The Challenge of the Church in History Chapter #6 “The Church, The Sacrament of God’s Grace”

The Challenge of the The Challenge of the Church in HistoryChurch in History

Chapter #6 Chapter #6

““The Church, The Sacrament of The Church, The Sacrament of God’s Grace”God’s Grace”

3 Periods3 Periods

1.1. The period of Jewish Christianity (AD 30-The period of Jewish Christianity (AD 30-130)130)

2. The period of Greek and European 2. The period of Greek and European Christianity (AD 50-1964)Christianity (AD 50-1964)

3. The period of global Christianity (1960-3. The period of global Christianity (1960-present)present)

The Period of Jewish Christianity The Period of Jewish Christianity (AD 30-130)(AD 30-130)

We tend to look at the first period of the We tend to look at the first period of the Church as a time of great enthusiasm and joy.Church as a time of great enthusiasm and joy.

Those baptized in the name of Jesus were Those baptized in the name of Jesus were eager to put the words and the deeds of Jesus eager to put the words and the deeds of Jesus into practice.into practice.

They shared possessions. Some went so far as They shared possessions. Some went so far as to sell everything to help the poor and to create to sell everything to help the poor and to create a community of equals.a community of equals.


Thanks to Saint Paul and others, the church Thanks to Saint Paul and others, the church spread rapidly beyond the walls of spread rapidly beyond the walls of Jerusalem and out into the gentile world. Jerusalem and out into the gentile world.

The early Christians of Jewish ancestry The early Christians of Jewish ancestry were known as “The Way” and as were known as “The Way” and as Christianity spread into the pagan Greek Christianity spread into the pagan Greek and Roman parts of the world, it and Roman parts of the world, it encountered some “growing pains” encountered some “growing pains”


There was a small but influential group in There was a small but influential group in Christianity called the “Juadizers” who wanted to Christianity called the “Juadizers” who wanted to retain the strict Jewish flavour and expression of retain the strict Jewish flavour and expression of this New Covenant Faith.this New Covenant Faith.

New “Gentile” converts were often expected to New “Gentile” converts were often expected to follow many strict dietary laws or restrictions, follow many strict dietary laws or restrictions, observe laws of ritual purity, and be subject to observe laws of ritual purity, and be subject to circumcision (if male) before their profession of circumcision (if male) before their profession of faith and initiation into the Faith was recognized faith and initiation into the Faith was recognized by this Jerusalem based group.by this Jerusalem based group.

The Period of Jewish The Period of Jewish Christianity (AD 30-130)Christianity (AD 30-130)

This demand created hardships for Gentile This demand created hardships for Gentile converts as the Church continued to spread converts as the Church continued to spread outside the confines of Jerusalem.outside the confines of Jerusalem.

Many Christian missionaries, including Saint Many Christian missionaries, including Saint Paul himself, did not agree with these Paul himself, did not agree with these impositions placed on new converts and impositions placed on new converts and Baptisms continued in the Gentile world.Baptisms continued in the Gentile world.

An Ecumenical Council was soon called in An Ecumenical Council was soon called in Jerusalem to settle this dispute.Jerusalem to settle this dispute.

The Period of Jewish The Period of Jewish Christianity (AD 30-130)Christianity (AD 30-130)

The Council of Jerusalem 50-58AD under the The Council of Jerusalem 50-58AD under the leadership and authority of Saint Peter decided leadership and authority of Saint Peter decided that Gentile converts need that Gentile converts need notnot follow strict follow strict dietary regulations, ritual purification laws, dietary regulations, ritual purification laws, and male circumcision to become full and male circumcision to become full members of the Christian Church. members of the Christian Church.

The Church had now definitively established The Church had now definitively established herself as One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic herself as One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.Church.

The Period of Greek and European The Period of Greek and European Christianity (AD 50-1964)Christianity (AD 50-1964)

In 70AD, the Temple and much of Jerusalem had In 70AD, the Temple and much of Jerusalem had been destroyed and by the second century there been destroyed and by the second century there were few historical traces of the original Church.were few historical traces of the original Church.

The church continued to spread in a world The church continued to spread in a world dominated politically by an intolerant regime in dominated politically by an intolerant regime in Rome and in a world culturally dominated by Rome and in a world culturally dominated by Greece. Greece.

The early Church was outlawed and persecuted The early Church was outlawed and persecuted for 250 years by the Romans. The extreme severity for 250 years by the Romans. The extreme severity of these persecutions was sporadic but the attacks of these persecutions was sporadic but the attacks were relentless. were relentless.


