew initially spelled Jesus as "Yeshua" and "y'hoshua", using two different spellings because of the tradition against pronouncing "the sacred part of Yahweh's name, so they changed the 'Yah', to 'Yeh'."<ref>http://www.plim.org/JesusOrigin.htm</ref>

The teachings of Jesus were recorded in the Gospels (the word is from Middle English "god" and "spel" for "news", or "Good News") by three of His Apostles (Matthew, John and also Mark, a scribe for Peter) and by a physician (Luke). The oldest known versions of the Gospels are in Greek, the common ''lingua franca'' (common or commercial language among diverse peoples) of the Roman Orient.  No original Gospels have been found in Aramaic; the only discovered Aramaic Gospels are translations from Greek versions.  The general consensus is that the Gospel according to Matthew was written particularly for Jews; the Gospel according to Mark was written particularly for Romans; the Gospel according to Luke was written particularly for Greeks; and the Gospel according to John was written for everyone.  Matthew and John were part of Jesus's original Apostles, and Mark is thought to have been a scribe for the Apostle Peter.  Jesus had emphasized that scribes were part of those He sent forth to proselytize the world.  "I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes ...."<ref>Matt 23:34 (NAS).</ref>

The teachings of Jesus were recorded in the Gospels (the word is from Middle English "god" and "spel" for "news", or "Good News") by three of His Apostles (Matthew, John and also Mark, a scribe for Peter) and by a physician (Luke). The oldest known versions of the Gospels are in Greek, the common ''lingua franca'' (common or commercial language among diverse peoples) of the Roman Orient.  No original Gospels have been found in Aramaic; the only discovered Aramaic Gospels are translations from Greek versions.  The general consensus is that the Gospel according to Matthew was written particularly for Jews; the Gospel according to Mark was written particularly for Romans; the Gospel according to Luke was written particularly for Greeks; and the Gospel according to John was written for everyone.  Matthew and John were part of Jesus's original Apostles, and Mark is thought to have been a scribe for the Apostle Peter.  Jesus had emphasized that scribes were part of those He sent forth to proselytize the world.  "I am sending you prophets and wise men and scribes ...."<ref>Matt 23:34 (NAS).</ref>

Luke was a Greek physician (see Col 4:14) who accompanied Paul and also wrote the Acts of the Apostles describing the arrival of the Holy Spirit.  Unlike the firsthand Gospels of Matthew and John, the Gospel of Luke records eyewitness accounts of others, much as a doctor asks a patient for his medical history and then writes it down in the medical file.  Due to Luke's professionalism, his Gospel is comprehensive about Jesus's life and resurrection, and conveys the great sense of joy that Christians felt.  In the Battle of the Bulge in World War II (the surprise Nazi counterattack in Dec. 1944), which was one of the worst military defeats in American history, a minister's son who had memorized Luke’s description of the Nativity recited it for his fellow soldiers on Christmas Eve while together in the trenches.  Many of them died the next day.

Luke was a Greek physician (see Col 4:14) who accompanied Paul and also wrote the Acts of the Apostles describing the arrival of the Holy Spirit.  Unlike the firsthand Gospels of Matthew and John, the Gospel of Luke records eyewitness accounts of others, much as a doctor asks a patient for his medical history and then writes it down in the medical file.  Due to Luke's professionalism, his Gospel is comprehensive about Jesus's life and resurrection, and conveys the great sense of joy that Christians felt.  In the Battle of the Bulge in World War II (the surprise Nazi counterattack in Dec. 1944), which was one of the worst military defeats in American history, a minister's son who had memorized Luke's description of the Nativity recited it for his fellow soldiers on Christmas Eve while together in the trenches.  Many of the American soldiers died in battle soon afterward.

The greatest writing in the history of the world is the Gospel of John, the teenager whom Jesus loved like a son.  John revised and perfected this Gospel for decades before releasing it to others.  As was typical for many of the greatest authors, such as Copernicus, John's work was probably not released to the public until he passed away.  Isaac Newton also delayed publication of his great mathematical discoveries for decades.  As long as something can be improved further, there is no reason to publish it prematurely and confuse the public with multiple versions.

The greatest writing in the history of the world is the Gospel of John, the teenager whom Jesus loved like a son.  John revised and perfected this Gospel for many decades before releasing it to others.  As was typical for many of the greatest authors, such as Copernicus, John's work was probably not released to the public until he passed away.  Isaac Newton also delayed publication of his great mathematical discoveries for decades.  As long as something can be improved further, there is no reason to publish it prematurely and confuse the public with multiple versions.

American soldiers in World Wars I and II would carry copies of the Gospel of John with them as they journeyed to faraway battles.  This single book has done more to shape human thought and behavior than any other work.  America's First Amendment right of free speech is based on ministers preaching of the "Word" of God as described at the beginning of the Gospel of John.

American soldiers in World Wars I and II would carry copies of the Gospel of John with them as they journeyed to faraway battles.  This single book has done more to shape human thought and behavior than any other work.  America's First Amendment right of free speech is based on ministers preaching of the "Word" of God as described at the beginning of the Gospel of John.

Archaeological discoveries in Jerusalem confirm, to the dismay of skeptics, many references in the Gospels about Jesus's work.  The Pool of Bethesda has been discovered (John 5:1f).  The Pavement has been found (John 19:13).  The setting of Jacob's well has been discovered (John 4).  Because Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70 (see discussion below), it would have been impossible for a writer after A.D. 70 to make up any of these details.  

