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Finally Legal!
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Constantine the Great Emperor of the Roman Empire 306-337
Vast military achievements. Brought the Western and Eastern halves of the Roman Empire under one ruler (had been split by Diocletian). Decreed the Edict of Milan Called for the first Legal Church Council in Nicaea Was baptized a Christian on his deathbed in 337
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Read Primary Source Constantine’s Conversion
On the back of the source answer these questions with your shoulder partner. What did Constantine witness as described in Ch. 28 What convinced Constantine of the significance of what he saw? Draw a picture of Constantine’s new standard based the description. What does Constantine resolve to do after his experience?
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Battle of Milivian Bridge – 312 A.D
Constantine v.s Maxentius (tyrant ruler who started war) Before the battle Constantine saw a cross of light in the sky with the words “In hoc signo vinces” – “In this sign you shall conquer” That night, Jesus appeared to Constantine in a dream and told him to adopt the Cross as his symbol instead of the Roman Eagle. Constantine then ordered his soldiers to paint the Chi Ro symbol on their shields.
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Victory! Constantine won the battle after a sever struggle.
Maxentius died in battle, thousands died and the remnants of his army had fled. This battle showed how the Christian God was more powerful than pagan gods.
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Edict of Milan 313 A.D Attributing the success of battle to God Constantine and the Emperor of the Eastern Roman Empire devised this new decree. Devised by both Constantine (Western Roman Emperor) and Licinius (Eastern Roman Emperor) met at Milan Established Religious freedom within the Empire Christianity was now legal!
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Positive Effects of the Edict
Christianity is now legal Clergy exempted from taxation Churches were empowered to receive donations. Public business and servile work were forbidden on Sundays. Paganism slowly devolves with Constantine’s support of Christianity. Christians are now politically involved Christian Architecture and buildings develop
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Negative Effects Christianity is now “easy” insincere Christians.
Caesaropapaism- Refers to the dual role of head of state and leader of the Church in which the temporal ruler extends his own powers to ecclesiastical and theological matters. Demanded that the Papcy be in Constantinople Called Church councils w/o permission from Pope Made the Church a department of Government.
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Founding of Constantinople 326 A.D.
Lincinus failed to uphold the Edict of Milan and began to persecute Christians in 321 AD. Declared war on Constantine in 324 A.D. – lost two battles and his life was spared then executed in Thessalonica. Constantine becomes the SOLE Emperor of the Roman Empire. Moves the “seat of empire” from Rome to Byzantium – soon called Constantinople.
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Julian the Apostate Baptized a Christian and was taught the religion. His tutor sowed seeds of hate towards Christianity. Upon the death of Constanatius Julian declared himself the Emperor and marched into Constantinople. At this time he also proclaimed himself a pagan and offered sacrifices to gods.
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Under Julian’s Reign Christians forbidden to teach classical literature. Christians were forced to give back the pagan shrines they had adapted Removed tax immunities and other privileges of the clergy. Tried to mimic Church structures within paganism
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Goodbye Paganism Julian the Apostate died in battle against the Persians and with him paganism Paganism had lost its appeal among the populace. After Julian Christianity is re-established as the official religion of the Roman Empire. Laws were established to suppress Paganism. By 529 all unbaptized had no civil rights
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Early Church Councils: Background
Ecumenical Council – a gathering of bishops and theologians from around the world for the purpose of defining Catholic doctrine or of voicing the Church’s position on or approach to a particular matter. Ecumenical Councils of the era: Nicaea Constantinople Ephesus Chalcedon
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Arianism Claimed that Jesus is not of the substance as God and that he is not eternal – very similar to Greek superheroes so it was appealing to Hellenists Arius – leader, a very charismatic man who appealed to the people Orthodox teaching: homoouisos – God and Jesus are the SAME substance
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1st Ecumenical Council of Nicaea
Called by Constantine (still a Catechumen!) in 325 What is this an example of? Response to the Arian controversy An attempt to prevent division in the Church Result: The Nicene Creed “true God from true God, begotten not made, one in being with the Father” (Arius said “of similar being”)
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Lessons learned from Arian Controversy and Nicaea
Controversies over Christian teaching have existed from the early years Councils provide opportunities for the Church to settle controversies Wise leaders emerge during conflicts Christianity is not just concerned with eternal issues, but also the temporal
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Some Church Fathers Latin St. Ambrose of Milan St. Augustine of Hippo Pope St. Gregory the Great St. Jerome St. Hilary of Poitiers Greek St. Athanasius St. Basil the Great St. Gregory of Nyssa St. Gregory of Nazianzus St. John Chrysostom
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All Write Round Robin Put away notes
One sheet of paper, one writing utensil per group Alternate the writer every question You will have 60 sec. per question. Winner gets candy *There are 40 possible points.
