The Church is Mystery UNIT TWO. 2.2 Permanent and Unchanging.

The Church is Mystery

UNIT TWO

2.2 Permanent and Unchanging

Teepee Teaching

God stands in the center of creation and we stand on its edges

Each one of us can see only “one side’ of God

We must relay on others who sit in different places in the circle of creation if we wish to come to know God more completely

The Church is a mysteryPart of the world and tempted by sin

Apart from the world and shaped by grace

Images of the church attempt to explain how the Church is relevant to the world and at the same time separate from the world

Scripture

Literally, the “writings”

Refers to those books which have been determined by the Church to be the word of God and to be normative for faith and morals

One Church, Many Viewpoints

Church as the “body of Christ” is central and most complete image

Every other image must be understood in light of the primary image of the body of Christ.

Different periods of history have different images to express Church’s mystery.

A Choice Vineyard

Lumen Gentium, Vatican II document describes the Church as a “cultivated field.”

When Israel was conquered and occupied, it was difficult to understand what it meant to be a chosen people.

During Jesus’ lifetime, disagreement among Jews in Roman occupied Palestine wondered, What is the proper relationship between the chosen people and the rest of society?

Religious Syncretism

Attempt to reconcile or blend the beliefs and practices of various religions into one

Jews found it wholly unacceptable.Yahweh was one true GodIf they accepted the policy it would be the

equivalent of denying their God altogether.Struggle within Judaism between

pressures to adopt customs/culture of rest of empire and desire to remain faithful to Yahweh

3 Jewish sects during time of Jesus’ ministry

Sadducees

Pharisees

Essenes

Ways Jewish sects understood faithfulness to God

Sadducees Identity as God’s chosen people dependent upon maintaining cultic purity of Temple

Pharisees Primary concern was to make Jewish faith relevant even under Roman rule

Essenes Separated themselves completely from all who did not live as they lived

FaithfulnessSect

Sadducees

Religiously conservative. Temple focal point of all Jewish life.

Members of Jewish aristocracy. Rejected all religious teaching which was not from the Torah including belief in the resurrection from the dead

Willing to accept many elements of Roman culture. Held positions of power under Roman rule

Pharisees

Faith based on scripture and on Jewish oral tradition

Believed faith should shape everyday lifeConcerned with making Judaism relevant

under Roman rule Made clear to Roman authorities that even

though Jewish people not in power, still maintained identity and moral code different from those around them

Essenes

Strictest of religious groupsLived celibatelyInterpreted every law in strictest possible

waySeparated themselves from all who did not

live as they didMost opposed to war, some were also

Jewish zealots.

Zealots

Believed God had chosen Israel to be a great and powerful political entity.

It was God’s will that the Jewish people fight and overthrow the Roman oppressors.

Christianity as one more Jewish sect?Initially no one seems to have though of

Christianity as a new or distinct religion.Christian and no-Christian Jews and

gentiles all regarded Christianity as one more Jewish sect.

Earliest Jewish Christians believed faith was fulfillment of Judaism

Kept Jewish Sabbath and added celebration of Resurrection Sunday

Gentiles

A term for non-Jews

Reasons for split between Judaism and Christianity:

1. Number of gentile converts to Christianity increased.

2. Jewish nationalism increased

Non-Christian Jews viewed Christianity as heretical, something that could destroy essence of Judaism.

Grafted to the vine of Christ

Image most clearly describes Church’s self-understanding in biblical period

Prophet Isaiah spoke of Israel as the vineyard, would die to no more than a stump.From that stump, a new shoot would sprout

and messianic age would be inNew shoot sprouted in Jesus, the true

vine. Church new vineyard.

New vineyard unlike the old

Never go wildGod himself, in person of Jesus Christ it

root stock and main vineAll shoots (people) of vineyard drew life

from JesusGentiles could become members of God’s

chosen people without first becoming JewsGrafted to the vine of Christ

The dwelling place of God

Image represented Church well in first three centuries

Christians shunned or persecuted in Roman empireWhy were Christians hated?What continued to attract new members

despite this abhorrence?

Christians were despised for many reasons!

2 common beliefs:

Christianity was anti-social

Christianity was barbaric and cannibalistic

Anti-social

Christians refused to participate in many social events because they involved worship of Roman gods.

Would not go to the gymnasium or attend theatre.

