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55 Cards in this Set
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The Epistle of Diognetus
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Early apologetic of the Christian faith. Written in response to slander. Mention idol worship of gods as bad, as well as the superstition of Jewish. Attempted to uphold Christianity as "real faith."
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Irenaeus
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Universalist. Focuses less on actual 'sin' and more on suffering and death. God intends to save humanity; because of this, Christ was (is) fully human. As the devil holds humanity in bondage, humans cannot save themselves; so Christ defeated (turned from) the devil through persuasion (justly) rather than violence. Because it was the devil (as serpent) which first deceived humans, it becomes 'just.' Believe in a wholly just God. early Church father, disciple of Polycarp, moved from Asia Minor to Lyon where he became bishop. Argued against Gnostic Gospels, and argued for 4 Gospels we have today.
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Origen
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Greatest biblical scholar that Christianity ever produced, from Alexandria, studied under Clement, responsible for developing metaphorical interpretations of the Scriptures and their application, particular influence on Greek-speaking Christianity, influenced by Platonism, preached potential for salvation for all souls including Satan's, post death, works were deemed heretical
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Tertullian
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North African church father, first Latin/father of the western Church, developed the terminology that later enabled the development of trinitarian doctrine, advocated for imprisoned Christians, may have become a Montanist later in life.
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Edict of Milan
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So called decree by emperor Constantine stating the tolerance (end to active persecution against) Christianity in 313 CE, brings to end purge against Christians instituted by his rival in the east under Diocletian, begins imperial patronage of Christianity (not established as official religion until 381 by one of his sons).
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Nicea
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Location of several eclesial councils, most notably the Council of 325 CE which put out first phase concerning the doctrine of Trinity and nature of Christ (orthodox vs. Arian positions), established that son was "begotten" but shared same substance of Father, Athanasius of Alexandria prevails against Arianism
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Filioque
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Clause "and the son" added to Latin Creed but not to Eastern, which stated that the Holy Spirit and the Son both proceed from the Father. However, the Latin creed states that the Son proceeds from the Father and the HS from the Son.
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Athanasius
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Born 293 CE. Perhaps one of the last theologians to use Christian behavior as proof of the potency of Christianity. Corruption, for him, was anything which leads to death. The fall was a signal of death. As such, it is only humanity which fell, and God had to come back in body to expound this fall. And it was God's responsibility. Cross was so Christ could stretch his arms out, one for his ancient people, one for gentiles. Christ was pure from birth, having been born of a virgin.
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Gregory of Nyssa
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Ascetic. Adam's fatal sin was his desire to own the land. Bishop. Regarded the nature and wonder of human beings in high regard. Believed an angel was set to watch earth, but became envious of humans. This is why God enters into humanity, to bait the hook and reclaim power.
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Constantine
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Emperor of the Roman empire, patrician, warrior, and son of an emperor during the Tetrarchy. Allegedly became Christian at some point in his life, worshipped sun god Sol Invictus (unconquerable sun) and had vision en route to take over Rome where accounts state that he was shown a cross in the sky, and a "rho chi" emblem while a voice stated "in this sign conquer." An astute politician, he ended the Diocletian persecution and began to patronize the Christian religion which was quickly becoming very popular throughout the empire. He moved the capital of the empire to Constantinople in the East. Did not become a baptized Christian until on his deathbed. Instituted reforms to the Church, established a salary for priests and bishops, commissioned Bibles to be used for regular worship, and called the First Council of Nicea. Convened council to settle the Donatist controversy, and affirmed the primacy of the Roman curate.
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Donatism
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North African Church who were mostly non-urban and indigenous, held that those bishops, Christians, and priests who "fell away" during the persecution under Diocletian were disqualified from returning to their places of privilege once Constantine patronized Christianity and put an end to the official persecution. Donatists followed a bishop who refused to baptize and offer communion under the authority of a bishop who had fallen away and supposedly handed Christians over to the Roman authorities during the persecution (may have also refused to let Christians bring food to imprisoned Christians). Church, including Augustine, sided against the Donatists, claiming that priests and bishops are only acting on behalf of God and that their own piety is secondary to their positions under ecclesial authority. Several councils were convened by Constantine, and eventually, the Donatists were excommunicated. However, their ties to popular groups that began robbing and attacking Latin citizens.
