-
4 BCE
The Birth of Jesus Christ
Historians place this time as the birth of Jesus Christ. At this time, the Jewish people were being ruled by the Roman government, at a time were the Roman empire was at its peak. -
49
The first Council of the Church
There was great controversy about whether the teachings of Christ were only for Jews, or whether Gentile could also become a part of the Church. This debate was settled by The Council of Jerusalem, the first Council of the Church. The result being tshat Christ's teaching were for all -
64
Emperor Nero's Persecution
Roman Emperor Nero ruled with dislike for Christians. This was due to the Christians' refusal to follow Roman religion, and their reluctance for participating in public activities. This lead to their persecution, most of which resulted in death. Nero killed the Christians in horrific cruelty, even using some as torches in his celebrations. It was also during this period that the Apostles Peter and Paul were killed, both under the hands of Nero. -
70
The destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem
After the debate was settled at The Council of Jerusalem, separation between the Christians and Jews began to grow. The foundation of Judaism was reestablished in Jamnia after the destruction of the Temple of Jerusalem. Jewish leaders began to enforce thoughts and practices that had been a part of Judaism from before the destruction of the Temple. Now there was only one official Judaism. Shortly after, the early Christians realised that they presented a problem to these people. -
324
Emperor Constantine - The end of Roman to Christian persecution
Following Roman Emperor Constantine's ruling was the end of Christian persecution by the Romans. As a result of a dream he had in 312, he became committed to Christianity. In this dream he saw the greek letters XP for Christos printed in the sky. Under this, he and his soldiers fought and conquered their rivals to lead to his emperorship of both the Eastern and Western side of his Empire. Constantine made Christianity equal to the Roman religions, and allowed Christians to worship publicly. -
325
The doctrine of the Trinity
In clarification of the doctrine of the Trinity, Constantine called a Council of the Church at Nicaea, which is the city of Iznik in mordern Turkey. The doctrine teaches that there are three Persons in the One God: God the Father, Jesus Christ who is God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. -
330
Constantine's Relocation
Constantine transferred his government in Rome to Byzantine towards the east. This was later renamed to "New Rome" prior to reconstruction, and after his death, it was renamed once again after him, "Constantinople". His incentive on the relocation was due to the location of Constantinople. It was the "crossroad" between the East and West, enabling him to quickly spread Christianity. At the time of Constantine's death, Constantinople was a major centre for Christianity just like Rome. -
410
Alaric's Invasion of Italy
Alaric, king of a central European tribe, the Goths, lead an invasion on Italy. He and his army caused mayhem and destruction in their wake and, as a result, Rome was devastated. To a majority of Christians who were involved in this disaster, God seemed to have abandoned the empire and the Church resulting in a loss of faith. -
431
Christianity's first major rend
The first major disagreement in the Christian unity occurred in Persia, or modern day Iran. Persian Christians did not accept the teachings of the Council of Ephesus. Meanwhile, there was increasing jealousy between the East's Constantinople, and the West's Rome. It was emphasised that Jesus Christ was both completely human, and completely divine according to the Council of Chalcedon. The majority of Syrian and Egyptian Christians disagreed with this and separated from the Church. -
451
The Council of Chalcedon
Christians were still debating on the nature of Jesus Christ, whether he was completely divine, or whether he was also man. The Council of Chalcedon rejected the teachings of Christ being completely divine, and affirmed that he is a combination with the latter. This confirmed the creeds of Nicaea and Constantinople, and therefore, condemned the false doctrines of Nestorius and Eutyches. -
Jul 16, 1054
The Great Schism
The enduring differences between the Eastern Christians and the Western Christians finally caused a division. The cause is suggested to be the result of Pope Leo's IX and Patriarch Michael's I excommunication of each other, however, it is due more to the extended period of estrangement between the two bodies of churches. The Church consequently separated through doctrine, theology, linguistics, politics, and geographical borders. -
Oct 26, 1347
The Black Death In Europe
Prior to the plague's attack in Europe, most things, especially the elements of daily life were influenced by the Church. Naturally, once the plague arrived, people assumed it was the punishment of God, and turned to the Church for help. However, the priests and bishops were not able to provide definite explanations or cures. Due to this, the Church lost a majority of its influence, and for many people, their view on the world significantly changed. -
Oct 31, 1517
The Protestant Reformation
Initiated by Martin Luther, this movement influenced the downfall of the previously powerful Catholic Church through its inspiration for anti-authoritarianism. Corrupt practices of the Church such as the selling of indulgences subsequently ended, and individuals no longer had to rely on the Church for religious guidance. -
May 19, 1545
The Council of Trent
By this time, it was clear that the Church was in dire need of a reform. Paul III finally convened the Council of Trent that would reform the clergy and re-affirm the doctrine. Most importantly, many corrupt practices of priests, bishops, and cardinals were forbidden, and that salvation came from faith and good actions were declared. -
The First Vatican Council
Planned in utmost secrecy, this council, convened by Pope Pius IX, was held to deal with a number of issues in its contemporary setting. Specifically, these issues were the rising influence of rationalism, liberalism, materialism, and inspiration of Scripture. In addition to this purpose, the Council would also be held to define the Catholic doctrine, and explore the belief of papal authority. -
The Second Vatican Council
Convened by Pope John XXIII, this council was held to address the relationship between the Roman Catholic Church and the modern world. The Council aimed to increase the strength of faith in Christian life, to adapt to the needs of the present with institutions that are subjected to change, to nurture anything thats promotes union with all who believe in Jesus Christ, and to reinforce whatever can help bring mankind into the Church. -
The movement to Reconciliation
Pope Paul VI met with Eastern Patriarch Athenargoras to collaborate. This resulted in a state of regret for the misunderstandings of the earlier centuries. They were regretful for the offensive words, the reproaches, and the disgraceful actions of both sides, East and West. -
Bartholomew's visit
The unity between East and West was further reinforced as Patriarch Bartholomew I visits Pope John Paul II in Rome. This was expressed through both the total respect, and friendliness both parties shared.
