week 3- 12
3 History of Christian Doctrine Chapter 5 & 6 Week 3 Topic: The Old Catholic Age / The Ecumenical Catholic Age – 170-325 - This also known as the neicea council. - The council marked a significant change in many ways – This council helped bring about the fusion between the church and the state, - It is called old Catholic Age not because it belong to Roman Catholic church of today but original sense that us universal. Because at this time there were no major decisions in Christendom. - It was in this age that theologians emerged in response to certain heresies or opposing views. - Many of the Roman Catholic Church practical first made their appearance during this time. - To understand this age proper we have to analyze it into three school of thought, along geographical lines: - The first school is that of Asia Minor, and its two main representatives were Irenaeus and Hippolytus. Both originated from Asia Minor. - The second school is that of North Africa, there primary language was Latin. The theologian there was a presbyter (local minister) known as Tertullian (150-225), he began writing around 196. he was followed by his disciple Cyprian. Cyprian later became a bishop of Carthage (248-58). Tertullian never held any prominent office in the church. - The third school of thought was based in Alexandria, Egypt, the major center of Hellenistic (Greek) culture and philosophy. The leading thinker here was Clement of Alexandria (150-215). - Most of the men used in this era are men that the church as seen as insignificant and some of them never held a prominent position in the church. Their influence came not because they held big position but by their teaching and writing. - They are many other writing lesser for the history of doctrine by their writers in this age. Some were writing in various languages, like Greek, Latin e.t.c. • Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons A tradition says that Irenaeus (died C.200). The tradition that says is a disciple of Polycarp was dubious. He simply says of Polycarp: “whom I also saw in my early youth, for he tarried (on earth) a very long time”. The major work of Irenaeus is against Heresies (C. 182-88), a lengthy treatise that details and refutes a variety of Gnostic belief. - Church historian considers him to be the first theologian of post biblical times because in opposition to Gnosticism and related heresies, he enunciated a comprehensive doctrinal system based on the New Testament. • Hippolytus Died 236 was a pupil of Irenaeus, but he developed his own distinctive doctrinal views. - He opposed two successive Roman Bishops. His most important work is the refutation of all Heresies. • Tertullian Tertullian was the first major theologian to write in Latin, and he is often called the father of western theology. He is a lawyer and teacher of rhetoric. Tertullian interpreted scripture literally and even materialistically. He was the first Christian writer to call God and trinity. • Clement of Alexandria A pagan philosopher before his conversion, Clement became the superintendent of a school for new converts. He stressed the important of knowledge. In contrast to Tertullian. He said that to know is greater than to believe, and he was found of interpreting scripture allegorically. Other writers of this age are: Cyprian and Origen. Chapter 6 The Ecumenical Catholic Age: It was called the Ecumenical Catholic age because it was characterized by seven major church councils that formulated doctrines. It is “Catholic” because Christendom still perceived itself as a whole without official divisions such as denominations. - Most of the distinctive doctrines and practices of Roman Catholicism and Eastern orthodoxy were developed during this age. - Five major areas of their doctrines are: (1) Theology (2) Ecclesiology (3) Monasticism (4) Blending of pagan and Christian elements. (5) Distinction between East and West. - This age witnesses the first Roman emperor to become Christian by name Constantine 1 (the Great). - We can classify the major theological writers of the Ecumenical Catholic Age under three schools of thought: (1) The Antioch school (2) The Alexandrian school (3) The Western school of thought - The seen Ecumenical councils: They are called Ecumenical because both Roman Catholicism and Eastern orthodoxy accept them as valid. Protestants generally accept all but the last, but consider only the first four to be of prime significance. (1) Nicea 1,325 was convened by Constantine 1, near the imperial residence at Nicomedia. (2) Constantinople 1,381 summoned by Theodosius 1. (3) Ephesus, 431, called by Theodosius II and dominated by Cyril of Alexandria. (4) Chalcedony, 451 was held near Constantinople. Summoned by the Eastern emperor Mercian at the promoting of Pope Leo 1. (5) Constantinople II,553, convened by Justinian condemned the view that Christ had only one nature (monophystitism). (6) Constantinople III, 680, under Constantine progonatus, condemned the doctrine that Christ had only one will (monotheletism). (7) Nicea II, 787, under Empress Irene, endorsed the worship of images. During this ages Christianity was spread through various means. Chapter 7 & 8 Week 4 The canon of scripture/ The Doctrine of God. Chapter 7, The Canon of Scripture The canon