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Augustine
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Born in North Africa. History of western thought depends on him more than any other thinker. Believed our sexual beings interact with ourselves. Original (because it is transmitted) sin gets transmitted through reproduction (because this arises from an absence in conscience control of sexual desires). However, thought that sex was good - it was not sex that was inherently sinful, only the will that was broken. His interpretation of the trinity gets translated into monotheism. Platonist. We are made to love each other because of God's love for humanity (as we are made in the image of God). Also dealt with universal sin - this needs no mechanism for transmission; people are just born into systems which are unjust (such as white racism). Believed that original sin led to actual sin which leads to damnation. Grace must be gift (cannot depend on retribution system); MUST happen out of the generosity of God. Predestination. Pentinence lessens (done continually). Physical ressurectio
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Symeon the New Theologian
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Born in 949 CE into nobility/aristocracy. Studied in Constantinople. Part of that time was that the Studian Monastery. Had his first vision at 21. Adopted the name ‘Symeon’ after the man he fell in love with while living in synkellos with him - then had icons made of him to better ‘tune into’ his thought - one must trust a mentor as they trust God (relates to the ascetic lifestyle). Tears of joy and sorrow - not just ethereal tear, but bodily tears. We become divine by adoption. One in emotion and feeling with God. (The ‘first’ theologian was John).
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Anselm
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Born 1033 CE in Northern Italy. Entered monastery at age 27 (1060 CE). Famous for the development of Christian life as a life of friendship (spiritual). Generally known as a kind of a gentleman. Believed that anyone who has faith should take the time to understand what they believe - it is important. Human reason cannot fully understand God - although faith was intelligible. Attempted to reduce everything involved in the trinity to logical progressions (filioque).
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Aquinas
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God is that which nothing greater can be thought. Theology is philosophy in addition to some things which will have to be beyond reason - divine revelation is necessary. Classified theo as a science (aim of theo is to understand God) - the queen of sciences. Scriptures contain literal, grammatical, etymological, historical (one level), typological, tropological, eschatological input. Grace presupposes nature. We cannot know God as God itself, but because of the abstract effects developed 5 ‘proofs’ of God: 1) We are in motion (moved by something). 2) Efficient causation. 3) Possibility/Necessity. 4) Heirarchy. 5) Teleological cause aims at love. Not ‘who’ or ‘what’ God is, but that God is.
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Scholasticism
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A medieval method of learning popular in the medieval era and grew out of the monastic communities. It presupposed axioms to be self-evident and sought to explain or understand those self-evident realities (did not operate from doubt or from asking questions, but from working within reason to form statements). Emphasized inference and usually stipulated a question, offering counter arguments from those opposed to their own view, and then would synthesize or answer these questions in the form of a disputation. Placed an emphasis on dialectical reasoning, sought to resolve differences and contradictions between things assumed to be true (other Church writers and dogma for instance). Operated to synthesize neoplatonism and Aristotelian thought with Christianity.
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Julian of Norwich
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Dealt with suffering - involved greatly with trinitarian imagery. Asked for illness when she was younger, which she received when she was 30.5 years old - after which she did not ask for more, nor received any (she has the showing and has served its purpose). Received a vision of Christ on the cross. Becomes a hermit and doesn’t leave until her death. She provides advice to those who come to her (through the bars). Very little interest in ‘sin’ as theme - she believes she catches a glimpse of satan, but no mention of sin or damnation. There is only love - God loves all of humanity. “All will be well.”
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Meister Eckhart
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Born 1260 CE in Germany. Was in the Dominican Order (traveling circuit). Focused on prayer and meditation. There is a strong motif of comfort throughout his work - “how can we obtain comfort from the divine?” Comfort found through personal relationship with God; goodness arises from God - and all that is from God is goodness. There is not hardship without comfort. Our goal in life is to build goodness and oneness with God. Being ‘with’ God was considered heretical. God is with us in suffering. A good person will want to suffer for God. Everything is on loan from God. As a log is consumed by the fire, so the log starts to become the fire.
