-
270
Neoplatonism
Started by Plotinus, 205-270 CE. "Decisive in the intellectual development of Augustine" (Ferguson, 391.) Uses the transcendence of "one" to overcome dualism. Hugely influential on Christianity. -
312
Arius
Proposed that Crist was fully human, not born of God, but "first & hightest of God's creations." Ferguson p. 193. -
320
Donatus & Donatists
REfuted alliance of church & state.
Said only clergy who had never renounced their faith could administer sacraments, including baptism. -
325
Council of Nicea
Affirmed Christ's divinity & his origins from God. -
325
Constantine
Officially endorses Christianity as the religion of the empire. Issues arise with creating the Church in the image of political reality. -
347
Plato
Philosopher. As such, he took a non-religious approach to explaining "the way things are." Focused on "the impersonal principal of perfection." which he called a "form." (Ferguson, 333). Another important concept is "nature." There are certain basic characteristics (truths) which define things. Emphasized nonmaterial reality. Huge influence on Patristic theology. -
430
Augustine of Hippo
345-430. Manichean => Neoplatonist => Christian. Theologian whose influence can be felt even today. Sin originates with man, not God. It is up to us to decide whether we want a happy or miserable life. -
451
Council of Chalcedon
Christ consists of 2 natures but is only one person. -
Nov 26, 636
Muslims
Expansion of Islam came with Arab invaders across north Africa and across southern Europe. The simplicity of the religion appealed to many, and in many places Christianity was all but eclipsed. There is some evidence that the Muslims were more tolerant of us than we were (eventually) of them. -
Nov 26, 742
German Council at Estienne
"The king was allowed use of lands to which the church retained title and in return received a nominal rent. This practice provided the precedent for the concept of a fief." Ferguson, 362. -
Nov 26, 1049
Leo IX
Instituted college of cardinals.
Principle of holy warfare.
Independence of pope from royal power. -
Oct 27, 1050
Berengar
Advocated that the presence of Christ in the eucharist was spiritual, not physical -
Nov 26, 1075
Dictatus Papae
solidified Pope's grip on authority. -
Oct 27, 1200
Ordination shift
Macy (p. 114) says a major shift in who was allowed to conduct mass & eucharist occured. God was no longer accessible to all. He could only be invoked by the priest, as mediator between the baptized & the divine. -
Destruction of the Temple
The Roman destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem changed the dynamics of the Jewish faith. There was no longer a central place where God dwelt. The Saducees no longer held any real power. God became more accessible to diaspora jews (and Christians. -
Charlemagne
The great French king was crowned emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, a direct snub at the Orthodox Church. On the brighter side, he spread peace & religion throughout much of Europe. -
Benedict of Nursia
Established his monastery at Monte Cassino. Created a comprehensive "rule" to guide & govern, which has served as a model for many christians (not just monks) ever since. For me, the major issue is one that believes righteous living can be attained by adherence to a set of rules. -
Pseudo-Isidorian Decretals
Perhaps as early as 775. "the most influential forgery in the history of the Catholic Church. It became the basis for the claims for the Papal monarchy in the later middle ages." Ferg. 377. -
Cluny
Operated under the Rule of Benedict.
Free election of the Abbot.
Worked to restrict private warfare.
Promoted celibacy. One effect was to eliminate inheritance of clerical positions by offspring.