History of the Catholic Church A 2,000-Year Journey

History of the Catholic Church A 2,000-Year Journey

History of the Catholic Church Course Description
As an institution established by Jesus Christ, the Catholic Church has a divine origin. But as an institution led by and populated with human beings, it is also subject to the faults of humans. During the long history of the Catholic Church, many of its members and some of those who led it have certainly erred, making poor decisions that resulted in sin and suffering. But many more of its members and leaders were also saints, men and women who lived and died for Jesus Christ and His One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. And during that same long history, the Church has not only preserved intact the deposit of faith, but has also brought about the development and preservation of much of civilization as we know it. This is what we will study in this course. Christianity is unique in the history of world religions: Its ancestry derives from almost two millennia of Judaism, whose prophets for centuries had foretold the coming of a great religious leader who would establish a new spiritual kingdom on earth; Its origins are rooted in extensive historical facts, from the birth of Christ to His crucifixion and resurrection from the dead; Its message centers around a core of doctrines which Christ revealed to His followers not as a philosophy of speculation nor even primarily as an ethic for self-conquest, but as mysteries whose inner essence lies beyond human reason, yet on whose acceptance would depend human salvation; Its character from the beginning was social in the most comprehensive sense of that term, with a communal structure, a body of truths, rites and obligations that had for their purpose not merely the personal sanctification of those who believed, but their corporate unification and internal consolidation by the invisible Spirit of God.

Macaulay on the Church (1840)
“There is not, and there never was on this earth, a work of human policy so well deserving of examination as the Roman Catholic Church…No other institution is left standing which carries the mind back to the times when the smoke of sacrifice rose from the Pantheon, and when camelopards and tigers bounded in the Flavian amphitheatre. The proudest royal houses are but of yesterday, when compared with the line of the Supreme Pontiffs…The papacy remains, not in decay, not a mere antique, but full of life and youthful vigor. The Catholic Church…may still exist in undiminished vigor when some traveler from New Zealand shall, in the midst of a vast solitude, take his stand on a broken arch of London Bridge to sketch the ruins of St. Paul’s.” - Edinburgh Review (1840) Thomas Macaulay Scottish statesman & historian

Why Study Church History?
To come to know Jesus better through his Church and its teachings To gain a better sense of our identity as Catholic Christians To be able to address many of the common errors and inaccuracies about the Church and its history To learn how best to express God’s Word in today’s world This is unfortunate, especially today, when a dinner-party conversation can suddenly turn to some specious best-seller that presumes to rewrite Church history. Were flooded with bogus scholarship whose main purpose is to put Christianity — and especially orthodox Catholicism — on the defensive. But most Catholics have no idea how to respond, and more than a few take these books and documentaries at face value. After all, they have the imprimatur of the History Channel or a large publishing house like Doubleday. The new wave of anti-Catholic "scholarship" predictably hits hot-button topics like the Inquisition and Galileo; but increasingly they focus on the first centuries of Christianity. They want to make the early Church look like a bad mistake, a betrayal of Jesus' intentions, a conspiracy of dead white males obsessed with controlling their followers and, even worse, putting a lid on everyone's sexual fulfillment. Post-apostolic Christianity is portrayed as elitist, anti-feminist, and intent on mindless conformity — in contrast, say, to the second-century Gnostics, who apparently were as sexually enlightened as any modern professor who contributes to the Jesus Seminar.

Vatican II: Lumen Gentium
“This is the unique Church of Christ that in the Creed we avow as One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic. After His Resurrection our Savior handed the Church over to Peter to be shepherded, commissioning him and the other Apostles to propagate and govern it. And it was this Church that He erected for all ages as ‘the pillar and foundation of truth’.” (1 Tim 3:15) – Constitution on the Church 9

Vatican II: Sacrosanctum Concilium
“It is of the essence of the Church to be both human and Divine, visible and yet endowed with invisible resources, eager to act and yet devoted to contemplation, present in this world and yet not at home in it. The Church is all these things in such a way that in it the human is directed and subordinated to the Divine, the visible likewise to the invisible, action to contemplation, and the present world to that city yet to come which we seek.” – Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy 2

Course Outline The Early Church (30-330)
The Church of the Fathers ( ) The Church of the Early Middle Ages (650 – 1000) The Church of the High Middle Ages [ ] Protestant and Catholic Reformations ( ) The Church and the Modern World (1789-Present)

Understanding the Past
“…it is impossible to understand the past unless we understand the things for which the men of the past cared most.” Christopher Dawson (Catholic Historian) Christianity is based on the life of a historical person, Jesus, of Nazareth. The history of the Church records how Christians have lived out the Gospel message over the centuries and how they shaped the Church and the world in which we live today. Knowledge of Church history helps us know Jesus through his people and gives us a better sense of our Christian identity. The history of the Church is the story of the relationship of Jesus and the believers who have followed him for 2,000 years. Some parts of this history are disturbing; most are inspiring. As Catholics we believe that God’s Spirit has always been with the Church, guiding it through the difficult periods as well as the glorious eras. As we study the Church’s history, two things are clear: it is filled with God’s presence, and each era expressed the Christian message in its own language, culture and traditions. And today, as in the past, God will lead us to discover ways to express the Christian message in situations that surprisingly mirror many situations faced by those who went before us…and we must do so without disturbing the deposit of faith, which can never change.

History of the Catholic Church
Part 1 The Early Church (30 – 330 AD)

From a historical perspective, we realize that the Church is…
Based on the life and teachings of an historical person, Jesus of Nazareth Shaped by how Christians have lived out the Gospel message over the centuries in the world The story of the relationship of Jesus and the believers who have followed him over the centuries Filled with God’s presence throughout history The study of CHURCH HISTORY shouldn’t be an academic exercise; rather, it should influence how we live as disciples today. As Catholic Christians we need to understand where we come from and where we are headed…what we hope to be. The Church is the vehicle established by Jesus Christ to help bring about His Kingdom. We all have a role to play in this process.

Ultimately, Church is MYSTERY
“However, the subject calls for lenience from the well disposed, and I confess that it is beyond my power to fulfill my promise completely and perfectly.” Eusebius, Bishop of Caesarea in Palestine ( ) , from his Church History (1) Eusebius, Bishop of Caesarea in Palestine [ ] is recognized as the Father of Church History, first Church historian. As can be seen by this quote, he understood right away that the history was a mystery.

The Early Church – Overview 1
The early Church was obliged to live in a pagan and alien world In addition to its main task of conversion and evangelization, it focused on protecting its members from pagan errors and vices For two centuries the Church was largely defensive toward the world, standing firm in the face of fierce opposition and persecution

Once Christianity became the religion of Rome (319 A.D.) it assimilated the Empire’s culture in all its diverse forms Although the Church adapted itself to the culture, it never relinquished any of its essential teachings It still faced and endured theological disputes and barbarian invasions It overcame heresy through the teachings of the Church Fathers, and blunted the fury of invaders by having its missionaries convert them

Estimates of the early Church’s growth: 500,000 members by end of 1st Century 2 million members by end of 2nd Century 5 million members by end of 3rd Century 10 million members by the first half of the 4th Century (350 A.D.) Christendom became an integral and accepted part of the world, contributing to the religious and secular lives of the people. Constantine the Great

The Church’s incredible spread during its first three centuries is one of the proofs of its Divine origin This religion was preached by Jesus Christ, a carpenter, in tiny Palestine in a remote corner of the Empire Eucharist depicted in the Catacombs This Jesus chose twelve humble men to carry His message to the world These men, and the thousands they converted, would rather die horrible deaths than apostatize In 300 years it became mightier than pagan Rome

The Beginnings: Jewish Sources
Judaism, a historical religion – God intervened in history and personally directed the life of the Israelites Covenant & Patriarchs: Abraham (c BC), Isaac, Jacob Freedom & Law: Moses (c BC), Passover, Exodus Promised Land to Kingdom to Exile: Joshua to David to Ezekiel God is personal and transcendent, unlike the pagan gods Jews: independent, insistence on history, monotheism, adaptability Messianic Fulfillment The great hope of the Jewish people nurtured by the prophets was the advent of a great leader, The Anointed (in Hebrew, The Messiah), whose kingdom would succeed the theocratic government of Israel and extend to all nations, races and peoples. Membership in this kingdom carried the promise of order and peace in this world and of final beatitude in the next. The kingdom would be served by priests and teachers from all nations, dispensing divine knowledge and a relish for things of the spirit; there would be one sacrifice, offering a clean oblation to the one true God throughout the world. Those who belonged to it were assured the remission of their sins, sanctity of life, justice among people and nations, and an outpouring of divine blessings. According to the prophets, this kingdom would be established by the Messiahs who was simultaneously priest, law-giver and king, who would sacrifice himself for the redemption of his people and institute a new order of society, beginning with the Jews and then to be diffused to the ends of the earth. Moses (by Michelangelo)

Influence: Jewish Sources
Early Church thoroughly Jewish: Jesus, Apostles, first followers were all Jewish NT writers (Luke possible exception) were all Jews Church is considered the New Israel Christ called: the New Law; the New Adam; the New Moses; the Son of David OT prophecies central to NT: Matthew cites OT 41 times – “it might be fulfilled.” Jesus takes Emmaus disciples through Scripture – Moses and all the Prophets Jesus Christ would make no sense without the OT roots There’s an apocryphal text, the Testament of the Twelve Patriarchs, written 200 years before Christ that echoes what the prophets foretold: Then shall the Lord raise up a new priest, and he shall execute a righteous judgment upon the earth for a multitude of days. And his star shall rise in heaven as of a king, Lighting up the light of knowledge as the sun the day, And he shall be magnified in the world. He shall shine forth as the sun of the earth, and he shall remove all darkness from under heaven, and there shall be peace in all the earth. And the knowledge of the Lord shall be poured forth upon the earth, as the water of the seas. And he shall give his majesty to his sons in truth for evermore. And there shall be none succeed him for all generations for ever. And in his priesthood the Gentiles shall be multiplied in knowledge upon the earth, and enlightened through the grace of the Lord. Jesus Breaking Unleavened Bread

Influence: Jewish Sources
Early Church taught the entire OT prefigured the NT (e.g., Adam makes the coming of Christ necessary: “O Happy fault, O necessary sin of Adam, which gained for us so great a Redeemer.”) Church inherited many Jewish qualities and spirituality (e.g., Pius XI: “Spiritually, we are all Semites.”) Millions of Jews lived outside Israel and provided a ready audience for early Christian preachers – synagogues were shelters and starting points Time and again Jesus proclaimed himself the Messiah of the prophets, but never more solemnly than when, in reply to the woman at the well: "I know that the Messiah is coming," He told her, "I who speak with you am he.” Already when beginning His public ministry at Nazareth, He opened the scroll of Isaiah and read the Messianic text: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me," and added, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." Paul Preaching in a Synagogue in Damascus

