Medieval Christianity and the Protestant Reformation pp

Christianity emerged in the 4 th century as the primary religion of the Roman Empire. “Catholic” means universal.

The Schism Between East and West Difficulties between the East and West began early. Constantine established the eastern capital of Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) which quickly became the second center of the Church, along with Rome. Difficulties included communication problems due to distance. Difficulties included a language barrier – East - Greek, West – Latin Loss of political unity when the western part of the Roman Empire fell and the eastern part survived.

Difficulties cont’d The Eastern Christians would not accept the authority of the pope in Rome (beginning in the 4 th Century.) Finally, in 1054, Pope Leo IX excommunicated the patriarch of Constantinople (the leader of the Greek Church), who in turn excommunicated the pope.

Catholicism in the Middle Ages – The Crusades – intended to take control of the Holy Land from the Muslims. Did for a time, but soon fell back into Muslim hands. Much senseless violence. Great cathedrals constructed. Monasticism, which emphasized community, simplicity, celibacy, and prayer – reached new heights of influence. Old monastic communities were reformed. New ones were founded – Franciscans, Dominicans. St Francis St. Dominic

St. Thomas Aquinas (Dominican) – Drawing from the philosophy of Aristotle, explained the relation between reason and faith. They complement each other. Summa Theologiae – Reason can prove the existence of God, but faith remains essential for full understanding of the truth, as revealed in the Bible and the teachings of the Church.

Protestant Reformation – 16 th Cent Many Christians were frustrated with the Church and wanted a change. Martin Luther – Germany Henry VIII – England John Calvin - Switzerland

Martin Luther Augustinian monk who had an overwhelming sense of sinfulness. On a trip to Rome, observed corruption within the hierarchy of the Church. Luther discovered the foundation of his faith: that humans are justified (made worthy of salvation) by faith in Christ through faith in Christ Not through external practices, or works. Rejected the external practice of buying and selling indulgences. (reductions in or pardons of the punishment due for sins committed.)

Luther wrote the Ninety-five Theses in Felt that the Church was not conforming to biblical Christianity. Translated the bible into German (was only in Latin at the time.) He is eventually excommunicated.

England An English translation of the Bible is printed – Translator is burned at the stake for heresy. Hing Henry VIII broke with papal authority over his desire to remarry after divorcing his wife. He declare himself head of the Church of England. Thomas More, former prime minister, beheaded for not renouncing pope.

John Calvin - Switzerland Emphasized original sin Believed in Predestination – that God had already decided who would be saved and who wouldn’t, no matter how they lived. One’s status with the saved is shown through good works and piety.

Catholic Reformation Clarified Church doctrine on some fundamental issues Cleaned up many corrupt practices.

Thirty Years War – War between Catholics and Protestants Over half of Germany’s population was killed. Nothing was settled.

Three Main Christian Divisions: Roman Catholicism Eastern Orthodoxy Protestantism

Roman Catholicism More than half the world’s Christians Depends on both the Bible and Tradition as the means of handing on God’s revelation of Christ. Tradition began with the Apostles who handed it down to their successors, the bishops and the popes. The bishops and popes are responsible for carrying and clarifying the Tradition in every age that is passed on to them. Recognizes seven sacraments. Strongly affected by Vatican Council II ( )

Eastern Orthodoxy Doctrinally closer to Catholicism than are most forms of Protestantism. Recognizes seven sacraments Has its own leader, but all acknowledge the patriarch of Constantinople as their head. Patriarch has no special doctrinal authority. Limits its set of doctrines to those reached by the seven ecumenical councils held prior to the year 787. Emphasizes icons, which are artistic representations of the New Testament and early Christian saints. Focuses on the Incarnation, encouraging a kind of mystical union with God through faith in Christ.

Protestantism Originated as a protest. Four main branches – Lutheran, Calvinist, Baptist, and Anglican (Methodism emerged from this.) Believe in two sacraments – baptism and the Eucharist. Focus on the Bible Justification by faith – salvation is achieved solely through the grace of God, not by works of love. If one has faith, good works will follow.

Groups identifying themselves as Christian are not always regarded as such by other Christians: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (the Mormons.) Jehovah’s Witnesses But, amid this diversity are calls for ecumenism – promoting worldwide Christian unity.