Reading...
Play button
Play button
Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow keys to navigate between flashcards;
Use UP and DOWN arrow keys to flip the card;
H to show hint;
A reads text to speech;
167 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
- 3rd side (hint)
|
Canon
|
"Measuring Stick"
All other documents are measured against these. |
|
|
|
Hellenism
|
The culture and ideas of Ancient Greece
Hellinistic Age = 330 BCE-2nd Century CE Started with Alexander the Great. |
|
|
|
logos
|
Word or "reason"
Divine Logos = divine word |
|
|
|
diaspora
|
The dispersion of the Jews outside their Palestinian homeland.
|
|
|
|
doctrine
|
A teaching carefully defined and established on the basis of described principles.
|
|
|
|
apocalyptic
|
Apocalypse = a revelation of spiritual realities or truths that are normally hidden
|
|
|
|
Incarnation
|
The divine assumption of human nature in the person of Jesus Christ
|
|
|
|
dualism
|
Any system of thought that explains events with reference to two opposing principles, such as light v. darkness or good v. evil
|
|
|
|
Christology
Christological |
The branch of Christian theology that deals with the identity and work of Christ.
|
|
|
|
apologists
|
Christian writers of the first four centuries who defended Christianity against attacks on Christian doctrine, morals, and practices. From Greek (apologia) "defense"
|
|
|
|
Baptism
|
A ceremony of religious cleansing assoc w/John the Baptist (Mark 1:4 and 11:30; Luke 7:29) and performed within the early Church as a rite of initiation (1Pet 3:21-22). Baptism is regarded as a sacrament by all major Christian traditions.
|
|
|
|
sacrament
|
An outward sign of invisible grace. Roman Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy recognize seven sacraments - baptism, confirmation, the eucharist, holy orders, holy matrimony, reconciliation, and extreme unction. Protestants recognize only baptism and eucharist.
|
|
|
|
eucharist
|
A sacrament that commemorates the Last Supper shared by Jesus and his disciples before his arrest and crucifixion. It is also known as "the Lord's Supper" and Holy Communion" and is considered a sacrament in all major Christian traditions.
|
|
|
|
Byzantium
|
Site of modern Istanbul, formerly Constantinople. The term is also used to refer to the Byzantine Empire.
Constantine chose to move the capital from Rome to there because God led him there. |
|
|
|
heresy
|
An opinion, teaching, or doctrine at variance with established doctrine.
|
|
|
|
Last Supper
|
Jesus' final meal with his disciples, described as a Passover "seder" (ritual meal) in the Synoptic Gospels. It was the occasion on which Jesus instituted the eucharist (Mark 14:12-26; Matt 26:20-29; Luke 22:14-23; 1Cor 11:23-26).
|
|
|
|
deacons
|
A servant or minister, usually among the lower-ranking clergy (lower than a Priest)
|
|
|
|
Clergy
|
Persons ordained for religious service such as priests and bishops
|
|
|
|
Celsus
|
Second-century critic of Christianity and author of the "True Doctrine", preserved in Origen's "Against Celsus"
|
|
|
|
martyrs
|
From the Greek word for "witness", one who has died for the sake of the faith.
Paul and Peter died as martyrs a tradition that is not talked about in the NT. -Belief was by dying as a martyr they were brought into a higher union with Christ and brought immediately into Heaven. Cult of Martyrs = tended/nurturing of the memory of the individual martyrs |
|
|
|
confessors
|
In the age of persecution, those who refused to deny their faith under the pressure from Roman authorities
|
|
|
|
relics
|
The physical remains of a saint, usually body parts but sometimes artifacts, often thought to have miraculous power
|
|
|
|
John of Damascus
|
ca. 655-ca.750
Greek monk and theologian, author of the "Fount of Wisdom". |
|
|
|
Cyprian
|
Bishop of Carthage (249-58) N. Africa, he wrote extensively in defense of the unity of the Church and the importance of Bishops.