The Beginnings: Roman Sources
Roman Empire at its material peak when Jesus is born (Pax Romana) from Spain to Persia, from Egypt to Scotland Effectiveness of communication and transportation not exceeded until the invention of the telegraph & railroad Culture, architecture, arts, language – homegrown & borrowed from others (Greeks) Safe sea lanes in the Mediterranean Early Church Fathers like St. Augustine believed that Providence had arranged ancient history so that Christianity could spread as rapidly as possible. The Pax Romana was a remarkable achievement, and the general law and order, combined with Roman road-building, made it easier to get around Europe at the time of Tiberius and Claudius than it would be a thousand years later. There was also a widespread Hellenistic culture, which meant that many people spoke Greek. This was the legacy of Alexander the Great, who not only spread a common tongue but, like other rulers of that era, had a mania for building cities. The large concentration of urban dwellers made evangelization more efficient, and within the space of about a century we find Christianity flourishing in all the vital nerve-centers of the Roman empire, which had a population of about 60 million. Effective administration throughout the Empire Protection of the Roman Army Extensive system of roads

Augustus Initiates Pax Romana
“With vows and prayers your country calls for you…for with you here the ox plods the fields in safety, Ceres and bounteous happiness enrich our farms; our sailors sail waters unvexed by pirates; public honor stands inviolate; chaste homes are stained by no adulteries, and punishment follows swift on crime…Who fears Parthian, Scythian, German or Spaniard if Augustus be safe? Each man sees day close in peace on his native hills.” – Horace, Odes, IV, 5 Caesar Augustus

Pax Romana

Influence: Roman Sources
Rome created an atmosphere in which missionary activity flourished Romans tolerant of established religions; considered early Christian activity Jewish Systematic, widespread persecution came late – gave Christianity time to expand From the dawn of Christianity, the apostles and first disciples were at pains to verify the origins of their faith and how radically Christianity differs from the mythology of pagan Greece and Rome. They were conscious of the strength of their position in having an historic center. "We do not utter idle tales," they told their contemporaries, "in declaring that God was born in form of man." There never was a Mithra, the Romans were reminded; and he never slew the mystic bull. There never was a Great Mother of sorrows to wail over Attis and become a true mother to the suffering daughters of humanity. For all her beauty, Isis was only the idealized product of Egyptian zoolatry. The Logos of the Stoics was a pure abstraction, and of their ideal Wise Man, Plutarch wrote, "He is nowhere on earth, nor ever has been;" whereas for Christians "the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us." Roman hunger for spiritual revival; its borrowed religion did not satisfy and its gods became mere ornaments Spiritual vacuum throughout the Empire filled by Christianity

The Beginnings: Christian Sources
Christianity brought unique and revolutionary elements – primary elements on which both other sources depend “He is risen!”- central message of Christianity – this is the message that electrified the world The miracle of the Resurrection and its theology came first The Resurrection and its consequences were the “Good News” – the written gospels, narratives of Jesus’ life, teachings, and death, were composed later to benefit those who had already accepted the Gospel The apostles staked their whole mission on this fact. Writing from prison, Peter assured the neophytes that "we were not following fictitious tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we had been eyewitnesses of His glory.” Reproaching the Corinthians for their infighting and disputes, Paul appealed to the historical continuity of his teaching with that of the first followers of Christ: "I delivered to you", he said, "what I also have received." Indeed the facts of Christ's life, death, and especially resurrection are so indispensable that without them the whole Christian faith is vain and "we would be of all men the most to be pitied."

The Gospel was preached long before it was written down by the four evangelists Read the sermons of Peter and Paul in Acts and note the similarities The Good News as preached followed a pattern: Fulfillment – Messianic Age Life, ministry, death & resurrection of Jesus He is risen! And heads the New Israel, the Church Holy Spirit a sign of Christ’s active presence in the Church Christ will come again Call to repentance and action Under pressure from their environment which was accustomed only to Greek speculation and Roman mythology, the early Christians were tempted to compromise, as many did in the Gnostic peril that faced the nascent Church. They were strengthened to resist by the aged apostle John, whose epistles seem almost strained in their effort to vindicate the foundations of the faith: "I write of what was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked upon and our hands have handled: of the Word of Life."

Written gospels satisfied desire to know who Jesus is Accounts likely written for specific audiences Matthew for the Jews Mark for the Roman Christians Luke for Greeks or Gentiles John for established Christian communities at the end of the 1st Century Christianity is historical from the very beginning… (e.g., Luke 2:1-2 & John 18:12-13 – historical details that can be verified Jesus born (6 BC – 1 AD); died (30-33 AD) First, the latest scholarly consensus is that the three synoptic Gospels were written much earlier than heterodox "experts" wish us to think: Between 50 and 65 A.D. John's Gospel was written last, perhaps as late as 95, when John, the only apostle not martyred, was a very old man. More than any documents in history, these four books have been the target of the "hermeneutics of suspicion." It is worth pointing out that the four evangelists were closer to their material than were most ancient historians. The biographers of the Caesars — Tacitus and Suetonius — were not better placed to get accurate information about their subject than were the evangelists about the life of Christ. Matthew is proselytizing his fellow Jews, Luke is fact-gathering for Gentile converts, Mark relates Peter's version of events, John is responding to heresies that deny the Incarnation , the Eucharist, and distort the person of Jesus. Even though the four Gospel writers differ markedly from one another and have diverse agendas , it’s striking how strong, consistent, and identifiable the personality of Christ is in all four books. C. S. Lewis remarks that in all the world's narrative literature, there are three personalities you can identify immediately if given a random and even partial quotation: Plato's Socrates, Boswell's Johnson, and Jesus Christ of the Gospels. The Four Evangelists

Other early Church Fathers stressed the maintenance of the Apostolic Tradition, specifically regarding Jesus as described in the Gospels Wrote and preached that the faithful should not listen to those who deny the historical Jesus or the reality of His humanity and divinity Among many others, Ignatius of Antioch & Polycarp of Smyrna both plead against the false doctrines being spread about Jesus and the Church In the same vein, Ignatius of Antioch (107 AD) stressed the need of watchfulness, not to give ear to those who would make of Christ only one of their eons and something less than a real historical person. Christians must beware of the Docetists who denied the reality of Christ's human actions and therefore of His redemptive life and death. Stop your ears when anyone speaks to you that stands apart from Jesus Christ, from David to scion and Mary's son, who was really born and ate and drank, really persecuted by Pontius Pilate, really crucified and died while heaven and earth and the underworld looked on; who also really rose from the dead, since His Father raised Him up - His Father, who will also raise us who believe in Him through Jesus Christ, apart from whom we have no real life. "Let us leave untouched," pleaded Polycarp of Smyrna ( A.D.), "the useless speculations of the masses and their false doctrines, and turn to the teaching delivered to us in the beginning.” Not subjective theories but factual events were considered the mainstay of the Christian religion.

From the beginning… “Since many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the events that have been fulfilled among us, just as those who were eyewitnesses from the beginning and ministers of the word have handed them down to us, I too have decided, after investigating everything accurately anew, to write it down in an orderly sequence for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may realize the certainty of the teachings you have received.” – Luke 1:1-4 St. Luke

The Beginnings: Gospel of Luke
Much of what we know and understand about the early church comes from Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles These two books form a continuous story depicting Christ’s life through the crisis of the Crucifixion, to the Resurrection, and into Acts where we see the apostles, empowered by the Spirit, going about the business of spreading the Gospel Much of what we know and understand about the early church comes from Luke in the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Taken together these two books can be seen as a story showing a sense of continuity through the crisis of the Crucifixion through Acts where we see the apostles, empowered by the Spirit, about the business of spreading the Gospel. The twelve Apostle and other disciples who knew Jesus personally and eventually came to recognize him as the Messiah. At the Last Supper in a ritual meal that was to be repeated in remembrance of him Jesus showed the Apostles how they were to serve one another and share the word of god. Jesus’ death on the cross crushed his followers, but the Resurrection and the gift of Jesus’ Sprit at Pentecost turned them into courageous heralds of the Good News. The Church began around AD 30, in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. Twelve men announced the Good News to those gathered for the traditional Jewish feast of Pentecost, in thanksgiving for their harvests. Jesus, who had been sent by God and crucified was alive, God had raised him up. He was the savior, the messiah, who their people had awaited for generations. [Acts 2-4] Peter told those who asked what they had to do was to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins and then they would receive the Holy Spirit. Three thousand were baptized and the church was born. These first Christians were Jewish, but they spoke all the languages of the Empire. St. Luke

The Words of Christ Tend to take three forms: Pronouncement stories (e.g., Mk 12:13-17) Proverbs (e.g., Mt 5:3-11) Parables (e.g., Lk 10:29-36) Pronouncements don’t rely on context; have a religious concern; elicit a response Proverbs – Jesus brings to this usually secular wisdom a religious dimension, or expands traditional religious ideas Parables – startle people into thinking about the Kingdom – understanding is a product of one’s faith In the ancient Middle East, the preferred medium for passing on the teachings of a religious master was oral, and people had strongly trained memories. Christ spoke in the traditional rhythms of Jewish speech, often using parallelisms that are easy to remember: "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." The Old Testament is shot through with this kind of mnemonic device. Christ's immediate disciples probably did not write down His words during His lifetime. Being a close-knit Jewish community with a strong oral tradition, they didn't have to. Jesus Teaches

The Deeds of Christ (largely miracles) Jesus often reticent about performing and publicizing miracles; often refuses to work them and castigates those who seek them Jesus uses miracles not so much to prove his Divinity, but for purposes directly related to his ministry; for example… Jn 9:35-41 – Curing the blind man symbolic of spiritual sight which comes from faith Luke 5:1-11 – The large catch of fish symbolic of how Christ will “catch” people John 11 – Raising the dead Lazarus prefigures Christ's own Resurrection John Vidmar, The Catholic Church through the Ages, p Jesus Heals the Paralytic (Mk 2:1-12)

Response to miracles Some (rationalists, secular humanists) reject them out of hand: “The great objection to miracles is that they do not occur.” – Matthew Arnold Modern apologists (Lewis, Chesterton…) show unreasonableness of blanket denials Chesterton: Christians are the ones who look at all the evidence and accept it; those who reject miracles do so a priori based on their biases and doctrines against them Many modern Christians argue against miracles, accepting the big ones (the Incarnation) while illogically denying the little ones John Vidmar, The Catholic Church through the Ages, p Jesus Heals Bartimaeus (Mk 10:46-52)

