Exploring the Church

Questions

Exploring the Church Questions Describe a separation, falling out, or “death” of a relationship that you’ve experienced

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

“Ages” of the Early Church 1. Age of the Apostles – period of time after Christ’s ascension during which the Apostles lived and taught – 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 Age of the Councils – period of time during which the church described in detail what orthodox Christian belief is –

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 ( ) – 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 ) 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 ( ) 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 ( ) 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 ( ) heavily influenced monasticism West & East prayers and song formed the basis of a liturgy still used today in the EO Church Gregory of Nyssa ( ) brother of Basil promoted God as Trinity preferred the “negative” approach to describing God Gregory of Nazianzus ( ) significant role at the 2 nd Ecumenical Council in 381 one of three early church leaders given the title “Theologian”

Responses to Challenges 1. 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: Strong leadership (?) 5*. Separation (attraction to monastic life)

What was the first Christian Kingdom?

Osrhoene capital was Edessa officially became a Christian kingdom in 200

Neeexxxxtttt!

Armenia capital was Ani officially became a Christian kingdom in 300

Age of the Councils 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 ( ) – 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 Lines 1. 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 Church The 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.