The Roman Emperor, The Roman Emperor, Constantine, ended Constantine, ended persecutions in 313AD by persecutions in 313AD by proclaiming the Edict of proclaiming the Edict of Milan.Milan.

Shortly afterward, Shortly afterward, Christianity was not only Christianity was not only tolerated, but in fact received tolerated, but in fact received imperial favour.imperial favour.

This new reality and This new reality and encounter with this encounter with this Greek/Roman world Greek/Roman world presented all sorts of ethical presented all sorts of ethical and theological questions. and theological questions.


Accepted as the religion of the Holy Roman Empire, it Accepted as the religion of the Holy Roman Empire, it was not long before Christianity was exposed to Greek was not long before Christianity was exposed to Greek philosophy ( First 2-5 centuries with its many philosophy ( First 2-5 centuries with its many unfettered ideas) and the core beliefs of the faith were unfettered ideas) and the core beliefs of the faith were threatened and the creed challenged.threatened and the creed challenged.

Threats to the central faith of the Church came from:Threats to the central faith of the Church came from:

1.1. GnosticismGnosticism

2.2. ArianismArianism

3.3. PelagianismPelagianism

4.4. DonatismDonatism

GnosticismGnosticism Gnosticism is the theory of salvation by Gnosticism is the theory of salvation by

knowledge.knowledge. They believed that they alone had the secret They believed that they alone had the secret

knowledge about God, humanity, and the knowledge about God, humanity, and the universe. universe.

The Gnostics were disciples of various The Gnostics were disciples of various pantheistic sects that existed long before Christ.pantheistic sects that existed long before Christ.

For them, matter is hostile to spirit. They For them, matter is hostile to spirit. They professed a dualism of body and spirit. Spirit is professed a dualism of body and spirit. Spirit is Divine and good and the body is evil.Divine and good and the body is evil.

GnostisimGnostisim

The Gnostics professed a conjugation of The Gnostics professed a conjugation of divine powers.divine powers.

God was seen as too pure, ultimately God was seen as too pure, ultimately unknowable and too perfect to have anything unknowable and too perfect to have anything to do with the material universe.to do with the material universe.

For the Gnostics, the God of the “Old For the Gnostics, the God of the “Old Testament” and the Jews is actually a lessor Testament” and the Jews is actually a lessor god “Demiurges” who is violent, jealous, and god “Demiurges” who is violent, jealous, and evil. evil.

GnosticismGnosticism

Generally the Gnostics believed in many Generally the Gnostics believed in many created supernatural finite beings which battled created supernatural finite beings which battled for supremacy and the ear of the human. for supremacy and the ear of the human.

Sophia was one such supernatural finite beings Sophia was one such supernatural finite beings whose task was to plant the seed of light, whose task was to plant the seed of light, knowledge, and truth in some select people knowledge, and truth in some select people (gnostics). Other lesser supernatural finite (gnostics). Other lesser supernatural finite beings (the Archons) kept mortals in bondage beings (the Archons) kept mortals in bondage to the material world.to the material world.


Jesus was seen as a revealer or liberator who Jesus was seen as a revealer or liberator who spread knowledge which would free humanity spread knowledge which would free humanity from Demiurges and allow humanity to return from Demiurges and allow humanity to return to their spiritual home.to their spiritual home.

Gnostics deny the Incarnation.Gnostics deny the Incarnation. Gnostics borrowed what suited them from the Gnostics borrowed what suited them from the

authentic Gospels and wrote new gospels of authentic Gospels and wrote new gospels of their own. They denied objective revelation. their own. They denied objective revelation. (Preferred their secretive pantheistic version).(Preferred their secretive pantheistic version).


The gospel of Thomas The gospel of Thomas is a well known Gnostic is a well known Gnostic gospel.gospel.

Many a “Hollywood” Many a “Hollywood” movie has been based movie has been based on the creative on the creative falsehoods of this and falsehoods of this and other Gnostic gospels.other Gnostic gospels.

ArianismArianism

Arianism is a fourth Arianism is a fourth century heresy that century heresy that denied the divinity of denied the divinity of Jesus Christ.Jesus Christ.

It was authored by It was authored by “Arius” (256-336AD), a “Arius” (256-336AD), a priest of Alexandria, priest of Alexandria, who in 318 AD began to who in 318 AD began to teach the heresy that teach the heresy that bears his name.bears his name.

ArianismArianism

Arius challenged the revealed truth of the Arius challenged the revealed truth of the Blessed Trinity and the Redemptive actions of Blessed Trinity and the Redemptive actions of Christ.Christ.