is the list of books accepted as scripture, the books inspired by God. - Factors that motivated the canon: (a) First and the most pressing among all is the challenge of those in heretical movements, about what accepted views constituted the scripture. Some began to propose their own books to be included in the scripture. Such groups include Gnostics and marcionites. (b) The church came to realize the need of appropriate literature for doctrinal instruction, for combating false doctrines and for evangelism. (c) The plan of pagan authorities to confiscate and destroy scripture. - The canon was actually recognized from the earliest times at the grass roots. From the used these books as scripture. - The post – Apostolic writers had clear guidance concerning the Old Testament. They accepted the books that the Jews had historically deemed to be the word of God. - Some Christian groups accepted as canonical or semi canonical a number of Jewish writings dating from about 200 B.C to 30 B.C. and one from about A.D. 100. They are commonly called the Apocrypha. Some are additions to biblical books. - There are many reasons why the church as a whole did not accept these writings. (1) The Jews never accepted them (2) They were writing after Malachi, the last of the inspired prophets of the Old Testament. (3) The authors were unknown men who did not claim inspiration, and some of the books falsely claim authorship by biblical men who lived long before they were composed (4) Neither Jesus nor the New Testament writers ever quoted them or referred to them as scripture. (5) They contain doctrinal error, such as prayer for the dead, salvation by works, almsgiving as atonement for sins and the pre existence of souls. (6) They contain inferior moral teaching. (7) They contain historical, chronological and geographical errors. (8) They contain many fanciful passages. - The first century Christian were able to recognized the canon because they have received sound doctrine from the Apostles and were personally acquainted with the writers of the New Testament. Chapter 8 The Doctrine of God During this age people who don’t belief in the doctrines of Trinitarian are called Monarchians, from Greek words meaning “one rule”, referring to the one, sovereign God who rules the universe. The were distinguish by the church historians into two kinds, which are dynamic and modalistic monarchians. (1) The dynamic monarchians defend God’s oneness by saying that Jesus is not God in the fullest sense of the word. (2) The modalistic Monarchianism, they are the second classification of people who opposed early Trinitarian’s. They emphasized that God is absolutely one, with no distinction of persons. According to them, father, son, and Holy Spirit are not three persons but three ways, or “modes”, in which God has manifested or related himself to the world. - During this age many lives were lost because of doctrinal issue. - It took the church three hundred years before they could accept the doctrine of the trinity. - Many views were initiated during this age that brought about the fight and the killings. But through it all, God patience with mankind brought truth to the light. Chapter 9 & 10, Week 5 The Doctrine of Christ / The Doctrine of Humanity and Salvation Chapter 9 The Doctrine of Christ - After the controversies over the doctrine of God subsided in the fourth century, the attention of theologians shifted to debate about the doctrine of Jesus Christ (Christology). - There are six ecumenical councils traditionally accepted by the three major branches of Christendom – Roman Catholicism, Easter orthodoxy, and Protestantism. (1) The council of Nicea in 325 established the deity of Christ. (2) The council of Constantinople in 381 established the full humanity of Christ. (3) The council of Ephesus of 431 sought to resolve this problem of saying Christ is one person not two. (4) The council of chalcedony of 451 finished what Ephesus started and said Christ has two natures. (5) The council of Constantinople in 553 reaffirmed the doctrine of two natures. (6) The council of Constantinople in 680 affirmed, that Christ has to wills bit is not two persons. Chapter 10, The Doctrine of Humanity and Salvation - Have come to understand Grace as “undeserved operation of God in a person’s life”. That we do not merit Grace but was given to us on the account of what Christ does for us. I belief this could be apply to how we treat other’s who have hurt us, by closing to forgive them even before they ask for it. - Water baptism does not give salvation but true conversion of the heart. - Salvation is God’s desire for everyone but will must respond in faith to this offer before it is realize. John 3:16. - A person who is regenerated can fall from the grace of salvation. In such a case, his failure is due, not to God’s choice, but to his own perverted will. - The institutional churches no longer believe in receiving the Holy Spirit as recorded in the book of Acts. By late fourth and early fifth countries. - There are debates about humanity and adamic or actual sin. - Thank God for the doctrinal teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ together with the Apostles teaching man would have lost forever. Chapter 11 & 2, Week 6 The Doctrine and Structure of the Church/ Early Post-Apostolic Writers Chapter 11 The Doctrine and Structure of the Church - The first church building was constructed publicly around 230, though later destroyed during the persecutions of the church – This is my first discovery from this chapter. - Constantine was the Emperor that made Sunday a legal holiday so that Christian could worship without hindrance on their special day. - Elements of typical worship service are as follow: Reading of scripture. Preaching or teaching, prayer, offering and the Eucharist. - Bishop was known to be a local church pastor; the use of this term to denote a hierarchical official who has authority over pastors was a later development. - Deacons were not to rule teach or preach but assist the pastors in the business of the church. - Ignatius was the first to speak of the church as “Catholic” or universal. - When Constantine embraced Christianity, he began to build churches at state expense. - There are five churches recognized as great mother churches in forth century: Jerusalem, Rome, Antioch, Alexandria, and Constantinople. - In summary, I learnt that the foundation of the church is laid upon our Lord Jesus Christ, though he used different human instrument in bringing to pass the church structure and her operations. My prayer, is that I will be a vessel like others that have gone before us even more than they in the hands of Almighty God. Chapter 2 Early Post-Apostolic Writers A.D 90 - 140 - They were not the second generation of leaders after the apostles, but younger associated and co-workers of the apostles. - Some of these apostles wrote from biblical stand point while others wrote from Pseudonym. - Their writings are not inspired as the New Testament is. But there are good messages and experiences of these apostles that believers can learn from. - In summary have learnt to be careful of what I read and belief from other’s people work. Chapter 12, week 7 The Early Sacraments - Have come to discover under the teaching/history of Baptism, that there is blood baptism and desire baptism. The formal for martyrs and the latter for those who have the desire but were physically prevented from doing so before their death. - Anointing with oil was first mentioned by Tertullian. - The three views of Eucharist: (1) Transubstantiation (change of substance). The fruit of the vine literally into Christ blood, together with the bread turns. (2) Consubstantiation – Christ blood and body join the substance. (3) Spiritualistic or symbolic view. The substance remains exactly that and nothing more, but they represent the blood and body of Christ. - The church support the symbolic rather than the realistic position. Mark 14: 22-24 – They could see His physical body before them; it had not yet been broken. In summary, the church practiced water baptism and the Eucharist, which are two sacraments instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ. In each case, various non biblical rituals became attached to these sacraments, and the church developed liturgies for saving my prayer is that God will not allow me to go beyond what recorded in the scripture for Chapter 13, Week 8 Pagan Influences - Paganism came into Christianity when emperor Constantine and his successors established Christianity as the official state religion and banned paganism. - Because thousands of pagans who were prominent citizens now found their status called into question. For most pagans, the solution was simple they changed their religion to Christianity. - They believe that, the very triumph of Christianity was sufficient proof that the God of the Christians was superior to their old gods. But their problem was that in most cases they did not undergo a genuine spiritual conversion – in other words, they merely added Christianity to their beliefs and lifestyle and translated their pagan ideas and practices into the new Christian context. - In summary genuine conversion is needed if our work with Christ must be rewarded. This is what gave birth to Roman Catholicism and Easter orthodoxy. Chapter 14, Week 9 The Early Middle Ages A. D. 600 - 1100 - Gregory 1 the great was elected as pope. He was the one who helped to established all paganistic forms of worship for the Roman Catholic church. Gregory stated that tradition was equal in authority with the scripture. Therefore, the official pronouncements of the church were just as valid as those of the Bible. In other words, making God’s word equal with man made dogma. - God later raised a man called Charlemagne who rejected all the works of Gregory 1 and said the worship and adoration of images was an error. As a compromise, however, he prohibited the destruction of images, saying they were useful as works of art, illustrations of biblical stories, and objects to motivate piety. - In summary, whenever God raise us to do any work for Him we should never compromise our stand on what God has ask us to do the compromise of Saul will him, the compromise of David destroyed many in Israel – The compromise of Charlemagne is what cause roman Catholicism to still hold on to images. \ Chapter 15, Week 10 The later Middle Ages A. D. 1100 - 1500 - During this age, Islam which was founded in 622 by Muhammad in Arabia as a monotheistic religion spread by force, quickly conquering