Developed the Sacrament of Penance r/t apostates -sinners can demo their contrition (sorrow) -then required to make reparation (satisfaction) for their sins -through penances (latin for punishment) -After penance performed, absolution is offered by a Priest on God's behalf. |
|
|
|
Apostles
|
"One who is sent". A title given originally to the disciples sent out by Jesus to preach the gospel (The Twelve Apostles). Though he was not one of the disciples, Paul also claimed to be an apostle (Galatians 1:1)
|
|
|
|
penance
|
In the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic traditions, a sacrament of forgiveness involving contrition, confession, the performance of an act of penance (punishment), and absolution.
|
|
|
|
Novatian
|
The leader of a rigorist faction in the Roman Church in the mid third century, he sought to exclude the apostates. His faction was ultimately defeated by Cyprian of Carthage and others who urged a more moderate policy.
|
|
|
|
Trinity
|
The Christian doctrine that the one God consists of three divine and consubstantial "persons"
|
|
|
|
consubstantial
|
"Of the same substance". A Latin derived term equivalent to the Greek "homoousios", used to describe the true divinity of Christ in opposition to the claims of Arius and the Arians.
|
|
|
|
Augustine
|
(354-430). Bishop of Hippo in N. Africa, (West) leading Latin theologian, and founder of the Augustinian order of monks.
- fl. 400. He had a huge influence on Medieval culture and christianity. "original sin" |
Confessions of St. Augustine
-his stories of his conversion at age 32 in the Milan garden where he heard a voice telling him to read Paul's epistles that were laying near him. -his mother St. Monica followed him until he converted -He sampled the worldly tempations and religions -He was a genius and thought Christianity was beneath his intellectual level - |
|
|
Anthropomorphism
|
The attribution of human characteristics to gods, inanimate objects, or natural phenomena.
|
|
|
|
Justin Martyr
|
(ca. 100- ca. 165). Author of two "apologies", he is noted for being among the first Christian thinkers to point to common features linking Christianity and Greek Philosophy
|
|
|
|
Tertullian
|
Fl. about 200 (ca. 160 - ca. 225). A resident of N. Africa; one of the first great Latin theologians noted particularly for apologetic writings. "The blood of martyrs is seed"
-He said there was nowhere in the world where Christians did not have a presence. Christians should stay at arms length with nonchristians. "What indeed has Athens to do with Jerusalem" One of the first to explain the Doctrine of Trinity. He was a "bridge burner", trying to point out differences between Christians and others. |
|
|
|
Clement of Alexandria (The cultural center in the Roman Empire)
|
(ca. 150-ca. 215). An Alexandrian theologian, he was especially concerned with establishing links between Christianity and Greek philosophy= apologist.
He wrote: 1. Protrepticus (Exhortation to the Greeks); invitation to nonChristians to study Christianity 2. Paidagogus (Teacher/Instructor); Instruction manual on Christianity - systematic 3. Stromata (Miscellanies); Grab bag of Clements thoughts on all different interests to Christianity -Idea was to read 1, become a Christian then 2 and advanced students would read 3. |
|
|
|
Origen
|
(ca. 185 - ca. 254). Apologist (Bridge builder) An influential leader of the Alexandrian school of theology, he called for the allegorical interpretation of scripture and made extensive use of ideas from Platonism and Neoplatonism.
He taught at same school as Clement of Alexandria. |
|
|
|
asceticism
|
Rigorous denial of the body for the purpose of spiritual growth.
|
|
|
|
Neoplatonism
|
A form of Platonism originating with the philosopher Plotinus (205-70), who taught that all things are derived from the One, the highest reality.
|
|
|
|
presbyter
|
"Elder". A clerical office in the Church since earliest times.
|
|
|
|
Middle Platonism
|
The version of Platonic thought current in the first two centuries CE; it had a strong interest in religion.
|
|
|
|
charismatic
|
Having or pertaining to the gifts of the Spirit (charismata).
|
|
|
|
anchorite/anchoress
|
An individual who withdraws from society to lead a solitary life of prayer and contemplation
|
|
|
|
Pachomius
|
(ca. 290-346) The founder of Egyptian cenobitic (communal) monasticism.
|
|
|
|
Jerome
|
(ca. 345-420). Bible scholar, polemicist, and translator of the Vulgate, the standard Latin version of the Bible from the fifth century to the present.
|
|
|
|
Basil of Caesarea
|
("The great"; ca. 330-79). Bishop of Cappadocian Caesarea, theologian, and one of the founders of eastern monasticism.
-"Rule of St. Basil" 1. Monks to live communally r/t supervision 2. Required daily activities to be structured so there was no free time. 3. Obedience to their Abbots 4. Monasteries were to be built in big cities where they could help people, not secluded. |
|
|
|
Benedict of Nursia
|
A sixth century monk whose Benedictine Rule became the basis of western monasticism.
