Final answer:
The Didache is indeed one of the earliest known documents describing Christian ritual practices such as baptism, fasting, prayer, and the Eucharist. The term 'Methodist' did arise from the methodical and disciplined approach to religious practice by its adherents in the 18th century. These developments eminently influenced the societal and legal frameworks within the Roman Empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding the student's question of whether the Didache is the earliest source for how Christian rituals were performed, the answer is True. The Didache, known as The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles, is a brief early Christian treatise dating from the late first or early second century. It provides insight into Christian ethics, practices, and order, including details on baptism, fasting, prayer, and the Eucharist, making it one of the earliest known documents describing early Christian ritual practices. The Didache's instructions on baptism, for instance, reflect a clear root in Jewish purificatory rituals rather than being derived from the ancient Mysteries. This challenges the notion that Christian sacraments like baptism and the Last Supper were directly derived from pagan practices. Early Christian communities were keen on establishing rituals that resonated with their beliefs, clearly demarcated from pagan customs, emphasizing prayers, communal identity, and house gatherings for worship.
Alterations in Roman society with the spread of Christianity were profound. The conversion of Emperor Constantine and subsequent decree by Theodosius firmly established Christianity within the Roman Empire's legal and societal frameworks, shaping public institutions, cultural norms, and daily life. Christianity's evolution from being persecuted to becoming the state religion signaled a significant transformation in the Roman society from its prior traditions.
As for the assertion in exercise 6.2.2 that early Methodists were called that because they were methodical, the correct answer is True. This term refers to a group of Christians in the 18th century who were part of the Methodist movement within the Church of England, and they were indeed known for their methodical and disciplined approach to religious life and worship.