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John Wycliff
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Was a teacher in England, emphasizing Scriptures over against tradition. Produced a translation of the Bible for the common people. First English language Bible from Latin. Rejected transubstantiation, the penitential system, but insisted on a doctrine of double predestination. All of these undermined ecclesiastical authority. God chooses who is saved and who is not, leaving the Church out of it. Bible preaching became a form of popular lay-evangelism. Laity were the new mediators of Biblical knowledge (Lollards). This paved the way for Henry VIII and the English Reformation. Wycliffe died in peace. 30 years after his death, the Church had his body dug up, it was burnt to ash, and thrown in a river.
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Jan Hus
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Bohemian priest and professor. He was affected by Wycliffe's death. Also emphasized predestination. Wealth and power became a rallying point for those who were disaffected by Rome. These reforms became tied or connected to proto-nationalist pockets of resistance. Hus resisted the centralization of wealth in the Church. He insisted that both bread and wine be distributed to the laity, instead of just the bread (as was the tradition of the time), underlining the privilege of the clergy over the laity. The Czech or Bohemian Church became separated from Rome. He was invited to a council after being given a notice of safe conduct. However, when he arrived, the safe conduct was revoked, and he was arrested, condemned, and burned as a heretic. This incited full scale rebellion in Bohemia, and drew lines of laity vs clergy, Bohemia vs Rome, and nationalism vs Papacy
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Erasmus
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Was a man of Europe. Determined to pursue his studies, and refrained from a steady job. An extraordinarily influential figure. Studied both Greek and Latin, and produced a new Latin edition of the Bible and also the first critical Greek New Testament. Was a humanist scholar. Greek NT went through several editions, and became very influential amongst other Reformers. Vigorous opponent of war. Wanted a peace and unity in Europe. Very critical of the Church, but also hoped for real reform within it. He was put off by Luther's violence, bad manners, and populism. Brilliant writer who satirized and lampooned the evils of the Church. Avoided schism, and so was caught in between the institution and the work of outside reformers.
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Martin Luther
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Stood firm against the mighty institution (peasant war). Sought to liberate Christians from the laws and regulations. Man of the people - detested heavy taxation. German monk who is credited with "starting" the Protestant Reformation by posting his "95 Theses" at Wittenberg. He ascribed to the internal giving rise to the external in Christian regeneration. Salvation came by faith alone in Christ alone, not by works. He emphasized a theology of the cross, and in his Christmas sermons, he speaks to the very poor Mary and Joseph. Teaching that we should do to the poor what we would do for Christ. So regeneration must take place before any good works can be "good" or do the will of God. Very critical of the RCC, its customs, and insistence upon outward works or privileges for the clergy over the laity. Anti-Semite, populist who railed against taxation, wrote in a boisterous and profane way that demonstrated solidarity with the common folk. He was patronized by the princes, who protected hi
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Thomas Muntzer
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An early associate of Luther. Called upon the princes to take up arms to defeat evil. Luther disagreed, and they split. He believed he was living in the end times, his favorite books being Daniel and Revelation. Said he was inspired by the HS to interpret them to the current position. Peasants rose up against the harsh treatment of the princes, and Muntzer switched. Luther condemned the uprising. He was captured, tortured, and executed. His legend continued to live on.
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Balthasar Hubmaier
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Influential Anabaptist theologian, student of Erasmus and Glarean (Grebel's teacher). Friend of Zwingli who later split with him over the matter of infant baptism. He was hunted by the Empire, after being driven out of Zurich, and eventually was arrested by Zwingli. He requested a disputation with Zwingli over infant baptism, and it was granted. The two debated. The council sided with Zwingli. He was tortured and later recanted his position. He was allowed to leave Switzerland, and later was imprisoned after making converts out of former Zwinglians in the area. He and his wife were arrested and taken to Vienna. He was tortured again, tried for heresy, and burnt at the stake. She was given a "third baptism," three days later, and was drowned in a river with a stone tied around her neck.
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Menno Simons
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Inheritor of the Anabaptist movement, priest from the Netherlands who promotes a non-violent, counter cultural, radical Reformation. They renounced any alliance to the State, a radical basis in the NT as the proper way of Reform, meaning it was non-violent. From his name the Mennonites arrive. He converted around age 40, and for the next 15 years, was a hunted man with a price on his head. He was tireless, brave, and patient leader whose writings would shape the pacifist or Mennonite side of the radical Reformation. He advocated for non-violence. Held that children who died but not baptized do not go to hell, but have been blessed by God and Jesus.
