Oklahoma Social Studies AWH.C.7.7
The Standard
Examine the early expansion of Christianity, including the relationship of early Christians, Jews, and officials of the Roman Empire, the relationship of Christianity to Greek thought (logos), the effects of state persecution, the impact of the Council of Nicaea.
Oklahoma Academic Standards for Social Studies (2026)
Teacher's field guide
What This Standard Means
What Students Need to Do
- Students trace how Christianity grew from Jewish communities in the Roman Empire. They explain how Greek ideas about logos shaped Christian language, why Roman officials punished some Christians, and what bishops decided at Nicaea.
What Mastery Looks Like
- A student can explain how early Christians shared Jewish scriptures but developed distinct beliefs and communities. They can use John 1 to connect logos to Greek thought and explain why some Christians faced Roman punishment. They can describe how Nicaea addressed a dispute about Jesus's divinity.
Common Misconceptions
- Some students think Christianity began with no Jewish roots. Others assume Roman officials persecuted Christians everywhere, all the time. Students may also think Nicaea chose the books of the Bible or that logos simply means logic.
How to Assess It
- Exit ticket: Give students four cards labeled Jewish scriptures, John 1:1, Pliny's letter, and the Nicene Creed. Ask them to write one sentence explaining what each reveals about early Christianity.
Lesson moves
Ways to Teach It
Have pairs place dated slips about Jewish roots, John 1:1, Pliny's trials, and Nicaea on a timeline, then draw two cause-and-effect arrows.
Ask: 'How could a group rooted in Jewish scripture face trouble with Roman officials?' Have students cite a Jewish scripture slip and Pliny's letter.
Read claims about logos, persecution, Jewish roots, and Nicaea; students move to the matching evidence card and explain their choice.
Show a Nicene Creed from a current church bulletin; students underline a phrase about Jesus's divinity and link it to the debate at Nicaea.
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