Who do you say that I am… Jesus’ prophecy
Simon Peter said in reply, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.“ Jesus said to him in reply, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.“ – Mt 16:16-19 Shortly after the second miraculous feeding of the multitude, Jesus took His disciples to the neighborhood of Caesarea Philippi, on the extreme borders of the land of Israel. Secluded from the crowds of followers, in a territory that was now pagan, He put His apostles to the test, in order to clarify once and for all their role in the work He had planned for them. He asked them, "Who do men say the Son of Man is?" They answered, "Some say, John the Baptist; and others Elias; and others Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." When He asked them again, "But who do you say that I am?" Simon Peter answered, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God." Jesus then declared, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah. For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my heavenly Father. And so I say to you, you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of the netherworld shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.“

Petrine Primacy – Scripture
In addition to Mt 16: Jesus selects Simon first (Mt 4:18; Mk 1:16; Lk 5:1-11) Peter given primacy throughout Gospels (Mt 10:2) Jesus accustomed the jealous apostles to Peter's singular position among them Sequence of three closest to Jesus: Peter, James, John Peter regularly given special instructions and admonitions; Peter trained above the others in humility, patience and trust in God Peter’s faith declared essential, to strengthen the others Recognized as apostolic spokesman, only because the Lord had chosen him for leadership from the moment he was called to the apostolate According to Catholic tradition, Christ had the option of choosing any one of a number of structures for His Church. He might have made it a democracy, or an oligarchy, or an aristocracy. But then He would have established a different Church from the existing one, because the structure He chose was monarchial. From the opening scenes of His public life, it is pointed out, He selected one man to become the visible head of the Christian community. At the first meeting with the Master at Capernaum, Jesus looked upon Peter and told him that his name would be changed from Simon to Cephas (Rock) as a foreshadowing of his future leadership. Gradually He accustomed the jealous apostles to Peter's singular position among them. Even among the three who were nearest to the Savior, the sequence was always Peter, James and John; notwithstanding the fact that John was par excellence the beloved disciple. Peter was regularly preferred for special instructions and admonitions; he was trained above the others in humility, patience and trust in God; his faith was declared essential, in order to strengthen the others; he was recognized as the spokesman for the other apostles, not for any personal traits or natural gifts, but because the Lord had chosen him for leadership from the moment he was called to the apostolate.

The Rock: Biblical Foundation
The image of the Rock, long used in both Biblical and extra-Biblical sources, implies permanence Qumran earlier hymn: “And I rejoiced in your truth, my God, for you lay a foundation upon a rock…to build a strong wall that will not be shaken and all who enter shall not falter.” Parables (Mt 7; Lk 6): building a house on rock foundation to withstand every storm Jesus’ final promise: “And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.” (Mt 28:20) The Church will continue to exist until the end of time: “As often as you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” (1 Cor 11:26) Waltere Brandmuller, Light & Shadows, p Statue of St. Peter St. John Lateran, Rome

The Rock: Biblical Foundation
The Church will abide in the Truth: “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate to be with you always, the Spirit of truth…” (Jn 14:16-17) “The Advocate, the holy Spirit that the Father will send in my name, he will teach you everything and remind you of all that I told you.” (Jn 14:26) “…the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of truth.” (1 Tim 3:15) If we were to paraphrase these essential words of Christ, "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church," we could probably say… I shall make you the foundation of the spiritual edifice I intend to build. What the foundation is to the building, its source of unity, strength and stability, you are going to be that in the Church which I am about to found. And since the unified strength and stability of any society derive from ultimate authority, I will give you and your successors all the authority you will need to preserve my Church from harm, for all time, by confirming your judgment on earth with divine ratification in heaven.

The Prophecy Fulfilled
By saying, “My Church,” Jesus speaks of the society of people who join together in His Name and serve God as He commanded Peter, the rock, would die, but Christ’s Church would last “until the end of the age.” (Mt 28:20) Jesus, of course, is the irreplaceable foundation of His Church (1 Cor 3:11) Jesus foresaw the need to join a visible “rock” to Himself, so that to belong to the Church of Peter is to belong to Christ Himself. This promise must be taken in conjunction with its actual conferral after the resurrection. Despite Peter's denial, and that humanly speaking he was anything but the rock on which to build an institution that could resist the powers of hell, Christ was faithful to what He had said a year before. Calling Peter aside on the shores of the sea of Tiberius, Jesus asked him, "Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?" When Peter said, “Yes,” Christ told him, "Feed my lambs." Then a second time, "Do you love me?" and the same answer, with the same commission. Finally a third time, to which Peter protested, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you," and the closing injunction, "Feed my sheep." “…you are Peter, and upon this rock…” (Mt 16:16-19)

The Church’s history reflects the fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy that, upon the foundation of Peter, He would build a new Israel, the Church Jesus’ teaching reveals that God the Father introduces His Kingdom into history and, through His power, brings it to fruition among us; He will perfect it in His own good time The “gates of the netherworld” is the force of evil responsible for both physical and spiritual death God’s people can overcome both forms of death to achieve entrance into the glory of God’s final Kingdom When Christ gave Peter the authority to govern the infant Church, His action was determined by the character of the society He was founding: a permanent institution with a body of religious truths to be kept unchanged as the instrument of salvation, whose members were to be united by the profession of a common faith and practice of a mutual love. Knowing the need for external ultimate authority in any stable society, Christ desired nothing less for His Church. Accordingly Peter was only the first in the line of visible heads of the Church who, like Peter, would consolidate under Christ the institution whose basic principles were determined by the Savior before He returned to the Father. By Catholic standards, such was the substantial judgment of believing Christians for ten centuries in the East and fifteen centuries in the West, and remains a cardinal dogma of Christianity. In the words of the first Vatican Council, it is "according to the institution of Christ our Lord Himself, that is, by divine law, that St. Peter has perpetual successors in the primacy over the whole Church," and, indeed, "the Roman Pontiff is the successor of St. Peter in the same primacy."

Jesus promised that death, which overcomes all else, would be powerless against the Church He founded – as its Founder He made it immortal The gift of immortality implies the gift of indefectibility, which implies infallibility – to err while claiming to teach in the Name of God is to be conquered by error

The Beginnings: The Apostles
Their witness brought Christ to the world Ordinary men: fishermen, tax collector, seemingly chosen for the ordinariness Normal men who would ask normal questions; common-sense men, not gullible; not the kind to invent, but the kind to doubt Despite all their confusion and doubt, they come to believe What they do is just as important as what they say; their lives convert the world – suffering and dying to spread the Good News (Who knowingly dies for a hoax?) The word gospel means "good news," and the first thing to say about the early Church is that its members had an urgent message for a civilization that already contained the seeds of its own demise. Early Christianity was above all a missionary enterprise, an evangelical movement in a world ripe for its teachings. At the end of his public life Christ had said to His disciples, "Go“ and go they did, throughout the known world. In addition to the journeys recorded in the New Testament, tradition has the apostles spreading the Good News all over the map: Thomas to Parthia and India, Andrew and John to Asia Minor, Bartholomew to south Arabia. Each may have undergone exploits as spectacular as St. Paul's, but unfortunately there was no St. Luke to record them. Tradition also tells us that all except John died martyrs’ deaths. The Apostles

The Beginnings: The Apostles
Apostles had a tremendous impact on the early Church Provided the first interpretation of Christ’s message, along with his life, death and Resurrection They celebrated the first liturgies They make the first disciplinary and doctrinal decisions Their initial interpretive acts are the beginnings of Christian tradition St. Peter What Paul and other missionaries found everywhere in the Roman Empire was a spiritual vacuum: Practically speaking, the Roman gods were dead, the victims of much scoffing from intellectuals and poets. The upper class had turned to Stoicism — self-cultivating itself in aristocratic isolation — but this spoke only to a small minority. Others with spiritual hankerings went to more dubious sources: mystery cults, Asiatic magic, exotic neo-Platonisms, whose goal was ecstatic visions and emotional release. There was a lot of philosophical mumbo jumbo served up in an atmosphere of tent revivalism, with a dash of emperor worship on the side. But no matter where it turned for solace, the late classical mind was steeped in melancholy, a kind of glacial sadness; it was utterly lacking in what we Catholics would call the theological virtue of hope. St. Paul

The Great Commission "All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.“ The Great Commission (Mt 28:18-20)

The First Pentecost The Church began around AD 30, in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost (the traditional Jewish feast of Pentecost to give thanks for the harvests) Peter stepped forward from among the Apostles and announced the Good News that Jesus, who had been sent by God and crucified, was alive, for God had raised Him up. He was the Savior, the Messiah, for whom their people had awaited for generations. (Acts 2-4) John Vidmar, The Catholic Church through the Ages, p The First Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4)

The Apostles Filled with the Spirit
The First Pentecost Peter told those who asked that they had to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus for the forgiveness of sins; then they would receive the Holy Spirit Three thousand were baptized and the Church was born John Vidmar, The Catholic Church through the Ages, p The Apostles Filled with the Spirit (Acts 2-5)

God’s Planned Surprise
These were not Palestinian Jews, but “Parthians, Medes, and Elamites, inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the districts of Libya near Cyrene, as well as travelers from Rome…” It was these to whom Peter preached It was these who were baptized As so the Church is Catholic (universal) from the very start God chose the feast of Pentecost to manifest His Spirit, a day when Jews from all over the Empire would be in Jerusalem

God’s Planned Surprise
“…at the moment of her birth, the Church was already catholic, already a world Church. Luke thus rules out a conception in which a local Church first arose in Jerusalem and then became the base for the gradual establishment of other local Churches that eventually grew into a federation. Luke tells us that the reverse is true: what first exists is the one Church, the Church that speaks in all tongues – the ecclesia universalis; she then generates Church in the most diverse locales, which nonetheless are all always embodiments of the one and only Church.” – Pope Benedict XVI, Called to Communion, 1991

Pentecost: the Beginning
Peter is reported to have converted 5,000 in Jerusalem by himself Most were Jewish pilgrims from elsewhere in the Empire; they return to their various Jewish communities and begin to form Christian cells It is these small communities that Paul worked so feverishly to keep together and in union with the universal Church It is for these reasons the Church rightly considers that first Pentecost its foundation day John Vidmar, The Catholic Church through the Ages, p. 20 Sts. Peter and Paul Baptizing

