Church History PDF

A History of the Church First Era: Christian Antiquity Second Era: The Church of the Middle Ages Third Era: The Church in the Modern Age 1 First Era: Christian Antiquity The early period of Church had nev...

A History of the Church First Era: Christian Antiquity Second Era: The Church of the Middle Ages Third Era: The Church in the Modern Age 1 First Era: Christian Antiquity The early period of Church had never been that easy and smooth. The blood of the martyrs has been a living evidence. Through it though, the seed of Christianity grew and flourished. 1. The Historical Jesus and His Founding of the Church 2. The Early Church and the Apostolic Era 3. Triumphal Progress of the Church from Jerusalem to Rome 4. The Roman Persecution 5. The Constantinian Turning Point 2  The early Church and the Apostolic Era Let’s see what happened after Pentecost.  Shortly after the descent of Spirit, Peter and the apostles proclaim the Good News as far and wide as possible within the short time remaining. Why is this so? The answer: PAROUSIA IS NEARING (or so they thought). Only after they realized that it is not, that they put structure to the church for future mission.  The early Church also initially understood themselves as merely extension of Judaism, hence with the continued observance of Jewish practices and its exclusivity of membership to Jews.  This only came to end with the Conversion of St. Paul (Acts 9:1- 19) and the Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1-12). Let’s get to read these accounts. 3  The early Church and the Apostolic Era What characterized the early Christian community?  The early Church is admired with its so-called “communal theology”. The spirit is so much alive in this community and this makes up their being a “church”.  As the early Church starts to expand and grow, authority is established upon the Apostles, though not limited to the Twelve (because there are others whose authority rests not in “office” but in “charisms”). Yet, among them Peter occupies a unique authority as their “head” (see Mt. 16:18). Authority however means service.  In the latter part of the 1st cent. AD though, three new types of leaders developed (as all the apostles have been dying): episkopos, presbyters and deacons. Gradually, these developed into what we know now as bishop (episkopos), 4 priest (presbyters) and deacon.  Progress of the Church from Jerusalem to Rome Three periods provide us deep insights into the overpowering and enthusiastic missionary activity of the early church.  1. The Jewish-Christian period with Jerusalem as its center.  Christianity at its onset traces its roots from Jewish tradition  The early Church’s confusion of self-identity vis-à-vis Judaism  Belief in Christ led to two brief periods of persecution  Stoning of Stephen (32-33 AD)  Arrest of Peter and death of apostle James the Elder kindled by King Herod Agrippa (37-44 AD)  2. The period of transition from Jewish to Gentile Christianity with Antioch as its center.  Antioch is the 1st Gentile Christian community and a Christian missionary center.  It was in Antioch where the followers of Christ were called “Christians”  3. The period of St. Paul’s missionary journeys to the Gentiles.  As the apostle of the Gentiles, St. Paul occupies an eminent place in the early Christian community. See map for reference 5 Progress of the Church from Jerusalem to Rome 6 Progress of the Church from Jerusalem to Rome 7  The Roman Persecution The missionary enthusiasm that started in Pentecost reached its bloodiest period with the persecutions of Christians in the Roman Empire  Basis of the Persecutions:  Refusal to participate in the official pagan worship  Reason: Christians’ exclusive monotheism  Christians’ denial of recognition of worship to emperor  Note: The Roman Empire was generally tolerant of alien religions, as in the case of the Jews. But why such the fuss against the Christians?  Reason: Jews involved a small number of adherents and confined to particular national group. Christianity, however, was supra-national and universal. Though still a minority until the middle of 3rd cent., the universal appeal brought fear to the very Roman Empire.  