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Questions List as many positive effects of the Edict of Milan that we covered. List as many negative effects of the Edict of Milan that we covered. List as many Ecumenical Councils as possible. List as many Church Fathers as possible.
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Doctor of the Church Doctor Ecclesiae- a specific title granted by the pope to those whose development of theology and personal sanctity are exemplary.
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List of the Doctors of the Church
Saint Ambrose (c ), Saint Francis de Sales ( ), Saint Augustine of Hippo (c ), Saint Cyril of Alexandria (c ), Saint Jerome(c Saint Cyril of Jerusalem (c ), Saint Gregory the Great (c ), Saint John Damascene (c ), Saint Athanasius (c ), Saint Bede the Venerable (c ), Saint John Chrysostom Saint Ephrem the Syrian (c ), Saint Basil the Great (c Saint Peter Canisius ( ), Saint Gregory of Nazianzus (c ), Saint John of the Cross ( ), Saint Robert Bellarmine ( ), Saint Thomas Aquinas ( Saint Albert the Great (c Saint Bonaventure (c Saint Anthony of Padua ( ), Saint Anselm of Canterbury ( ), Saint Lawrence of Brindisi ( ), Saint Teresa of Ávila ( ), Saint Isidore of Seville (c ), Saint Catherine of Siena (c Saint Peter Chrysologus (c Saint Thérèse of Lisieux ( ), Saint Leo I, the Great (c ), Saint Hildegard of Bingen ( ) Saint Peter Damian ( Saint John of Avila ( ) Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (c ), Saint Hilary of Poitiers (c ), Saint Alphonsus Liguori ( ),
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St. Ambrose of Milan 339-397 Very intelligent- studied law
Jobs: Lawyer, governor, Bishop of Milan 390 St. Ambrose excommunicates Emperor Theodosius for slaughtering 700 villagers in Thessalonica. Forbade the emperor to enter a Church and to receive Holy Communion. Emperor goes through sacrament of penance- after 8 months St. Ambrose pardons the emperor. Defender of the faith especially against Arianism.
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Saint Augustine 354-430 From a North African affluent family
Father: pagan Mother: Christian St. Monica A hedonist for much of his early life If it sounded fun, he would do it. Became a Manichean – belief that one god created good and another created evil logically then he couldn’t be responsible for his sins Manichaeism became less satisfying, so he became interested in Plato’s theory of the spiritual reality
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Augustine’s Conversion
Recognized the Truth of Christianity but he didn’t want to give up the fun. Famous saying: Lord, give me chastity, but not yet! All the while St. Monica was praying for his conversion One day, he heard a child’s voice calling “take and read” so he picked up a Bible, opened it randomly and found Romans 13:13-14:1
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Romans 13:13 -14:1 Let us conduct ourselves properly as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in promiscuity and licentiousness, not in rivalry and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh. Welcome anyone who is weak in faith, but not for disputes over opinions.
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Baptized at the age of 33 Began a monastery in Africa Elected Bishop of Hippo Famous saying: “Our hearts are restless, O Lord, until they rest in you.”
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Augustine Takes on Heretics
Donatists Questioned the validity of sacraments based on the holiness of the minister Based on the belief that apostasy could never be forgiven Augustine said Sacraments don’t depend on humans, but come from God All humans – even priests are flawed, so they are constantly going to be disappointed What about grace?
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Augustine Takes on Heretics
Pelagians Said that humans could get to Heaven without the help of grace Reacting to the state of moral laxity trying to make people take responsibility Augustine said Without grace there would be more sin and violence in the world Remember Original sin
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Augustine Writes Confessions The story of Augustine’s life
The City of God Written in response to the fall of Rome in 410 Explains the relationship between the city of God (the selfless) and the city of Man (the selfish)
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St. Jerome Produced the Latin translation of the Bible called the__________ 2 passions: Scholarship and ascetical life.