He founded a monastery in Italy in 529 -Rule of St. Benedict or "The Benedictine Rule" --similar to Basil the Great and Pachomas --Became the standard for monasteries in the West --Each monk took formal vows and committed to One monaster for life ---strived for spiritual perfection ---no extreme asceticism, 2 meals/day with 1 glass of wine mattress, pillow, blanket ---discouraged from speaking unless necessary Divided days into 3 activities 1. Work r/t monasteries were self supporting and sometimes profitable 2. communal worship 3. lectio divina (divine/sacred reading) this was time alone for them to read. |
|
|
|
canonical hours
|
The times of daily prayer (mattins/lauds, prime, terce, sext, none, vespers, and compline) that make up the daily public prayer, or Divine Office, of the Church.
|
|
|
|
church fathers
|
Christian writers up to Isidore of Seville (d. 636), whose texts are widely regarded as having a special authority. Most were bishops. Unlike "Doctor of the Church", the title church father is not formally conferred by the Church
|
|
|
|
heterodoxy
|
Belief other than what is considered doctrinally correct or orthodox. (heresy)
|
|
|
|
liturgy
|
A prescribed form of public worship, usually centering on the celebration of the eucharist.
|
|
|
|
Gnosticism
|
A philosophical religion, popular in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, that taught a cosmic dualism and offered salvation from the material realm based on secret knowledge (gnosis).
|
|
|
|
Irenaeus (
|
(Ca. 130-200). Originally from Asia Minor, he became Bishop of Lyons in S. France about 178. His "Against Heresies" defends orthodox Christianity against gnosticism and other heresies.
|
|
|
|
Nag Hammadi texts
|
A cache of ancient texts, many of them Gnostic, discovered at the village of Nag Hammadi in upper Egypt in 1945. Many are examples of gnostic Christianity.
|
|
|
|
Marcion
|
A 2nd-century Christian teacher whose heterodox views included the rejection of the Jewish Scriptures and belief in a God higher and more noble than the God described there.
|
|
|
|
excommunicated
|
An ecclesiastical punishment that excludes a person from participation in the Church.
|
|
|
|
grace
|
Divine love or favor.
|
|
|
|
Montanus
Montanism |
A movement dating to the 2nd and early 3rd centuries and based on the prophecies of Montanus and other ecstatic prophets.
|
|
|
|
Eusebius
|
(ca. 260-339). Christian apologist, biblical scholar, and historian. He is best known for his "Church History", which covers the period from Christ until his own time.
-He wrote about Constantine's vision-a cross in the sky along w/words "Conquer this" (Life of Consantine) |
|
|
|
canon of scripture
|
The books of the Bible. In Christianity, the OT (or Jewish Scriptures) and the 27 books of the NT. The Roman Catholic canon also includes the books of the Apocrypha.
|
|
|
|
glossolalia
|
A Greek phase meaning "speaking in tongues"
|
|
|
|
Ignatius of Antioch
|
(ca. 35-107). Bishop of Antioch and one of antiquity's most famous martyrs, he is noted for his letters to the churches of Asia Minor in which he defended the reality of Christ's physical suffering.
-He also wrote a letter aying that churches can't function without bishops. --accord your Bishop the same accord as Christ because he is appointed and can be traced back to Christ. Apostolis Succession |
|
|
|
apostolic succession
|
The doctrine that the pastoral authority given by Jesus to the Apostles has been handed down through an unbroken succession of bishops.
|
|
|
|
episcopal
|
Having to do with bishops and their authority
|
|
|
|
synod
|
A meeting of religious leaders, usually representing a single region.
|
|
|
|
metropolitan
|
The title of a bishop occupying the level of ecclesiastical authority just below that of patriarch.
|
|
|
|
patriarchs
|
An honorific title given in antiquity to the bishops of Rome, Constantinople, Jerusalem, Antioch, and Alexandria. In the modern Eastern Orthodox church, the bishop of Moscow is also considered a patriarch.
|
|
|
|
Apostolic Fathers
|
A group of early Christian writers traditionally held to be disciples of the Apostles and the authors of certain texts that, though not included in the NT canon, were thought to preserve the apostolic faith. The apostolic Fathers include:
Clement I of Rome, Ignatius of Antioch Polycarp Papias and the authors of the "Epistle of Barnabas", the "Epistle to Diognetus", "2 Clement", and the "Didache". Modern editions of the Apostolic Fathers sometimes also include the "Martyrdoms" of Clement, Ignatius and Polycarp. The designation "Apostolic Fathers" was created in the late 17th century by the French scholar Jean Cotelier. |
|
|
|
catachumens
|
In the ancient Church, an individual being prepared for baptism by instruction in the faith.