Arius taught that Jesus is not consubstantial Arius taught that Jesus is not consubstantial with the Father nor is He of the same with the Father nor is He of the same substance as the Father. Jesus is not co-eternal substance as the Father. Jesus is not co-eternal and equal in all things with the Father but only and equal in all things with the Father but only a creature made out of nothing like all other a creature made out of nothing like all other created beings. created beings.

ArianismArianism

In a word, Jesus was considered the adopted In a word, Jesus was considered the adopted son of God, a kind of “demiurge”.son of God, a kind of “demiurge”.

Arianism reduces the power and gift of the Arianism reduces the power and gift of the “Incarnation” to a just a figure of speech.“Incarnation” to a just a figure of speech.

Arianism struck at the very foundation of Arianism struck at the very foundation of Christianity.Christianity.

Both Arius and Arianism were condemned at Both Arius and Arianism were condemned at the council of Nicaea 325AD.the council of Nicaea 325AD.

Arianism and the Council of Arianism and the Council of NicaeaNicaea

The Bishops at the Council of Nicaea signed a The Bishops at the Council of Nicaea signed a creed that answered the challenges of Arius. creed that answered the challenges of Arius.

““We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Creator of all things visible and invisible. And Creator of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the son of God, the in one Lord Jesus Christ, the son of God, the only-begotten of the Father, God from God, only-begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God,; Light from Light, true God from true God,; begotten, not created, consubstantialbegotten, not created, consubstantial

(homousion) with the Father”.(homousion) with the Father”.

ArianismArianism

Since the fifth century, some Arian churches Since the fifth century, some Arian churches have remained in existence in many countries, have remained in existence in many countries, although many were absorbed by Islam.although many were absorbed by Islam.

A principle tenet of these churches is the A principle tenet of these churches is the recognition that Jesus is the Messiah but a recognition that Jesus is the Messiah but a denial that he is the natural son of God.denial that he is the natural son of God.

Arianism, in that it denied the divinity of Jesus, Arianism, in that it denied the divinity of Jesus, expressed a theology very much like the expressed a theology very much like the “unitarianism” of Muhammad and Islam.“unitarianism” of Muhammad and Islam.

PelagianismPelagianism

Pelagianism is a 5Pelagianism is a 5thth century Heresy that century Heresy that attacked the need for attacked the need for supernatural Grace for supernatural Grace for salvation.salvation.

It was propagated by an It was propagated by an Irish/English Monk Irish/English Monk named Pelagius (355-named Pelagius (355-425AD).425AD).

PelagianismPelagianism Pelagianism puts special emphasis on human Pelagianism puts special emphasis on human

free will.free will. It argued that when St. Augustine and others It argued that when St. Augustine and others

insisted on the necessity of Grace for Salvation, insisted on the necessity of Grace for Salvation, the perfection of being, and chastity, that this the perfection of being, and chastity, that this imperiled man’s use of his free will.imperiled man’s use of his free will.

It also teaches that mankind will not die It also teaches that mankind will not die because of the sin of Adam nor rise on the Last because of the sin of Adam nor rise on the Last Day because of Christ’s redemption.Day because of Christ’s redemption.

PelagianismPelagianism Pelagianism has never really left the church.Pelagianism has never really left the church. This heresy is alive and well in the attitude so This heresy is alive and well in the attitude so

prevalent in the modern world that proclaims prevalent in the modern world that proclaims that humans can do what is needed for their that humans can do what is needed for their salvation or their well being all by themselves salvation or their well being all by themselves with no need for Sacraments, no real need for with no need for Sacraments, no real need for the Grace of God, and no real need for the the Grace of God, and no real need for the Church.Church.

Pelagianism totally denies the supernatural order Pelagianism totally denies the supernatural order and the necessity of Divine Grace for Salvation.and the necessity of Divine Grace for Salvation.

DonatismDonatism

Donatism was a 4Donatism was a 4thth century heresy which century heresy which denied the efficacy of denied the efficacy of the Sacraments, the Sacraments, particularly the particularly the Sacrament of Sacrament of Reconciliation or Reconciliation or Penance.Penance.

It was led by Magnus It was led by Magnus Donatus.Donatus.

DonatismDonatism The church at this time was The church at this time was

being severely persecuted by being severely persecuted by the Emperor Diocletian the Emperor Diocletian between 303 and 310 AD.between 303 and 310 AD.

Christian Scriptures, Sacred Christian Scriptures, Sacred Vessels, were being burned.Vessels, were being burned.

Christians were butchered Christians were butchered and put to death for their and put to death for their faith.faith.

Priests and Bishops were Priests and Bishops were special targets.special targets.