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Greek Church Fathers: St. Athanasius 297-373 Bishop of Alexandria
Fought against the Arian Heresy. Champion of Council of Nicaea St. Basil the Great Ascetic- set standard for Eastern monasticism.
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St. John Chrysostom (Golden Mouthed)
Patriarch of Constantinople Criticized the moral laxity of Constantinople. Was exiled 2 times by the Empress. (example of tensions between church and state).
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Teambuilding Tuesday 2/3
Share with your team your greatest passion and why you have such conviction for it?
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St. Blaise (Blase)
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Council of Constantinople 381
Final form of the Nicene Creed Confirmed that the Holy Spirit is the same substance as the Father and the Son Establishes the Bishop of Constantinople as a Patriarch.
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Pentarchy and Patriarchs.
Traditionally there were 3 patriarchs or “chief Bishops” – Rome, Alexandria, Anitoch. Eventually bishops of Jerusalem and Constantinople gained Patriarchal privileges. 5 main bishops- Bishop or Rome is “first among equals”
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Council of Ephesus 431 Denounced Nestoriuus
Proclaimed Mary as Theotokos: Mother of God (God Bearer) Nestorianism Founded by Nestorius, a priest Christ is two persons, one human, the other divine Mary only gave birth to the human person
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Nestorianism Heresy Continued
Nestorius’ teaching separated the two natures of Christ into separate persons. He challenged the idea of Mary being the Theotokos (God bearer). He advocated for the term Christotokos (Christ bearer). This idea was too close to the false teaching of “adoptionism” – the idea that Christ had been born a man then was later “adopted” as God’s sign.
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Council of Chalcedon 451 Condemned Monophysitism
Affirmed Papal Primacy through Tome of Leo "Peter has spoken through Leo“ Papal Primacy – the Bishop of Rome is due the respect and obedience of the other apostolic sees. Monophysitism Founder: Eutyches, an abbot Christ had only one nature, a mixture of human and divine
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(still in India and China)
Location Date Issues Outcomes Nicaea 325 Constantine Arianism (JC=different substance/not divine) Declared Jesus, the son of God, is homoousios (coequal, consubstantial and coeterna)l with the Father Nicene Creed written Constantinople 381 Theodosius Macedonianism Confirmed Council of Nicaea Affirmed deity of HSp Condemned Apollinarianism Ephesus 431 Theodosius II Nesrorianism Pelagianism Condemned Nesrorianism and Pelagianism Defined the divine maternity of the BVM Chalcedon 451 Marcian Monophysitism (JC = divine only) Condemned Monophysitism (still in India and China)
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Orthodoxy vs. Heresy Catholic Teaching (Orthodoxy) - Jesus and God are of the same being- homoousios -Hypostatic Union- 2 natures subsisting in 1 person Arianism (Heresy) – Jesus and God are of similar being/substance Apollinarianism(Heresy) – Jesus has divinity but it overshadows his humanity. Nestorianism (Heresy)– Jesus 2 persons with distinct natures. Monophysitism (Heresy) – Jesus 1 person 1 nature “mixed”
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Fan and Pick Discuss each heresy (and the orthodoxy). Who, What council, what is it. A - Hypostatic Union K – Arianism Q – Apolinarianism J – Nestorianism 10 – Monophysitism
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Defining Terms Person – A unique end in which we can communicate, interact and love. Love is the only adequate response for a person. Nature – The underlying quiddity or structure of something. Natures, according to Aristotle provide an end. Human Nature – That which makes all humans human. “Humaness” Divine Nature – That which make God God. “Godness.”
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DO NOT EAT M&M’s until I tell you to
DO NOT EAT M&M’s until I tell you to! With your group try to come up with a way to illustrate each heresy with your M&M’s. Raise your hand when you think you have the proper illustration.
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Arianism Divinity = White Humanity = Red Person = Circle
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Apollinarianism Divinity = White Humanity = Red Person = Circle
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Nestorianism Divinity = White Humanity = Red Person = Circle
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Monophysitism Divinity = White Humanity = Red Person = Circle
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Why is this Important? Quick Theology
It is necessary that Jesus is both full Divine and fully Human. Jesus’ humanity allows him to “repay” the debt of our sins as a human. Jesus’ Divinity allows for the Covenant between God and humanity to end. Thus Salvation Covenants only end when one of the parties die. (Ex. Marriage) Covenant between Jews and God. Either the Jews die or God does. Out of His love God sacrifices his Son.
