Church History Quiz 1

Front 1

Ignatius of Antioch

Back 1

 Ignatius was the second (or possibly third) bishop of Antioch and a very well-known Christian.
 He loved to debate, but wanted nothing to do with divisions in the church, calling them “the beginning of evil.” Wrote critically about the Ebionites who demanded the keeping of Jewish regulation. Also wrote against the Docetists, who believed that Christ only appeared to be human.
 Arrested for being a Christian (or “atheist” – because he denied the Roman gods) he was taken to Rome, not fearing, but welcoming martyrdom in 107 AD, thus imitating Christ in His death.
 Seven of his letters survive providing insight into early church government development.
 Ignatius was also the first to use the word “catholic” to represent the larger, universal, Church.

Front 2

Clement of Alexandria

Back 2

 Born Titus Flavius Clemens to pagan parents in Athens. Was schooled under a variety of teachers.
 In AD 190, he opened his own school of “new theology,” where he taught a new philosophy that addressed the cultural and philosophical concerns of the day from a Christian point of view.
 He authored 3 books. In Instructor he outlined the specific duties and ethics taught by Christ, in Exhortation to the Greeks he attempted to show the reasonableness of the Christian faith, while Miscellanies is a collection of teachings in advanced philosophy, ethics and disciplined instruction for Christian Gnostics to lead them into esoteric knowledge. He also wrote a famous sermon about Christians and wealth.
 Origen was one of his students. He advocated the using of visual arts in worship.
 He fled persecution in AD 202 and went to Cappadocia. Clement died in 215.

Front 3

Justin Martyr

Back 3

 Born in Flavia Neapolis, a Roman city, he was raised by pagan parents. He studied under many teachers, each of whom presented a different philosophy (example, Stoicism, Platonism).
 He converted to Christian philosophy in AD 130 after a conversation with an old man.
 Attempted to reconcile faith with reason. His work Dialogue with Trypho flowed from a dispute he had with a man in Ephesus. In it he teaches that the Old Testament is passing away to make place for the New. Also he shows here that Logos is the God of Old Testament and that the Gentiles are the new Israel.
 Later works include First Apology written to Emperor Antoninus Pius (AD 155) and Second Apology written to Marcus Aurelius (AD 161).
 Justin was beheaded for his faith in 165 along with his disciples. Later given the name “Martyr.”

Front 4

Marcion

Back 4

 Marcion was the son of a bishop in Pontus. Moved to Rome in AD 140.
 He rejected the harsh God he found in the Old Testament, claiming this God was incompatible with the loving Jesus. He rejected the real incarnation of Christ, claiming that he was a manifestation of the Father. He embraced Gnostic teaching. Was ex-communicated in AD 144.
 Marcionism emphasized asceticism and influenced the development of Manichaenism into which it was later absorbed.
 At the time of his death in AD 160, a large number of “Marcionites” churches could be found throughout the Mediterranean world.
 As a response to Marcionism, orthodox Christianity came out with the canonical New Testament. Clearly promulgated that the Old Law was in the New Law fulfilled.

Front 5

Perpetua

Back 5

 She was a noblewoman from the city of Carthage, taken prisoner during the persecution of Christians by Emperor Septimus Severius. The persecution spread throughout Northern Africa.
 Along with her slave girl, Felicitas, and her infant child, she was brought before the proconsul and sentenced to death. Her father begged her to reconsider, but she would not pay homage to the emperor.
 She was brought to the arena and a leopard killed her.

Front 6

Polycarp

Back 6

 Church tradition records that Polycarp was a disciple of the Apostle John. He was bishop of Smyrna.
 He helped to settle disputes about the proper time to celebrate Easter. He was known to have confronted Marcion—Polycarp called him “the first born of Satan.”
 Instrumental in the conversion of many Gnostic believers and for writing a pastoral letter to the church at Philippi.
 Upon his arrest, he was interrogated in front of a large crowd. After a heated discussion with the official questioning him, he would not deny Christ or swear allegiance to the emperor, for which he was sentenced to death by burning. He opted not to be nailed to the stake, claiming that Christ’s strength would sustain him to stand in the fire. Onlookers recalled a sweet aroma, like baking bread, after his burning; and his death was topic of conversation even among pagan citizens

Front 7

Gregory Thaumaturgus

Back 7

 Gregory Thaumaturgus was born Theodore into an affluent family in Neocaesarea.
 Studied in Caesarea in Palestine to Origen’s school where he and his brother were converted to Christianity. He returned to Pontus and was elected bishop of a church with only seventeen members.
 He practically applied his theological training so well that his parishioners soon began attributing miracles to him, amazed at his wisdom. Earned two nicknames, “The Wonder Worker” and also “Another Moses”. Participated in several church councils and fully supported Trinitarianism.
 His major work is entitled The Exposition of Faith. Though nearly the whole town of Pontus had converted to Christianity, most of the converts scattered during Emperor Decius’ persecution in AD250. By the time of Gregory’s death, his congregation again numbered seventeen.