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Anabaptists
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Part of the "left" or "radical Reformation." Started with Conrad Grebel and the Swiss Brethren under Zwingli, but they broke from him on the issue of infant baptism among other things. Radically stringent at the beginning, saying that unless something was specifically pointed out in the NT, one should refrain from doing it. No compulsion and no command. Non-believers are simply excluded, and no violence or engagement in attack should be permitted. Instead, they advised suffering for one's beliefs. Refrained from military service and service to the State. Stood against oaths. (Basically followed Jesus' red letters). Rejected predestination. Baptism was held as a sign of one's conversion as an adult, commitment, etc. to Jesus. Baptism in Christendom was really equivalent to entering into the State via the Church records, and was a custom.
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John Calvin
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French Reformer, trained as a lawyer and later a priest who presided in Geneva as theological advisor to their Reformation, greatest systematic theologian of the Reformation, wrote commentaries on NT books of the Bible with Reformed theology, wrote "Institutes of the Christian Religion" first in Latin and later in the vernacular, fostered students who would later take Presbyterianism to Scotland via war, held that Scripture as the highest or purest revelation of God, upheld sovereignty of God, maintained the theme that what God does is giving himself glory, also upheld predestination from Scripture and not reason, expelled Anabaptists and burned Servetus at the stake as a heretic
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Ulrich Zwingli
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Swiss Reformer, proponent of absolutism of Divine governance, embraced Luther at first and later diverged, fostered students that would later form the Anabaptist movement (Conrad Grebel) and later reacted violently against them, upheld infant baptism, killed in battle against Catholic forces in 1531.
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Council of Trent
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19th ecumenical council of the Roman Catholic church (1545–63), highly important for its sweeping decrees on self-reform and for its dogmatic definitions that clarified virtually every doctrine contested by the Protestants. Despite internal strife, external dangers, and two lengthy interruptions, the council played a vital role in revitalizing the Roman Catholic church in many parts of Europe.
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Nicholas of Cusa
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Born 1401—died Aug. 11, 1464. Cardinal, mathematician, scholar, experimental scientist, and influential philosopher who stressed the incomplete nature of man’s knowledge of God and of the universe. At the Council of Basel in 1432, he gained recognition for his opposition to the candidate put forward by Pope Eugenius IV for the archbishopric of Trier.
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Gregory Nazianzen
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(Born c. 330—died c. 389), 4th-century Church Father whose defense of the doctrine of the Trinity (God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) made him one of the greatest champions of orthodoxy against Arianism. His Chapel of the Resurrection (Greek: Anastasia) became the scene of the birth of Byzantine (from Byzantium, the earlier name of Constantinople) Orthodoxy—i.e., the post-Nicene theology and practice of the majority of Eastern Christianity. Among the sermons he preached there, the Five Theological Orations are a striking presentation of trinitarian doctrine, and his memorial addresses and others on special occasions are important historical sources. Though Gregory wrote no commentaries, he was famous for his deep knowledge of Scripture; among his hearers at Constantinople was the biblical scholar Jerome, who gained a greater understanding of the Greek scriptures from Gregory.
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Hildegard of Bingen
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Taken to a nunnery at age 8 to be taught to read and write. She was born in 1098. They were also flourishing in several ways. She was certainly most brilliant woman of her time and the era. She had visions, which very static and bascially architectural. At the age of 40, she'd become head addess of an abbey, moved it and it began flourishing. She would have a waking vision, which would not disturb her sight to what was going on around her. The vision would be accompanied by music. Had a vision for some time and finally a voice told her to begin writing about what she sees. She describes the visions and then writes a commentary on her visions. She wrote the first recorded morality play. She also wrote music and created art. We get these icon-like things. Creates music of the paradise, heavens.
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Gnoticism
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Any of various related philosophical and religious movements prominent in the Greco-Roman world in the early Christian era, particularly the 2nd century. The designation is a term of modern scholarship. It was first used by the English poet and philosopher of religion Henry More (1614–87), who applied it to the religious groups referred to in ancient sources as gnostikoi (Greek: those who have gnosis, or “knowledge”). The Greek adjective gnostikos (“leading to knowledge” or “pertaining to knowledge”) was first used by Plato to describe the cognitive or intellectual dimension of learning, as opposed to the practical. By the 2nd century ad, however, gnostikoi had been adopted by various Christian groups, some of which used it positively as a self-designation, though others criticized this practice as a presumptuous claim of exclusive access to truth.
