Church in History

Conversion of Constantine

312

Prior to the Edict of Milan, was the Christian conversion of the Roman Emperor Constantine. This was a major turning point in Christian history has it finally ended the long persecution of Christians and the beginning of Christendo.

Edict of Milan

313

Before 313, Christianity was largely persecuted. This is evident through Nero's acts of violence against Christians. However, it all changed when the two Roman emperors, Constantine of the West and Lucinius of the East agreed to allow Christianity to function as a tolerated religion.

Council of Nicea

325

This was one of the four ecumenical councils that tackled the issue of whether Jesus Christ was equal to God the Father. Arius believed Jesus was a created being who was of a similar substance as the Father. However, Athanasius of Alexandria, his opponent, argued that Jesus was of the same substance as the Father. After much debate, the council agreed with Athanasius and that Jesus was the “true God.” This was a significant victory for the orthodox view of the person of Christ.

Athanasius Defines the New Testament

367

Many had mentioned the canonical books of the new testaments in writings, but Athanasius was the first person to name all 27 books that now make up what we know as the new Testament. This was done in his "Thirty-ninth Festal Letter." Athanasius stated "In these alone the teaching of godliness is proclaimed. No one may add to them, and nothing may be taken from them," referring to the 27 books. This was recognised as a "closed canon" by the Christian Church from this point onward.

Council of Chalcedon

451

This was the last meeting which bought together the great ecumenical councils. It was the solidification of the orthodox view of the person of Christ. Attended by 150 bishops, it was affirmed that Christ at two different natures, human and divine. These two natures existed within one person in perfect harmony.

East/West Schism

Dec 24, 1054

1054 was viewed as the official date for the separation between Western Christians (Roman Catholics) and Eastern Christians (Eastern Orthodox). There were several religious and political factors at play in the division between the two. The Western Church asserted that the Pope's authority extended over the entire Church. However, the Eastern Church rejected papal authority. This was seen as one of the main reasons as to their separation.

First Printed Bible

Dec 24, 1456

The invention of the printing press and the first Bible was nothing short of revolutionary, both politically and religiously. This was masterminded by Johann Gutenberg. For the first time in history, books were able to be mass-produced and were put into the hands of the common people. Without it's invention, the Protestant reformation may have never taken root.

Luther Posts the "95 Theses"

Oct 31, 1517

Acting through his belief, Martin Luther wrote the "95 theses" attacked and questioned the teachings of the Catholic Church on the nature of penance, the authority of the pope and the usefulness of indulgences. This sparked a theological debate and ultimately, fueled the Reformation. It also resulted in the birth of Protestantism. Ramifications where huge both politically and religiously. Luther was condemned a heretic and sentenced to die. He escaped however.