Archaeological discoveries in Jerusalem confirm, to the dismay of skeptics, many references in the Gospels about Jesus's work.  The Pool of Bethesda has been discovered (John 5:1f).  The Pavement has been found (John 19:13).  The setting of Jacob's well has been discovered (John 4).  Because Jerusalem was destroyed by the Romans in A.D. 70, it would have been impossible for a writer after A.D. 70 to make up any of these details.  

Paul of Taurus (now southern Turkey) was Jewish and converted to Christianity within a year or two of the Crucifixion while on the road to Damascus (now located in Syria), and afterward spread the Good News far and wide within the Roman empire.  He was both a prolific writer and scholar, and a prodigious missionary who traveled on three great missions throughout the Roman empire before being executed by a beheading in Rome in A.D. 62 (as a Roman citizen, Paul could not be scourged or crucified).  Several of Paul's letters are included in the New Testament, and often quoted to this day.  (For example, in Paul's letter to the Romans, he condemns homosexuality.<ref>Romans 1:27.</ref>)  Peter, who was not a Roman citizen, likewise spread the faith before being crucified in Rome, by his choice upside down out of the utmost respect to Jesus's own Crucifixion.

Paul of Taurus (now southern Turkey) was Jewish and converted to Christianity within a year or two of the Crucifixion while on the road to Damascus (now located in Syria), and afterward spread the Good News far and wide within the Roman empire.  He was both a prolific writer and scholar, and a prodigious missionary who traveled on three great missions throughout the Roman empire before being executed by a beheading in Rome in A.D. 62 (as a Roman citizen, Paul could not be scourged or crucified).  Several of Paul's letters are included in the New Testament, and often quoted to this day.  (For example, in Paul's letter to the Romans, he condemns homosexuality.<ref>Romans 1:27.</ref>)  Peter, who was not a Roman citizen, likewise spread the faith before being crucified in Rome, by his choice upside down out of the utmost respect to Jesus's own Crucifixion.

Many misconceptions about early Christians persist to this day.  Americans are often taught that all the disciples were ignorant fishermen who could not read or write.  This is plainly false, as several communicated by letter while held in jail by Roman authorities.  Many of the insights and truths revealed in the Gospels by the Apostles could only have been understood and taught by people of tremendous intelligence and faith.

Many misconceptions about early Christians persist.  Americans are often taught that all the disciples were ignorant fishermen who could not read or write.  This is plainly false, as several communicated by letter while held in jail by Roman authorities.  Many of the insights and truths revealed in the Gospels by the Apostles could only have been understood and taught by people of tremendous intelligence and faith.

Christianity was taken by the early Christians as far and wide as possible.  The religious celebrations consisted of a communal meal, called "communion" today but given the Greek name for "love feat" then:  "agape".  This reenacted the Last Supper of Christ as described in the Gospels.  The concept of Christian love had a profound, positive on the world.

Christianity was taken by the early Christians as far and wide as possible.  The religious celebrations consisted of a communal meal, called "communion" today but given the Greek name for "love feat" then:  "agape".  This reenacted the Last Supper of Christ as described in the Gospels.  The concept of Christian love had a profound, positive on the world.

Mark founded a church in Egypt under the reign of the Roman emperor Nero, first converting Alexandrian Jews such as Theophilus and also converting many native Egyptians who were neither Greek nor Jewish.  It was for Theophilus and the Egyptian community that Luke wrote his Gospel and Acts of the Apostles, addressing Theophilus in the beginning of each.<ref>''See'' Luke 1:3 and Acts 1:1.</ref>  The local language in Egypt was Coptic, and translations of the Gospels into that language have been discovered which date from the first half of the second century.  Coptic Christianity remains in Egypt to this day, although Islam has become the most popular religion there.  Some cite the acceptance of Arabic as a liturgical language by the Pope of Alexandria as aiding the rise to dominance of Islam there.  Coptic Christians celebrate Christmas each year on January 7th.

Mark founded a church in Egypt under the reign of the Roman emperor Nero, first converting Alexandrian Jews such as Theophilus and also converting many native Egyptians who were neither Greek nor Jewish.  It was for Theophilus and the Egyptian community that Luke wrote his Gospel and Acts of the Apostles, addressing Theophilus in the beginning of each.<ref>''See'' Luke 1:3 and Acts 1:1.</ref>  The local language in Egypt was Coptic, and translations of the Gospels into that language have been discovered which date from the first half of the second century.  Coptic Christianity remains in Egypt now, although Islam has become the most popular religion there.  Some cite the acceptance of Arabic as a liturgical language by the Pope of Alexandria as aiding the rise to dominance of Islam there.  Coptic Christians celebrate Christmas each year on January 7th.

The Apostle Thomas, known as the "Doubting Thomas" traveled as far as India and established a Christian community that remains there to this day, although the country is still majority Hindu.   

The Apostle Thomas, known as the "Doubting Thomas" traveled as far as India and established a Christian community that continues to thrive now, although the country is still majority Hindu.   

Christianity differs from other major religions in its peaceful evangelism, spreading its truths through freedom of speech.  Christianity is unlike non-evangelical religions, such as Judaism and Hinduism, and Christianity also differs from Islam in the manner in which force is used.

Christianity differs from other major religions in its peaceful evangelism, spreading its truths through freedom of speech.  Christianity is unlike non-evangelical religions, such as Judaism and Hinduism, and Christianity also differs from Islam in the manner in which force is used.