Baptism depicted in the Catacombs
The Early Church The early (Jewish) Christians went on living as pious Jews: they prayed in the temple, observed dietary laws, and practiced circumcision. Their distinguishing features were their baptism in Jesus’ name, their diligent regard for the apostles’ teaching, their breaking of the bread., and their policy of having all things in common [Acts 2:31-37; 4:32-35]. Their zeal made then willing to go to prison and die for their faith Judaism was known for its diversity of groups and beliefs within it. Baptism depicted in the Catacombs

Jewish Authorities troubled by “The Way” because…
Peter and the other followers insisted Jesus was alive, that they had seen Him, talked with Him, eaten with Him, even when all knew he had been crucified and died They claimed Jesus was the Messiah sent by God to free the Chosen People, something that could cause the Jews problems with the Roman authorities They claimed He was the Son of God, a blasphemy to the Jews Like Jesus, they also cured people Some Apostles were jailed but escaped and continued preaching in the temple Peter Preaching (Acts 2:14-40)

Discussion: Gamaliel’s Advice Handout
Read Acts 5:34-39 What advice did Gamaliel give the Sanhedrin on how to react? Gamaliel Teaching (Acts 5:34-39; 22:3)

The Word Spreads Carried by the Jews of the Diaspora and the early missionaries, the Gospel message soon spread far beyond Jerusalem and throughout the Jewish communities in the Roman Empire Those spreading the word preached first in local synagogues because the Jews understood the messianic prophecies and could more readily accept Jesus as the fulfillment of their religious hopes They soon discovered that the message of the Resurrection struck a universal chord in the Empire

Christianity Spreads Favorable Material Conditions in the Mediterranean World Roman Peace – “Pax Romana” Spiritual Turmoil in the Empire Appeal of Good News: He is risen! Appeal Of Christian Ideals God willed it Christianity Spreads Despite periodic persecutions Christianity spread throughout the Roman Empire. Four Factors [Thomas Bokenkotter] Favorable Material Conditions in the Mediterranean World - common language, Greek; good roads and shipping; common culture. Roman Peace, Pax Romana – missionaries could preach without worry about invasion or war. Spiritual Turmoil in the Empire. Roman religion had reached a low point; corrupt emperors. Appeal Of Christian Ideals - Perhaps the most important was the effective demonstration of the power of love in the lives of the Christians themselves: repentance, hope, and ethical code, its foundation on a real historical person who taught how to live a good life through emphasis on concern of outcasts, marital fidelity, and charity. “Look how the Christians love one another.”

The Jewish Persecution
Just as Jews so eagerly accepted the Good News, so also were the Jews the first persecutors of Christians Jesus was regarded as a blasphemer and the disciples as apostates and usurpers Apostles were persecuted in Jerusalem from the start After the deacon Stephen was stoned to death, Christians were actively and systematically persecuted Paul suffered on numerous occasions James (Greater, Zebedee) martyred in 44 – Herod Agrippa’s persecution James (Less) Bishop of Jerusalem martyred in 62 John Vidmar, The Catholic Church through the Ages, p. 25 Martyrdom of St. James, Bishop of Jerusalem (Acts 12:1-2)

The Word Spreads: St. Paul
Born a Jew, from Tarsus in Asia Minor, Paul was a Pharisee and rabbi under the tutelage of the respected Gamaliel Roman citizen through his father Persecutor of Christians (present at St. Stephen’s stoning) On the road to Damascus to arrest Christians there when he is struck down and miraculously converted (Acts 9) John Vidmar, The Catholic Church through the Ages, p. 20 St. Paul’s Conversion (Acts 9:1-9)

The “Street Called Straight” in Damascus
Paul’s Conversion Some Critical Ramifications Jesus equates Himself with the Church: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?...I am Jesus whom you are persecuting.” Paul’s conversion from persecutor to eager Christian made others suspicious Barnabas had to introduce Paul to the 12 to assure them of Paul’s sincerity Early Relations a bit testy with Paul John Vidmar, The Catholic Church through the Ages, p The “Street Called Straight” in Damascus (Acts 9:11)

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Rome
Paul, God’s Choice Paul’s Unique Qualifications Familiar with the worlds of Rome & Jerusalem, with the cultures, languages, thought patterns – spoke with authority to either group Paul embodied the Church at the time – his very person was a tension between Jew & Greek His final trip to Rome was symbolic of Church’s ultimate break with Jerusalem John Vidmar, The Catholic Church through the Ages, p. 22 Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, Rome

Paul’s Mission Among Paul’s tasks was the unification of scattered Christian communities Made three missionary journeys through Asia Minor and Greece on which he: Spread the Good News of Jesus Christ Instructed Christians on Christian living Passed on news from other communities Explained points of doctrine Ensured the catholicity of the Church Addressed disciplinary issues: how to dress; how to fast; whom to follow; rules for deacons, bishops, presbyters Ease the tension between Greek and Jewish Christians The great turning points of history often occur under the radar, and very few in the year 51 noticed an itinerant rabbi from Tarsus crossing the Aegean Sea into Macedonia. But this was Christianity's entrance into Western Europe, with incalculable consequences for the future. Christopher Dawson writes that Paul's passage from Troas in Asia Minor to Philippi did more to shape the subsequent history of Europe than anything recorded by the great historians of the day. Put simply: The Faith created modern Europe, and Europe created the modern world. St. Paul

Early Church To be or not to be…Jewish
The early followers of Jesus considered themselves Jewish and Christian. Their movement was known as The Way. We first encounter the term Christian when it was applied to the believers at Antioch in the early 40’s. Although Paul is known as the Apostle to the Gentiles, it’s worth noting that the first conversion of a Gentile to Christianity was accomplished by Peter shortly after the close of the first persecution when Peter baptized a Roman centurion named Cornelius (Acts 10:1-49) About this time Peter moved to Antioch – a city that was a link between the old world of the Jews and the new world of the Gentiles. It became the center of missionary activity among the Gentiles and is considered to be the cradle of Christianity in the pagan world. It is in Antioch that converts are first called “Christians” and it is from Antioch that Paul set out with Barnabas on the first of his missionary journeys.

Paul’s Challenge: Jews & Gentiles
At first, Church was exclusively Jewish Pentecost brought change as new (Jewish) Christians returned to their homes throughout the Empire with a message that also attracted Gentiles Question immediately arose: Must Gentile converts follow the Law of Moses (circumcision, dietary restrictions, cleansing, etc.)? Some said, “Yes” (See Acts 15:1,5) Paul said, “No” (Gal 2) St. Paul preaching to Gentiles in Athens (Acts 17:15-34)

Council of Jerusalem: a Turning Point
Through the early missionary activity of Paul and Barnabas, the Christian faith was brought to the Greek-speaking communities far beyond Jerusalem. Problems and challenges arose at the baptism of Gentiles in the new faith Up to this point [around A.D.], Christians were perceived as just another Jewish sect Now, they were faced with an issue that could lead to the eventual separation of the Christian sect from Judaism proper John Vidmar, The Catholic Church through the Ages, p. 24 Through the missionary activity of Peter, Paul and Barnabas, the early Christian faith was brought to the Greek-speaking communities far beyond Jerusalem eventually to Rome. Through evangelization Gentiles favorably received the good news of Jesus, and through Paul’s preaching they accepted baptism in the new faith. This radical move led to certain problems. Sts Peter & Paul

Council of Jerusalem A Turning Point in the Apostolic Community
Council called to address the problem of Gentile converts and the mandates of Jewish law, specifically circumcision. not whether circumcision was good or bad, but whether it was required for Gentile converts Larger question: Is Christianity open to all people or only to Jews (those who follow the Mosaic law)? Certain Jerusalem Christians, mostly converts from the Pharisees, protested that gentiles should follow the Jewish ways before being baptized. This meant that they expected converts to obey the Mosaic laws, follow kosher dietary laws, observe, the holy days of Judaism, and if males, be circumcised. Paul and Barnabas had not been demanding these practices of gentile converts. St. Paul

Council of Jerusalem: a Turning Point
Boiled down to Paul & Barnabas vs. the Christians of Jerusalem The Judaizers [those who wanted to keep Christianity a Jewish sect] supported baptisms of only those gentiles who were in full compliance of Mosaic Law. Paul wanted no Jewish obligations placed on gentile converts. Accounts of this Council can be found in Acts 15 and Galatians 2 The answer is…… The Council of Jerusalem was called to deal with this controversy over the first major ecclesial question. The central issue was circumcision: not whether it was good or bad, but whether it was required for gentile converts. In other words was Christianity open to all people or only to Jews? The Judaizers [those who wanted to keep Christianity a Jewish sect] supported baptisms of the gentiles who were in full compliance of Mosaic Law. Paul wanted no Jewish obligations placed on gentile converts. St. Paul debating in Jerusalem

History of the Catholic Church A 2,000-Year Journey

No Mosaic Burdens: Acts 15:23-29
New Christians need not become Jews first Circumcision would not be required of converts to the faith The mission to the Gentiles was approved as authentic This Council opened the Church to all believers Thus the Church became “catholic” in the root sense of the word: universal or all-inclusive From then on belief in Jesus Christ and participation in His Church became the defining characteristic of a Christian Philip Baptizes the Ethiopian Eunuch (Acts 8:26-40)

Jerusalem Council Sets the Pattern
After debate, Peter, the Rock, set the tone of the Council (Acts 15:7-11), in effect deciding the issue Peter is joined by James, Bishop of Jerusalem, in this decision Here James and Peter both seem to exert leadership. (Peter already speaks for the universal Church by virtue of the commission given him by Jesus; James speaks as Bishop of Jerusalem.) A formal announcement of the council’s conclusions as members “in agreement with the whole Church” concur Sts. Peter & James (Acts 15)

Jerusalem Council Sets the Pattern
The Church recognizes a problem or issue affecting the whole Church A meeting is called with all the Church leaders (Paul & Barnabas go to Jerusalem – to the Church – for a solution) Open discussion of the issues with prayers for guidance by the Holy Spirit. The pattern of conciliary organization can be summarized: The Church recognizes a problem or issues affecting the whole Church. A meeting is called with all the Church leaders There is open discussion of all sides of the issues with prayers for guidance by the Holy Spirit. The chief bishop makes a decision acceptable who speaks in the name of the whole assembly concerning its results for the universal Church.. In this case James was the leader. Eventually this role became that of papal primacy and was associated with the Bishop or Rome. The chief bishop makes a formal announcement of the council’s conclusions. The Upper Room (Acts 1:13)

