Church History - Revision history

Admin at 23:45, 23 August 2015

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	The early Christian church was also persecuted, and did not persecute heathens or other Christians. Any Church guilty of persecution does not follow the example of Jesus Christ set forth by the Apostles in the Bible.		The early Christian church was also persecuted, and did not persecute heathens or other Christians. Any Church guilty of persecution does not follow the example of Jesus Christ set forth by the Apostles in the Bible.


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			[[Category:Doctrines]]
			[[Category:The Seven Church Ages]]
			[[Category:Church history]]

Admin at 19:09, 1 July 2015

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			{{Church History}}
	'''Before ascending into Heaven''', Jesus had told his disciples to return to Jerusalem and stay there until they were ''"endued with power from on high."'' On the day of Pentecost, a rushing wind from heaven filled the room in Jerusalem where the disciples were sitting, tongues of fire appeared above the 120 people who had gathered to pray and, running into the streets, the disciples spoke in foreign languages understood by strangers in the city.		'''Before ascending into Heaven''', Jesus had told his disciples to return to Jerusalem and stay there until they were ''"endued with power from on high."'' On the day of Pentecost, a rushing wind from heaven filled the room in Jerusalem where the disciples were sitting, tongues of fire appeared above the 120 people who had gathered to pray and, running into the streets, the disciples spoke in foreign languages understood by strangers in the city.

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	This call to repent is still heard around the World today.		This call to repent is still heard around the World today.
	~~{{Church History}}~~

	=The Early Church=		=The Early Church=

Believethesign at 17:49, 22 July 2014

2014-07-22T17:49:57Z

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	The early Christian church was also persecuted, and did not persecute heathens or other Christians. Any Church guilty of persecution does not follow the example of Jesus Christ set forth by the Apostles in the Bible.		The early Christian church was also persecuted, and did not persecute heathens or other Christians. Any Church guilty of persecution does not follow the example of Jesus Christ set forth by the Apostles in the Bible.

	~~=Growing Pains=~~

	~~==[[The Godhead]]==~~
	The doctrine of One God in Three Persons (the [[Trinity]]) was formulated by Tertullian, a priest in Carthage (Tunisia). The Church of Rome did not initially agree with Tertullian, who later left the established churches. However, this doctrine slowly gained status in the Church at Rome until Bishop Felix began advertising this doctrine to the Church at Alexandria.

	Of the 250-318 Bishops that attended the Council of Nicea (along with 1,200 deacons and accompanying laity - per Athanasius and Eusebius of Caesarea), only two Arians refused to agree with the Nicene creed. This either indicates that they all were in unity, that the creed was sufficently vague to support each of their doctrines, or that the voting was rigged. Considering that 22 Arian supporters attended, the latter two are the most likely. The fact that further councils were called to refine this doctrine, many of which resulted in significant schisms, leads to the conclusion that the creed was at least extremely vague.

	The Godhead has been one of the most divisive subjects in the history of Christianity. Differences of opinion on this topic have often led to bloodshed - as if God wants us to kill each other to protect our notion of who he is.

	~~==Apostolic Succession==~~
	The Bishops in the churches that had Apostolic succsession began to exert influnece over other churches, excommunicating those who did not listen, while fighting for supremacy among themselves. By 400, Anastasius became the first Bishop of Rome to use the title Pope. The doctrine of post-milleniumism began at this time, which resulted in a period of Dark Ages with the Catholic Church at the head of Christendom.

	~~==Adding and Inventing Doctrines==~~
	Constantine donated great amounts of money to the Church at Rome, and build the old St. Peter's Bascilica. Bishops taxes were reduced, and many pagan temples were converted into Christian Churches. While this sounds like a revival, Constantine did not care about salvation and was baptized only on his deathbed. Instead, Constantine thought to win the loyalty of his subjects by subtle manipulation: flattery, and religion.

	*A half-pagan and half-Christian ceremony was performed at the dedication of Constantinople in 330 AD when, in the market place, the Cross of Christ was placed over the head of the Sun-God's chariot, accompanied with hymns.<ref>The New Catholic Encyclopedia (1908) </ref>
	*Later, traditions were implemented (like pennance) that were not Biblical.