Refused to attend banquets or eat food purchased in market which first sacrificed to idols

Barbaric; cannibalistic

Based on wild rumors!Christians gathered weekly to celebrate an

agape or “love feast” to which only baptized were admitted.

All Christians called all other Christians, even spouses, “brother’ and “sister”.From these 2 facts spread rumors that

Christians met for regular orgies. And that they ate from a loaf of bread with the Christ child concealed inside.

Christianity rejected for being “intellectually wanting”.Some criticism rooted in class prejudice.

Could not be profound it taught by so many without culture or education.

Laughable nature of the Christian GodWhy did Christians seem afraid of anything

connected with worship of Roman gods? Fear proves fragility of own God.

Where is the logic in accepting martyrdom and leaving this life which was certain to go to another which was uncertain?

Laughable nature of the Christian GodHow can anyone take the resurrection of

the body seriously?Christ’s death was proof that Christian

God was hardly “all-powerful” as claimed.

Christian persecutions

Some believed Roman gods were angered as more Roman citizens abandoned their old faith and became Christians.

Many worst persecutions rooted in belief that Christianity was treason.Christians blamed for all of the misfortunes of

empire (floods, epidemics, military invasions).

Persecution under Emperor Nero

64-68 A.D.Christians killed and tortured in wide

variety of ways to provide entertainment for populace.

Persecution under Emperor Decius

248 ADBelieved Rome’s problems were

punishments because people stopped worshipping old gods and they responded by abandoning Rome

Enacted law that required everyone to offer sacrifices to gods of empire

Certificate needed to prove sacrifice was offered

Christians and the military.

End of third century, Church leaders began to teach that Christians should not be part of the military.

AD 295, Christians killed for refusing to join or for attempting to leave the army.

Christians considered threat to the army. All Christians expelled from Roman legions. Christians often forced to abandon faith or were executed.

Christianity under attack! AD 303, order issued:

Christians removed from all positions of responsibilityAll Christian buildings and books should be destroyedChristians tortured and killed if refused to hand over

copies of scriptures.

Fire broke out in palace.Christians accused of setting it.Decree issued ordering arrest of all Church leaders.2nd decree issued ordering all Christians to offer

sacrifice to Roman gods under pain of death

The appeal of being ChristianThe power of the Holy Spirit working

through human beings.Church offered presence of a loving and

caring God.God’s love given equally to all regardless

of social standing.Cut across social boundaries.Women and slaves deserving of respectWomen as well as men have rights in

marriage

The appeal of being Christian

Christians noted for their charity toward those who were in need.

Offered hope, love, and practical assistance in dealing with misfortune.

Process of becoming a Christian

Long! Usually extended over a period of several years.

Committed to:Living a life of generosity and lovePermanently avoiding sinBeing part of a community that was the

dwelling place of god.

Galerius: Emperor of Rome

Final and worst persecution of Christians occurred under Galerius

Galerius blamed Christians for all of the problems in the empireAD 311 He contracted painful disease,

believed it was punishment from Christian God

Edicts issued by Galerius

Christians allowed to practice their faith

Christians required to pray to their God for well being of emperor and empire.

Constantine’s campaign to control Roman Empire

Constantine ordered soldiers to place Chi-Rho (first two letters in the name Christ) symbol on their shields

Constantine’s army defeated Maxentius and he became rule of the entire western half of the Empire.

Christianity becomes legal!

From AD 313Positive and negative results

Religion and politics intermingle

Constantine intervened in life of ChurchCalled ecumenical council at Nicaea

Concern for those in need no longer dominated Christian thoughtClerical positions important political positions

Clerical aristocracy developed

Adoption of imperial protocol in liturgies

City of God

Dominant image of Church at the timeFocus on:

Established order and hierarchyLaws and common codes of belief and

behavior centralChurch place were society flourished

Positive and negative effects of legalized Christianity Positive Negative

Christian leaders, values imbedded in public consciousness

Many people sought membership only for power and prestigeSocial stratification develops between rich and poor

Apostasy

A total denial of Christ and a disavowal of the Christian faith

Some Christians believed Church was falling into apostasy with Baptism no longer a commitment that might end in martyrdom but a stop on road to luxury.

Christians flee to the desert.

