Church History and Development

Vocabulary flashcards based on key concepts from Church history and development.

What does it mean that the Church is a human institution?

The Church is guided by the Holy Spirit but composed of imperfect humans, capable of holiness and failure.

What is Sacred Tradition?

Divinely inspired passing on of knowledge, teachings, and practices across generations ensuring continuity.

What happened in 70 CE?

The Romans destroyed Jerusalem and the Temple, leading to Christianity's separation from Judaism.

What factors helped Christianity spread?

Pax Romana, roads, common languages (Greek & Latin), and appeal to the poor/marginalized.

Why were Christians persecuted?

They refused emperor worship, posed a threat to Roman religion, and were seen as anti-social.

What was the significance of the Edict of Milan?

Legalized Christianity, ended persecution, and allowed rapid growth.

What was the First Council of Nicaea?

The first ecumenical council that defined key beliefs and affirmed Jesus’ divinity and the Trinity.

How did heresies shape doctrine?

Heresies forced the Church to clarify and define its beliefs more precisely.

Arianism denies what?

Arianism denied Jesus’ divinity.

What is the Nicene Creed's counter to Arianism?

"Consubstantial with the Father" affirms Jesus’ divinity.

What is nominalism in the context of Christianity's legalization?

Nominalism refers to the existence of fake believers as a result of political corruption.

Who were the Desert Fathers and Mothers?

Christians who withdrew from society to seek a deeper relationship with God.

What was St. Benedict known for?

Structured monastic life encapsulated in the motto "Ora et Labora" (pray and work).

What was the Great Schism caused by?

Language differences, politics, doctrinal discrepancies, and mutual excommunication.

What is 'Filioque'?

A phrase added by the Western Church to the Creed, rejected by the Eastern Church.

How did the role of icons differ between the East and West?

The East debated icon usage while the West supported it, increasing division.

What corrupt practices emerged in the Church?

Simony, investiture controversy, and misuse of indulgences for profit.

What was the impact of Islam on Christianity?

Limited Christian territory and triggered conflicts such as the Crusades.

What tension existed between the Church and kings?

Both sought authority; the Church controlled salvation while kings controlled land.

What were common practices in Christian life in Medieval Europe?

Eucharist, penance, pilgrimage, veneration of relics, and saints.

What is the College of Cardinals?

An advisory body to the pope that elects a new pope.

What was the Avignon Papacy?

The period when the pope moved to France, leading to division and weakened authority.

What was the purpose of a pilgrimage?

To journey to holy places for spiritual growth and forgiveness.

Why did the Crusades occur?

To control the Holy Land, motivated by religious, political, and economic reasons.

What were the outcomes of the Crusades?

Violence, division, and weakened Byzantine Empire.

What marked the Church's transformation from Middle Ages to Renaissance?

A shift from spiritual focus to humanism, with increased corruption and the triggering of the Reformation.

What were the changes in art from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance?

From fear and divine power to beauty and humanity.

How did the printing press impact the Reformation?

It spread ideas quickly, allowing Luther’s messages to reach the masses.

What were Martin Luther's key teachings?

Faith alone (Sola Fide) and Scripture alone (Sola Scriptura).

How do Lutherans and Catholics differ in beliefs about salvation?

Lutherans believe in salvation by faith alone, while Catholics believe in faith, works, and grace.

What was the Church's response to Luther?

The Church condemned Luther and initiated reforms.

What were the Counter-Reformation outcomes?

Reformed corruption, clarified doctrine, and strengthened Church authority.

Who was Ignatius of Loyola?

The founder of the Jesuits, focusing on education, discipline, and missionary work.