	~~==Persecuted to Persecutor==~~
	It was after the Christian Church gained political power that it began persecuting other Christians in order to "enforce doctrine". This resulted in the death of millions, brutal treatment of non-Christians, and deadly inquisitions.


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Believethesign: /* Persecuted to Persecutor */

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Persecuted to Persecutor

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	==Persecuted to Persecutor==		==Persecuted to Persecutor==
	It was after the Christian Church gained political power that it began persecuting other Christians in order to "enforce doctrine". This resulted in the death of millions, and inquisitions ~~that lasted until the 1800's~~.		It was after the Christian Church gained political power that it began persecuting other Christians in order to "enforce doctrine". This resulted in the death of millions, brutal treatment of non-Christians, and deadly inquisitions.


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Believethesign: /* Apostolic Succession */

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Apostolic Succession

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	==Apostolic Succession==		==Apostolic Succession==
	*The Bishops in the churches that had Apostolic succsession began to exert influnece over other churches, excommunicating those who did not listen, while fighting for supremacy among themselves. By 400, Anastasius became the first Bishop of Rome to use the title Pope. The doctrine of post-milleniumism began at this time, which resulted in a period of Dark Ages with Catholic Church at the head of Christendom.		The Bishops in the churches that had Apostolic succsession began to exert influnece over other churches, excommunicating those who did not listen, while fighting for supremacy among themselves. By 400, Anastasius became the first Bishop of Rome to use the title Pope. The doctrine of post-milleniumism began at this time, which resulted in a period of Dark Ages with the Catholic Church at the head of Christendom.

	==Adding and Inventing Doctrines==		==Adding and Inventing Doctrines==

Believethesign: /* The Godhead */

2014-07-21T21:31:08Z

The Godhead

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	=Growing Pains=		=Growing Pains=

	==The Godhead==		==[[The Godhead]]==
	The doctrine of One God in Three Persons (the [[Trinity]]) was formulated by Tertullian, a priest in Carthage (Tunisia). The Church of Rome did not initially agree with Tertullian, who later left the established churches. However, this doctrine slowly gained status in the Church at Rome until Bishop Felix began advertising this doctrine to the Church at Alexandria.		The doctrine of One God in Three Persons (the [[Trinity]]) was formulated by Tertullian, a priest in Carthage (Tunisia). The Church of Rome did not initially agree with Tertullian, who later left the established churches. However, this doctrine slowly gained status in the Church at Rome until Bishop Felix began advertising this doctrine to the Church at Alexandria.

	Of the 250-318 Bishops that attended the Council of Nicea (along with 1,200 deacons and accompanying laity - per Athanasius and Eusebius of Caesarea), only two Arians refused to agree with the Nicene creed. This either indicates that they all were in unity, that the creed was sufficently vague to support each of their doctrines, or that the voting was rigged. Considering that 22 Arian supporters attended, the latter two are the most likely. The fact that further councils were called to refine this doctrine, many of which resulted in significant schisms, leads to the conclusion that the creed was at least extremely vague.		Of the 250-318 Bishops that attended the Council of Nicea (along with 1,200 deacons and accompanying laity - per Athanasius and Eusebius of Caesarea), only two Arians refused to agree with the Nicene creed. This either indicates that they all were in unity, that the creed was sufficently vague to support each of their doctrines, or that the voting was rigged. Considering that 22 Arian supporters attended, the latter two are the most likely. The fact that further councils were called to refine this doctrine, many of which resulted in significant schisms, leads to the conclusion that the creed was at least extremely vague.

	The Godhead has been one of the most divisive subjects in the history of Christianity. Differences of opinion on this topic have often led to bloodshed - as if God wants us to kill each other to protect our notion of who he is.		The Godhead has been one of the most divisive subjects in the history of Christianity. Differences of opinion on this topic have often led to bloodshed - as if God wants us to kill each other to protect our notion of who he is.

