Theo-the church is one

Patristic era

-Christians were persecuted under Roman rule, so worship had to be done in secret

-Theological questions arose regarding the faith such as the nature of the Trinity, the

natures of Christ, and whether a person had to be circumcised in order to be Christian. The first ecumenical councils addressed these issues

Institutionalization Era

-Christianity is now legal, and the official religion of Rome. Public worship is allowed

-Each local church is led by a bishop, who then establishes parishes which are led by

pastors

Isolation era

-The fall of Rome caused a power vacuum that the pope filled. The pope had much more

power than other bishops in this era.

-There are growing differences between the Eastern and Western Churches in Liturgy,

culture, music, art, etc.

Rebirth Era

-The Church flourishes in membership, art, architectural developments, and new discoveries

-The Church still struggles with corrupt leaders, and adapting to the new scientific discoveries of the Renaissance.

Under Siege Era

• Martin Luther's 95 theses began the protestant reformation; in response, the Church clarifies its teachings through the Council of Trent

• In response to the Protestant reformation, the Church seeks uniformity of all the different churches, and increases in missionary activity around the world.

Modern Era

• The Second Vatican Council makes strides in modernizing the Liturgy, clarifying the Scriptures, defining the role of the Laity, and the role of the Church.