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Beginning of Monasticism
St. Anthony of Egypt A.D. "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasures in heaven; and come, follow Me“ St. Anthony and takes this to heart. Gives all of his property to the poor. Begins life as hermit
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St. Anthony continued Lived a hermit lifestyle but still gained many followers. Tempted and harassed by the devil. Overcame the temptations Began monasticism movement, living in “cells” (solitary rooms for monks) Catholicism’s first hermit
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What is Monasticism? Pertaining to, or characteristic of a secluded, dedicated, or austere manner of living. Living the simple life, devoted to God, fasting, prayer, community. Poverty, Chastity, Obedience
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Monasticism Comes from Greek Meaning alone or single
Began by the “desert fathers” in N. African deserts and moved East Chose the desert for solitude and its Biblical precedent An attempt to follow Jesus by surrendering life in a new way Called the “white martyrdom” Main focus: contemplative prayer – being silent before God * particularly attractive because many felt the “world” was too noisy and had too much power over them
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Rally Robin – Shoulder Partner (Partner list as many things back and forth) What are the benefits of living as a hermit or monk? Rally Robin – Back Partner What would be some difficulties of living as a hermit or monk?
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Early Monks Saint Pachomius
Established the 1st monastery in 320 in Egypt Lived a very militaristic and rigid monastic life Associated with Horseisius Saint Anthony of Egypt First known monk (desert father) around 270 Very wealthy background Felt Jesus was inviting him to take his words personally “go sell everything and give it to the poor” and “be not concerned about tomorrow” Known for his wisdom and sought as a spiritual guide by new monks
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Saint Basil 353- wrote a rule for a community of Monks to follow to lead them to holiness Father of Eastern monasticism Something new: monks living together in monasteries His rule stressed simplicity of and obedience to a superior His sister, St. Macrina began forming convents according to his rule Has been lived constantly for the last 1650 years! Saint Benedict 529 – Established the Benedictine rule Father of Western monasticism Credit with a rule that balanced work and prayer “ora et labora”
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2 Types of Monasticism Eremitical or Antonian
Living alone as a hermit. Only coming together in very small groups. Created because of St. Anthony Cenobitical or Pachomian Monks were organized into certain trades they were good at. Focused on work rather than solitude Further developed by St. Basil the great into communities who worked and prayed together.
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The Barbarian Tribes Barbarian – named after the way the Romans thought the sounded (“bar bar”) Nomadic life attacking towns on outskirts of Roman Empire Invited into the Empire in order to avoid attacks Major tribes: Visigoths – responsible for defeating Rome Vandals – where the word vandalism comes from Huns – Led by Attila (the scourge of God)
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Attila the Hun and Pope Leo the Great
“Attila, the leader of the Huns, who was called the scourge of God, came into Italy, inflamed with fury . . . Then Leo and a large part of the Roman senate went to meet Attila . . . He spoke to the monarch [Attila], saying "The senate and the people of Rome, once conquerors of the world, now conquered, come before thee as suppliants. We pray for mercy." As Leo said these things Attila stood silent, as if thinking deeply. And lo, suddenly there were seen the apostles Peter and Paul standing by Leo, the one on the right hand, the other on the left. They held swords stretched out over his head, and threatened Attila with death if he did not obey the pope's command. Wherefore Attila was appeased [and] promised a lasting peace and withdrew beyond the Danube.? - Paul a Deacon
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The Fall of Rome (Western Empire)
City of Rome falls in 410 to the Visigoths Western Roman Empire falls in 476 and becomes a collection of lands ruled by barbarian tribes. Sept – Emperor Romulus Augustulus is deposed. As the tribes settled into “domestic life” they saw Christianity as a unifying force that would promote peace Most were Arians
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Reasons for the decline of the Empire
Size- the Roman Empire had such huge borders that it was difficult to protect Political instability – Civil wars were common, no strict succession model, weak Emperors. Harassment by Barbarians. Economic collapse Lack of Morals and Virtue Remember! Rome continues to exist, its people still live. This is a gradual and slow process. The Eastern half of the Empire is still thriving. Constantinople does not fall until 1453.
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Fall of Rome: Rise of the Church
Roman leaders were living in Constantinople where they were safe the Bishop of Rome was both the political and religious leader of the West Pope: logical choice because already a religious authority for most of the people in the west, so his power extends to politics and civil concerns
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