Take up the hermit lifeEmbrace povertyViewed Church as dwelling place of God

All must act as Christ actedPoverty, charity no longer seen as

Christian norms; those of a select few lived ideals in name of entire Church

Symbol of civilization, protector of order.From 5th-8th centuries Europe invaded by

barbariansBarbarians wished to participate in

benefits of civilizationTribal leaders adopted Christian faith as a

sign and means of civilizationWhen leader converted, all those under

him converted

Growing importance of the papacy: Protector of hope and order. AD 452 Attila the Hun invaded Italy

Pope Leo the Great met with AttilahAttilah did not invade Rome

Three years later, Vandals invadeStopped from burning city of Rome by Pope

Leo’s negotiations6th century Lombards invade Rome

Pope Gregory the Great negotiated peace

Church as sheepfold

After death of Gregory the Great Church lost effectiveness as moral leader

Emperors of East exert influence over western Church

Popes puppets of stateChurch as sheepfold: place one was

protected from “wolves” of evil and damnation

Roman civilization crumbled

Europe in anarchyProtection and security priorityChurch provided protection and security

for danger of this world and uncertainties of the next world

Purgatory

Final purification of all who die in God’s grace and friendship but remain imperfectly purified

Final cleansing away of all sin and of all the consequences of sin

Pope Gregory the Great emphasized this Church teaching

Pope Leo III crowns Charlemagne

• AD 800• Charlemagne king of the Franks• Crowned Emperor of the West at

Christmas Day Mass

Charlemagne used church for own ends.Thought of Church as branch of his

governmentPassed laws regarding life of churchUsed Church as means of subduing his

enemiesBaptism or death!

Appointed bishops as he did generals

Charlemagne’s mandates.

Sunday is day of rest and worshipPreaching done in language of peopleTithing mandatory (tithes as a tax)Mandated monastic reform (must comply

with Rule of Benedict)Reformed Church schools

Middle Ages: A time of fear.

Bubonic plague struck in 14th centuryChurch offered comfort, peace and

security to those who were afraidChurch helped people find way to trust,

rely on and respond to God even in face of chaos.

A cultivated field

The good and the bad inextricably mixed within the Church

Those within Church must listen carefully to hear the voice of God in the midst of all the confusion

Faith assures us that God’s voice will always be present within the Church

Church of middle ages fits this image

Feudalism

The governing system which prevailed in Europe in the Middle Ages in which a superior or lord granted land to a vassal in return for the services (primarily military) of that vassal.

The vassal did not own the land but he did receive its income as long as he remained faithful to the lord he served.

Feudalism

Under this system all land was owned by a few powerful people

The vast majority of the population worked the land in return for food, shelter and protection.

Strict division among social classes, nobility, clergy, and serfs who farmed the land.

Papacy: A Prize to be fought over.

Popes accused of various corruptionsChurch offices, Church property used to

further ends of rich and powerfulAD 897 Pope Stephen VI presided over

“cadaveric council”.Dead pope tried and found guilty of crimesBody mutilated, thrown into Tiber River

Cluny Monastery

Founded in AD 909Led by Berno, monkCenter of large monastic reform

movementReformed and reordered hundreds of

monastic communities

Desire for Church Reform

Primary goal: Free the Church from its obligations to kings and noblesEnd simony (buying and selling Church

positions)Second goal: Enforce clerical celibacy so

Church positions could not be hereditary, Church property could not be dissipated by heirs

Obedience within the Church (all faithful should be obedient to the Pope)

Weakness of Cluniac Reforms

Attitude toward wealthInsisted on right of monastery and the

Church to accumulate wealth for glory of God and to aid in service to the poor

Meant that abbots and bishops were powerful feudal lords

Simony and Church involvement in politics unavoidable

Cistercian Movement

• Led by Saint Bernard of Clairvaux

Papal Reform

AD 1048 Bruno of Toul offered papacy by emperorAccept only if people and clergy elected himTraveled to Rome, barefootAcclaimed by clergy and the people

Took name Leo IXReforms

Clerical celibacyEnd to simony

War and division

Attitude that time was coming when non-Christians and Christian heretics from Christians in good standing

Pope Urban II announced first crusade in AD 1095Goal crusade: “Win heaven” by taking back