DonatismDonatism Christians were forced to reject their faith and Christians were forced to reject their faith and

Bishops and Priests on pain of death were Bishops and Priests on pain of death were asked to burn incense to pagan idols in their asked to burn incense to pagan idols in their churches.churches.

During the persecution, some Bishops and During the persecution, some Bishops and Priests and laity had publically fallen away Priests and laity had publically fallen away from their faith out of fear for their lives. from their faith out of fear for their lives.

They had apostatized (renounced or denied They had apostatized (renounced or denied their faith).their faith).

They became known as traitors (Traditores)They became known as traitors (Traditores)

DonatismDonatism

In 312, Donatist Bishops refused to accept as In 312, Donatist Bishops refused to accept as valid the consecration of the Bishop of valid the consecration of the Bishop of Carthage (one of the consecrating bishops was Carthage (one of the consecrating bishops was a traitor: Schism) a traitor: Schism)

Donatist believed that traitors or apostates had Donatist believed that traitors or apostates had to be re-baptised.to be re-baptised.

Donatists believed that the efficacy of Donatists believed that the efficacy of Sacraments depends on the moral character of Sacraments depends on the moral character of the minister.the minister.

DonatismDonatism

The Donatists claimed that all the Sacraments The Donatists claimed that all the Sacraments administered or offered by apostates (including administered or offered by apostates (including the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass) were invalid.the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass) were invalid.

Donatists also claimed that the Sacrament of Donatists also claimed that the Sacrament of Reconciliation or Penance would not benefit Reconciliation or Penance would not benefit them and they could not be forgiven.them and they could not be forgiven.

St. Augustine dealt effectively with this heresy.St. Augustine dealt effectively with this heresy.

DonatismDonatism The Church condemned such teaching as false The Church condemned such teaching as false

and as an attack on the efficacy of Christ’s and as an attack on the efficacy of Christ’s Redemptive Love.Redemptive Love.

Grace is necessary and effective and the Credo Grace is necessary and effective and the Credo of the Church reflected this. (Council of of the Church reflected this. (Council of Nicaea)Nicaea)

DonatismDonatism

The lavabo at the The lavabo at the offertory at Mass is a offertory at Mass is a visible reminder that the visible reminder that the efficacy of any efficacy of any Sacrament (including Sacrament (including the Holy Sacrifice of the the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass) is not depend on Mass) is not depend on the character of the the character of the minister.minister.

Priest repeats Psalm 25 Priest repeats Psalm 25

Period of Greek and European Period of Greek and European Christianity (50- 1964 AD)Christianity (50- 1964 AD)

Christian thinkers Christian thinkers such as Origen, such as Origen, Athanasius, Tertullian Athanasius, Tertullian and Augustine used and Augustine used Plato's philosophy, or Plato's philosophy, or neo-Platonism, as a neo-Platonism, as a tool to make the gospel tool to make the gospel understandable and to understandable and to explain theological explain theological concepts.concepts.


This philosophy introduced into Christianity This philosophy introduced into Christianity ways of thinking, language and images that ways of thinking, language and images that were closer to the Greek thinking than to the were closer to the Greek thinking than to the Jewish tradition.Jewish tradition.

Whereas the Jews did not permit pictorial Whereas the Jews did not permit pictorial representations of God, Christians began very representations of God, Christians began very early to create statues, paintings and icons of early to create statues, paintings and icons of Jesus.Jesus.


Iconoclasm was a Iconoclasm was a heresy that rejected as heresy that rejected as superstition the use of superstition the use of religious images and religious images and advocated their removal advocated their removal and destruction.and destruction.

It was occasioned by the It was occasioned by the rise of Islam, which like rise of Islam, which like Judaism, considers all Judaism, considers all sacred images sacred images idolatrous.idolatrous.


Islam pressured Emperor Leo the Isaurian in Islam pressured Emperor Leo the Isaurian in 726 to outlaw religious images and helped 726 to outlaw religious images and helped precipitate a crisis in the church over the precipitate a crisis in the church over the veneration of Icons and the presence of Statues.veneration of Icons and the presence of Statues.

The Second Council of Nicaea in 787 defended The Second Council of Nicaea in 787 defended the lawful display and veneration of these the lawful display and veneration of these Sacred Images.Sacred Images.

This Council affirmed that respect shown them This Council affirmed that respect shown them really is given to the person they represent.really is given to the person they represent.


The encounter with Islam and the rediscovery The encounter with Islam and the rediscovery of Greek philosophy and civilization (8-13 of Greek philosophy and civilization (8-13 centuries)centuries)

Until the 13Until the 13thth Century Plato’s philosophy Century Plato’s philosophy influenced catholic theology.influenced catholic theology.