	==Apostolic Succession==		==Apostolic Succession==

Believethesign at 20:49, 21 July 2014

2014-07-21T20:49:25Z

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	This call to repent is still heard around the World today.		This call to repent is still heard around the World today.
			{{Church History}}
	*[[Heretics]]
	*[[Popes Through History]]
	*[[Ethiopian Christianity]]
	*[[Non-Catholic Christians]]
	*[[Individual Christians]]
	*[[Christian Movements]]
	*[[Persecuting Christians]]
	*[[Controversy over the Date of Easter]]


	=The Early Church=		=The Early Church=

Believethesign at 20:47, 21 July 2014

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	This call to repent is still heard around the World today.		This call to repent is still heard around the World today.

	~~=The Early Church=~~
	The healings, miracles, and teachings that followed Jesus' ministry also flourished in the early church. They healed the sick, raised the dead, spoke in tongues, and prophesied in Jesus' Name. The persecution that followed Jesus' ministry also followed the early church. As evidence of the truth of Jesus' resurrection, 10 of the 11 remaining disciples (Judas Iscariot having hung himself after betraying Jesus) were martyred for their Christian testimony. The 11th disciple, John, was sent to a penal colony on the Isle of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of "The Revelation of Jesus Christ".

	One of the people who persecuted the early church was a Pharisee named Saul. While heading to Damascus from Jerusalem, a bright light appeared to Saul and said ''"I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest."'' Saul then changed his name to Paul and became a great Christian Apostle, writing a significant portion of the Christian New Testament.

	Peter was the first disciple to preach to the Gentiles (those who were not Jews), and found that the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles just as it had fallen on the Jews. Inspired, Paul began missionary journeys around the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, preaching, healing, and being persecuted.

	Both Peter and Paul prophecy in their writings of false doctrines arising in the church. Paul even said ''"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed"'' (Galatians 1:8). The gospel that Paul and the Disciples preached is recorded in the New Testament. The only way to verify whether historic or modern churches teach correct or false doctrines is to see if they hold to the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles above all other teachings, and see if they have the fruit of the Spirit.

	The early Christian church was also persecuted, and did not persecute heathens or other Christians. Any Church guilty of persecution does not follow the example of Jesus Christ set forth by the Apostles in the Bible.


	*[[Heretics]]		*[[Heretics]]
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			=The Early Church=
			The healings, miracles, and teachings that followed Jesus' ministry also flourished in the early church. They healed the sick, raised the dead, spoke in tongues, and prophesied in Jesus' Name. The persecution that followed Jesus' ministry also followed the early church. As evidence of the truth of Jesus' resurrection, 10 of the 11 remaining disciples (Judas Iscariot having hung himself after betraying Jesus) were martyred for their Christian testimony. The 11th disciple, John, was sent to a penal colony on the Isle of Patmos, where he wrote the Book of "The Revelation of Jesus Christ".

			One of the people who persecuted the early church was a Pharisee named Saul. While heading to Damascus from Jerusalem, a bright light appeared to Saul and said ''"I am Jesus, whom thou persecutest."'' Saul then changed his name to Paul and became a great Christian Apostle, writing a significant portion of the Christian New Testament.

			Peter was the first disciple to preach to the Gentiles (those who were not Jews), and found that the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles just as it had fallen on the Jews. Inspired, Paul began missionary journeys around the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, preaching, healing, and being persecuted.

	~~Origin~~ of ~~Doctrines:~~		Both Peter and Paul prophecy in their writings of false doctrines arising in the church. Paul even said ''"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed"'' (Galatians 1:8). The gospel that Paul and the Disciples preached is recorded in the New Testament. The only way to verify whether historic or modern churches teach correct or false doctrines is to see if they hold to the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles above all other teachings, and see if they have the fruit of the Spirit.
	*The doctrine of One God in ~~Three Persons (~~the ~~[[Trinity]]) was formulated by Tertullian, a priest in Carthage (Tunisia)~~. ~~The Church of Rome did not initially agree with Tertullian~~, ~~but this doctrine slowly gained status in the Church at Rome until Bishop Felix began advertising this doctrine to the Church at Alexandria.~~
	*The Bishops in the churches that ~~had Apostolic succsession began to exert influnece over other churches~~, ~~excommunicating those who did not listen~~ (~~sending them outside the camp~~)~~, while fighting among themselves~~.
	*Traditions were implemented (like pennance) that ~~were not Biblical.~~

	~~In 325~~ the ~~Council of Nicea produced~~ the ~~Nicean Creed, which formalized the doctrine of the Trinity - another victory for the Church of Rome~~.