|
|
|
|
Monarchianism
|
A movement beginning in the 3rd century that stressed the oneness of God. According to "Dynamic" or "Adoptionist" Monarchianism, Jesus was divine only in the sense that God had given him divine power. "Modalist" Monarchians argued that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit were only modes in which the one God operated and not discrete "persons" as defined by later Christian doctrine.
|
|
|
|
Sabellius
|
Teacher of a form of Monarchianism that emphasized the divine unity to the point that the persons of the Trinity are reduced to mere modes of divine action.
|
|
|
|
ditheism
|
Belief in the existence of two gods.
|
|
|
|
Council of Nicaea
|
An assembly of bishops convened in 451 in Chalcedon, not far from Constantinople. It produced the Definition of Chalcedon, which resolved important questions concerning Christology.
|
|
|
|
Cappadocia
|
A region in what is now Central Turkey
|
|
|
|
Cappadocian Fathers
|
Three 4th century theologians from Cappadocia in Asia Minor
Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzus Gregory of Nyssa who made important contributions to theology in general and to the Eastern Orthodox tradition in particular |
|
|
|
Gregory of Nazianzus
|
(ca. 329-ca. 390). One of the Cappadocian Fathers. A theologian instrumental in laying the foundations of the Orthodox tradition.
|
|
|
|
Gregory of Nyssa
|
(ca. 331-ca. 395). One of the Cappadocian Fathers. A mystical theologian who was instrumental in laying the foundations of the Orthodox tradition.
|
|
|
|
Council of Chalcedon
|
An assembly of bishops convened in 451 at Chalcedon, not far rom Constantinople. It produced the Definition of Chalcedon, which resolved important questions concerning Christology.
|
|
|
|
Apollinaris
|
(Ca. 310-ca.392). Bishop and theologian. His Christology was an extreme expression of the views of Alexandrian theologians.
|
|
|
|
Theodore of Mopsuestia
|
(Ca. 350-428). Antiochene theologian generally regarded as te greatest exponent of "two-natures" Christology.
|
|
|
|
Theotokos
|
A Greek term meaning "God-bearer" used to honor the Virgin Mary.
|
|
|
|
Nestorius
|
(Ca. 381-Ca. 451). 5th Century teacher of an extreme form of Antiochene Christology that emphasized the separateness of the two natures (human and divine) in Christ.
|
|
|
|
John Chrysostom
|
(Ca. 347-407). Bishop of Constantinople, theologian, and one of the most influential preachers in antiquity. The epithet "chrysostomos" means "golden-mouthed".
|
|
|
|
Ambrose
|
(Ca. 339-97). Theologian and bishop of Milan. He introduced the concepts and terminology of the Greek East to the Latin Church.
|
|
|
|
Doctor of the Church
|
A title given to a theologian recognized as exceptionally learned (Latin doctus) and saintly. The original doctors were Ambrose, Augustine, Jerome, and Gregory the Great in the West and Athanasius, Basil the Great, John Chrysostom, and Gregory of Nazianzus in the East. Many more were later added, including Thomas Aquinas, William of Ockham, Bernard of Clairvaux, Bonaventure, Duns Scotus, Catherine of Siena, and Albert the Great.
|
|
|
|
Vulgate
|
The Latin translation of the Bible executed almost entirely by St. Jerome.
|
|
|
|
Manichaeism
|
A strongly dualistic religion based on the teachings of the 3rd century Babylonian prophet Mani.
|
|
|
|
ordinations
|
Appointment to church office, especially the priesthood.
|
|
|
|
Pelagius
|
A Christian thinker of the early 5th century who emphasized human freedom and the merits of human effort in attaining salvation. He was an opponent of Augustine.
|
|
|
|
predestination
|
The doctrine that God decreed before the beginning of time the salvation (and, according to some theories, the damnation) of individual souls.
|
|
|
|
clerics
|
members of the Clergy (Bishops, Priests, Deacons)
|
|
|
|
original sin
|
The sin of Adam and Eve, the effect of which has been to make human nature sinful.
|
|
|
|
Palm Sunday
|
The Sunday before Easter and the beginning of Holy Week. It takes its name from the palms that were spread before Christ at the time of his triumphal entry into Jerusalem a week before the Resurrection.
