Medieval and Renaissance Missions (500-1792)

Nestorians Exiled, unorthodox followers of deposed bishop Strongly missionary & took Gospel to China in 635 Failed due to unorthodox beliefs and severe monasticism that offended culturally Opposed Franciscans upon their 1294 arrival in China

Nestorians CARM.org “Nestorianism Nestorianism is the error that Jesus is two distinct persons.  The heresy is named after Nestorius, who was born in Syria and died in 451 AD, who advocated this doctrine.  Nestorius was a monk who became the Patriarch of Constantinople and he repudiated the Marian title "Mother of God." 

Nestorians Nestorius was deposed as Patriarch and sent to Antioch, then Arabia, and then Egypt.  Nestorianism survived until around 1300. The problem with Nestorianism is that it threatens the atonement.  If Jesus is two persons, then which one died on the cross?  If it was the "human person" then the atonement is not of divine quality and thereby insufficient to cleanse us of our sins.”

Celts and Goths (AD 400-800) Barbarians had invaded Roman territories and gained control beginning 400s Captives became witnesses to captors Patrick is captured and escapes, lives in a monastery for years studying, receives call and returns to Ireland as missionary Columba also there was punished for making his own copy of Scriptures. Banished to Iona and begins the first missionary training institute. Functioned for 1000 yrs sending to Italy/Hungary Charlemagne called for missionaries to come to France. Called himself king David.

The Vikings AD 800- 1200 Unfortunately, no one dares evangelize Scandinavia – the home of the cruel Vikings. Sold their own women as slaves in N.Africa Vikings were won mainly by the Christian girls they captured like Naaman, Syrian General. Vikings settled in Christian lands like England and Normandy When the call to go on crusades against the Muslims went out, every Crusade was led by someone with a Viking background.

The Muslims AD 1200-1600 The Crusaders sought to kill and plunder rather than evangelize so a negative period. Francis of Assisi accompanied 5th crusade but thought better to win them so began a form of monasticism which preached and ministered to the common people. Returning crusaders brought back fascination for art & architecture which led to beginning of Renaissance. They saw St. Sophia mosque in Constantinople and returned with zeal for same. All major cathedrals of Europe were begun within 50 years.