The Mob’s hate of Christians  The withdrawn life of Christians created suspicion of criminal activities, 8 foremost of which was the secret meetings and “cannibalistic” gathering  ASSIGNMENT 101: Go and look for any Christian martyr whose life story interests you. Find out how he/she had lived and died for faith. Make an account of what he/she had endured Print a picture and a brief account of his/her torture and death in the name of faith. Bring it next meeting. Good luck The Constantinian Turning Point  Son of Constantius Chlorus and Helena (Christian)  Over some uncertainty in battle’s outcome, he had a dream. In the sky was a cross and words, “conquer in this sign”. He won the battle.  His conversion led to the “Edict of Milan” granting freedom of religion to Christians (religious Constantine’s conversion to tolerance). Christianity marked a new  Founded Constantinople as epoch for the Church new capital of Christian Empire 10  The Constantinian Turning Point Constantine’s conversion was seen as a gift at first… only to find out later… it was a dubious gift.  While it provided great achievement for the spread of the Church (geographically), it destroyed the valid Christian ideal of the primitive Church (early Christians). A Church absorbed by earthly power.  The next centuries saw the growth of the papal power – involved in both the affairs of the church and of the world. 11 Second Era: The Church of the Middle Ages  Characteristic Features of the Middle Ages: 1. The Church as the ultimate highest moral authority on earth  Everything and everyone is united to a Church that is all- powerful.  Used Inquisition and Persecution of heretics as tools to preserve and protect Christian unity 2. Internal life of the community was determined by the symbiosis between church and state.  The dualism of power (papacy and empire) 3. Public life was organized into public estates; regarded as the God-willed order on earth  Existence of Feudalism (Feudal Church) 4. Church had the monopoly on education 12  Only for clerics… gradually and minimally shared to lay Medieval Church’s The Dark Ages (Saeculum Obscurum) It was Caesar Baronius who coined the designation, “saeculum obscurum”, dark age. From the end of the Carolingian empire to the beginning of Gregorian reform  This was the period where the papacy quickly succumbed to partisan interests of aristocratic families in Rome and lost its universal importance.  Some of the scandalous events included:  The legendary existence of “Pope Joan” – a lady pope. After a pontificate of over two years, she suddenly gave birth while on procession and died on the spot. (not historically true)  The desecration of the corpse of Pope Formosus. Pope Stephen VI, his successor, had his corpse put on trial. The body was exhumed, sentenced, mutilated and thrown. 13 Medieval Era’s Reformation and Counter Reformation As the Church entered the 16th century, one thing was perfectly clear, it was badly in need of reform. But no one from the Church hierarchy took the lead.  Martin Luther, a Catholic monk, posted his Ninety-Five Theses at the door of Wittenberg church. He started himself as a reformer and not someone starting a new religion.  Other reformists included Ulrich Zwingli, John Calvin and King Henry VIII 14  Third Era: The Church of the Modern Age The 20th century was characterized with various developments. The unquestionable highlight of the century was the Second Vatican Council held in Rome (1962-1965) Background to the Council: The “Fortress Image” Death of Pius XII and The Vatican II was of the Church for 400 election of John XXIII. convoked. A council years after His belief in world’s way unusual from its Reformation goodness and progress. preceding councils 15 Third Era: The Church of the Modern Age Vatican II’s Basic Goal: AGGIORNAMENTO Meaning: updating, modernizing, getting in touch with the signs of the times John XXIII died in June 1963 and was succeeded by Paul VI. The spirit of the council was continued despite his death and the succession of another. 16 Third Era: The Church of the Modern Age In the course of the council, sixteen documents were produced on a variety of topics. 1. Sacrosanctum concilium, Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy, 1963. 