Effects of the Council of Jerusalem
Set the format for future councils: discussing all sides of the problem; reaching a decision through the guidance of the Holy Spirit; communicating the decision to universal Church. Brought order, unity, organization, and stability to the Church at a crucial time in its history From then on belief in Jesus Christ and His Church became the defining characteristic of a Christian. The Council set the format for future councils: and open discussion of the problem; reaching a decision through the guidance of the Holy Spirit under the Apostolic leadership of Peter and James; sharing the decision with the rest of the community. This council brought order, unity, organization, and stability to the Church at a crucial time in the history of Christianity. Jerusalem

Foundation for Apostolic Collegiality
Apostles shared in the decision, assured of God’s guidance [“It is the decision of the holy Spirit and of us…”] (Acts 15:23-29) A process was identified and the Church leadership did not hesitate to take authoritative positions The bishops and the pope, working together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, chart the course for the future journey of the pilgrim people of God. The council established a foundation for collegiality, a sharing in the decision – making process and authoritative positions taken by the leadership of the Church. The bishops and the pope, working together under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, chart the course for the future journey of the pilgrim people of God. Bishops, Cardinals in Rome

Final Break with Judaism
As a Jew, Jesus followed Jewish Law, the Torah; and many Jewish Christians continued to live as Jews. But Jesus often met with Gentiles and praised their faith. He also commanded the Church to “Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. ..” Jesus Reading from Isaiah (Luke 4:16-21)

Three decades of sometimes severe persecutions by Jewish authorities, in Jerusalem and elsewhere in the Empire, tested the Jewish-Christian relationship 62 AD. The separation became pronounced when James the leader of the Christians in Jerusalem was arrested by the Jewish High priest for blasphemy and beheaded Jesus Laments over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41-44)

70 AD the Roman army took Jerusalem and leveled the temple. Judaism’s center was gone and it seemed that Israel would disappear. To survive it had to unify and require conformity of belief. The synagogues no longer welcomed the Christian sect. In the year 90 the Jewish leadership settled on the canon of the official Jewish sacred Scripture – the break was final. In the year 70 the Roman Army, commanded by Titus, son of the Emperor Vespasian, surrounded Jerusalem, the Holy City of the Old Law. After a siege the city was completely destroyed, the Temple was ruthlessly plundered by Roman soldiers and set afire. Many inhabitants of Jerusalem died of disease and famine during the siege. The survivors were either put to death or taken into slavery. The remnant were scattered, and the Jews became a people without a home. Jesus’ prophecy was fulfilled to the letter when He told His disciples: “You see all these things, do you not? Amen, I say to you, there will not be left here a stone upon another stone that will not be thrown down. (Mt 24:2) Jerusalem was now destroyed, to be replaced by the universal Church, which would welcome all the nations of the earth.

The Word Spreads: Peter in Rome
Ultimately, St. Peter went from Jerusalem to Antioch and finally to Rome, which from that time forward became the seat of the Church’s governance Tradition holds that Peter spent more than 20 years in Rome as bishop before his martyrdom under Nero He was buried on the Vatican hill, in a pagan cemetery; Constantine built the first St. Peter’s Basilica over his grave.

Preserving the Tradition
A major responsibility (2 Thes 2:15) Deposit of faith preserved orally (2 Tim 1:13-14) Didache – early teachings of the Apostles put in writing Episcopate – authoritative teaching office needed to ensure these Apostolic traditions are passed down intact This remains the role of the bishops: to teach, to govern, and to sanctify These early Christians were conscious of a single responsibility that transcended and sustained all others. They were bound to preserve with the utmost fidelity what had been taught by the apostles. Long before there was a New Testament, there was a deposit of faith concerning the nature of God, His threefold personality, His purpose in making man, the Incarnation. It is already presupposed in the early letters of Paul as well as ancient 1st Century documents like the Didache. Any departure from these teachings provoked the strongest possible response, and the Acts of the Apostles and most of Paul's letters show the Church facing her first doctrinal and disciplinary problems. The determination to hold fast to "what has been handed on" (tradere, hence "tradition") is one explanation for the early Christian's high esteem for the episcopal office. If there has been a revelation, then there must be an authoritative teaching office to tell us what it is. And so the role of bishops — whose job was, and still is, to teach, govern, and sanctify — was crucial from the beginning.

One Turning Point Resurrection of Jesus, foreshadowed the resurrection of all believers, the day of the Lord Many early Christians thought that the second coming would occur within the lifetime of those who had heard Jesus preach, continually admonishing his audience to be alert and ready (Mk 13:32-37, Lk 12:35-37) For those first Christians, the resurrection was something they personally experienced, long before they proclaimed it as a doctrine or teaching of the Church. The resurrection unleashed the power of God's Spirit in a new and dynamic manner. In the resurrection of Jesus, the early Church saw the foreshadowing of the resurrection of all believers, the turning of the ages, and the beginning of the end, the day of the Lord. Jesus seemed to indicate that the second coming would occur within the lifetime of those who had heard him preach, continually admonishing his audience to be alert and ready (Mark 13:32-37, Luke 12:35-37). Paul thought that the end would occur within his own lifetime, stating that "we will not all die, but we will all be changed in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet" (I Corinthians 15:51-52). However, as the years passed and the end did not come, Christians began to have questions about the fate of those who had already passed-away. Paul addresses this particular point in his letter to the Thessalonians, claiming that "we who are alive will by no means precede those who have died." Some even began to worry that the end would not come at all. Aware of the problem caused by the delay of the Parousia, John, in his Gospel, approaches the problem in another way. This Gospel no longer speaks of the Lord's return as do the Synoptic Gospels and the letters of Paul. Rather, John suggests that the Parousia occurs in the gift of the Spirit—who is the "Paraclete," "Advocate," "Comforter." For John, the Paraclete or the Spirit is the presence of the Risen Lord to the Church, reminding believers of all that Jesus said and did. Thus the Gospel of John suggests that the Paraclete is the return of the Risen Lord. Nevertheless, John is also aware that there will be a general resurrection of the dead (cf. Jn 5:28-29).

One Turning Point Christians also began to question fate of those who had already died; to worry when and if the end would ever come [1 Cor 15:51-52] Passing of Apostles accelerated the change from oral to written tradition Church developed more permanent structures; roles more clearly defined Scripture canon formalized For those first Christians, the resurrection was something they personally experienced, long before they proclaimed it as a doctrine or teaching of the Church. The resurrection unleashed the power of God's Spirit in a new and dynamic manner. In the resurrection of Jesus, the early Church saw the foreshadowing of the resurrection of all believers, the turning of the ages, and the beginning of the end, the day of the Lord. Jesus seemed to indicate that the second coming would occur within the lifetime of those who had heard him preach, continually admonishing his audience to be alert and ready (Mark 13:32-37, Luke 12:35-37). Paul thought that the end would occur within his own lifetime, stating that "we will not all die, but we will all be changed in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet" (I Corinthians 15:51-52). However, as the years passed and the end did not come, Christians began to have questions about the fate of those who had already passed-away. Paul addresses this particular point in his letter to the Thessalonians, claiming that "we who are alive will by no means precede those who have died." Some even began to worry that the end would not come at all. Aware of the problem caused by the delay of the Parousia, John, in his Gospel, approaches the problem in another way. This Gospel no longer speaks of the Lord's return as do the Synoptic Gospels and the letters of Paul. Rather, John suggests that the Parousia occurs in the gift of the Spirit—who is the "Paraclete," "Advocate," "Comforter." For John, the Paraclete or the Spirit is the presence of the Risen Lord to the Church, reminding believers of all that Jesus said and did. Thus the Gospel of John suggests that the Paraclete is the return of the Risen Lord. Nevertheless, John is also aware that there will be a general resurrection of the dead (cf. Jn 5:28-29).

The Early Church They also met in private homes for the “breaking of the bread” and the prayers. Eventually some houses were specifically designated for worship. Since there were no church structures as we know them today, initially the early Christians met in homes for the Eucharistic Liturgy (“the breaking of the bread” and the prayers). With the persecutions that began under Nero, church building was impossible, and so homes and other secretive sites continued to be used for worship. Some houses eventually came to used exclusively for worship. The first church buildings didn’t appear until the early 200s. A house-church in Dura-Europos [Iraq] was built c. 250 A. D. and still stands.

The Good News: Public to “Private”
The ministry of the apostles, as presented in the New Testament, was conducted in public After the first persecutions in 64 A.D., Christians continued to preach the Gospel publicly, despite the risk The Church also maintained its organization (39 of 1st 40 popes martyred) In the post-apostolic Church conversions came via the nascent Church organization, apologists, “street evangelizers”, ordinary Christians, and martyrs Catacombs of Callistus

Evolution of Church Organization
From Acts and Paul’s letters we know that a hierarchal Church emerged very early during Apostolic times The Apostles at first sent our Apostolic delegates (e.g., Titus, Timothy) with authority from the Apostles This naturally evolved into bishops with responsibility for local Churches We don’t know precisely how the Church's internal authority evolved in the first century – a highly debated point of Church history. Our Protestant brothers and sisters have an obvious bias toward an early congregationalism, but there’s little evidence to support this. We do know that from the original "twelve" there soon emerged a hierarchical church divided into clergy and laity. It seems that at first there were apostolic delegates, people like Timothy and Titus, who derived their authority from one of the apostles; e.g., Paul. They governed the local churches under the apostles' direction, and, while some apostles were still on the scene, this arrangement naturally evolved into the college of bishops. Early Church Fathers

Ignatius of Antioch (106 AD)
“Jesus Christ...is the will of the Father, just as the bishops, who have been appointed throughout the world, are the will of Jesus Christ. Let us be careful, then, if we would be submissive to God, not to oppose the bishop.” – Written in 106 AD by St. Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch, on his way to his martyrdom in Rome. The seven great letters of St. Ignatius of Antioch, written around the year 106 while on his way to Rome to be thrown to the beasts, take for granted the existence of local hierarchical churches, ruled by bishops who are assisted by priests and deacons. Ignatius, a living disciple of John the Apostle, writes that "Jesus Christ...is the will of the Father, just as the bishops, who have been appointed throughout the world, are the will of Jesus Christ. Let us be careful, then, if we would be submissive to God, not to oppose the bishop.“ Even during late apostolic times, within each city there was a single church under a bishop, who in turn was assisted by priests (presbyters) in the spiritual realm and deacons in the administrative. The deacons devoted themselves especially to alms-giving, and a striking feature of primitive Christianity is its organized benevolence — something new to the world. These local churches were largely self-sufficient but would group around a mother church in the region — Antioch, Alexandria, Rome — and the bishops of each region would occasionally meet in councils. But they all considered themselves part of a universal Church — the Catholic Church, as Ignatius first called it — united in belief, ritual, and regulation. St. Ignatius of Antioch Thrown to the beasts in Rome (c. 107)

Papal Primacy – Early Evidence
Clement of Rome [c. 90 A.D.] 4th Bishop of Rome As Bishop of Rome, he wrote to the Corinthians because some members of the community had taken it upon themselves to depose several priests of the Church in defiance of local bishop. Clement assumes the right to interfere in the internal affairs of another local church (Corinth) Emphasized need for a spirit of submissiveness and obedience; calls upon the authors of the schism to lay aside their ambitious schemes and repent He bids them "render obedience unto the things written by us through the Holy Spirit." From the earliest times we find one of these churches exercising a special role, acting as a higher authority and final court of appeal. We don't know much about the early development of the Roman church, and the lists of the first popes are not always consistent. But we do know that around the year 90 a three-man embassy bearing a letter from Rome traveled to Corinth, where there were dissensions in the local church. In that letter, Pope St. Clement speaks with authority, giving instructions in a tone of voice that expects to be obeyed. The interesting point is that the apostle John was still living in Ephesus, which is closer than Rome to Corinth. But it was Rome (at the time, a smaller diocese both in physical size and in population) that dealt with the problem. Here was the prototype of all future Roman interventions.

