History of the Catholic Church Unit 1 (Definitions)

Ekklesia

Those called out; An assembly

Pope

Leads and teaches the world Church community

Bishop

The successors of the Apostles; Lead and teach a diocese

Apostolate

The mission of the church; The whole church is sent out to build the Kingdom of God over the whole world

Apostolic Succession

With the guidance of the Holy Spirit the teaching office or the Apostles is headed down through the episcopacy

Heresy

Preach a false doctrine

Sermon on Mount

Jesus proclaims the Kingdom of God

Acts of the Apostles

Describes the early Church and its development and spread; Sometimes referred to as “the Gospel of the Church”

Pentecost

The Church Begins

Sebomenoi

“God Loves”; Jewish Friendly Gentiles

Baptism

The initiation into the Chuch as commanded by God and Christ

Evangelism

The spreading of the faith

Orthodoxy

Correct Teaching; The correct teachings of the church

Martyr

Persecution for following the faith; Dying for the faith

Presbyters

Priests / Local Elders

Deacons

Assistants; Male and female though not quite equal

Canon

Official list of scripture; Connection to an apostle / orthodox teaching

Catacombs

900 miles long; Where early Christians often secretly practiced the faith

Apology

A literary work written to convince Gentiles both of the high moral standards of Christians and the truth of Christian teachings

Constantine

• A sincere Christian, but prioritized politics over religion; Baptized on his deathbed; Issued Edict of Milan

Constantinople

New captiol fro the Roman Empire

2 Swords

Pope & Emperor are vicars of Christ

Edict of Milan

Created relgious toleration in the Roman Empire; Made Christianity legal

Early Centers of Christianity

• Rome

• Antioch

• Jerusalem

• Constantinople

• Alexandria

Pelagianism

Humans are sinful by imitation, not original sin; Humans can become perfectly holy through their own endeavor

Arianism

Jesus is a very Godly human, but not quite God

Ecumenical Council

Gathering of the entire Church leadership to debate/discuss/resolve a crisis

Creed

Profession of one’s faith

Gnosticism

Several groups with variation; Salvation through secret knowledge of an elite group

Nicene Creed

Made during the Council of Nicaea; A profession of faith

Athanasius

Jesus is fully God