Exploring the Church

Exploring the ChurchQuestions

Exploring the ChurchQuestions

Describe a separation, falling out, or “death” of a

relationship that you’ve experienced

TermsEdict of Milan – document produced in 313 declaring freedom of religion (especially for Christians) throughout the Roman Empire

“Ages” of the Early Church1. Age of the Apostles – period of time after Christ’s ascension during which the Apostles lived and taught – 33-1002. Age of the Apostolic Fathers – period of time during which the students of the Apostles (and their students’ students and their students’ students’ students) lived and taught – roughly 101-3243. Age of the Councils – period of time during which the church described in detail what orthodox Christian belief is – 325-787

Age of the Councils (or the fast and the furious)1. Nicea #1 (325) – rejected Arianism (Christ wasn’t divine), The Nicene Creed

2. Constantinople #1 (381) – expanded Nicene Creed, affirmed the divinity of the Holy Spirit

3. Ephesus (431) – rejected Nestorius, wrestled with how Jesus had both a human and divine nature

4. Chalcedon (451) – rejected belief that Christ only had a divine nature (monophysitism), affirmed two natures of Christ

5. Constantinople #2 (553) – wrestled with how Christ’s two natures were joined in one person

6. Constantinople #3 (680-681) – rejected the belief that Christ had two natures but only one will

7. Nicea #2 (787) – rejected iconoclasm (breaking of icons), affirmed that icons are worthy of veneration (like Scripture)

Eusebius (ca. 260-340)•born in Palestine•became Bishop of Caesarea Maritima in 314•attended and played a role in the Council of Nicea in 325•“Father of Church History”•produced Historia Ecclesiae (Church History) in 323/324

Jerome (347-420)•born in what is now Strigova, Croatia•one of the first church leaders to adamantly defend the “perpetual virginity” of Mary•translated or re-translated the Bible into Latin (Vulgate or “commonly accepted”), often from the original languages of Scripture (Hebrew for the OT, Greek for the NT)

Augustine (354-430)•born in what is now Algeria•became Bishop of Hippo ca. 395•also defended the “perpetual virginity” of Mary•among other things, was the first to describe in detail the concepts of Original Sin, Just War, and the Visible and Invisible Church•wrote Confessions – recalling his life before and after his conversion - and City of God - in which he describes the church as a heavenly kingdom which will ultimately triumph over earthly kingdoms

Cappadocian Fathers

Basil of Caesarea (330-379)

•heavily influenced monasticism West & East•prayers and song formed the basis of a liturgy still

used today in the EO Church

Gregory of Nyssa (335-395)

•brother of Basil•promoted God as

Trinity•preferred the

“negative” approach to describing God

Gregory of Nazianzus (329-390)

•significant role at the 2nd Ecumenical Council in

381•one of three early

church leaders given the title “Theologian”

Responses to Challenges1. Steadfast faith (many times resulting in martyrdom)2. Networking!! – Church leaders communicated with each other (e.g. – Ignatius & Polycarp)3. Faithful teaching – 1 Corinthians 11:23, 15:3; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; 2 Timothy 1:13-14, 2:1-74. Strong leadership (?)5*. Separation (attraction to monastic life)

What was the first Christian Kingdom?

What was the first Christian Kingdom?

Osrhoene•capital was Edessa

•officially became a Christian kingdom in 200

Neeexxxxtttt!

Neeexxxxtttt!

Armenia•capital was Ani

•officially became a Christian kingdom in 300

Age of the Councils1. Nicea #1 (325) – rejected Arianism (Christ wasn’t divine), The Nicene Creed

2. Constantinople #1 (381) – expanded Nicene Creed, affirmed the divinity of the Holy Spirit

3. Ephesus (431) – rejected Nestorius, wrestled with how Jesus had both a human and divine nature

4. Chalcedon (451) – rejected belief that Christ only had a divine nature (monophysitism), affirmed two natures of Christ

5. Constantinople #2 (553) – wrestled with how Christ’s two natures were joined in one person

6. Constantinople #3 (680-681) – rejected the belief that Christ had two natures but only one will

7. Nicea #2 (787) – rejected iconoclasm (breaking of icons), affirmed that icons are worthy of veneration (like Scripture)

Age of the Councils1. Nicea #1 (325) – rejected Arianism (Christ wasn’t divine), The Nicene Creed

2. Constantinople #1 (381) – expanded Nicene Creed, affirmed the divinity of the Holy Spirit

3. Ephesus (431) – rejected Nestorius, wrestled with how Jesus had both a human and divine nature

4. Chalcedon (451) – rejected belief that Christ only had a divine nature (monophysitism), affirmed two natures of Christ

5. Constantinople #2 (553) – wrestled with how Christ’s two natures were joined in one person

6. Constantinople #3 (680-681) – rejected the belief that Christ had two natures but only one will

7. Nicea #2 (787) – rejected iconoclasm (breaking of icons), affirmed that icons are worthy of veneration (like Scripture)

Fault Lines1. Politics begin to influence church life – ex. Gregory of Naziansus & Emperor Theodosius I

2. Rome becomes unstable – sacked in 410 (Visigoths), 455 (Vandals), 546 (Ostrogoths)

3. Church begins to splinter – Nestorius dismissed in 431, Monophysites dismissed in 451

Exploring the ChurchThe Lord’s Prayer

Our Father in heaven, Your name is holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is

in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive our sins, as we forgive those who sin

against us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory belong to you forever and

ever. Amen.