Ignatius of Antioch [c. 106 A.D.] In his Epistle to the Romans, he speaks of the Roman Church “presiding in love, maintaining the law of Christ, and bearer of the Father’s name…” He speaks of “the Church… which also presides in the chief place of the Roman territory…” St. Ignatius of Antioch (c. 50 – c. 107)

Irenaeus [2nd Century] – Against the Heresies “Because it would be too long in such a volume as this to enumerate the successions of all the churches, we point to the tradition of that very great and very ancient and universally known Church, which was founded and established at Rome, by the two most glorious Apostles, Peter and Paul: we point I say, to the tradition which this Church has from the Apostles, and to her faith proclaimed to men which comes down to our time through the succession of her bishops, and so we put to shame…all who assemble in unauthorized meetings. Around the year 180, St. Irenaeus, battling heretics who presumed to correct and supplement the Faith with their Gnostic speculations, wrote that if anyone wishes to know true Christian doctrine, he has only to find those churches with a line of bishops going back to one of the apostles. But it is simpler, and suffices, he writes, to find out the teaching of the Roman see: "For with this Church all other churches must bring themselves into line, on account of its superior authority." St. Irenaeus (d. 202) Bishop of Lyons “For with this Church, because of its superior authority, every Church must agree -- that is the faithful everywhere -- in communion with which Church the tradition of the Apostles has been always preserved by those who are everywhere.”

Persecutions of Early Church
30-60 A.D. – Christians benefit from Roman tolerance of Judaism; although persecutions by Jewish authorities is sometimes severe 64 A.D. – Emperor Nero blames Christians for fire that devastates Rome; persecutions begin Persecutions From approximately 30 – 60 AD Rome had a tolerant attitude toward the Christian sect of Judaism and Christians had the same protection and privileges of Jews. In 64 AD Emperor Nero was somehow responsible for a widespread fire in Rome and blamed the Christians. This began the persecutions. The persecutions lasted from time to time until the Edict of Milan, a law of toleration [passed by the emperor Constantine in 313. Martyrdom of St. Peter c. 67 AD

Nero Begins Persecutions
Nero highly unpopular: Brutal (murdered his mother and wife) & corrupt Wanted land for his building project – “Golden House” – covering 1/3 of Rome Nero’s perfect scapegoats, Christians were seen as: Unconcerned about government or military Anti-social, avoided public baths and spectacles Secretive and elitist – mysterious religion – accused of cannibalism Burning of Rome 64 AD Nero blames Christians

Nero’s and Later Persecutions
St. Peter and St. Paul victims of Nero’s persecutions Peter – crucified on Vatican Hill Paul – beheaded (Roman citizen) at Tre Fontaine Most frequent means of persecution: imprisonment, confiscation of property, exile to Sardinian mines, execution Execution often as a means of entertainment or by crucifixion, combat with animals, or burning at night After Nero persecutions were sporadic until 250 AD when they took on a new and ugly form Roman Persecution of Christians

The Ten General Persecutions
Nero (64-67) – Peter & Paul Domitian (95-96) – Clement I Trajan to Hadrian ( ) – Ignatius of Antioch; Polycarp Marcus Aurelius (161) – Cecilia; Justin Septimus Severus (202) – Perpetua; Felicity; Irenaeus Maximin of Thrace (235) – Popes Pontian and Antherus Decius ( ) – Fabiran; Agatha Valerian ( ) – Cyprian; Lawrence; Agnes of Rome; Sixtus II Aurelian (275) Diocletian ( )

The Catacombs Catacombs – underground galleries cut from volcanic rock (tufa) for the burial of the dead; outside the city; some had large galleries that held 2,000 Used more by Christians and Jews (pagans more often cremated bodies) Not secret, generally not good hiding places; Pope Sixtus and four of his deacons were caught in the catacombs “teaching the people” But Romans didn’t normally patrol them nor tamper with the dead; and there were 90 miles of catacombs in Rome Most situated near the Apian Way, the street that leads out of Rome to the south. Christians often celebrated the Eucharist on the tombs of the martyrs. After the barbarians invaded in the 4th century, Christians buried their dead in churches and no longer needed the catacombs. But they remained places of pilgrimage since the bodies of many martyrs and popes remained there. By the 9th century the knowledge of the catacombs had all but disappeared until a chance discovery in 1578 renewed interest. G. B. de Rossi, an Italian archaeologist, rediscovered several of the catacombs in the 19th century bringing them back into public consciousness. There were approximately 40 catacombs and 25 have been discovered. They are still being explored and continue to provide new information about early Christian life. Catacombs-Altar where Pope Sixtus was saying Mass when he was martyred (257)

Christians Respond to Persecutions
Decius ultimatum to all citizens to offer sacrifice to the gods or face death. Some Christians submitted by: Offering sacrifice as required Offering only incense Obtaining a certificate (libellus) saying they had offered sacrifice even though they hadn’t Many Christians, though, refused. Pope Fabian was among the first to die. Burning incense to the Roman gods

The Lapsi: What to do with them?
How to deal with those who renounced the Faith (the lapsi)? After persecution by Decius had eased, hard-liners, led by Novatian, argued that the lapsi had permanently given up the right to belong to the Church – should never be readmitted. Others argued for a general amnesty Pope Cornelius chose middle ground: lapsi could return after suitable period of public penance Penance depended on type of apostasy: sacrificati; thurificati; libellatici Good solution but problem arose again (Donatists) Pope Cornelius (Martyred 253)

Why Christians Were So Disliked?
Justin Martyr, in his Letter to Diogenes, explained: Christians “marry as men do and beget children, but they do not practice abortion. They share tables but not beds. They live in the flesh, but not according to the flesh…” “The world suffers nothing from Christians but hates them because they reject its pleasures.” Neighbors often denounced Christians out of sheer dislike, or for greed for their property, or for loss of customers for idols… Christians lived for heaven and not for earth How many today would willingly risk their lives to reject the evils our world throws in their faces? Roman Christians of all classes and ages went cheerfully to horrible deaths, for the love of Christ. It amazed the Romans that many of the bravest martyrs were women, even slave women, who they expected to be too timid and submissive to face the torturers. St. Blandina, a slave girl martyred in Gaul in 177. Fellow Christians worried she would give way since she was physically weak. They tortured her continually for days, but all she ever said was, “I am a Christian” and “We never do anything evil.” Sts. Perpetua and Felicity, patrician and slave girl, maryred in Carthage in 203. Their persecution, which lasted for days, repelled even the spectators. Perpetua kept a diary of her experience and that of her companions. Infant Church took everything the pagan empire could throw at it. St. Justin Martyr (Martyred 165)

Decius Begins New & Severe
By 250, Rome’s population “existed mainly to draw their government doles, and to attend the free spectacles with which the government provided them.” -- Christopher Dawson, historian Emperor Decius in an effort to restore Roman glory acted forcefully: Sought to reform military Secure the borders (barbarians) Unify the people through religion by restoring worship of the gods, including the Emperor Emperor Decius c

Valerian, Diocletian & Galerius
Decius died in 250 fighting the Germans but persecutions continue under Valerian (c ) The most severe take place under Diocletian ( ) and Galerius ( ) during the years In 311 under considerable pressure Galerius halts the persecution. In 313 Constantine, who now controls the Western Empire, issues the Edict of Milan granting Christianity free expression and many privileges Priestess making an offering to the gods

The Last of the Persecutions
Last Roman persecutions under Diocletian were the worst (303) Vitality and growth of Christianity seen as threat to the old order. At the same time the Roman Empire was becoming too unwieldy to govern efficiently. Diocletian divided the Empire into West and the East. He moved to the eastern part and appointed another to the western. He was persuaded that persecuting Christians would help his cause.

Constantine Conquers 292: Diocletian divides Empire with Maximian
305: Diocletian & Maximian abdicate 312: Struggle between Maxentius and Constantine for Western Empire 312: In hoc signo vinces – Constantine defeats Maxentius near Rome at the Milvian Bridge 313: Constantine issues Edict of Milan, guaranteeing right of religious freedom within the Emprie Constantine then unites both Eastern and Western Empires under his rule

Christianity’s New Status
Dramatic change – from persecuted to favored religion almost overnight Between 250 and 311 over 60,000 Christians were put to death During the same period their numbers rose from three to seven million and now represented 15% of entire population. The persecutions had made people take notice and ask: “Why would so many people of all social classes willingly go to their deaths?”

Early Church: The Eucharist
Jesus teaching in the synagogue in Capernaum: He announced the Eucharist, telling the people that unless they ate the flesh of the Son of Man and drank His blood, they would have no life in them. Consequently many of disciples left Him complaining, "this is a hard saying. Who can listen to it?" Yet instead of correcting a possible false impression or qualifying the mystery of faith, He turned to the Twelve and asked them, "Do you also wish to go away?" If baptism was the means for entering the kingdom of God on earth, the Eucharist became the normal condition for remaining in that kingdom. "He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has life everlasting, and I will raise him up on the last day." No other mystery of faith more clearly identified Christianity as a visible society. "Take care," Ignatius of Antioch wrote to the Philadelphians, "to partake of one Eucharist; for one is the flesh of our Lord Jesus Christ, one the cup to unite us with His blood, and one altar, just as there is one bishop.”