Arabia, the middle East, and north Africa from 711 to 715 the Muslims as they are called conquered Spain, and they threatened Western Europe until Charles Martel, grand-father of Charlemagne, defeated them at the Battle of Tours (France) in 732. - This age gave birth to (crusade) a war against Islam by catholic Europeans to conquer the Holy land from Muslims. Though crusade was not only used to fight Islam, but any country of the world that does not want to be under the rulership of Roman Catholic. - In summary, thank God for today’s crusades which are meant to change lives not to destroy it. Moreso we should be careful of what we do today because they may have effect on our generation yet unborn in the case of Charles Martel the grand-father of Charlemagne. Chapter 16, Week 11 The Medieval Doctrinal System - There are several important elements that characterized the medieval church – one of them which also is the root of all the Roman Catholicism error is the increase of sacraments from two (baptism and Eucharist) to seven (marriage, penance, holy orders, confirmation, and extreme unction). In Catholic theology the sacraments are the means of grace; salvation is applied to a person through these ceremonies. - The grace of God does not operate primarily through individual prayer and faith but supremely through the church, the hierarchy, and the clergy by means of the sacraments. - In summary, whenever man change or add to divine order it’s always lead to jeopardy and heresy. More sacraments was added to the basic two found in the bible in order for catholic priest to perform all their evil intention in the name of religion. - This study as really open me up to see the root of Roman Catholic failure and to: 18- be careful in the ministry not to add to biblical doctrines that are stated in the word of God. Revelation 2219. - Chapter 17, Week 12 The Road to the Reformation - God always have a way of preserving the truth about Himself and His word. The sixteenth century protestant reformations proof this, when certain people and movements kick against the medieval theology of Roman Catholicism. - Thank God for men like Peter, Waldo, Marsillius of Padua, John Wyclif and the Hollards, John Huss and the Hussites, Girolamo Savonarola, and finally the man behind reformation proper, Martin Luther. If God does not stir the heart of these men, we would have still been in darkness. - Finally, I think the church of today, need men like Martin Luther, who will awake the church from the deep sleep of materialism to holiness and righteousness in God, which is our only key to revival that will prepare the saints for the second coming of our lord and king Jesus Christ.
3 History of Christian Doctrine Chapter 5 & 6 Week 3 Topic: The Old Catholic Age / The Ecumenical Catholic Age – 170-325 - This also known as the neicea council. - The council marked a significant change in many ways – This council helped bring about the fusion between the church and the state, - It is called old Catholic Age not because it belong to Roman Catholic church of today but original sense that us universal. Because at this time there were no major decisions in Christendom. - It was in this age that theologians emerged in response to certain heresies or opposing views. - Many of the Roman Catholic Church practical first made their appearance during this time. - To understand this age proper we have to analyze it into three school of thought, along geographical lines: - The first school is that of Asia Minor, and its two main representatives were Irenaeus and Hippolytus. Both originated from Asia Minor. - The second school is that of North Africa, there primary language was Latin. The theologian there was a presbyter (local minister) known as Tertullian (150-225), he began writing around 196. he was followed by his disciple Cyprian. Cyprian later became a bishop of Carthage (248-58). Tertullian never held any prominent office in the church. - The third school of thought was based in Alexandria, Egypt, the major center of Hellenistic (Greek) culture and philosophy. The leading thinker here was Clement of Alexandria (150-215). - Most of the men used in this era are men that the church as seen as insignificant and some of them never held a prominent position in the church. Their influence came not because they held big position but by their teaching and writing. - They are many other writing lesser for the history of doctrine by their writers in this age. Some were writing in various languages, like Greek, Latin e.t.c. • Irenaeus, Bishop of Lyons A tradition says that Irenaeus (died C.200). The tradition that says is a disciple of Polycarp was dubious. He simply says of Polycarp: “whom I also saw in my early youth, for he tarried (on earth) a very long time”. The major work of Irenaeus is against Heresies (C. 182-88), a lengthy treatise that details and refutes a variety of Gnostic belief. - Church historian considers him to be the first theologian of post biblical times because in opposition to Gnosticism and related heresies, he enunciated a comprehensive doctrinal system based on the New Testament. • Hippolytus Died 236 was a pupil of Irenaeus, but he developed his own distinctive doctrinal views. - He opposed two successive Roman Bishops. His most important