The Post-Nicene Era AD

Arianism and Orthodoxy Constantine – New Capital – Mediator – Evangelist – Sacral State Constantine’s Sons Julian “The Apostate” ( ) Theodosius I, The Great ( )

First genuinely orthodox emperor, established Christianity as state religion Presses Roman Senate to affirm Christ Outlaws: attendance at pagan temples, pagan sacrifices, idol worship, etc Encourages destruction of pagan temples – gives property to churches Large numbers of pagans convert to Christianity

Division of the Roman Empire

Make Up of Church Radically Altered – By end of Theodosius’ reign, Christianity and the Roman state are inseparable Constantine’s reign – 10-20% of population Christian One century later – as much as 90% identify as Christian Church inundated with rapid flood of mass “converts” – Churches unable, unprepared, unwilling to exercise discipline – Three Responses to Spiritual Degeneration Separation Universalism Secularization

Canonization Solidifies Formal Christian Education Develops – Catechetical classes – Cathedral Schools (or Episcopal Schools) Ritualism Increases – festivals, holy days and places, fetishism, relics, vestments Holy Living Declines Christian Architecture and Art Develop – artisans supported by state, icons developed in Eastern church, church buildings Clerical Celibacy in West Creeds and Councils Formalize Belief

Gregory the Illuminator – Armenia Frumentius (ca ) – Ethiopia (Coptic Christianity) British Isles Ulfilas (ca ca. 400) – Goths and Visigoths Martin of Tours (ca. 335 – ca. 400) to south Gaul Gregory of Tours – Franks of Gaul Patrick (ca ) – Ireland

When Giants Walked the Land Jerome Augustine ●Hippo Rome ● ● Milan Ambrose John Chrysostom Basil of Caesarea Gregory of Nyssa Athanasius ● Alexandria Gregory of Nazianzus Martin of Tours

 Eusebius (ca. 260-ca. 339)  Athanasius ( )  Cappadocian Fathers Successors of Athanasius Basil of Caesarea (Basil the Great; ) Gregory of Nyssa (ca ) Gregory of Nazianzus (ca )  John of Antioch (Chrysostom) ( )

“Martin Luther of the 4 th C” Influence – Champion of the deity and humanity of Christ and deity of Holy Spirit against Arianism – Apologetics – Life of St Anthony Pastoral Ministry – Service over Politics – Theological Orientation – Self-Discipline and Austerity – Perseverance and Courage

John Chrysostom

Chrysostom AD

 Upbringing and Education  Antioch  Constantinople  Quintessential Preacher  Defender of Nicene Orthodoxy  Prophet of Morality in Word and Deed  Martyrdom

When Giants Walked the Land Jerome Augustine ●Hippo Rome ● ● Milan Ambrose John Chrysostom Basil of Caesarea Gregory of Nyssa Athanasius ● Alexandria Gregory of Nazianzus Martin of Tours

 Ambrose (ca )  Jerome ( )  Augustine ( )

 Highly educated and gifted  Entrance into Ministry  Strong Defender of Nicene Orthodoxy  Gifted Leader and Administrator of Church Affairs  Church over State  Hymnody  Ministry to Augustine

Jerome

Education in Italy Hermit in Syria Establishes Monastery in Bethlehem Prolific Linguist and Author – Masters Greek and Hebrew – Biographer – Exegetical Commentator – Influences every theological battle of his day including Arianism Translates Latin Vulgate Theological Weaknesses

 Highly Influential in Church and Western History  Upbringing  Devotee to Manichaeism  Sojourn in Milan and Conversion to Christianity  Bishop of Hippo Regius (North Africa)  Labored Against Manichees, Donatists, Pagans, Pelagius  Prolific Author on Christian Doctrine  Theological Legacy

Council of Ephesus (431) Council of Chalcedon (451) – Against Arius, Jesus was fully divine: “truly God … perfect in Godhead … begotten of the Father before the ages” – Against Apollinarius, Jesus was fully human: “truly man … perfect in manhood” and born of the Virgin Mary – Against Nestorius, Jesus was one person, not two. The deity and humanity are: “not parted or divided into two persons” but Christ is “one person and one being” – Against Eutyches, Jesus’ humanity was not blurred with his deity, but both natures of Christ remained distinct

 Concerning Jesus deity and humanity: “The difference of the natures is in no wise taken away by reason of the union, but rather the properties of each are preserved … [Christ is] made known in two natures without confusion, without change, without division, without separation.”

 Council of Ephesus (431)  Council of Chalcedon (451)  Fall of Roman Empire (476) Irremediable Societal Decay Convulsive Internal Political Upheaval Military Meltdown