2. Inter Mirifica, Decree On the Means of Social Communication, 1963. 3. Lumen Gentium, Dogmatic Constitution On the Church, 1964. 4. Orientalium Ecclesiarum, Decree On the Catholic Churches of the Eastern Rite,1964. 5. Unitatis Redintegratio, Decree on Ecumenism, 1964. 6. Christus Dominus, Decree Concerning the Pastoral Office of Bishops In the Church,1965. 7. Perfectae Caritatis, Decree On Renewal of Religious Life, 1965. 8. Optatam Totius, Decree On Priestly Training, 1965. 9. Gravissimum Educationis, Declaration On Christian Education, 1965. 10. Nostra Aetate, Declaration On the Relation Of the Church to Non-Christian Religions, 1965. 11. Dei Verbum, Dogmatic Constitution On Divine Revelation, 1965. 12. Apostolicam Actuositatem, Decree On the Apostolate of the Laity, 1965. 13. Dignitatis Humanae, Declaration On Religious Freedom, 1965. 14. Ad Gentes, Decree On the Mission Activity of the Church, 1965. 15. Presbyterorum Ordinis, Decree On the Ministry and Life of Priests, 1965. 17 16. Gaudium et Spes, Pastoral Constitution On the Church In the Modern World,1965. TIMELINE: Gradual loss of Jesus’ spirit Feudalism, Reformation Persecution Imperial Crusades, Schism Industrial Martyrs Church Rise of Universities Trent Revolution Vatican II Kingdom of God Early Christians Modern Period Total human Fellowship Medieval Church Enlightenment liberation Community Kingly, powerful, Renaissance compassion Mission wealthy forgiveness Rule by 3c’s Rerum Novarum, etc. (creed, cult, code) Social concern Integral Liberation Human Dignity There’s an attempt to go back to Jesus’ spirit (Kingdom of God)  1 St. Peter (32-67) 31 St. Eusebius (309 or 310) 61 John III (561-74) 2 St. Linus (67-76) 32 St. Miltiades (311-14) 62 Benedict I (575-79) St. Sylvester I (314-35) Pelagius II (579-90) many have truly become witnesses to Jesus’ Kingdom? 33 63 3 St. Anacletus (Cletus) (76-88) LIST OF POPES: Many have ruled yet how 34 St. Marcus (336) 4 St. Clement I (88-97) 64 St. Gregory I (the Great) (590-604) 35 St. Julius I (337-52) 5 St. Evaristus (97-105) 65 Sabinian (604-606) 36 Liberius (352-66) 6 St. Alexander I (105-115) 66 Boniface III (607) 37 St. Damasus I (366-83) 7 St. Sixtus I (115-125) 67 St. Boniface IV (608-15) 38 St. Siricius (384-99) 8 St. Telesphorus (125-136) 39 St. Anastasius I (399-401) 68 St. Deusdedit (Adeodatus I) (615-18) 9 St. Hyginus (136-140) 40 St. Innocent I (401-17) 69 Boniface V (619-25) 10 St. Pius I (140-155) 41 St. Zosimus (417-18) 70 Honorius I (625-38) 11 St. Anicetus (155-166) 42 St. Boniface I (418-22) 71 Severinus (640) 12 St. Soter (166-175) 43 St. Celestine I (422-32) 72 John IV (640-42) 13 St. Eleutherius (175-189) 44 St. Sixtus III (432-40) 73 Theodore I (642-49) 14 St. Victor I (189-199) 74 St. Martin I (649-55) 15 St. Zephyrinus (199-217) 45 St. Leo I (the Great) (440-61) 75 St. Eugene I (655-57) 16 St. Callistus I (217-22) 46 St. Hilarius (461-68) 76 St. Vitalian (657-72) 17 St. Urban I (222-30) 47 St. Simplicius (468-83) 77 Adeodatus (II) (672-76) 18 St. Pontain (230-35) 48 St. Felix III (II) (483-92) 78 Donus (676-78) 19 St. Anterus (235-36) 49 St. Gelasius I (492-96) 79 St. Agatho (678-81) 20 St. Fabian (236-50) 50 Anastasius II (496-98) St. Leo II (682-83) 80 21 St. Cornelius (251-53) 51 St. Symmachus (498-514) St. Benedict II (684-85) 81 22 St. Lucius I (253-54) 52 St. Hormisdas (514-23) 82 John V (685-86) 23 St. Stephen I (254-257) 53 St. John I (523-26) 83 Conon (686-87) 24 St. Sixtus II (257-258) 54 St. Felix IV (III) (526-30) 84 St. Sergius I (687-701) 25 St. Dionysius (260-268) 55 Boniface II (530-32) 85 John VI (701-05) 26 St. Felix I (269-274) 56 John II (533-35) 86 John VII (705-07) 27 St. Eutychian (275-283) 57 St. Agapetus I (535-36) 87 Sisinnius (708) 28 St. Caius (283-296) 58 St. Silverius (536-37) 88 Constantine (708-15) 29 St. Marcellinus (296-304) 59 Vigilius (537-55) 89 St. Gregory II (715-31) 30 St. Marcellus I (308-309) 60 Pelagius I (556-61) 90 St. Gregory III (731-41)  91 St. Zachary (741-52) 121 Anastasius III (911-13) 151 Benedict IX (1047-48) 92 Stephen II (752) 122 Lando (913-14) 152 Damasus II (1048) many have truly become witnesses to Jesus’ Kingdom? 