work is the refutation of all Heresies. • Tertullian Tertullian was the first major theologian to write in Latin, and he is often called the father of western theology. He is a lawyer and teacher of rhetoric. Tertullian interpreted scripture literally and even materialistically. He was the first Christian writer to call God and trinity. • Clement of Alexandria A pagan philosopher before his conversion, Clement became the superintendent of a school for new converts. He stressed the important of knowledge. In contrast to Tertullian. He said that to know is greater than to believe, and he was found of interpreting scripture allegorically. Other writers of this age are: Cyprian and Origen. Chapter 6 The Ecumenical Catholic Age: It was called the Ecumenical Catholic age because it was characterized by seven major church councils that formulated doctrines. It is “Catholic” because Christendom still perceived itself as a whole without official divisions such as denominations. - Most of the distinctive doctrines and practices of Roman Catholicism and Eastern orthodoxy were developed during this age. - Five major areas of their doctrines are: (1) Theology (2) Ecclesiology (3) Monasticism (4) Blending of pagan and Christian elements. (5) Distinction between East and West. - This age witnesses the first Roman emperor to become Christian by name Constantine 1 (the Great). - We can classify the major theological writers of the Ecumenical Catholic Age under three schools of thought: (1) The Antioch school (2) The Alexandrian school (3) The Western school of thought - The seen Ecumenical councils: They are called Ecumenical because both Roman Catholicism and Eastern orthodoxy accept them as valid. Protestants generally accept all but the last, but consider only the first four to be of prime significance. (1) Nicea 1,325 was convened by Constantine 1, near the imperial residence at Nicomedia. (2) Constantinople 1,381 summoned by Theodosius 1. (3) Ephesus, 431, called by Theodosius II and dominated by Cyril of Alexandria. (4) Chalcedony, 451 was held near Constantinople. Summoned by the Eastern emperor Mercian at the promoting of Pope Leo 1. (5) Constantinople II,553, convened by Justinian condemned the view that Christ had only one nature (monophystitism). (6) Constantinople III, 680, under Constantine progonatus, condemned the doctrine that Christ had only one will (monotheletism). (7) Nicea II, 787, under Empress Irene, endorsed the worship of images. During this ages Christianity was spread through various means. Chapter 7 & 8 Week 4 The canon of scripture/ The Doctrine of God. Chapter 7, The Canon of Scripture The canon is the list of books accepted as scripture, the books inspired by God. - Factors that motivated the canon: (a) First and the most pressing among all is the challenge of those in heretical movements, about what accepted views constituted the scripture. Some began to propose their own books to be included in the scripture. Such groups include Gnostics and marcionites. (b) The church came to realize the need of appropriate literature for doctrinal instruction, for combating false doctrines and for evangelism. (c) The plan of pagan authorities to confiscate and destroy scripture. - The canon was actually recognized from the earliest times at the grass roots. From the used these books as scripture. - The post – Apostolic writers had clear guidance concerning the Old Testament. They accepted the books that the Jews had historically deemed to be the word of God. - Some Christian groups accepted as canonical or semi canonical a number of Jewish writings dating from about 200 B.C to 30 B.C. and one from about A.D. 100. They are commonly called the Apocrypha. Some are additions to biblical books. - There are many reasons why the church as a whole did not accept these writings. (1) The Jews never accepted them (2) They were writing after Malachi, the last of the inspired prophets of the Old Testament. (3) The authors were unknown men who did not claim inspiration, and some of the books falsely claim authorship by biblical men who lived long before they were composed (4) Neither Jesus nor the New Testament writers ever quoted them or referred to them as scripture. (5) They contain doctrinal error, such as prayer for the dead, salvation by works, almsgiving as atonement for sins and the pre existence of souls. (6) They contain inferior moral teaching. (7) They contain historical, chronological and geographical errors. (8) They contain many fanciful passages. - The first century Christian were able to recognized the canon because they have received sound doctrine from the Apostles and were personally acquainted with the writers of the New Testament. Chapter 8 The Doctrine of God During this age people who don’t belief in the doctrines of Trinitarian are called Monarchians, from Greek words meaning “one rule”, referring to the one, sovereign God who rules the universe. The were distinguish by the church historians into two kinds, which are dynamic and modalistic monarchians. (1) The dynamic monarchians defend God’s oneness by saying that Jesus is not God in the fullest sense of the word. (2) The modalistic Monarchianism, they are the second classification of people who opposed early Trinitarian’s. They emphasized that God