|
|
|
|
Maundy Thursday
|
The Thursday before Easter, on which Christians celebrate Christ's institution of the eucharist at the Last Supper.
|
|
|
|
Good Friday
|
The Friday before Easter, on which the anniversary of Christ's crucifixion is commemorated.
|
|
|
|
Christmas
|
The celebration of the incarnation of Christ. No indication of the date of the birth of Jesus is given in scripture. Various dates for this celebration were suggested in antiquity. The first mention of 25 December was in the year 336.
|
|
|
|
doxology
|
A formal expression of praise within a liturgy.
|
|
|
|
Tanakh
|
What Jews called the Old Testament
Related to: TNK T-Torah (law) N-Nebeem = Prophets K = writings Diff types of literature in the Tanakh Stories; commandments; historical; wisdom lit. (Eccl, Proverbs), erotic poetry (song of Solomon) |
|
|
|
Torah
|
The law. The first 5 books of the OT is law
*613 commandments in the Torah. |
|
|
|
Yahweh
|
Lord
Elohim = God Both are forms of the verb "to be" "The One who is being himself - the one from which all things come" |
|
|
|
King David
|
fl. 1000 BCE
Greatest of Israel's Kings Many expected the Messiah to be a descendant of Davids and restore the glory of Israel under King David. |
|
|
|
Messiah
|
"Oiled One"
Ancient Israel when king was crowned, the High Priest poured olive oil on his head = God's pleasure/acceptance/presence and spirit descending and resting in that person. Kings could be called messiah (lower case m) |
|
|
|
Christos
|
"Oiled One", the Greek translation of Messiah.
|
|
|
|
Christians
|
people of a new covenant belonging to a universal (catholic) group of people.
|
|
|
|
Humanism
|
a deep and applied faith in human beings and their potential
|
|
|
|
Polytheism
|
Greeks believed in many gods.
|
|
|
|
Alexander the Great
|
he brought humanism
hellenism (Greek Culture) MOST IMPORTANT thing he did was bring Koine (common everyday Greek Language) |
|
|
|
Christianity arised from 3 factors
|
Judaism
Greek Culture Rome |
|
|
|
Rome
|
All through the Hellenistic Age Rome is creating its empire (near W. coast of Italy) by 250 BCE it conquered Italy and between 250 and 31 conquers the whole Mediterranean.
Added Judea in 37 BCE while Jesus lived there under the rule of Roman taxes and oppressors. |
|
|
|
Roman destruction of the Temple
|
66-70, Jerusalem rebelled against the Romans. They quashed it and destroyed the Great Temple- the only place God's presence was clearl felt. This is when Priests became Rabbis r/t they could no longer sacrifice at the Temple.
|
|
|
|
Best historical sources of Jesus Christ
|
NT= 27 texts all written in Greek
first 4 books = Gospels 1 book = Acts of the Apostles 13 Letters = Letters or Epistles of Apostle Paul 8 Letters = other letters not written by Paul 1 book = Revelation |
|
|
|
Gospel
|
Good news/announcement in Greek. NOT a biography of Christ, but Proclamations of the Good News about Jesus.
|
|
|
|
Biography v. Proclamation
|
Biography = includes birth of subject, some idea of what subject looked like, childhood/youth of subject, education, occupation. The Gospels did not of these.
Proclamation = just explaining the good news of Jesus |
|
|
|
Jesus born
|
likely around 4 BCE - 1 BCE in Bethelehem. Grew up in Galilee Region in the town of Nazareth.
|
|
|
|
Son of God
|
In Judaism, God can't have a son so it would have been blasphemy to say God had a son. Jews used Son of God to describe anyone who had an intimate relationship with God, I.e. David in Psalm 2
|
|
|
|
Essential Teachings of Jesus Christ
|
Kingdom of God (state of affairs that exist when people obey God's commands with love and obedience.)
Repentance (metanoia Gr.) = change of mind from one way of thinking to another without beating yourself up about it. Love- for God and one's neighbor. All scripture boil down to these 2 commandments - Love Lord God with all your Heart/mind/soul and Love neighbor as thyself. |
|
|
|
Ecclesia
|
Greek word for Church.