Front 8

Origen

Back 8

 Origen Adamantius (meaning, “man of steel”) was born near Alexandria. His father was beheaded for being a Christian in AD202. At age 18, he opened his own grammar school.
 He was the first to describe the Trinity as hierarchical and he rejected the goodness of material creation. He self mutilated as an application of Matt 19:12. He believed that even Satan will be saved in the end.
 His greatest work was the Hexapla—six different version in parallel columns. His other works include, De Principiis (On First Principles) - the first systematic theology ever written, and Contra Celsum – a defense of Christianity.
 Origen also is known for his allegorical interpretation of the Bible.
 The Council of Constantinople declared him to be a heretic in AD 555. In AD250 he was imprisoned and tortured for his teachings.

Front 9

Ambrose of Milan

Back 9

 Ambrose was born into the Roman family of Aurelius. Became governor of Milan before he was thirty. When the bishop of Milan died, Ambrose was elected to replace him. He was known as one of the most talented bishops of the early church.
 He opposed Arianism, writing several works against them: On the Faith, The Mystery of the Lord’s Incarnation, and On the Holy Spirit.
 He introduced congregational singing into church practice. On the subject of church-state relations, he affirmed the church’s ultimate authority in political matters.
 Augustine was one of his students.

Front 10

Antony of Egypt

Back 10

 Inherited much wealth at the age 20 upon the death of his parents. But Antony heard Jesus’ parable of the rich young ruler and gave away all that he had to the poor.
 Most of what is known about Antony comes from his biography written by Athanasius. He lived for 20 years in an abandoned Roman fort on a mountain in the desert taking up strenuous spiritual exercises: sleepless nights spent in prayer, fasting every other day and eating only bread and water. He traveled, in AD 303, to Alexandria to minister to Christians facing persecution.
 Some of his writing appears in Apophthegmata, a collection of writings from the Desert Fathers and Mothers.
 He came out only once from his solitude to help Athanasius in the teaching of the orthodoxy, when Arius devastated the church with his ideas. Known as the greatest desert father.

Front 11

Athanasius

Back 11

 Was bishop of Alexandria for 17 years and was known, because of his appearance, as the “Black Dwarf.”
 His strong opposition of Arianism earned him the title of “the noble champion of Christ” and also led to his being exiled 5 times by 4 Roman Emperors. In fact, Emperor Constantine, in an attempt to keep peace and unity in his empire, ordered Athanasius to return Arius to fellowship. When Athanasius refused, he was exiled.
 While in exile, Athanasius wrote On the Incarnation and Life of St. Antony. The latter was influential in the conversion of Augustine.
 In a letter written by Athanasius he mentions a list of 27 books that he thought should be included in the New Testament canon. The list was eventually accepted by the Church.
 Athanasius affirmed the dual nature of Christ and said: “Those who maintain ‘There was a time when the Son was not’ rob God of His Word, like plunderers.”

Front 12

Augustine of Hippo

Back 12

 He is known as the architect of the Middle-Ages.
 Augustine was a good student and did well in school at Carthage. At first he followed Manichaeism, and later Neo-Platonism.
 Augustine’s mother Monica had a vision of him becoming a Christian. His final conversion came following an internal struggle he was having with guilt because of his licentious lifestyle. He then moved around from place to place, was baptized by Ambrose, helped establish an ascetic community in Thagaste and was ultimately led to Hippo, where he was made bishop five years after his arrival.
 During his lifetime he fought Pelagianism, which rejected the idea of original sin and he produced a massive 22 volume work that took him 12 years to write, The City of God. In it, he combats the idea that Christianity is to blame for the decline of the Roman Empire and worship of its’ pagan gods. He also wrote Confessions a very well-known autobiography.

Front 13

John Chrysostom

Back 13

 Also known as John of Antioch, Chrysostom (meaning “golden mouth”) was tutored by Libanius, a pagan rhetorician. He is known as the early Church’s greatest preacher.
 He entered monastic seclusion for a time, but his poor health led him back to the church in his home-town of Antioch where he served as a rector, then a deacon, and finally as a priest.
 It was during this time that he wrote On the Priesthood. His preaching grew famous, especially following an event known as “The Affair of the Statues” in AD 388.
 In 398, he was kidnapped by soldiers and appointed archbishop of Constantinople. Owing to his tactless naivety in the political arena, he was soon deposed and exiled.
 With over 600 sermons and 200 letters, Chrysostom was made a doctor of the early church.