Thomas Aquinas rediscovered the writings of Thomas Aquinas rediscovered the writings of Aristotle. With this rediscovery began a rich Aristotle. With this rediscovery began a rich period of expressing the Christian message with period of expressing the Christian message with the aid of Aristotle's theories of knowledge and the aid of Aristotle's theories of knowledge and metaphysics. metaphysics.


Christianity divided. There are two Christianity divided. There are two historical divisions in church history:historical divisions in church history:

1.1. ““Schism” (East verses West) 1054 ADSchism” (East verses West) 1054 AD

2.2. ““Protestant Reformation” 1538-1545 AD Protestant Reformation” 1538-1545 AD

The Great Schism 1054 ADThe Great Schism 1054 AD

This Schism was largely This Schism was largely spearheaded by the spearheaded by the supercilious (supercilious (arrogant arrogant condescending scornfulcondescending scornful) ) and ambitious “Michael and ambitious “Michael Caerularius”, the Caerularius”, the Patriarch of Patriarch of Constantinople (1043-Constantinople (1043-1058 AD).1058 AD).

Since 4Since 4thth century, there were five major cities century, there were five major cities that comprised Christianity.that comprised Christianity.

Eastern CitesEastern Cites

Jerusalem (Mother Church)Jerusalem (Mother Church)

Antioch (Syria)Antioch (Syria)

Alexandria (Egypt)Alexandria (Egypt)

Constantinople (Turkey)Constantinople (Turkey)

Western CitiesWestern Cities

Rome (Italy)Rome (Italy)

Background to the SchismBackground to the Schism

Because of Global politics, Barbarian Because of Global politics, Barbarian Invasions and natural geography, Rome in the Invasions and natural geography, Rome in the west became increasingly isolated from the west became increasingly isolated from the Eastern Churches.Eastern Churches.

Cultural and Liturgical differences became Cultural and Liturgical differences became magnified over time.magnified over time.

Differences; A question of Differences; A question of EmphasisEmphasis

Eastern Churches (Orthodox) Roman or Latin Churches

Diversity in Faith expression (Ethnic and regional differences. Multiplicity in Languages of worship.Consecrated leavened Bread at Mass.

Uniformity in faith expression. Use of Latin alone in Liturgy.Consecration of unleavened Bread at Mass.

Focus on worship. (Mystery) Holy Spirit provided Guidance.

Focus on Doctrine. (Certainty)Law(s) make things clear.

Married Clergy Celibate Clergy

Unity in the Eucharist. Unity in the Pope.

Laity centered. Clergy centered.

Focus on the mystery of the Trinity and the Divinity of Jesus.

Focus on the Incarnation and the humanity of Jesus.

Sacraments are passive experiences, let God work.

Sacraments are active encounters with the risen Lord.

The Great Schism 1054 ADThe Great Schism 1054 AD There was a long standing “anti-Latin” There was a long standing “anti-Latin”

sentiment in the Eastern churches (particularly sentiment in the Eastern churches (particularly in Constantinople) which stemmed from in Constantinople) which stemmed from differences in Liturgical practices and the fact differences in Liturgical practices and the fact that Rome had changed the Nicene Creed (that Rome had changed the Nicene Creed (The The Filioque ClauseFilioque Clause) without consultation from the ) without consultation from the church leaders in the East.church leaders in the East.

Patriarch Michael Caerularius exploited this Patriarch Michael Caerularius exploited this discontent and instigated the quarrel with discontent and instigated the quarrel with Rome.Rome.


Caerularius sent provocative letters to the Pope Caerularius sent provocative letters to the Pope and Bishops in the West and a letter to his and Bishops in the West and a letter to his fellow Patriarchs stating his vehement fellow Patriarchs stating his vehement opposition to the Latin customs.opposition to the Latin customs.

i)i) Consecrating unleavened BreadConsecrating unleavened Bread

ii)ii) Clerical CelibacyClerical Celibacy

iii)iii) Fasting on SaturdaysFasting on Saturdays


He called the Latin’s hypocrites, dirty dogs, He called the Latin’s hypocrites, dirty dogs, liars, and schismatics in his letter to fellow liars, and schismatics in his letter to fellow Patriarchs!Patriarchs!

He then closed all Latin Churches in He then closed all Latin Churches in Constantinople including the Church of the Constantinople including the Church of the Papal Legate.Papal Legate.

His Chancellor broke open Latin Tabernacles His Chancellor broke open Latin Tabernacles and desecrated the Blessed Eucharist. He and desecrated the Blessed Eucharist. He stomped them under foot!stomped them under foot!