is absolutely one, with no distinction of persons. According to them, father, son, and Holy Spirit are not three persons but three ways, or “modes”, in which God has manifested or related himself to the world. - During this age many lives were lost because of doctrinal issue. - It took the church three hundred years before they could accept the doctrine of the trinity. - Many views were initiated during this age that brought about the fight and the killings. But through it all, God patience with mankind brought truth to the light. Chapter 9 & 10, Week 5 The Doctrine of Christ / The Doctrine of Humanity and Salvation Chapter 9 The Doctrine of Christ - After the controversies over the doctrine of God subsided in the fourth century, the attention of theologians shifted to debate about the doctrine of Jesus Christ (Christology). - There are six ecumenical councils traditionally accepted by the three major branches of Christendom – Roman Catholicism, Easter orthodoxy, and Protestantism. (1) The council of Nicea in 325 established the deity of Christ. (2) The council of Constantinople in 381 established the full humanity of Christ. (3) The council of Ephesus of 431 sought to resolve this problem of saying Christ is one person not two. (4) The council of chalcedony of 451 finished what Ephesus started and said Christ has two natures. (5) The council of Constantinople in 553 reaffirmed the doctrine of two natures. (6) The council of Constantinople in 680 affirmed, that Christ has to wills bit is not two persons. Chapter 10, The Doctrine of Humanity and Salvation - Have come to understand Grace as “undeserved operation of God in a person’s life”. That we do not merit Grace but was given to us on the account of what Christ does for us. I belief this could be apply to how we treat other’s who have hurt us, by closing to forgive them even before they ask for it. - Water baptism does not give salvation but true conversion of the heart. - Salvation is God’s desire for everyone but will must respond in faith to this offer before it is realize. John 3:16. - A person who is regenerated can fall from the grace of salvation. In such a case, his failure is due, not to God’s choice, but to his own perverted will. - The institutional churches no longer believe in receiving the Holy Spirit as recorded in the book of Acts. By late fourth and early fifth countries. - There are debates about humanity and adamic or actual sin. - Thank God for the doctrinal teaching of our Lord Jesus Christ together with the Apostles teaching man would have lost forever. Chapter 11 & 2, Week 6 The Doctrine and Structure of the Church/ Early Post-Apostolic Writers Chapter 11 The Doctrine and Structure of the Church - The first church building was constructed publicly around 230, though later destroyed during the persecutions of the church – This is my first discovery from this chapter. - Constantine was the Emperor that made Sunday a legal holiday so that Christian could worship without hindrance on their special day. - Elements of typical worship service are as follow: Reading of scripture. Preaching or teaching, prayer, offering and the Eucharist. - Bishop was known to be a local church pastor; the use of this term to denote a hierarchical official who has authority over pastors was a later development. - Deacons were not to rule teach or preach but assist the pastors in the business of the church. - Ignatius was the first to speak of the church as “Catholic” or universal. - When Constantine embraced Christianity, he began to build churches at state expense. - There are five churches recognized as great mother churches in forth century: Jerusalem, Rome, Antioch, Alexandria, and Constantinople. - In summary, I learnt that the foundation of the church is laid upon our Lord Jesus Christ, though he used different human instrument in bringing to pass the church structure and her operations. My prayer, is that I will be a vessel like others that have gone before us even more than they in the hands of Almighty God. Chapter 2 Early Post-Apostolic Writers A.D 90 - 140 - They were not the second generation of leaders after the apostles, but younger associated and co-workers of the apostles. - Some of these apostles wrote from biblical stand point while others wrote from Pseudonym. - Their writings are not inspired as the New Testament is. But there are good messages and experiences of these apostles that believers can learn from. - In summary have learnt to be careful of what I read and belief from other’s people work. Chapter 12, week 7 The Early Sacraments - Have come to discover under the teaching/history of Baptism, that there is blood baptism and desire baptism. The formal for martyrs and the latter for those who have the desire but were physically prevented from doing so before their death. - Anointing with oil was first mentioned by Tertullian. - The three views of Eucharist: (1) Transubstantiation (change of substance). The fruit of the vine literally into Christ blood, together with the bread turns. (2) Consubstantiation – Christ blood and body join the substance. (3) Spiritualistic or symbolic view. The substance remains exactly that and nothing more, but they represent the blood and body of Christ. - The church support the symbolic rather than the realistic