93 Stephen III (752-57) 123 John X (914-28) 153 St. Leo IX (1049-54) LIST OF POPES: Many have ruled yet how 94 St. Paul I (757-67) 124 Leo VI (928) 154 Victor II (1055-57) 95 Stephen IV (767-72) 125 Stephen VIII (929-31) 155 Stephen X (1057-58) 96 Adrian I (772-95) 126 John XI (931-35) 156 Nicholas II (1058-61) 97 St. Leo III (795-816) 127 Leo VII (936-39) 157 Alexander II (1061-73) 98 Stephen V (816-17) 128 Stephen IX (939-42) 158 St. Gregory VII (1073-85) 99 St. Paschal I (817-24) 129 Marinus II (942-46) 159 Blessed Victor III (1086-87) 100 Eugene II (824-27) 130 Agapetus II (946-55) 160 Blessed Urban II (1088-99) 101 Valentine (827) 131 John XII (955-63) 161 Paschal II (1099-1118) 102 Gregory IV (827-44) 132 Leo VIII (963-64) 162 Gelasius II (1118-19) 103 Sergius II (844-47) 133 Benedict V (964) 163 Callistus II (1119-24) 104 St. Leo IV (847-55) 134 John XIII (965-72) 164 Honorius II (1124-30) 105 Benedict III (855-58) 135 Benedict VI (973-74) 165 Innocent II (1130-43) 106 St. Nicholas I (the Great) (858-67) 136 Benedict VII (974-83) 166 Celestine II (1143-44) 107 Adrian II (867-72) 137 John XIV (983-84) 167 Lucius II (1144-45) 108 John VIII (872-82) 138 John XV (985-96) 168 Blessed Eugene III (1145-53) 109 Marinus I (882-84) 139 Gregory V (996-99) 169 Anastasius IV (1153-54) 110 St. Adrian III (884-85) 140 Sylvester II (999-1003) 170 Adrian IV (1154-59) 111 Stephen VI (885-91) 141 John XVII (1003) 171 Alexander III (1159-81) 112 Formosus (891-96) 142 John XVIII (1003-09) 172 Lucius III (1181-85) 113 Boniface VI (896) 143 Sergius IV (1009-12) 173 Urban III (1185-87) 114 Stephen VII (896-97) 144 Benedict VIII (1012-24) 174 Gregory VIII (1187) 115 Romanus (897) 145 John XIX (1024-32) 175 Clement III (1187-91) 116 Theodore II (897) 146 Benedict IX (1032-45) 176 Celestine III (1191-98) 117 John IX (898-900) 147 Sylvester III (1045) 177 Innocent III (1198-1216) 118 Benedict IV (900-03) 148 Benedict IX (1045) 178 Honorius III (1216-27) 119 Leo V (903) 149 Gregory VI (1045-46) 179 Gregory IX (1227-41) 120 Sergius III (904-11) 150 Clement II (1046-47) 180 Celestine IV (1241)  181 Innocent IV (1243-54) 211 Pius II (1458-64) 241 Blessed Innocent XI (1676-89) 182 Alexander IV (1254-61) 212 Paul II (1464-71) Alexander VIII (1689-91) 242 many have truly become witnesses to Jesus’ Kingdom? 183 Urban IV (1261-64) 213 Sixtus IV (1471-84) 243 Innocent XII (1691-1700) LIST OF POPES: Many have ruled yet how 184 Clement IV (1265-68) 214 Innocent VIII (1484-92) 244 Clement XI (1700-21) 185 Blessed Gregory X (1271-76) 215 Alexander VI (1492-1503) 186 Blessed Innocent V (1276) 216 Pius III (1503) 245 Innocent XIII (1721-24) 187 Adrian V (1276) 217 Julius II (1503-13) 246 Benedict XIII (1724-30) 188 John XXI (1276-77) 218 Leo X (1513-21) 247 Clement XII (1730-40) 189 Nicholas III (1277-80) 219 Adrian VI (1522-23) 248 Benedict XIV (1740-58) 190 Martin IV (1281-85) 220 Clement VII (1523-34) 249 Clement XIII (1758-69) 191 Honorius IV (1285-87) 221 Paul III (1534-49) 250 Clement XIV (1769-74) 192 Nicholas IV (1288-92) 222 Julius III (1550-55) St. Celestine V (1294) Marcellus II (1555) 251 Pius VI (1775-99) 193 223 194 Boniface VIII (1294-1303) 224 Paul IV (1555-59) 252 Pius VII (1800-23) 195 Blessed Benedict XI (1303-04) 225 Pius IV (1559-65) 253 Leo XII (1823-29) 196 Clement V (1305-14) 226 St. Pius V (1566-72) 254 Pius VIII (1829-30) 197 John XXII (1316-34) 227 Gregory XIII (1572-85) Gregory XVI (1831-46) 255 198 Benedict XII (1334-42) 228 Sixtus V (1585-90) 256 Blessed Pius IX (1846-78) 199 Clement VI (1342-52) 229 Urban VII (1590) 257 Leo XIII (1878-1903) 200 Innocent VI (1352-62) 230 Gregory XIV (1590-91) 201 Blessed Urban V (1362-70) 231 Innocent IX (1591) 258 St. Pius X (1903-14) 202 Gregory XI (1370-78) 232 Clement VIII (1592-1605) 259 Benedict XV (1914-22) 203 Urban VI (1378-89) 233 Leo XI (1605) 260 Pius XI (1922-39) 204 Boniface IX (1389-1404) 234 Paul V (1605-21) 261 Pius XII (1939-58) 205 Innocent VII (1404-06) 235 Gregory XV (1621-23) 262 Blessed John XXIII (1958-63) 206 Gregory XII (1406-15) 236 Urban VIII (1623-44) 263 Paul VI (1963-78) 207 Martin V (1417-31) 237 Innocent X (1644-55) Eugene IV (1431-47) Alexander VII (1655-67) 264 John Paul I (1978) 208 238 209 Nicholas V (1447-55) 239 Clement IX (1667-69) 265 John Paul II (1978-2005) 210 Callistus III (1455-58) 240 Clement X (1670-76) 266 Benedict XVI (2005-)