Means assembly - gathering of people who have been called out for this purpose |
|
|
|
Pentecost
|
50 days after Passover celebration. According to Book of Acts the disciples got together to celebrate Pentecost when there was a spirit/wind representing the Spirit of God descending and they were filled with the Holy Spirit.
|
|
|
|
Gifts of the Spirit
|
abilites given to followers of Jesus from the Holy Spirit.
speaking in tongues, different languages so they could go to different countries and preach, power to prophesy for some, and some could perform miracles. |
|
|
|
Charismatic Christians
|
people today who speak in tongues, i.e. Pentecostals
|
|
|
|
1st Christians
|
1st Christians were Jews who spent much time together in the temple, they never imagined that they would have to forsake their identity as Jews because they knew/believed in Jesus.
They continued to: observe Jewish Holidays obey commandments in the Torah. Understood the coming of Messiah as another development of Jewish Religion. They did not know they were starting a new church. |
|
|
|
Christians Majority
|
By 70 CE, the vast majority of Christians are Gentiles and an independent sect of Judaism.
By 80 CE - the Rabbis in Palestine were denouncing what had come to be known as Christians. |
|
|
|
Paul of Tarsus
|
Pharisee who persecuted Christians until he saw a Blinding light and heard the voice of Christ.
Mid 1st century Christian missionary. Great founder of Churches. Wrote 13 letters to Churches published in NT. Most important example of an Apostle who was NOT a direct disciple of Jesus. Died as a martyr in Rome (Later Apostle Peter also died as a martyr - Acts describes him as the leader of the early church.) 1st Christian Theologian |
|
|
|
Peter - Apostle
|
1st Bishop of Rome with popes as his successors.
|
|
|
|
Augustus
|
Emperor of Rome 31 BCE - 14 A.D.
1st Emperor of Rome and emperor when Jesus was born He eliminated all rivals and almost completely taken over the Meditteranean. -Did a lot of good for Rome but established a dangerous precedent that only 1 be in charge. |
|
|
|
Bad successors to Augustus
|
Tiberius
Caligula (37-41) cruel, perverse, made his horse a senator Nero (54-68) became emperor as a teen and beat up senators, molested young boys on the street, had an affair with his mom and tried to kill her/had her killed |
|
|
|
Ruling of Rome
|
End of 1st Century = dynasties (families)
End of 2nd Century = Military dictatorship Early 2nd Century = ruled by 5 great emperors (1st 4 looked for competent successors rather than their own sons) #5 was Marcus Oraleus |
|
|
|
Marcus Oraleus
|
One of the 5 Great Emperors in the early 2nd century.
Appointed Comadus (his son), an awful monster who believed he was the greatest Gladiator. |
|
|
|
Diocletian
|
Emperor 284 - 305 AD
-powerful general and ruthless persecutor of Christians. -Determined Rome was too big of an Empire to be ruled by one man. He proposed the Tetrarchy |
|
|
|
Tetrarchy
|
Rule of 4.
4 people ruling the Roman Empire with a system in place for a transfer of power created by Diocletian. Ended with violence after Diocletian's death until Constantine. |
|
|
|
Roman Empire under Diocletian
|
2 halves
-Western = Britain, Gaul, Spain, Italy and Africa. -Eastern = Thrace, Asia, Egypt, Souther Balkans -Each 1/2 was divided in 1/2 and in each would be Emperor Augustus = the one who is revered. |
|
|
|
Order of Power in the New Roman Empire according to Diocletian
|
Senior Emperor = Augustus
Junior Emperor = Caesar |
|
|
|
Augustus
|
Were not to die in office - when they felt their power wane, they would retire and be replaced by their Caesars who would choose new Jr. Emperors.
Everyone would know in advance who would succeed the Augusti |
|
|
|
Constantine
|
306-337 A.D. He overcame his colleagues and became the sole emperor in 324.
In the year 312 he had a vision of a Burning Cross and words "Conquer in the name of Christ". Another dream told him to draw a symbol representing Christos. Brings an End to persecution. Issued Edict of Milan |
|
|
|
Edict of Milan
|
313 A.D.
Brought an end to Christian persecution by claiming the right to free religion. |
|
|
|
Constantine post Edict of Milan
|
slowly withdraws his support from the traditional Roman cults/favors.
Gives $/favors to Churches and leaders. Tax exempted churches Built churches (Church of Holy Nativity where Christ was born and Church of Holy ? where Christ was buried). Brought Church under state control. Gave Bishops judicial authority. |
|
|
|
Constantine transferred Capital of Rome to...
|
Constantinople (Asia, Istanbul today) from Rome away from the pagan city and pagan gods, etc.
