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.

Arius

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)