1. The History of Christianity #1 The Early Church Through the Reformation

2. Significant Developments in Christian History The Early Church Constantine The Reformation The Radical Reformation The Restoration Movement

3. The Early Church Persecuted by Jews at first then the Roman government. Focused on Jesus as Lord (in contrast to “Caesar is Lord)” Christians maintained their commitment to live as Jesus did

4. Many letters in the New Testament were written to encourage Christians to remain faithful in the face of persecution, and to live holy lives. –1 Peter –Hebrews –Revelation The kindness of Christians in the face of persecution impressed many. –This was a powerful tool of evangelism. Christianity grew rapidly in spite of the persecutions.

5. Constantine Roman emperor (310-337) Mother was a devout Christian Became convinced that the Christian God had helped him win a major victory that led to his becoming emperor. Converted to Christianity. First Roman Emperor to recognize Christianity as an official religion. Encouraged others to convert.

7. Theodosius I made Christianity the official religion of the empire (AD 380). Many conversions, some sincere, many were not. Christianity became involved in political affairs. Influenced rulers and became economically powerful. Changed the nature of Christianity

9. AD 30 History of Church Movements Eastern Orthodox Russian Orthodox (988) Roman Catholic Anglican (1534)Episcopal Methodist Wesleyan Salvation Army Lutheran (1517) Reformed (1519) Anabaptists (1525) Presbyterian United Church of Christ Mennonite Brethren Amish ELCA LCMS 1054

10. Church leaders tried to exercise influence over state officials. State officials tried to exercise influence over Christianity. Christianity was developing an organizational structure similar to the Roman government. The Church began dividing over these issues of power, wealth, and influence. Many thought the Church was drifting away from its purpose and becoming corrupt.

11. The great wealth and power of the Church had caused it to become secular. It was competing with the state governments for wealth and power. Some began to react to this and called for reform. Demanded the Church –Willingly impose poverty on its leadership; –Require its leaders to live pure lives; –Return to the simplicity of the NT Church.

12. –Wanted the state to confiscate church property and give it to the poor. –The Bible alone is the source of religious authority. –The sole basis of salvation is the grace of God, not practices of the Church:, indulgences, pilgrimages, etc. John Wycliffe (1325-1385)

13. –Opposed “transubstantiation” – the idea that the bread and wine of communion actually become the body and blood of Christ. –First to translate the Bible into English. John Wycliffe (1325-1385)

14. “And aftir sixe dayes Jhesus took Petre, and James, and John and ledith hem by hem selve aloone in to an high hil ; and he is transfigurid before hem. And his clothis ben maad schynynge and white ful moche as snow, and which maner clothis a fullere, or walkere of cloth, may not make white on erthe. And Helye with Myses apperide to hem, and thei weren spekynge with Jhesu.” John Wycliffe (1325-1385)

15. Martin Luther (1483-1546) Luther tried to reform the Church from within. He protested against the power structure and wealth of the Church. He opposed the sale of indulgences and other practices that he did not think were consistent with the Bible. He was branded a heretic and had to leave the Church

16. Martin Luther (1483-1546) Luther emphasized ideas such as Sola scriptura Sola fides Sola gratia

17. Martin Luther (1483-1546) The local German prince protected Luther and helped him establish a new Church independent of Rome. A close relationship between the state and the church was established in Germany.

18. Martin Luther (1483-1546) A close relationship between the state and the Church was thus established in Germany –This was one thing Luther had protested earlier – the close relationship between the empire and the Church. –In time, this became a state-supported Church.

19. AD 30 History of Church Movements Eastern Orthodox Russian Orthodox (988) Roman Catholic Anglican (1534)Episcopal Methodist Wesleyan Salvation Army Lutheran (1517) Reformed (1519) Anabaptists (1525) Presbyterian United Church of Christ Mennonite Brethren Amish ELCA LCMS

20. Ulrich Zwingli (1481-1531) Catholic priest in Zurich, Switzerland Influenced by Luther. Advocated the sole authority of scripture. If the Bible does not say some- thing explicitly, then Christians should not believe it or practice it.

21. Christ is the sole head of the Church. Salvation is by faith alone Advocated marriage of priests; too much sexual impurity in the priesthood. The Zurich city council adopted many of Zwingli’s ideas. Zurich became another center of Reform. This became a government- supported Church in Zurich. Ulrich Zwingli (1481-1531)

22. AD 30 History of Church Movements Eastern Orthodox Russian Orthodox (988) Roman Catholic Anglican (1534)Episcopal Methodist Wesleyan Salvation Army Lutheran (1517) Reformed (1519) Anabaptists (1525) United Church of Christ Mennonite Brethren Amish ELCA

23. The Radical Reformation Luther sought to restore the gospel of “faith alone” and “scripture alone.” Several did not think Luther went far enough in protesting against the Roman Church. Zwingli went further, reforming the practices and organization of the church. Others went still further, and sought to restore a lifestyle of discipleship.

24. Anabaptists Worked with Zwingli, but did not think he went far enough. Advocated believer’s baptism. –Only adults should be baptized –That’s what they saw in the NT Advocated the Church should not be run by or try to control the state. Complete separation.

25. General teachings of Anabaptists: –Pacifists –Return to the simplicity of the NT Church –Rejected authority of the state – they are citizens of the Kingdom of God. –Some practiced a radical equality – all are equal before God: rich / poor; women / men; educated / uneducated. –The local congregation should be the highest authority on earth for the Church. Spread rapidly in spite of severe persecution.

26. Menno Simons

27. AD 30 History of Church Movements Eastern Orthodox Russian Orthodox (988) Roman Catholic Anglican (1534)Episcopal Methodist Wesleyan Salvation Army Lutheran (1517) Reformed (1519) Anabaptists (1525) Presbyterian United Church of Christ Mennonite Brethren Amish ELCA LCMS

28. AD 30 History of Church Movements Eastern Orthodox Russian Orthodox (988) Roman Catholic Anglican (1534)Episcopal Methodist Wesleyan Salvation Army Lutheran (1517) Reformed (1519) Anabaptists (1525) Presbyterian United Church of Christ Mennonite Brethren Amish ELCA LCMS