Reason: Rome was 12 - 13 miles inland and it was a good idea to have a capital city in a more strategical location. Constantinople was reminiscent of Rome with hills, etc. |
|
|
|
Theodosius "The Great"
|
(379-375)
Gave support to Church and made pagan religions illegal. Suppressed Judaism Closed schools of philosophy Made Christianity official religionof the Roman Empire Made Church part of Govt, under his control with the right to appoint Bishops. |
|
|
|
visigoths
|
During the time of Theodosius, he failed to protect the borders and this group of visigoths (germans) came into the territory and Theodosius allowed them in and paid them to fight
|
|
|
|
Theodosius "The Great" death
|
Gave one of his sons the West and the other the East.
|
|
|
|
Byzantine Empire
|
What the east 1/2 of the empire comes to be known as until 1453 when it becomes Istanbul.
The western 1/2 of the empire fell apart, Germanic tribes picked it apart. 1 catholic (universal) church although its two sides are growing apart until 1054 = final split into West = Roman Catholic and East becomes Eastern Orthodox. |
|
|
|
What attracted people to Christianity according to Tertullian
|
1. It responded to basic human needs: consolation to the suffering, offered forgiveness, "Heaven" in opposition to death/disease in the real world; no fear of death.
2. Wasn't completely new, other religions had commonalties: Monotheism, high ethical standards, has a beginning (Abraham/Adam & Eve to end of world/restoration of Heaven on Earth) 3. Showed a remarkable ability to adapt to Greco/Roman Culture 4. Offered effective signs/symbols of the truths that it taught: baptism, part of a new communit 5. Developed a great hierarchal govt. structure: Clergy 6. Social support network. 7. Social habits of Christians, i.e. no birth control = rapid reproduction of new Christians, especially over 3 generations. |
|
|
|
Celsus
|
Despised Christianity and Christians. He laid out all kinds of falsehoods in his book "On the True Doctrine"
|
|
|
|
Origen
|
Christian writer who was against Celsus a century later.
|
|
|
|
Celsus Claims
|
Christian religion for stupid people, women and children
Low class people and slaves |
|
|
|
Christian Population
|
by 500 CE about 1/3 - 1/2 of the population was Christian. About 60 million people
|
|
|
|
Genus of the Emperor
|
In Celsus's claim that Christians were Atheist's, The Cult of Augustus was formed and sacrifices were performed to the god Augustus - to the genus of the emperor = guardian family spirit of that emperor to give wisdom and success.
This was a ritual as common as saying the pledge of allegiance and therefore Christians were considered atheists r/t not loyal citizens of Rome. |
|
|
|
Tacitus, Annals 6
|
said there was widespread hatred of Christians because they were haters of humanity.
Describes what Nero did to Christians: arrested multitudes, crucified or brutally murdered in the arena or by wild animals, set on fire. Christians were scapegoats for Nero. |
|
|
|
Neronian Persecution
(Sporatic Persecutions, not Empire wide) |
81-96 AD. Emperor Domitian persecutes Christians in Asia Minor (now Turkey).
161-180 Marcus Aurelius - sporadic persecution. Questioned the legality of being a Christian. 193-211 Septimus Severus makes being a Christian a capital crime - sponsored persecutions. |
|
|
|
Great Persecutions (Empire wide persecutions)
Decian |
Decian (249-251).
Saw Christians as a destabilizing force, wanted return to Roman pagan religion. -Created edict = demonstrate loyalty to Roman Gods and obtain a libellus. |
|
|
|
Libellus
|
a certificate that documents your sacrifice to Roman Gods.
|
|
|
|
Great Persecutions (Empire wide persecutions)
Diocletian |
Goal to destroy Christianity by:
-removing all Christians from govt. jobs/public office -Books of scripture confescated/destroyed -Christian buildings were burned. -Late in his reign (300ish), Diocletian ramped up the persecutions by forcing Christians to worship/sacrifice to Rome's gods. -executions became entertainment. Continued until 313 when Constantine and Co-emperor issued the Edict of Milan which guaranteed Freedom of Religion. |
|
|
|
Veneration of Saints
|
related to Martyrs
Marks the beginning of the Cult of Saints -Christians believed there was power in the relics of the dead martyrs. After the Edict of Milan there were no more martyrs. |
|
|
|
New heroes after the end of martyrdom
|
Monks/Nuns
Died to the world in a different way than martyrs, they separate themselves from the world to fully devote themselves to God. |
|
|
|
Apostasize
|
renounce your faith, usually because it is the easiest thing to do under difficult circumstances = Apostate
|
|
|
|
What to do with Apostates
|
Group 1 = Society of Saints
No forgiveness for sins and no reentry to the Church or the societyof Saints. Group 2 = Society of Sinners (they are trying to do good but often fail) There is forgiveness, allow them back to church but put a condition on their return |
|
|
|
Donatist Controversy
|
Believe: If a Bishop becomes apostate = loses ecclesiastic authority and all spiritual authority
-Leaders are free from serious sin following their baptisms |
|
|
|
Bridge Builders
|
Apologists who point out commonalities between Christians and non-Christians.