Holy Land from the Moslems and by saving the Eastern Church from Moslem threat

The Crusaders

Saw themselves as the army of God, army of the apocalypse

Job was to begin final separation of wheat and weeds

Unmerited killing of Jews and MoslemsA crusade against heresy followed

1209 Southern France invaded northern France slaughtered Christian sect

Fourth Lateran Council

AD 1215Established the InquisitionEvery bishop was responsible for looking

into any potential heresy within his diocese and destroying it

2 dangers in viewing Church as cultivated field (sin, grace intermingled)

We will become indifferent to the presence of sin and may do nothing to challenge it

We may begin to think of ourselves as harvesters whose job it is to identify and destroy both sin and sinners

Protestant Reformation

An effort to reform the Catholic church in the 16th century which led to the separation of large numbers of Christians from communion with Rome and with each other

Council of Trent

16th century ecumenical council held in response to the challenges of the Protestant reformation

Clearly outlined Catholic doctrine on such matters as authority, sin and justification, and the role of Mary and the saints

Convened by Pope Paul II in AD 1545

Our Mother

Church as Mother, offering care and protection to her flock

Issues raised by the protesters:

The role of the Bible in determining orthodox theology

The cause and nature of sin and justification or redemption

The number and nature of the sacramentsHow liturgy is celebratedThe theology of the EucharistThe authority of the hierarchy

Issues raised by the protesters:

The proper relationship between the Church and the state

The role of Mary and the other saintsThe existence of free will

Impact of the Council of Trent.

Linked orthodoxy with uniformityRequired Catholics everywhere to do and

say the same things with respect to faithBelief that both ordained ministry and the

hierarchical structure of the Church had been established by God and were absolutely necessary

Impact of the Council of Trent.

Rejected Martin Luther’s belief that only scripture is necessary.Scripture and Tradition must both be

considered for a proper understanding of theology

Scripture cannot be separated from Tradition, because scripture was part of the Tradition of the Church before it was scripture

Church decided what would be considered scripture

Tradition of the Church

Refers to the faith which was handed by Christ to his apostles and by those apostles to their successors

Word of God must be interpreted by the Church, and more explicitly by the bishops of the Church in order that it might be properly understood and applied in each generation

Vulgate

• Latin translation of the Bible• Authoritative version of the Bible• The translation used by the Church for

1,000 years, part of the Tradition

More teachings of Council of Trent

Importance of the hierarchy in the administration of the sacraments

There are 7 sacramentsDifference between power of ordination

and specific role as leader of a ChurchOrdination confers special powers on man

ordainedDistinction between “priesthood of all

believers” and the ordained priesthood

Ordination changes person’s character.Priest able to stand in the person of Christ

and celebrate EucharisPower to speak words which change

bread and wine into body and blood of Christ

Power to offer one, true sacrifice of JesusPower to stand in the person f Christ,

speak words of forgiveness and healing

Council of Trent outlined way Catholics must live, faith they must profess.

Marriages between Catholics and non-Catholics declared invalid

List of forbidden books establishedGuidelines for education and training of

clergy established to take place in seminaries.

Church as Mother

Main image emerged from Council of TrentLeaders of Church feed, educate and

protect peopleFeed them bread of lifeTeach them truth about God, human

nature and salvationRescue them when fall into sinOffer protection from hell and damnation

One Body, Many Parts.

Pope John XXIII, 1959, called ecumenical council, Vatican II

Church needed “updated” so it could respond more effectively to the modern world

Changes affected by Vatican II

Importance of full participation of both clergy and laity in liturgy. Liturgy to be said in language of the people, not Latin

Image of Church as People of God, lay religious and clergy, all members of Church, bear responsibility for mission

Restoration of Christian unity. Church does not reject truth and holiness found in other religions

In Conclusion

Church is a mysteryNature never be graspedEssence never be captured

Images used to convey something of truth of ChurchChoice Vineyard Dwelling place of GodCity of God SheepfoldCultivated field Our MotherBody of Christ

In Conclusion

Choice Vineyard: Grown from rootstock of Christ. Church has no life or purpose apart from Christ

Dwelling place of God: To be a member of Church is to accept responsibility for making God’s presence visible

City of God: Laws of God made known. City in which people love and serve God in diverse ways.

In Conclusion

Sheepfold: Offers shelter from evil that threatens us. Christ is the gate

Cultivated field: Both good and bad found in Church. Seeds of kingdom in the Church, weeds of sin. Church perfected at time of harvest

Our Mother: Watches over us, protects us from harmful influences, teaches us things we need to know.

Body of Christ: Each of us has responsibility for Church.