Jesus at the Last Supper: Made the Eucharist a permanent institution The Eucharist and the priesthood are instituted together The Apostles would be the ones through which the graces of redemption would flow from Jesus Christ to all of humanity “My Blood of the New Covenant” underscores the continuity between the two Laws and the perfection of the Christian over the Jewish dispensation To make the Eucharist a permanent institution and perpetuate the fruits of the Cross, Christ at the Last Supper gave His followers the power and duty to do what He had done, "in commemoration of me." When He ordained His chosen twelve, He was instituting those through whom the graces of the redemption were to flow from the Redeemer to the whole of mankind. When pronouncing the words of his first consecration, Jesus spoke of "my blood of the New Covenant," to underscore the continuity between the two Laws and the perfection of the Christian over the Jewish dispensation. Among other early apologists, Justin Martyr argued from the Christian Eucharist to a fulfillment of the Messianic prophecies. The clean oblation foretold by Malachi, he said, is "the bread of the Eucharist and the chalice of the Eucharist." The ministry of Christ was to be open to all people, and not limited to the descendants of one family; it was to serve the welfare of all nations, and not only the sons of Abraham; it was to end the multiplicity of sacrifices among the Jews in favor of the one oblation of the Lamb of God offering Himself to the heavenly Father. This would give the Church of Christ a unity and universality that no other religion had ever enjoyed.

History of the Eucharist
Eucharist first called the “Breaking of the Bread” Soon necessary to separate the rite from a meal, because of abuses at meals (1 Cor 11:17-22) and to ensure a more prayerful setting By the year 150, St. Justin Martyr tells us, the basic structure of the Mass had already long been in place The early Church was not only hierarchical, it was liturgical and sacramental. But it was above all Eucharistic. St. Ignatius of Antioch , in his letter to the church at Smyrna, attacks local heretics who "abstain from the Eucharist and from prayer, because they do not confess that the Eucharist is the flesh of Our Savior Jesus Christ, flesh which suffered for our sins...." By the year 150, when St. Justin Martyr described the Sunday liturgy in some detail, all the principal elements of the Mass are in place: Scriptural readings, prayers of intercession, offertory, Eucharistic prayer, and communion. There was no need back then to remind the faithful that Sunday Mass attendance was obligatory, since they regarded the liturgy as absolutely central to their lives as Christians. It would not have occurred to them to forgo Sunday Mass for a brunch date or a tee time or a football game.

The first-century document, the Didache or “Teaching of the Apostles” shows the development of the Eucharist Eucharist celebrated on Sunday in memory of Christ’s resurrection The early Christians created a Liturgy of the Word somewhat modeled after synagogue prayer that included readings from Scripture, singing of psalms and an instruction Around the words of Eucharistic institution they added prayers of thanksgiving, praise and intercession (today’s Eucharistic Prayer) The readings at these early Masses were from both the Old Testament (then simply called "Scripture") and from many (but not all) of the documents that eventually would comprise the New Testament. And how did the New Testament canon come together? Although some seem to think otherwise, this was not a spontaneous process. Humanly speaking, it involved a lot of institutional machinery. The 27 books themselves were a kind of providential accident. Christ Himself did not write anything, nor (so far as we know) did He tell His disciples to write anything. There is, after all, something about hearing, rather than just reading, the Christian message. "Faith comes by hearing," writes Paul, who, even though a scholar, does not say "by reading." Books are wonderful evangelical tools, but it is still true that most conversions are brought about by personal witness.

How did the first Christians experience the Eucharist? A Sacrament A Sacrifice The new Passover The re-presentation of the Paschal Mystery The Communion of God with man The revelation of heavenly worship The source and summit of the Church’s life and unity This development was reported by a late first-century document, the Didache or “Teaching of the Apostles.” Eucharist was moved to Sunday in memory of Christ’s resurrection. In place of the meal the early Christians created a Liturgy of the Word somewhat modeled after synagogue prayer that included readings from Scripture, singing of psalms and an instruction. Around the words of institution they added prayers of thanksgiving, praise and intercession. By the year 150, St. Justin Martyr tells us that the basic structure of the Mass was already in place. These celebrations were held in people’s homes up until the year 313. Although the Mass has changed in external forms from age to age, the “Mass of all ages” remains the same, recognizable in the Church’s doctrine and in the details of the ritual.

Early celebrations were held in people’s homes After 313 AD more churches were built and the Mass shifted from homes to churches On Sunday there were two readings by a lector, a homily by the priest, then the Eucharistic Prayer and the distribution of Communion Yes, there was a collection! For widows, orphans and others in need The threefold roles of bishop, priest and deacon were already in place in the first century Our Second Eucharistic Prayer today is brief and simple, and owes its inspiration to one composed by Hippolytus of Rome in 215 On Sunday there were two readings by a lector, a homily by the priest, then the Eucharistic Prayer and the distribution of Communion. And yes, there was a collection—for widows, orphans and others in need! The threefold roles of bishop, priest and deacon were already in place in the first century. Our Second Eucharistic Prayer today is brief and simple, and owes its inspiration to a similar one composed by Hippolytus of Rome in 215. It is clear that the basic form of the Eucharist occurred very early and has remained remarkably durable for 2,000 years.

Discussion: The Eucharist in the 2nd Century Handout
Read Handout: St. Justin Martyr’s First Apology (65-67) written c. 150 A.D. Identify the structures of the celebration of the Eucharist in this text. Which are the same? Which are different? What does this tell you about the importance of celebrating the Mass throughout the ages? St. Justin Martyr

Multiplication of Loaves
Early Church: The Eucharist Church sees multiplication miracle as a “type” of the Eucharist, a foreshadowing. Tabgha – an Arabic corruption of the Greek Heptapegon (Seven Springs) – traditional site of the miracle of the multiplication of loaves and fishes (Mt 14: 13-21). Situated in a narrow, fertile valley on the northern shore of the lake, watered by several springs The earliest building at Tabgha was a small 4th century chapel; only a part of its foundations was uncovered. This was probably the shrine described by the pilgrim Egeria at the end of the 4th century: Multiplication of Loaves

Church of the Loaves and Fishes (Tabgha) Early Mosaic of Eucharist, Tabgha, Galilee

In the same place (not far from Capernaum) facing the Sea of Galilee is a well watered land in which lush grasses grow, with numerous trees and palms. Nearby are seven springs which provide abundant water. In this fruitful garden Jesus fed five thousand people with five loaves of bread and two fish. The Sea of Galilee The stone on which the Master placed the bread became an altar. The many pilgrims to the site broke off pieces of it as a cure for their ailments.

Early Heresies [30 -250 A.D.] Jewish heresies
Regarded Christianity as simply an extension of Judaism Mere association with Gentiles considered an abomination Gentiles must adhere to all Jewish laws, including circumcision and dietary laws Mistaken concepts of the Messiah caused some Jewish converts to question the divinity of Christ – Peter and Paul among the most active in refuting these arguments The teaching and preaching of Jesus during His public life served as the basis of the Deposit of Faith. Naturally, there were varying interpretations of what Jesus actually meant in specific instances and these difficulties had to be resolve to preserve the unity Jesus willed for His Church. Such decisions were made only after careful study and discussion – councils & synods – by the Church leadership and through examination of the writings of the Fathers of the Church. When a problem was finally resolved, it was with the assurance of the gift of infallibility designed to guard the integrity of the faith and to preserve the Church from error in its teaching on faith and morals. A heresy is a belief held by baptized Christians that denies, casts doubt on, or seeks to alter a Divinely revealed truth that has been set forth by the established Teaching Authority (called the Magisterium) of the Church. Any persons who so act and refuse to recant are called heretics.

Early Heresies [30 -250 A.D.] Gnosticism
The most influential of early heresies. Gnostics were Gentile Christians who combined Christianity with Eastern religions Believed in salvation through gnosis, or knowledge, not through faith or works Often believed Christ was a revealer of the hidden knowledge, a body of secret instructions given to the apostles. (Mk 4:33-34; 1 Cor 2:6-7) Gnosticism: Origins and Influences By modern standards, Gnosticism seems so different from Christianity as to be a different religion. As it turns out, Gnosticism was a blend of Christianity with other Middle Eastern philosophies and religions, such as Zoroastrianism and Neo-Platonism. The primary form of Christian heresy in the very Early Church was Gnosticism. The term comes from the Greek word gnosis, meaning knowledge. Gnosticism was vigorously refuted by Paul, John and Peter in the New Testament, as well as by many of the Early Church Fathers, including Irenaeus, Tertullian, Hippolytus, and Justin Martyr. General characteristics of Gnosticism include: Belief in salvation through gnosis, or knowledge, not through faith. Belief that Christ was a revealer of the hidden knowledge necessary for salvation. Belief in a body of secret instructions given to the apostles by Christ, and that Testament verses such as Mark 4:33-34 or 1 Cor 2: 6-7 indicated of the existence of such a body of knowledge. Some Gnostics viewed Christ as a great prophet, but not as being divine

Early Heresies [30 -250 A.D.] Gnosticism
Some Gnostics denied Christ’s divinity, others his humanity. All opposed Church teaching Belief in dualism Antinomianism – sex, drugs & rock & roll, 1st century version Docetism - Christ pure spirit – material things evil Many Gnostics -- Dualism, the view that there are two Gods of equal power in the Universe - one evil (created the world and all material things), and one good (created all spiritual and heavenly things). “Evil" God often associated with the Old Testament God. Battle between the good and evil god often expressed as the Kingdom of Light vs. Kingdom of Darkness. Some believed that the soul (created by the "good god") was lured (by the "evil god") into the transitory physical body. Hence, humanity’s goal is to escape from the physical body and return to the godhead, become one with the "good god". Some Gnostics believed that one’s soul could go through multiple iterations in an impure physical body (reincarnation). Since the “evil” god created the material world, the Gnostics believed all material things are evil. Led to 2 practices: extreme form of asceticism – denial of the flesh; and antinomianism which states that, since the body is evil, and the soul pure, it doesn’t matter what you do with your body (a 1st century version of “sex, drugs, and rock and roll”). Some Gnostics believed in different spiritual levels: highest level guaranteed salvation; lowest level denied salvation; all in between must fight for salvation. Some believed in Docetism (from Gr. dokesis, or semblance) – Christ a pure spirit, not a flesh and blood human being – a dualist spinoff. A manifestation of the “good” god could never exist in a carnal, fleshly form.