The Great Schism 1054 ADThe Great Schism 1054 AD Pope Leo IX wrote back to Caerularius Pope Leo IX wrote back to Caerularius

defending the Latin customs and the rights of defending the Latin customs and the rights of the Holy See reminding the Patriarch that most the Holy See reminding the Patriarch that most of the heresies came from the east.of the heresies came from the east.

He sent three papal legates to the East He sent three papal legates to the East (including Cardinal Humbert).(including Cardinal Humbert).

The Emperor in the East (Constantine IX) The Emperor in the East (Constantine IX) received the papal delegates with honour and received the papal delegates with honour and respect and wanted to amicably heal the respect and wanted to amicably heal the growing rift. (The pope and he were good growing rift. (The pope and he were good friends) friends)


Patriarch Michael Caerularuis was indignant Patriarch Michael Caerularuis was indignant that the legates broke with protocol and did that the legates broke with protocol and did not first prostrate themselves before him and not first prostrate themselves before him and called the legates “insolent, boastful, arrogant, called the legates “insolent, boastful, arrogant, and stupid”. Ignored them for months.and stupid”. Ignored them for months.

Cardinal Humbert from the Emperor’s place, Cardinal Humbert from the Emperor’s place, wrote defenses of the Latin customs and the wrote defenses of the Latin customs and the rights of the Holy See convincing one of the rights of the Holy See convincing one of the Patriarchs to accept these customs.Patriarchs to accept these customs.


Patriarch Michael Patriarch Michael Caerularius thereafter Caerularius thereafter declared “open schism” declared “open schism” by provocatively by provocatively removing the Pope’s removing the Pope’s name from his diptychs.name from his diptychs.

(A diptych is a sort of (A diptych is a sort of notebook, used for notebook, used for correspondence and correspondence and liturgies)liturgies)


Without the Pope’s Without the Pope’s knowledge or approval, knowledge or approval, Cardinal Humbert Cardinal Humbert prepared a “Bull of prepared a “Bull of Excommunication” Excommunication” against Patriarch against Patriarch Caerularius and his Caerularius and his followers and placed it followers and placed it on the altar of Sancta on the altar of Sancta Sophia Sophia (Hagia Sophia) (Hagia Sophia) on on July 16July 16thth 1054 AD. 1054 AD.


Pariarch Michael Caerularius then jointly Pariarch Michael Caerularius then jointly “Excommunicated” the papal legates and all “Excommunicated” the papal legates and all those in communion with Rome. The “schism” those in communion with Rome. The “schism” was in full bloom!was in full bloom!

Pope Leo IX had died months before making Pope Leo IX had died months before making Humbert’s excommunication invalid.Humbert’s excommunication invalid.

There was an attempt at the Council of Lyons There was an attempt at the Council of Lyons 1274AD to heal this schism but this remedy 1274AD to heal this schism but this remedy was not accepted nor ratified by the laity in the was not accepted nor ratified by the laity in the east. east.


These joint “excommunications” were lifted in These joint “excommunications” were lifted in 1962 at the Second Vatican Council.1962 at the Second Vatican Council.

This schism was largely accidental and This schism was largely accidental and amounted to a separation within the churchamounted to a separation within the church

It is not a fracture or break as would happen if It is not a fracture or break as would happen if the dispute was theological, doctrinal, or from the dispute was theological, doctrinal, or from a heresy.a heresy.

The Protestant ReformationThe Protestant Reformation

The Protestant Reformation centuries later is a The Protestant Reformation centuries later is a fracture and break in the church because the fracture and break in the church because the dispute is theological and doctrinal.dispute is theological and doctrinal.

This fracture between Catholic and Protestant This fracture between Catholic and Protestant Christians was so acrimonious that it led to Christians was so acrimonious that it led to several bloody religious wars in the sixteenth several bloody religious wars in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. and seventeenth centuries.

The Protestant ReformationThe Protestant Reformation

The Protestant The Protestant Reformation was Reformation was led by an led by an Augustinian Augustinian Catholic Priest Catholic Priest from Wittenberg in from Wittenberg in northern Germany northern Germany by the name of by the name of Martin Luther.Martin Luther.

