The Early Church (33-476 A.D.) The Roman Church: Christianity on the Rise
Did anything about early Church history surprise you? If so, what – and why?
Monasticism Movement away from the world to pursue holiness through prayer
St. Antony of Egypt c. 251-356
St. Basil 330-379 A.D. “If you live alone, whose feet will you wash?”
Maxentius Constantine 278-312 A.D. 272-337 A.D.
“In this sign you will conquer.” “In hoc signo vinces.” Chi-Rho
Battle at the Milvian Bridge 311 A.D.
The Milvian Bridge - Today
Invictus Constantinus Max Aug “Unconquered Constantine, the Great, Augustus” Sol Invictus “The Unconquered Sun”
Edict of Milan (313 A.D.) Ends 250+ years of Christian persecution in the Roman Empire
Post-Persecution Church • Free to worship openly • Churches built; hierarchy established • Established Christian Scriptures • 27 New Testament books determined* • Free to discuss theological issues • Christological ecumenical councils
Jewish Roots The Mass was adapted from the Jewish synagogue service, and the Eucharist replaced the Jewish family meal eaten on the eve of the Sabbath
From House Churches to Basilicas Large, rectangular buildings where the Emperor heard court cases
Roman Basilica Christian Church
Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome Built 432-440
Church Hierarchy Defined Pope Bishop Priest Deacon Bishop of Rome; Supervisors; presided Dressed as imperial Elected by community “First among equals” over liturgy, managed officials; aided bishop to help the bishop; distributed alms and in authority over funds and property, in administering Communion other bishops maintained unity sacraments
St. Helena c. 250-330 A.D.
Church of the Holy Sepulcher – Jerusalem
Church of the Nativity – Bethlehem
Arius c. 256-336 A.D.
The Council of Nicaea 325 A.D.
Debating the Nature of Jesus Christ Arius: Nicholas: Homoiousios Homoousios (similar) (same) Christianity nearly split over one iota !
Tempers Flare at Nicaea
The Council of Nicaea Declared Christ homoousios and condemned Arius The closest English translation is consubstantial Developed the original draft of Nicene Creed
I HCOY C X PICTO C
Constantinople Becomes the New Capital 326-330 A.D.
Constantine’s Contributions to Christianity Direction Survival, hierarchy, infrastructure Definition Beliefs defined; heresy refuted
Do you think the attempts to define Jesus lead to greater understanding or did they just confuse believers?
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