	~~Of the 250-318 Bishops that attended~~ the ~~Council~~ of ~~Nicea (along with 1,200 deacons~~ and ~~accompanying laity - per Athanasius and Eusebius of Caesarea), only two Arians refused to agree with~~ the ~~Nicene creed. This either indicates that they~~ all ~~were in unity~~, ~~that~~ the ~~creed was sufficently vague to support each~~ of ~~their doctrines, or that the voting was rigged. Considering that 22 Arian supporters attended, the latter two are~~ the ~~most likely~~. ~~The fact that further councils were called to refine this doctrine, each of which have significant dissidents leads to the conclusion that the creed was at least extremely vague.~~

			The early Christian church was also persecuted, and did not persecute heathens or other Christians. Any Church guilty of persecution does not follow the example of Jesus Christ set forth by the Apostles in the Bible.

			=Growing Pains=

			==The Godhead==
			The doctrine of One God in Three Persons (the [[Trinity]]) was formulated by Tertullian, a priest in Carthage (Tunisia). The Church of Rome did not initially agree with Tertullian, who later left the established churches. However, this doctrine slowly gained status in the Church at Rome until Bishop Felix began advertising this doctrine to the Church at Alexandria.

			Of the 250-318 Bishops that attended the Council of Nicea (along with 1,200 deacons and accompanying laity - per Athanasius and Eusebius of Caesarea), only two Arians refused to agree with the Nicene creed. This either indicates that they all were in unity, that the creed was sufficently vague to support each of their doctrines, or that the voting was rigged. Considering that 22 Arian supporters attended, the latter two are the most likely. The fact that further councils were called to refine this doctrine, many of which resulted in significant schisms, leads to the conclusion that the creed was at least extremely vague.

			The Godhead has been one of the most divisive subjects in the history of Christianity. Differences of opinion on this topic have often led to bloodshed - as if God wants us to kill each other to protect our notion of who he is.

			==Apostolic Succession==
			*The Bishops in the churches that had Apostolic succsession began to exert influnece over other churches, excommunicating those who did not listen, while fighting for supremacy among themselves. By 400, Anastasius became the first Bishop of Rome to use the title Pope. The doctrine of post-milleniumism began at this time, which resulted in a period of Dark Ages with Catholic Church at the head of Christendom.

	~~According to the New Catholic Encyclopedia (1908), a half-pagan~~ and half-Christian ceremony was performed at the dedication of Constantinople in 330 AD when, in the market place, the Cross of Christ was placed over the head of the Sun-God's chariot, accompanied with hymns. It is about this time that the first celebration of Christmas is recorded.		==Adding and Inventing Doctrines==

	Constantine donated great amounts of money to the Church at Rome, and build the old St. Peter's Bascilica. Bishops taxes were reduced, and many pagan temples were converted into Christian Churches. While this sounds like a revival, Constantine did not care about salvation and was baptized only on his deathbed. Instead, Constantine thought to win the loyalty of his subjects by subtle manipulation: flattery, and religion.		Constantine donated great amounts of money to the Church at Rome, and build the old St. Peter's Bascilica. Bishops taxes were reduced, and many pagan temples were converted into Christian Churches. While this sounds like a revival, Constantine did not care about salvation and was baptized only on his deathbed. Instead, Constantine thought to win the loyalty of his subjects by subtle manipulation: flattery, and religion.

	~~By 400~~, ~~Anastasius became~~ the ~~first Bishop~~ of ~~Rome to use~~ the ~~title Pope. The doctrine~~ of ~~post~~-~~milleniumism began at this time~~, ~~which resulted in a period of Dark Ages~~ with ~~Catholic Church at the head of Christendom~~.		*A half-pagan and half-Christian ceremony was performed at the dedication of Constantinople in 330 AD when, in the market place, the Cross of Christ was placed over the head of the Sun-God's chariot, accompanied with hymns.<ref>The New Catholic Encyclopedia (1908) </ref>
			*Later, traditions were implemented (like pennance) that were not Biblical.