Causes of the Protestant Causes of the Protestant ReformationReformation

The “Black Death” wiped out large segments of the The “Black Death” wiped out large segments of the European population.European population.

i)i) Many clergy were poorly educated, some faithless.Many clergy were poorly educated, some faithless.

ii)ii) Many Dioceses were without Bishops.Many Dioceses were without Bishops.

iii)iii) Immorality among some clergyImmorality among some clergy

““Simony” (nnnn) and the selling of “Indulgences”:Simony” (nnnn) and the selling of “Indulgences”:


““Simony” (The buying and selling of Sacred Simony” (The buying and selling of Sacred Christian objects)Christian objects)

The selling of “Indulgences”(remission of The selling of “Indulgences”(remission of punishment for sin) was one method used by punishment for sin) was one method used by some Bishops to raise money for themselves some Bishops to raise money for themselves and Rome.and Rome.

Many people were indifferent to the politics Many people were indifferent to the politics and by their own volition ignorant of the and by their own volition ignorant of the contents the Bible.contents the Bible.


Those few who knew the Bible and their faith Those few who knew the Bible and their faith suspected that some of these practices seemed suspected that some of these practices seemed to be wrong.to be wrong.

Loss of focus among many of the faithful.Loss of focus among many of the faithful. Some people were more concerned about Some people were more concerned about

seeking out and venerating relics than being a seeking out and venerating relics than being a good Christian.good Christian.

Politics!Politics!

The three Major Principles of the The three Major Principles of the Protestant ReformationProtestant Reformation

#1 “SOLA SCRIPTURA”#1 “SOLA SCRIPTURA”

SCRIPTURE ALONE SCRIPTURE ALONE was considered to be the was considered to be the FINAL authority on FINAL authority on Church teaching and Church teaching and practices. (Paper Pope)practices. (Paper Pope)

Luther insisted on the Luther insisted on the absolute absolute AUTHORITYAUTHORITY and and SUPREMACYSUPREMACY of the of the Bible.Bible.


#2 “SOLA FIDEI”#2 “SOLA FIDEI”

Salvation is achieved Salvation is achieved by “FAITH ALONE”!by “FAITH ALONE”!

No need for God’s No need for God’s Grace and Good Deeds Grace and Good Deeds for one’s salvation.for one’s salvation.


#3 The “PRIESTHOOD #3 The “PRIESTHOOD of ALL BELEIVERS”of ALL BELEIVERS”

For Luther, there was For Luther, there was no need for no need for Sacramental Sacramental Priesthood (Pope, Priesthood (Pope, Bishops and Priests)Bishops and Priests)

Luther attacked the Luther attacked the power of the Pope, the power of the Pope, the Mass, the Sacraments, Mass, the Sacraments, and the Priesthood.and the Priesthood.

Differences between Protestant Differences between Protestant and Roman Catholic Churchesand Roman Catholic Churches

#1 Apostolic Succession and Authority:#1 Apostolic Succession and Authority:

Protestants have no central authority save that Protestants have no central authority save that of the Bible. Little or no unity. Churches of of the Bible. Little or no unity. Churches of individuals.individuals.

Catholics have unity in Eucharist and Pope Catholics have unity in Eucharist and Pope and proclaim four elements of Apostolic and proclaim four elements of Apostolic Authority.Authority.

Differences between Protestant and Roman Differences between Protestant and Roman Catholic ChurchesCatholic Churches

#2 #2 Unity of the Eucharist;Mass;Sacramental Unity of the Eucharist;Mass;Sacramental Priesthood.Priesthood.

Protestantism focuses on Pulpit not the Altar.Protestantism focuses on Pulpit not the Altar. Protestantism focuses on “Royal Priesthood Protestantism focuses on “Royal Priesthood

with no sacramental priesthood (Exception: with no sacramental priesthood (Exception: Anglicanism)Anglicanism)

Protestants have a communal meal of the last Protestants have a communal meal of the last supper. Eucharist largely symbolic. supper. Eucharist largely symbolic. Lutheranism (Consubstantiation) Catholicism Lutheranism (Consubstantiation) Catholicism (Transubstantiation)(Transubstantiation)

The Vernacular BibleThe Vernacular Bible

A prevailing false assumption (still with us A prevailing false assumption (still with us today) is the belief that Luther and today) is the belief that Luther and Protestantism gave the Christian world the first Protestantism gave the Christian world the first vernacular Bible.vernacular Bible.

The 1The 1stst printed Bible was produced with the printed Bible was produced with the authority of the catholic church by a catholic authority of the catholic church by a catholic named Johann Gutenberg in 1455AD.named Johann Gutenberg in 1455AD.