Front 14

Constantine

Back 14

 Constantine, later nicknamed “Bullneck,” was born in Illyria (Balkans) in AD 280. At age 31, on a military campaign, he saw a vision of the cross and the message “By this sign conquer.” It is said that this helped Constantine lead his 40,000 soldiers to victory over Rome.
 In AD 313, he issued the Edict of Milan, which made it lawful for Christians to worship freely and to have their property restored to them. Ten years later, he defeated Licinius in the east and became the lone ruler of the entire Roman Empire. He moved his government to Byzantium and renamed it Constantinople.
 He was instrumental in organizing the Council of Nicea (AD 325).
 Constantine founded the first “state-church” and memorialized the cross as a symbol for victory.
 Historians believe, however, that his religion was really more of a blend of Christianity and paganism, a result of his political scheming.

Front 15

Eusebius of Caesarea

Back 15

 Eusebius was born in Palestine, baptized in Caesarea.
 He was ordained by his teacher and father-figure Pamphilus, giving himself the name “Eusebius Pamphili.” During Diocletian’s persecution of Christians in AD 303, he was imprisoned for a time. In AD313, he became the bishop of Caesarea.
 Eusebius was a supporter of Constantine, calling him “God’s chosen instrument.” As well, during his life, he frequently mediated between Arians and orthodox Christians.
 Referred to as “the father of church history,” Eusebius, whose name means “faithful,” was a prolific author. He wrote The Church History, a 10 volume ecclesiastical history; Preparation, a 15 volume refutation of paganism; Demonstration of the Gospel, a discussion of Christ’s fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy; Chronicle, a general world history; and Life of Constantine.

Front 16

Jerome

Back 16

 Born Eusebius Hieronymus Sophronius to wealthy Christian parents in Dalmatia, Jerome is known as one of the greatest figures in the history of Bible translation.
 He was educated in Rome and traveled later to Antioch. Favoring Asceticism, he traveled to Palestine where he learned Hebrew. He was called back to Rome in AD 382, but became very critical of the luxurious Roman lifestyle, referring to Rome as “Babylon.”
 He joined a monastery in Bethlehem founded by one of his students, where he completed his masterpiece, the Vulgate, the Bible translated into Latin. It had taken him 23 years, but he also established a translation tradition when he opted to use the original Hebrew Bible rather than the Greek Septuagint to translate the Old Testament. His translation lasted a millennium.
 Jerome also argued that the Apocrypha, while useful for the Church, included no inspired works.
 In Bethlehem he and a wealthy woman named Paulina established two monastic communities, one for men and another for women.

Front 17

Theodosius I (Flavius Theodosius; Theodosius the Great)

Back 17

 Born in northwest Spain, Theodosius grew up in a military tradition, campaigning with his father through Britain.
 In AD 379 he became emperor in the East. Early in his reign, he accepted Christianity and was baptized in AD 380.
 He recognized the church as the authority, even going so far as to publicly repent when called upon by Ambrose to do so.
 He formed the first truly Christian empire. In 380 Theodosius ended the Arian dispute by issuing an edict that everybody should be a Christian who believed in the Holy Trinity. The next year, Theodosius issued another edict specifically requiring worship of the one God according to the Nicene Creed. In AD 391, he closed pagan temples and forbade worship of pagan gods. In AD 394, Theodosius defeated his remaining political enemies and united east and west.

Front 18

Leo I

Back 18

 Leo I, or Leo “The Great”, was a nobleman. He was a pope and an international diplomat.
 He passionately opposed heresy and believed strongly in papal primacy, or “Primacy of the Chair of Peter.” Arguing that the bishop of Rome, the Pope, was above other bishops, he blatantly disregarded tradition, which held that the “Roman bishop was first among equals.”
 He influenced the emperor to penalize heretics.
 He is remembered for miraculously convincing Attila the Hun’s army to withdraw from Rome. Later, he bravely met with the invading Vandal leader Gaiseric and secured the future of Rome.
 His papacy marks the beginning of the rise to power of the bishop of Rome, who would dominate the west in the Middle Ages.

Front 19

Patrick

Back 19

 St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. A Romanized Briton, he was enslaved for 6 years in Northern Ireland before escaped to Europe. In slavery, he turned to God; and when he finally returned home to England to see his family, he was called back to Ireland through a vision, this time as an evangelist. He spoke out against slavery.
 A famous prayer, Lorica (“Patrick’s breastplate”) recalls Patrick’s fierce confidence in God. It is unclear whether or not he actually wrote the prayer, but it is closely associated with him.
 His humility and self-doubt were recorded by his own hand in his Confession, which deals with his lack of education. He is also the author of Letter to Coroticus, an urgent plea to a king who had captured many of his converts.
 Patrick is remembered as one of the first missionaries to take the gospel outside Rome.