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Arius/Arian
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(Born c. 250—died 336), Christian priest of Alexandria, Egypt, whose teachings gave rise to a theological doctrine known as Arianism, which, in affirming the created, finite nature of Christ, was denounced by the early church as a major heresy.An ascetical, moral leader of a Christian community in the area of Alexandria, Arius attracted a large following through a message integrating Neoplatonism, which accented the absolute oneness of the divinity as the highest perfection, with a literal, rationalist approach to the New Testament texts.
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Nestorius/Nestorian
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(born 4th century ad—died c. 451), early bishop of Constantinople whose views on the nature and person of Christ led to the calling of the Council of Ephesus in 431 and to Nestorianism, one of the major Christian heresies. A few small Nestorian churches still exist.
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Monophysite
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One who holds a Christological view, regarded by the early church as heretical, which taught that Jesus Christ had only one nature rather than a divine and a human nature that were united in one person.
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Monothelitism
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Held that Jesus Christ had only one will. This was rejected by the Third Council of Constantinople (680 CE), which asserted that Christ had two wills, since he had two natures, but that they always acted in mutual accord.
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Basil of Caesarea
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(329-379) He was one of the group of great oriental theologians to whom, under God, we owe our right belief in the Trinity and the Incarnation, and also the chief organizer of ascetic community life in the East. He was born in 329 at Caesarea, the capital of Cappadocia, far up in the interior of Asia Minor. A surprising number of his family are honored as saints: his grandmother St Macrina the Elder, his father and mother, St Basil the Elder and St Emmelia, his brothers St Gregory of Nyssa and St Peter of Sebaste, and his sister St Macrina the Younger. He studied at Constantinople and went on from there to Athens, which was still the great university city of the Greek-speaking world. Here his fellow student and close friend was another young Cappadocian, St Gregory Nazianzen, who with the two brothers Basil and Gregory of Nyssa makes up the trio of Cappadocian doctors of the church.
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Theodosius
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Roman Emperor, born in Spain, about 346; died at Milan, 17 January, 395. Theodosius is one of the sovereigns by universal consent called Great. He stamped out the last vestiges of paganism, put an end to the Arian heresy in the empire, pacified the Goths, left a famous example of penitence for a crime, and reigned as a just and mighty Catholic emperor. His father, the Comes Theodosius, was a distinguished general; both he and the mother Thermantia were Catholics at a time when Arianism was at its strongest. Theodosius the son distinguished himself in the army, was made Dux of Moesia, defeated the Sarmatians (Ammianus Marcellinus, XXIX, 6); then, when an intrigue brought about the disgrace and execution of his father (376) he retired to his own property in Spain. But his reputation was not forgotten.
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Pelagius
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He was considered a heretic because he opposed the idea of predestination. He believed in free will.
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Radbertus
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French monk. He believed that the Eucharist sacrament was truly Christ’s body and blood. It became mystically consecrated.
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Ratrammus
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He believed that the Eucharist sacrament was figurative and not mystical. It cannot be real, because if it were, it would be a crime to eat and drink.
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Icon
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An image which is meant to pull you closer to divine. It was not an idol, merely a portal with which you could look through and see.
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Aelred
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First in hue court of a Scottish King. Born in 1110 CE. Joined monastery in Rievaux in 1132 (age 22). Greatest theology of friendship and love at this time. Incorporated literature of pagans. Sense of love. Friendship aims at justice and virtue (spiritual). Cemented by life, morals, pursuit of the just (inspire each other to do better). 2nd human was taken from the side of the first to have a sense of equality (thus friendship is the basis of love).
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Maimonides
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He was a Jewish physician. Also known as Rabbi Moses. He wrote a 14 volume commentary. The Guide to Perplex. His focus was on Aristotle.
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Averroes
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He was an interpreter and wrote commentaries on Aristotle. He argued that it was possible to bring Aristotle to the belief system of Islam.
