History of the Catholic Church Unit 1 (Big Theme Questions)

Why do we study Church History?

• To understand our Catholic identity

• Gain a sense of the whole Christian family

• Learn the origins and reasons for our practices and teachings

• Gain a sense of what is essential

What are the different meaning of the word church?

• Main definition: Ekklesia, an assembly

• A building

• An institution (Catholic Anglican, Orthodox, etc.)

• A community (The whole family of Christian believes)

What is the difference between the laity and religious?

The laity is not ordained nor in a religious order and can marry. Meanwhile, the religious live a consecrated life in a community (where they with vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.

Why is the church called the Body of Christ?

The church is called the Body of Christ because of how many roles (laity, religious, and ordained) unite over one mission.

Why is the church called the Bride of Christ?

We are God’s beloved, bound ina a covenant of mutual faithfullness

Why is the church called a Pilgrim?

The Church is on a journey to heaven

What is the first mark of the church, and what does it mean?

One; Church Unity

What is the second mark of the church, and what does it mean?

Holy; Different

What is the third mark of the church, and what does it mean?

Catholic; Universal

What is the fourth mark of the church, and what does it mean?

Apostolic; Called to be apostles

Matthew 16:18

• Peter is the “rock” of the Church

• Authority to bind / loosen

• Church attacks, hell is on defense

Matthew 18:17

• Authority to bind / loose

• Holds people accountable

• Jesus is present where 2 or 3 are gathered

• Communal prayer is powerful

Describe the basics of the early Christian liturgy. Where was it celebrated? What was music like? When was it celebrated? What languge was used What is it called? Etc.

Early Christian liturgy was celebrated privately in catacombs and homes. There was no music aside from singing without instruments. Mass was celebrated both Saturday & Sunday in the Greek language.

Describe the early Sacrament of Reconciliation.

Reconciliation was often done in public alongside a crowd and a bishop. Large penances were often and you were only administered the sacrament once

Describe the model for evangelization as set by Paul.

Paul began his evangelization with Jews in synagogues and worked towards Jewish friendly Gentiles, then other Gentiles in the community.

How did Christianity survive after the death of the Apostles? What organizational structures did the Church impose and what practices did it adopt to allow it continue?

The church issues a list of official scripture (canon), a the nicene creed as an official statement of belief, and the hierarchy of the pope, bishops, priests, and deacons.

Peter

• First Leader of the Church

• First “Pope”

• Crucified upside down in Rome

Paul

• Faithful Jew (Eventually converted to Christianity)

• Self-proclaimed Pharisee

• First Christian Theologian

• Roman Citizen (Knew the Gentile world well)

• Beheaded in Rome

• The most prolific and earliest New Testament writer

Gamaliel

• A member of the Jewish Sanhedrin

• Early teacher of St. Paul prior to his conversion

• Advocated a “wait and see” attitude towards Christianity

James

• The first Bishop of Jerusalem

• Key figure during the Council of Jerusalem

Stephen

First Christian Marytr

Perpetua and / or Felicity

• The most famous early martyrs, still in modern mass

• “Perpetua’s Passion” was very famous

Ignatius of Antioch

• Wrote letters to various churches while being transported to his execution

• One of the first to use the term “Catholic”

Why did some Christians react negatively to the Edict of Milan? How did some more fervent Christinas try to accommodate the changes?

Some Catholics believed everyone should be willing to die for their faith, and the Edict of Milan insured that nobody would have to die for their faith. Thus compromising purity and true faith. More fervent Christians would become hermit people, living in highly reclusive lifestyles by living in the deserts alone to focus purely on prayer.

St. Augustine

• Convert

• Bishop

• Doctor of the Church

• Developed the ideas of Original Sin and Just War Theory

• Utilized Greek Philosophy & Christianity

St. Martin of Tours

• First non-martyr

• First non-biblical saint

Council of Jerusalem

• Not technically an ecumenical council

• Crisis: Do Gentile Christians have to follow the rituals of the Law of Moses?

  • Circumcision

  • Dietary Laws

• Gathering: The Apostles in Jerusalem

• Debate: Peter, James, Paul, Barnabas vs Pharisee Christians

  • Authoritative Writing: Prophets & Moses

• Resolution: Only basics of Jewish law apply for Gentile Christians

• Documents: Letters to Churches

Council of Nicaea

• Called & Chaired by Constantine

• Crisis: Jesus’ human and divine nature (Is Jesus God?)

• Gathering: In Nicaea, 318 Bishops

• Debate: Originated in Egypt; Jesus is Godly vs Jesus is God

  • Authoritative Writings: John 1, Common Prayers & Hymns

• Resolution: Jesus is true God

• Documents: Nicene Creed