-Both looking for the truth -Justin Martyr wrote 2 apologies - called Greek philosophers Christians for Christ. (a search for God and God's truth) -Origen was an apologist. |
|
|
|
Bridge Burners
|
Showed differences between Christians/non-Christians
-Tertullian |
|
|
|
Apostolis succession
|
Bishops supervise all of the churches
-They have true Gospel that goes all the way back to Christ. -This true Gospel is what they teach This is so when new "Prophets" come and make crazy claims, it won't shake the churches because they are solid and their Gospels was handed down through the apostolis succession and therefore can be relied upon. |
|
|
|
Ecumenical Councils of Bishops
|
Ecumenical = worldwide
Bishops from Spain to Mesopotamia -When decisions affecting all Christians were to be made. -Real power lay in the hands of the Bishops, especially the great 5 |
|
|
|
Great 5 Bishops of the Ecumenical (worldwide) Council of Bishops
|
Rome (West)
Jerusalem (r/t where Christianity began) Antioch Alexandria (metropolis and cultural center in Egypt) Constantinople -All other Bishops followed whichever of the 5 they were closest to. |
|
|
|
St. Anthony
Life of St. Anthony |
251-356-
Took scripture literally in Matt 19 - sell your possessions and follow me -moved to a seminary → fort →Red Sea -He resisted all tempations so Christians sought him out for advice and healing. -Gave others enthusiasm to become Monks |
|
|
|
St. Augustine
Challenges he faced |
fl. 400 from the West - Bishop of Hippo-challenges =
1. Donatism (society of saints, wanted to remove Bishops/priests that were apostates) -He couldn't allow that or all of the ceremonies that those clergy performed would be null and void, i.e. marriages. Augustine Addressed by: -Moral expectations were unreasonable, everyone sins (pear story from his youth) -as long as the ritual was performed properly it is not the moral characther of the priest that matters. |
|
|
|
St. Augustine
Second challenge he faced |
fl. 400 from the West
2. Pelagius and Pelagianism -Monk from British Isles with high moral standards & very into self denial --visited Rome & was disgusted with their morals --told them they had to strive for "moral perfection" ---He conflicted Paul in NT r/t all people are sinners in need of GRace of Christ Augustine was very in sync with Paul -debated Pelagius and said we cannot do anything good apart from God, we have sinful natures. Sin is like breathing. |
|
|
|
Doctrine of Original Sin
|
St. Augustine, fl. 400
When Adam & Eve sinned, they passed sinful nature through sex from generation to generation (r/t Mary & JEsus were not sinners and they didn't have sex so that must be what causes sin). |
|
|
|
Doctrine of Predestination
|
God knew from the beginning of time he would reach out to you or let you be damned.
St. Augustine (fl. 400 in West) did not like this conclusion r/t made God seem arbitrary, BUT God is perfectly just , we just can't understand it. |
|
|
|
City of God
|
2nd big text St. Augustine (fl. 400 in West) wrote
All humanity, past/present/future is divided into two cities (groups) 1. Earthly city r/t material things/earthly pleasures are their first love. 2. City of God = includes first love of God. These people can enjoy worldly things, but their loyalties and love lie with God. |
|
|
|
Worship in the 4th/5th Century
|
Entrance rite accompanied by the singing of Psalms
2. Reading of lessons from scripture: one from OT; epistles; Gospels --more psalms were sung between scriptures 3. Bishop/presbyter preached on the passages from scripture either a sermon or a homily (less formal and shorter address, usually about 10 min or less) 4. celebration of the eucharist --eucharist prayer Sursum corda (lift up your hearts), a recitation of Christ's words-in remembrance of His death/resurrection. 5. Prayer of offering 6. doxology (formal expression of praise within a liturgy) or hymn of praise 7. In the East another prayer-calling down the Holy Spirit to transform the elements into the body/blood of Christ. After the laity partake of the elements, they are dismissed with a benediction |
|