Front 20

Benedict of Nursia

Back 20

 Benedict was born and raised in Nursia in Umbria and moved to Rome. The immorality in Rome caused him to abandon the city for a cave at Subiaco, 30 miles east.
 His biographer, Pope Gregory I, recorded many signs and wonders allegedly performed by Benedict, but Benedict is also known for the Rule he wrote for his monks which included poverty, chastity, obedience, communal living, physical labor, common meals and avoidance of unnecessary conversation. These same monks, weary of his stringent teaching and practices, attempted to poison his wine, but, according to Pope Gregory I, when Benedict made the sign of the cross over the cup, it miraculously shattered.
 He eventually established 12 monasteries, each populated by 12 monks. Following on the heels of another assassination attempt, Benedicts moved with 80 of his disciples and established another monastery on the mountain of Cassino, 80 miles south of Rome.

Front 21

Columbanus

Back 21

 He was an Irish missionary to Europe.
 In his youth, Columbanus found favor with young women, but he was soon convicted to flee his youthful lusts and seek haven in a monastery. Later he and 12 companions went to Gaul to preach to the pagans.
 He founded between 60 and 100 monasteries including Annegray, Luxeuil, Fontaine, and others.
 He composed a commentary on the Psalms.
 Columbanus was notorious for fighting with popes, kings, bishops and even his own followers. He also penned letters to Pope Boniface IV and Gregory the Great and preached in France, Germany and Switzerland before his death in AD 613.

Front 22

Gregory the Great

Back 22

 Gregory was born into a noble Roman family, strongly Christian, with two popes in his lineage (Felix III and Agapitus I). Raised in Rome, he became a chief administrative official by age 30.
 In AD 577 he was appointed a deacon of Rome; and he was elected Pope in AD 589. Intent on reforming the church, Gregory longed to improve church-state relations. In AD 593 he used money from church collections to pay for peace with the Lombard invaders.
 He produced works such as On Pastoral Care, Homilies on the Gospels, and Moralia (an allegorical exposition of Job).
 He had a keen interest in church music, so much so that his name was given to the song sung in the church, the Gregorian chant. He made common the phrase “Servus Servorum Dei” or “the servant of the servants of God” when referring to the papacy.
 He is also named as one of the 4 great Latin doctors of the church.

Front 23

Justinian I and Theodora I

Back 23

 Justinian and Theodora were known as “the greatest Byzantine rulers.”
 Justinian was the son of a farmer, nephew of Emperor Justin I. Theodora was the daughter of performers and a performer herself, a lowly position often associated with prostitution. They met in AD 522 and Justinian had the laws changed so they could marry.
 He became his uncle’s most trusted adviser and succeeded him as emperor in AD 527, naming Theodora as co-regent. Justinian saw church and state as divine gifts and believed harmony could exist between the two.
 In AD 528 he established 3 imperial law schools in an effort to rehabilitate the legal system. His code of law, “Corpus Juris Civilis” was good to Christians, but worsened life for heretics and unbelievers. He was briefly involved in doctrinal wars between orthodox Christians and Monophysites, mainly because Theodora was a Monophysite.
 His other accomplishments include his writing The Three Chapters, and building many magnificent buildings. By the end of his reign he restored the Roman Empire to wholeness.

Front 24

The Venerable Bede

Back 24

 Venerable Bede is known as “the father of English history.”
 At age 7, Bede was given into the charge of Abbot Benedict Bishop of Wearmouth Abbey. He developed a strong love of church liturgy. He was considered a scholar and one of his students, Alcuin, later influenced Charlemagne.
 Known for his writing, Bede produced History of the English Church and its People, a comprehensive history from 55 BC to AD 731. In it he quoted 144 works, probably consulting even more, and was the first historian to use “AD” or “Anno Domini” (“year of the Lord”).
 Most of his writing, however, pertains to biblical interpretation, including commentaries on the Pentateuch, the Gospels, Acts, and Revelation). As well, he translated the Gospel of John from Latin into English.

Front 25

Boniface

Back 25

 Boniface is known as “apostle of Germany.”
 He was born in Wessex, England as Wynfrith, or Winfred. Pope Gregory II changed his name to Boniface, which means “good works.” He tried life as a Benedictine monk, but gave it up because he wanted to be a missionary. Wrote the first Latin grammar produced in England.
 He later traveled to Germany and Friesland. In his attempts to Christianize heathens and oppose heretics, he realized that church reform needed to accompany evangelistic endeavors. Boniface fully supported the Roman church during his life.
 Boniface won renown among the Germanic peoples by chopping down Donar's sacred oak tree. It split into four pieces and fell with a crash at the first blows. Nothing happened to Boniface. This proved to the Germans the powerlessness of their pagan gods. In an ironic gesture, Boniface used the wood to build a church.
 In 754, he and fifty Christian companions were hacked to death. He died defending himself by protecting his head with the book he was reading.