Early Heresies [30 -250 A.D.] Marcionism
Outgrowth of Gnosticism begun by Marcion (c ) Made a distinction between the creator God of the Old Testament and the redeemer God of Jesus Christ Denied relationship between Old and New Testaments, the Incarnation, and rejected validity of most of the New Testament The Marcionite heresy was certainly the greatest threat to the Catholic Church during the 2nd Century Marcion (c ) was a second century heretic who made a distinction between the creator God of the Old Testament and the redeemer God of Jesus Christ. The creator God of the Jews inspired the Old Testament, but was an inferior God of judgment and justice. The good redeemer God, however, sent Jesus Christ. Marcion believed the creator God deceived the apostles into becoming Judaizers by having them connect the Gospel with corrupt Jewish elements and OT teachings. Because he rejected all Jewish elements and OT teachings, his biblical canon contained no evidence of these items. It had only had ten of Paul’s epistles and parts of the Gospel of Luke. This heretical canon eventually spurred the Church to formulate a true canon of the inspired OT and NT books. Like the Gnostics, Marcion believed that matter was evil and that asceticism was the best way. The Marcionite church that he established rivaled the Catholic Church and existed for several centuries. Marcion donated 200,000 sesterces to the Church of Rome after Pope Hyginus died in 143, an impressive sum of money. The Church of Rome returned the money to Marcion after they learned of his odd doctrines (i.e. that the Old Covenant God was an evil demiurge). Many have conjectured that this "gift" was actually a calculated bribe on the part of Marcion and his adherents in order to obtain the bishopric of Rome. At this same time, Tertullian (Adversus Valentinianos IV) claims that Valentinus was a candidate for bishopric of Rome. Needless to say, Valentinus and Marcion were passed over for Pope St. Pius I. Tertullian says after this great disappointment, Valentinus entered into schism and developed his advanced Gnostic doctrines. Marcion set up his parallel "church" at this time, as well. Providentially, the Holy See was protected and Pope St. Pius I was chosen as the successor of St. Peter. Marcion (C )

Early Heresies [30 -250 A.D.] Montanism Montanus (d. 175)
Montanus (d. 175) considered himself a prophet Rejected the Church in favor of direct prophecy from God - Montanus claimed to be possessed by God and spoke as God Claimed to be voice of “the Father, the Word, and the Paraclete” Advocated fasting, chastity and martyrdom; serious sinners could never be restored to a state of grace Perhaps due to his extreme personality, the famous Tertullian joined and defended the Montanists. The sect survived the death of Montanus for a few centuries, but eventually became small and secretive before disappearing altogether. It is a heresy or, better yet, a schism caused by the prophet, Montanus, and two prophetesses, Maximilla and Prisca (Priscilla) in Phrygia during the late second century. As witnessed in the Acts of the Apostles, the exterior gifts of the Holy Spirit (e.g. praying in tongues & prophecy) were common in the infant Church. But St. Paul already in his First Epistle to the Corinthians warns Christians that these extraordinary gifts of the Holy Spirit are not as important as the interior gifts of sanctity. "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels,... And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries... but have not love, I am nothing". [1 Cor. 13:1-2] Such exterior gifts need to be tempered by humility and obedience to the Church, since Satan can more easily counterfeit them. Unfortunately Montanus and his followers, called Montanists, did not remain loyal to the Church but broke away. At first, their prophecies were not heretical but simply extravagant. The early prophecies called for penance and strict fasts on certain days. But unlike the prophets of the Old Testament who spoke as messengers of God: "Thus says the Lord", Montanus claimed to be possessed by God and spoke as God: "I am the Lord God omnipotent, who has descended into man." These prophecies also occurred during mad ecstasies. This concerned certain holy Churchmen, who tried to exorcise them. Later Montanus claimed that Christ's redemption was still not complete; therefore, God possessed him in order to fulfill the salvation for all men. The Montanists highly valued chastity, virginity and martyrdom. They also disapproved of second marriages. Due to their emotional and rigorous nature, they attracted Christians, who thought that the Church was too secular and lax. Due to his extreme personality, the famous Tertullian also joined them and defended their cause. The sect survived the death of Montanus for a few centuries, but eventually became small and secret before disappearing altogether. Montanus (d. 175)

Early Heresies [30 -250 A.D.] Modalism
Heresy started by Sabellius, a Libyan priest Held that the Trinity was not three distinct Persons, but simply modes or manifestations of one Divine Person Ignored the words of Jesus regarding the Father and the Holy Spirit Modalism quickly died out; it was too contrary to the ancient Christian faith to survive for long A modern form exists among some Pentecostals – Jesus Only doctrine -- claims that Jesus is the only person in the Godhead and that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are merely names, modes, or roles of Jesus In the third century, Sabellius, a Libyan priest who was staying at Rome, invented a new one. He claimed there is only one person in the Godhead, so that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are all one person with different "offices," rather than three persons who are one being in the Godhead, as the orthodox position holds. Of course, people immediately recognized that Sabellius’ teaching contradicted the historic faith of the Church, and he was quickly excommunicated. His heresy became known as Sabellianism, Modalism, and Patripassianism. It was called Sabellianism after its founder, Modalism after the three modes or roles which it claimed the one person of the Trinity occupied, and Patripassianism after its implication that the person of the Father (Pater-) suffered (-passion) on the cross when Jesus died. Because Modalism asserts that there is only one person in the Godhead, it makes nonsense of passages which show Jesus talking to his Father (e.g., John 17), or declaring he is going to be with the Father (John 14:12, 28, 16:10) One role of a person cannot go to be with another role of that person, or say that the two of them will send the Holy Spirit while they remain in heaven (John 14:16-17, 26, 15:26, 16:13–15; Acts 2:32–33). Modalism quickly died out; it was too contrary to the ancient Christian faith to survive for long. Unfortunately, it was reintroduced in the early twentieth century in the new Pentecostal movement. In its new form, Modalism is often referred to as Jesus Only theology since it claims that Jesus is the only person in the Godhead and that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit are merely names, modes, or roles of Jesus. Today the United Pentecostal Church, as well as numerous smaller groups which call themselves "apostolic churches," teach the Jesus Only doctrine. Through the Word Faith movement, it has begun to infect traditionally Trinitarian Pentecostalism. Ironically, Trinity Broadcasting Network, operated by Word Faith preacher Paul Crouch, has given a television voice to many of these Jesus Only preachers (who are, of course, militantly anti-Trinitarian).

Early Heresies [ A.D.] Novationism Novatian (d. 258), a 3rd century Roman priest, held that serious sinners were excommunicated and could never be readmitted Denied that the Church has the power to grant absolution in certain cases St. Cyprian said the Novatians no longer believed in the creed by rejecting belief in the remission of sins, and everlasting life through Holy Church Novatian set himself up as antipope to St. Cornelius; eventually established his own church Pope St. Cornelius

Early Heresies [30 -250 A.D.] Subordinationism
Teaches falsely that the Son is not eternal or divine (Arian Subordinationism) Son is therefore not equal with the Father in being or in attributes Another form of the heresy teaches that, though the Son is divine, he is not equal to the Father in being, attributes, and rank Essentially in all its forms it states that the Son is not equal to the Father Error rejected by the Council of Nicaea and strongly attacked by St. Athanasius Subordinationism is a heresy concerning the Trinity. Subordinationism (Jesus is different in nature than the Father) should not be confused with subordination (the Son submitting to the Father). Subordinationism is a heresy concerning the Father and Son, though sometimes the Holy Spirit is included. The error has different forms, but it is primarily the teaching that the Son is not eternal and divine (Arian Subordinationism), and is, therefore, not equal to the Father in being and attributes. This is, of course, wrong and it is in contrast to the biblical doctrine of the Economic Trinty (relationship between the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) which does not deny their equality of nature and attributes. Another form of Subordinationism states that though the Son is divine, he is not equal to the Father in being, attributes, and rank. This error was rejected at the Council of Nicea. Essentially subordinationism states that the Son is inferior to the Father. Subordinationism is not the same as Christ's subordination to the Father (1 Cor 15:28) which concerns Jesus' continued state of being a man (1 Tim 2:5) by which he lives forever to intercede for us as a high priest (Heb 6:20; 7:25). St. Athanasius

Catholic Culture: Early Debate
Christians faced problems in a pagan world: How to educate their children? Could classical culture be assimilated or should it be rejected in favor of a new culture based solely on Scripture and the Fathers? Tertullian believed in the latter: “What has Jerusalem to do with Athens…the Church with the academy, the Christian with the heretic?” Clement of Alexandria held opposite view: since God is source of all truth, the many truths found in Greek philosophy, arts and sciences were not to be rejected. A well-educated Christian can better receive and defend the truths of the Faith, Tertullian Some attempts to teach basic educational skills solely through Christian texts – not very successful. It’s one thing to remain apart from pagan practices, entertainment and behavior, and another to escape from all contemporary cultural and intellectual influences. St. Clement of Alexandria

Catholic Culture: Education
Clement’s view prevailed and led to the great synthesis of classical learning with Christianity Christians did not generally establish their own schools in the Roman world, even when they weren’t being persecuted Used secular schools but added intense instruction in Christians doctrine – by parents to children, by the Church to catechumens, by clergy to the whole community St. John Chrysostom instructed parents to tell their children Bible stories in an interesting and systematic way The early Christian family was deeply involved in religious training of children. Only after several centuries did Christian schools widely develop St. John Chrysostom

Catholic Culture: Literature
Roman period rich in great Christian literature Sts. Jerome, Augustine, Ambrose produced first works of Christian theology, philosophy, exegesis and history Creating the new discipline of Christian theology was a monumental task No Greek or Latin vocabulary ; theological terminology had to be created Platonic influence very strong in early Church – “idealism” of perfect forms and the perfect state (Plato’s Republic) utopia Platonism appealing – other worldly character – an escape from the realities of the roman Empire The Greek philosopher who most influenced early Christianity was not Aristotle, the down-to-earth, realistic, scientist…but Plato the idealist. Idealism here doesn’t mean noble ideals, but a basic view of reality. For Plato, material things are reflections or imperfect copies of their perfect forms that exist somewhere in the “world of ideas” – hence, idealism. The forms are a higher reality than what we experience with our senses. Plato’s idealism is also revealed in his political treatise, The Republic, where he portrays a perfect state – a utopia – rather than political systems as they really are. Platonism appealed to Christian thinkers partly because of its other worldly character – the world of ideas was an escape from the depraved and sordid society of the Roman Empire. And for Plato, unlike Aristotle, the study of nature held no attraction, and attitude that would have consequences for later Christian thought. The forms, though, could be understood as ideas in the mind of God: and so Platonism could be made to seem compatible with Christianity, and its influence lasted for centuries. Plato

History of the Catholic Church A 2,000-Year Journey

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