by: chris kazun

Early Theology Jesus didn’t leave a handbook of theology and practice for his followers Theology developed as Christians reflected on the gospel message and incorporated it into their lives The eternal truths of Christ’s message were passed on developed along with the community Believed Jesus' return would happen any day didn’t really bother with establishing permanent leadership roles

Baptism Instituted by Jesus Signified your entrance to the church Baptism forgives the person of original sin and personal sin Debate over baptism of children

Eucharist took place in a community members home (house churches) on Sunday’s Singing psalms and hymns, common prayers, collection for the poor, recounting stories about Jesus Celebrated the Lord’s Supper Jesus truly present in Eucharist Also usually consisted of a shared meal

Sainthood If you died for your faith you were automatically a saint Modern church has a process have to wait 5 years before investigating 2 miracles must be done in the name of that particular person Beatified – makes the person Blessed (Pope John Paul II) Canonized – makes the person a saint

In Hiding Christianity is illegal All members of Church viewed as criminals Used symbols to mark meeting places, and tombs, or distinguish friend from foe.

Catacombs Underground tunnels, chambers, and tombs Dug by Christians Served as burial places, shrines and places of worship Martyrs received places of honour – became popular place of prayer Contain some of the earliest Christian art Remain popular pilgrimage sites today

Early Symbols Ichthys – fish symbol - Acronym for Iēsous Christos, Theou Yios, Sōtēr (Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior): - Iota (i) is the first letter of Iēsous ( Ἰ ησο ῦ ς), Greek for "Jesus". - Chi (ch) is the first letter of Christos (Χριστός), Greek for "anointed".Christos - Theta (th) is the first letter of Theou (Θεο ῦ ), Greek for "God's", the genitive case of Θεóς, Theos, Greek for "God". - Ypsilon (y) is the first letter of (h)yios [4] (Υ ἱ ός), Greek for "Son". [4] -Sigma (s) is the first letter of sōtēr (Σωτήρ), Greek for "Savior".Σωτήρ Anchor – the hope brought by Christ is an anchor for the soul

Gospels Originally told by word of mouth Why write them down? 1) Only a few who knew Jesus personally were still living 2) Could reach more people throughout the empire if written down Gospel of Mark, written in Rome (65 and 70 A.D.) Gospel of Matthew, written in Antioch ( A.D.) Gospel of Luke, written in southern Greece (80-85 A.D.) these three are called Synoptic Gospels – they contain many of the same stories, in the same order, with similar wording Synoptic means see/view together Gospel of John ( A.D.) much different from the other three – has stories not mentioned elsewhere, and in different order Originally, written in Greek

Leadership and Authority With growth, authority becomes more important Church instituted the episkopos (bishop), successors of the apostles leaders who are authorities on truth/belief in the Church Job: to maintain unity and order The position of presbyteros (priests) were not originally needed priest came into existence as the Christian community increased in size

“We are of God: he that knoweth God listens to us; he who is not of God does not listen to us.” (1 John 4:6) “As the Father has sent me, I also send you. When he had said this, he breathed upon them, and said to them, 'Receive the Holy Spirit; whose sins you shall forgive, they are forgiven them; and whose sins you shall retain, they are retained.” (John 20:21-23) "...You are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Christ himself as the chief corner stone." (Ephesians 2:20)

Apostolic Succession Idea introduced by Tertullian Apostles appointed bishops and passed their authority to them Those bishops then appoint other bishops This chain remains unbroken to the present day Bishops therefore have a direct chain linking them back to the Apostles

5 Bishops take the lead Originally the Pope (Bishop of Rome) was not supreme leader of the Church There were 5 bishops who were equal in power called Patriarchs - Rome - Jerusalem - Antioch - Alexandria - Constantinople

Which Bishop is most important? Jerusalem took the lead early on. After Jerusalem’s fall (70 A.D.), Rome became more and more central Rome gains importance because: Peter was martyred in Rome Rome was the imperial capital Bishop of Rome seen as Peter’s successor

Pope Cardinals Bishops Archbishops Monsignors Priests Deacons Laity