	<~~div style="border-bottom:1px #B87333 solid; text-align:center; font-size:140%; padding:1px; margin:1px;"~~>~~References~~</~~div~~>
	*~~Haas, Christopher, “The Arians of Alexandria”~~, ~~Vigiliae Christianae Vol. 47, no. 3~~ (~~1993), 239~~
	*Chadwick, Henry, “Faith and Order at the Council of Nicaea”, Harvard Theological Review LIII (Cambridge Mass: 1960),173



	~~==Byzantine Empresses==~~
	~~[[Image:Tommaso_Laureti_Triumph_of_Christianity.jpg\|right\|220px\|Image from the Vatican of the Triumph of Christianity]]~~
	~~Saint Theodora ( Greek Θεοδώρα) (c. 500–June 28, 548~~) was empress of the Byzantine Empire and the wife of Emperor Justinian I. While her advancement in Byzantine society was up and down, she made use of every opportunity. She had admirers by the score. Procopius writes that ~~she was a courtesan (and, according to other sources, firstly a prostitute)~~. Some scholars believe that Theodora was Byzantium's first noted proponent—and, according to Procopius, practitioner—of abortion; she convinced Justinian to change the law that forbade noblemen to marry lower class women (like herself). Theodora also advocated the rights of married women to commit adultery, and the rights of women to be socially serviced, helping to advance protections and delights for them; and was also something of a voice for prostitutes and the downtrodden. She also helped to mitigate the breach in Christian sects that loomed large over her time; she probably had a large part in Justinian's efforts to reconcile the Non-Chalcedonians to the Chalcedonian party.

	~~Saint Irene (Greek: Ειρήνη, Eirēnē) (c. 752 – August 9, 803) was Byzantine empress from 797~~ to ~~802. Her most notable act~~ was the ~~restoration of the orthodox veneration of icons or images, she summoned two church councils. The first of these, held~~ in ~~786 at Constantinople, was frustrated by the opposition of the soldiers~~. ~~The second, convened at Nicaea~~ in ~~787, formally revived the adoration of images and reunited~~ the ~~Eastern church with that~~ of ~~Rome. She had her son’s eyes plucked out after he tried to win the throne from her~~, and ~~it is said~~ that ~~he died of~~ the ~~wounds~~.		==Persecuted to Persecutor==
			It was after the Christian Church gained political power that it began persecuting other Christians in order to "enforce doctrine". This resulted in the death of millions, and inquisitions that lasted until the 1800's.


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Believethesign at 20:37, 21 July 2014

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	Before Jesus' death and resurrection, Peter denied Jesus three times, while the other disciples abandoned him. All this changed on the day of Pentecost, when Peter and 119 other disciples were filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to testify boldly of Jesus Christ, baptizing those that believed on His name.

	The first love of the Church was Jesus Christ, whom Peter and the other disciples did not fully know until they were filled with the Holy Spirit. Pentecost was not the only time that the Holy Spirit fell on the believers, and this phenomenon continued throughout the New Testament and beyond. The early Church did everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus - teaching, praying, baptizing, believing - and the Lord confirmed his followers with supernatural signs - raising the dead, healing the sick, prophecy, and righteous living.

	*Preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the Mediterranean coasts, Africa, and Asia;
	*Supernatural signs and wonders;
	*The authorship and compilation of the Christian New Testament,
	*Love under persecution, and grace in the face of death

	These early Christians were rich in their knowledge of the teachings of Jesus Christ, having many witnesses of Jesus’ ministry among them, including the twelve apostles and Mary, Jesus’ mother. By writing these memories down, the disciples started writing the New Testament. These stories were soon complimented by the doctrinal teachings of the Apostle Paul, as he received revelation and understanding of Jesus Christ. These writings established the whole essence of Christianity and its doctrines:
	*Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God;
	*Baptism in the Name of Jesus Christ;
	*The Custom of the Passover/Eucharist;

	~~Polycarp~~

	~~The Christian churches in the second century were persecuted, but vibrant:~~
	*Various Churches had been established with a succession of Bishops tracing back to the Apostles,
	*Mighty men continued in the missionary tradition of the Apostles,
	*Supernatural signs continued to follow the Christian believers
	*The complete New Testament had been written and compiled.
	*Christian doctrine had been fully established.
	*The churches continued to fight against heresies, and experienced persecutions.