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Marcion
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Fond of biblical teaching. Distinction between law and gospel. Believed in certain canon texts - that which agrees with canon is Christianity, if it does deal with canon it is not. "Christianity cannot be all of these things." The God of Paul and Luke cannot be the same god of the Hebrew Bible. The creator God is not the Redeemer (through Christ). This is connected to the world needs to be constrained so that we are not of the world. Generous ethics. Total abstinence. No marriage. Ex-communicated from Rome in 144 CE. Uses the Hebrew Bible, but develops allegorical interpretation because the god of HB is not the redeemer God; or find a hermeneutic to find a different interpretation. Christianity affirms creation and incarnation of the body.
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Clement
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Becomes head of Catechesis school. Deals with forming a good life - al ife formed by christ; only through Christ can we be sober (sober Christians). Grow continually in knowledge (God as motion). Does not hate any. Sin is that which is contrary to right reason. True wealth deals with what you give away. Sex is only okay if for procreation (though celibacy or marriage are both acceptable lifestyles).
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Ignatius of Antioch
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Apostle of John. Appointed Bishop by Peter. Martyr of 2nd Century. One of the “Apostolic Fathers.” On journey to colosseum to be killed, he wrote letters to his supporters (7 were preserved). He conveys his desire to be martyred so that he can follow in the steps of Christ.
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Dominic/Dominicans
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Recognized the need for development of preachers. Forefront of what was deemed as a heretical movement. Movement in opposition to church wealth - to combat heresy and corruption. Nomadic people who move with the need to evangelism. Needed to train people who are to take on this task who may speak intelligibly on the subject (of religion). Thomas Aquinas was the greatest person to occupy the position of “Chair of Dominican Theology” at a theological university. Use Aristotle and Aristotelian ideals.
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Predestination
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Because of original sin, all are to be damned; humanity is a “lump of damnation.” OS leads to actual sin which leads to damnation. None of us are able to turn back to God.some receive mercy - but who? Augustine said grace must be a gift (cannot depend upon payback/retributive system). Mercy MUST happen out of the generosity of God (graciousness). God is eternal, does not change and therefore knows who is saved and who is damned (and has known for all eternity).
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Montanism
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1) Resurgence of apocalyptic thought; believed christ coming back would be soon - this directly from the NT. 2) Emphasis on Charismatic prophets; Montanus receives revelation and through his chief associates produced a new church. 3) Insisted on Moral Rigor; no sin after baptism. 4) Women Prophets; allows speaking of the spirit.
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Francis/Franciscans
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He was born to merchant family. Jesus said give everything away - this is what he (and his followers did); this was not be explained, but to be followed. Followed Jesus in every way (even associating with lepers and taking on a lifestyle of radical poverty). Rely on the hospitality of others. Movement grows counter to governmental development and grew rapidly. Seemed to be Orthodox (his order was recognized). Used Plato and Platonic ideals.
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Humanism
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A group of philosophies and ethical perspectives which emphasize the value and agency of human beings, individually and collectively, and generally prefers individual thought and evidence (rationalism, empiricism) over established doctrine or faith (fideism). The term humanism can be ambiguously diverse, and there has been a persistent confusion between several related uses of the term because different intellectual movements have identified with it over time. In philosophy and social science, humanism refers to a perspective that affirms some notion of a "human nature" (contrasted with anti-humanism). In modern times, many humanist movements have become strongly aligned with secularism, with the term Humanism often used as a byword for non-theistic beliefs about ideas such as meaning and purpose; however, many early humanists, such as Ulrich von Hutten, a strong supporter of Martin Luther and the Reformation, were religious.
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Martyrs
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People who did not view death with fear. They were willing to die for their religion, just as Christ - the ultimate act of piety. A martyr is somebody who suffers persecution and death for advocating, refusing to renounce, and/or refusing to advocate a belief or cause, usually a religious one. In its original meaning, the word martyr, meaning witness, was used in the secular sphere as well as in the New Testament of the Bible. The process of bearing witness was not intended to lead to the death of the witness, although it is known from ancient writers (e.g. Josephus) and from the New Testament that witnesses often died for their testimonies. During the early Christian centuries, the term acquired the extended meaning of a believer who is called to witness for their religious belief, and on account of this witness, endures suffering and/or death. The term, in this later sense, entered the English language as a loanword. The death of a martyr or the value attributed is called martyrdom.
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