Post on 23-Feb-2016
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CHRISTIANIZATION &
HERESIES
Christianization of the Empire
313: Edict of Milan by ConstantineLegalized Christianity
380—Theodosius I Declared Christianity the official
religion of the Roman EmpireAll other religions were outlawed
Christianization of the Empire Split of Empire:
West Culture and language: Latin Main city: Rome
East Cultures: Greek, Syrian, and Coptic Language: Greek Main cities: Alexandria, Antioch, Jerusalem, and Constantinople
Christianization of the Empire Beginning of Christian societies Shortening of catechumenate Babies baptized Churches replace Pagan temples Veneration of martyrs, saints, and relics Christianization of names/celebrations
Ex: Winter Solstice became Christmas Bishop became leader in all aspects of
life
Arianism Arius (d. 336)—priest in Alexandria 4 key views:
Father alone is God. Jesus was “made” and has a beginning. Jesus is from nothing. The Son makes the universe, but is not God.
Bishop Alexander of Alexandria (d. 339)—tells Arius he must repent.
Becomes an international dispute.
Arianism Constantine (d. 338) advised to call a
council. Council of Nicaea (325) & new creed
Jesus is “true God from true God.” Jesus is “begotten, not made.” Jesus is from “the substance of the Father.”—
homoousious (consubstantial) Many anathemas against Arius and his
beliefs. Arius is exiled, and he disappears. But the
real dispute lives on…
Arianism Uncomfortable with the word
homoousious. 340s-360s: Many new creeds and
councils Arians controlled much of the Roman
Empire. In 358, there was even an Arian creed passed, which made it illegal to say homoousious.
Athanasius of Alexandria
Arianism Athanasius of Alexandria (d. 373)—
bishop and defender of Christ as God Sent on 5 exiles! Life of Antony. Deification: Only God can make us God-like.
Jesus makes us God-like, therefore Jesus is God.”
Eternal Generation—“Jesus is light from light.”
Cappadocian Fathers Gregory of Nyssa (335-394) Gregory of Nazianzus (d.
389) Basil of Caesarea (330-379)
Cappadocian Fathers
Cappadocian Fathers The Council of Constantinople (381) Formula: God is 3 persons in one
essence. (3 hypostases in one ousia.)
Deification by the Holy Spirit. Arguments against them
St. Ambrose of Milan (339-397)
St. Ambrose of Milan (339-397)
Monk and later Bishop of Milan Renowned preacher Fights for Church independence
Excommunicated Emperor Theodosius Fights Arianism and other heresies
St. Augustine
St. Augustine
St. Aurelius Augustine of Hippo (354-430)
Bishop, monk, teacher, & theologian Late conversion in life. He went to hear a speech…the
opponent was St. Ambrose. Scenes in the Garden (386) when he
hears a child’s voice say, “Take and read.”
St. Aurelius Augustine of Hippo (354-430)
Fought numerous heretics: Manicheans, Donatists, Pelagians, & Arians
Defends Christianity against the barbarians in The City of God
Autobiography of his life and conversion: Confessions
Wrote a set of monastic rules
St. Aurelius Augustine of Hippo (354-430)
His ideas became the basis of Christianity. One, Holy, catholic Sacraments: Power of Christ Man and woman are equal Grace: As a gift from God Original Sin
Humanity of Christ Alexandrian view:
“Perfect divinity of Christ”Jesus has no human mindThe concernProblems with this view
Humanity of Christ Antiochene View:
“Perfect humanity of Christ”Biblical basis proves Jesus is fully
humanView: Jesus was man fully possessed
by God from birth. Slogan: “Two natures in one person.”Problems with this view
Humanity of Christ Antiochene View:
John Chrysostom (d. 407)
Humanity of Christ Antiochene View:
John Chrysostom (d. 407) Preacher & monk “Golden mouthed” Named Patriarch of Constantinople Wrote On the Priesthood
Theotokos of Mary St. Cyril of Alexandria (412-444)
Christ is a hypostatic union; He is one hypostasis.
Council of Ephesus (431)
Leo the Great
Theotokos of Mary Council of Chalcedon (451)
Pope Leo I (Papacy: 440-461) a.k.a. Leo the Great Tome finds the answer. Fully human AND fully divine
Finally Leo’s Tome is approved along with the definition of the Council of Chalcedon. “2 natures…in 1 person” “…one substance” (hypostasis) Mary as Theotokos and respect for the unity of
Christ Homoousious with the Father
St. (Eusebius) Jerome (342-420)
St. (Eusebius) Jerome (342-420)
Scholar, historian, & monk Translated the Bible into Latin Vulgate
(397) Vulgate became the “official” Bible for the
Catholic Church at the Council of Trent (1545-1563)