There were 626 vernacular editions of the Bible There were 626 vernacular editions of the Bible with the blessing of the Catholic church before with the blessing of the Catholic church before Luther. (8Luther. (8thth through 16 through 16thth century) century)


European empireEuropean empire Between 1492 and the end of the Second World War, Between 1492 and the end of the Second World War,

Europe colonized virtually every continent in the world.Europe colonized virtually every continent in the world. Colonialism spread its mercantile forms, its laws, its Colonialism spread its mercantile forms, its laws, its

religion, its civilization everywhere it went.religion, its civilization everywhere it went. The Church, directed by Christ’s command to go and The Church, directed by Christ’s command to go and

teach all nations (Matthew 28.19), participated in this teach all nations (Matthew 28.19), participated in this expansion and began to evangelize the world by expansion and began to evangelize the world by implanting the Church on every continent.implanting the Church on every continent.


The “Age of Rationalism” & the modern worldThe “Age of Rationalism” & the modern world Rationalism was a great counter-movement to the vision Rationalism was a great counter-movement to the vision

of the Church and began in the seventeenth century.of the Church and began in the seventeenth century. This period was characterized by a refusal to accept any This period was characterized by a refusal to accept any

authority that could not justify itself using reason. authority that could not justify itself using reason. The age of Rationalism had an enormous impact on the The age of Rationalism had an enormous impact on the

Church, which bases its vision on Revelation, Faith, and Church, which bases its vision on Revelation, Faith, and Reason.Reason.

Faith in God and the revealed truths of and from the Faith in God and the revealed truths of and from the supernatural have been deemed to be outdated and not supernatural have been deemed to be outdated and not relevant. relevant.

We live now in the secular world of the individual We live now in the secular world of the individual driven by the “dictatorship of relativism” and “atheism”.driven by the “dictatorship of relativism” and “atheism”.

The Period of Global The Period of Global Christianity (1960-present)Christianity (1960-present)

The church is the Body of Christ and the The church is the Body of Christ and the Holy Spirit abides in and guides her.Holy Spirit abides in and guides her.

There is a visible and invisible dimension in There is a visible and invisible dimension in her.her.

Despite its high calling to be an agent of Despite its high calling to be an agent of God’s Love and Presence, the church shows God’s Love and Presence, the church shows its human reality in all its historical its human reality in all its historical ambiguity.ambiguity.

The Period of Global Christianity The Period of Global Christianity (1960-present)(1960-present)

The world of the third The world of the third period is becoming period is becoming global.global.

A true world Church – a A true world Church – a global church is global church is emerging.emerging.

Local cultures and Local cultures and practices are embraced.practices are embraced.

The Church is no longer The Church is no longer dominated by one dominated by one culture.culture.


During the Second During the Second Vatican Council, Pope Vatican Council, Pope Paul VI asked God’s Paul VI asked God’s pardon for what pardon for what members of the church members of the church had done in the past.had done in the past.

He focused on events He focused on events that led up to the Schism that led up to the Schism between the Eastern and between the Eastern and Western Church.Western Church.


In March 2000, Blessed In March 2000, Blessed Pope John Paul II asked Pope John Paul II asked for healing and for healing and reconciliation for reconciliation for offenses perpetrated in offenses perpetrated in the second millennium the second millennium of Christianity including of Christianity including the historical divisions the historical divisions among Christians, among Christians, intolerance, and anti-intolerance, and anti-Jewish attitudes.Jewish attitudes.


Since Vatican II, the Since Vatican II, the church has been church has been concerned with restoring concerned with restoring unity among all unity among all Christians (ecumenism) Christians (ecumenism) and healing old wounds and healing old wounds from the sins of history.from the sins of history.

Pope John Paul II historic Pope John Paul II historic symbolic entry into 3symbolic entry into 3rdrd millennium.millennium.


On November 4On November 4thth 2009, Pope 2009, Pope Benedict XVI proclaimed the Benedict XVI proclaimed the Apostolic Constitution: Apostolic Constitution: “Anglicanorium Coetibus” “Anglicanorium Coetibus” (Group of Anglicans) (Group of Anglicans) which which establishes the mechanisms for establishes the mechanisms for allowing former Anglicans allowing former Anglicans (Bishops and Priests) into full (Bishops and Priests) into full communion with the Roman communion with the Roman Catholic Church.Catholic Church.


Since this time many Since this time many Anglican Bishops and Anglican Bishops and Priests have entered into Priests have entered into full communion with full communion with the Catholic Church.the Catholic Church.

Many more are on the Many more are on the way, the Church is way, the Church is becoming more becoming more universal as old wounds universal as old wounds are healed.are healed.

The Challenge of the Church in History Chapter #6 “The Church, The Sacrament of God’s Grace”

Documents

european christianity

period of global christianity

period of greek

christian church

early church

apostolic church

original church

gentile world