position. Mark 14: 22-24 – They could see His physical body before them; it had not yet been broken. In summary, the church practiced water baptism and the Eucharist, which are two sacraments instituted by our Lord Jesus Christ. In each case, various non biblical rituals became attached to these sacraments, and the church developed liturgies for saving my prayer is that God will not allow me to go beyond what recorded in the scripture for Chapter 13, Week 8 Pagan Influences - Paganism came into Christianity when emperor Constantine and his successors established Christianity as the official state religion and banned paganism. - Because thousands of pagans who were prominent citizens now found their status called into question. For most pagans, the solution was simple they changed their religion to Christianity. - They believe that, the very triumph of Christianity was sufficient proof that the God of the Christians was superior to their old gods. But their problem was that in most cases they did not undergo a genuine spiritual conversion – in other words, they merely added Christianity to their beliefs and lifestyle and translated their pagan ideas and practices into the new Christian context. - In summary genuine conversion is needed if our work with Christ must be rewarded. This is what gave birth to Roman Catholicism and Easter orthodoxy. Chapter 14, Week 9 The Early Middle Ages A. D. 600 - 1100 - Gregory 1 the great was elected as pope. He was the one who helped to established all paganistic forms of worship for the Roman Catholic church. Gregory stated that tradition was equal in authority with the scripture. Therefore, the official pronouncements of the church were just as valid as those of the Bible. In other words, making God’s word equal with man made dogma. - God later raised a man called Charlemagne who rejected all the works of Gregory 1 and said the worship and adoration of images was an error. As a compromise, however, he prohibited the destruction of images, saying they were useful as works of art, illustrations of biblical stories, and objects to motivate piety. - In summary, whenever God raise us to do any work for Him we should never compromise our stand on what God has ask us to do the compromise of Saul will him, the compromise of David destroyed many in Israel – The compromise of Charlemagne is what cause roman Catholicism to still hold on to images. \ Chapter 15, Week 10 The later Middle Ages A. D. 1100 - 1500 - During this age, Islam which was founded in 622 by Muhammad in Arabia as a monotheistic religion spread by force, quickly conquering Arabia, the middle East, and north Africa from 711 to 715 the Muslims as they are called conquered Spain, and they threatened Western Europe until Charles Martel, grand-father of Charlemagne, defeated them at the Battle of Tours (France) in 732. - This age gave birth to (crusade) a war against Islam by catholic Europeans to conquer the Holy land from Muslims. Though crusade was not only used to fight Islam, but any country of the world that does not want to be under the rulership of Roman Catholic. - In summary, thank God for today’s crusades which are meant to change lives not to destroy it. Moreso we should be careful of what we do today because they may have effect on our generation yet unborn in the case of Charles Martel the grand-father of Charlemagne. Chapter 16, Week 11 The Medieval Doctrinal System - There are several important elements that characterized the medieval church – one of them which also is the root of all the Roman Catholicism error is the increase of sacraments from two (baptism and Eucharist) to seven (marriage, penance, holy orders, confirmation, and extreme unction). In Catholic theology the sacraments are the means of grace; salvation is applied to a person through these ceremonies. - The grace of God does not operate primarily through individual prayer and faith but supremely through the church, the hierarchy, and the clergy by means of the sacraments. - In summary, whenever man change or add to divine order it’s always lead to jeopardy and heresy. More sacraments was added to the basic two found in the bible in order for catholic priest to perform all their evil intention in the name of religion. - This study as really open me up to see the root of Roman Catholic failure and to: 18- be careful in the ministry not to add to biblical doctrines that are stated in the word of God. Revelation 2219. - Chapter 17, Week 12 The Road to the Reformation - God always have a way of preserving the truth about Himself and His word. The sixteenth century protestant reformations proof this, when certain people and movements kick against the medieval theology of Roman Catholicism. - Thank God for men like Peter, Waldo, Marsillius of Padua, John Wyclif and the Hollards, John Huss and the Hussites, Girolamo Savonarola, and finally the man behind reformation proper, Martin Luther. If God does not stir the heart of these men, we would have still been in darkness. - Finally, I think the church of today, need men like Martin Luther, who will awake the church from the deep sleep of materialism to holiness and righteousness in God, which is our only key to revival that will prepare the saints for the second coming of our lord and king Jesus Christ.