	~~[[Irenaeus]] provides evidence of this wealth in his writings:~~
	*He quotes from all of the New Testament books except Philemon, 3 John and Jude,
	*He testifies of healings and miracles in his own ministry (while noting that these signs are absent from the heretic's ministries),
	*He became a missionary (and then Bishop) in the French city of Lyons, having been raised in Smyrna in Polycarp's Church.
	*He wrote in length against heresies, and on the correct doctrine of the nature of Christ.
	::''All the other expressions, likewise, bring out the title of one, and the same being, the Lord of Power, the Lord, the Father of All, God Almighty, Most High, Creator, Maker and such like, these are not the names and the titles of a succession of different beings, but of one and the same''. (Irenaeus, Volume 1, page 412 of the Ante Nicene Fathers, )
	*He confirms that a number of churches continued to exist that were established by the Apostles (including, but not limited to the Church at Rome).


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	~~==Ecumenical Councils==~~
	#First Council of Nicaea (325): repudiated Arianism and Quartodecimanism (Easter on the 14th of Nissan), adopted the Nicene Creed (in support of the Trinity), exceptional authority acknowledged for the patriarchs of Alexandria and Rome, for their respective regions;

	~~#First Council of Constantinople (381): revised the Nicene Creed into present form, and prohibited any further alteration of the Creed without the assent of an Ecumenical Council.~~
	~~#Council of Ephesus (431): repudiated Nestorianism, proclaimed the Virgin Mary as the Theotokos (Greek Η Θεοτόκος, "God-bearer" or more commonly "Mother of God").~~
	~~#Council of Chalcedon (451): repudiated the monophysite doctrine, established that Christ had two natures, human and divine; adopted the Chalcedonian Creed.~~
	~~#Second Council of Constantinople (553): reaffirmed doctrines explicated by previous Councils, condemned new Arian, Nestorian, and Monophysite writings.~~

Believethesign: /* The Early Church */

2014-07-21T20:15:01Z

The Early Church

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	Peter was the first disciple to preach to the Gentiles (those who were not Jews), and found that the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles just as it had fallen on the Jews. Inspired, Paul began missionary journeys around the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, preaching, healing, and being persecuted.		Peter was the first disciple to preach to the Gentiles (those who were not Jews), and found that the Holy Spirit fell on the Gentiles just as it had fallen on the Jews. Inspired, Paul began missionary journeys around the Mediterranean and Aegean seas, preaching, healing, and being persecuted.

	Both Peter and Paul prophecy in their writings of false doctrines arising in the church. Paul even said ''"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed"'' (Galatians 1:8). The gospel that Paul and the Disciples preached is recorded in the New Testament. The only way to verify whether historic or modern churches teach correct or false doctrines is to see if they hold to the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles above all other teachings, and see if they have the ~~same fruits as~~ the ~~early church: holy lives, healings, miracles, and faith in the Word of God~~.		Both Peter and Paul prophecy in their writings of false doctrines arising in the church. Paul even said ''"But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed"'' (Galatians 1:8). The gospel that Paul and the Disciples preached is recorded in the New Testament. The only way to verify whether historic or modern churches teach correct or false doctrines is to see if they hold to the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles above all other teachings, and see if they have the fruit of the Spirit.

	The early Christian church was also persecuted, and did not persecute heathens or other Christians. Any Church guilty of persecution does not follow the example of Jesus Christ set forth by the Apostles in the Bible.		The early Christian church was also persecuted, and did not persecute heathens or other Christians. Any Church guilty of persecution does not follow the example of Jesus Christ set forth by the Apostles in the Bible.