CHURCH HISTORY BY DR. HENRY H. Halley

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n2thelight

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The Bible Contains the Story of ChristThe Church Exists to Tell the Story of ChristChurch History is a Continuation of Bible HistoryTo Show Our Connection with the Bible Story, and believing that Church people ought to be familiar with at least the elementary Facts of Church History, we give here a Brief Outline of its main Features, Events and Persons.It is impossible to understand the Present Condition of Christendom except in the Light of History. But, alas, Ignorance of Church History is more widespread even than Ignorance of the Bible. We believe it is the Duty of Ministers to Teach their people the Facts of Church History.World History is Thought of in Three Periods:ANCIENT: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, Rome. MEDIEVAL: From Fall of Rome to Discovery of America. MODERN: From 15th Century to Present Time. Church History is Thought of in Three Periods:ROMAN EMPIRE PERIOD: Persecutions, Martyrs, Church Fathers, Controversies, Christianization of the Roman Empire. MEDIEVAL PERIOD: Growth and Power of the Papacy, the Inquisition, Monasticism, Mohammedanism [Muslim], the Crusades. MODERN PERIOD: Protestant Reformation, Great Growth of Protestant Church, Wide Circulation of Open Bible, Growing Freedom of Civil Governments from Church and Priestly Control, World-Wide Missions, Social Reform, Growing Brotherhood. The Three Great Divisions of Christendom:pROTESTANT: Prevailing in Western Europe and North America. ROMAN CATHOLIC: Prevailing in Southern Europe and South America. GREEK CATHOLIC: [Greek Orthodox] Prevailing in Eastern and Southeastern Europe. These are the result of Two Great Cleavages in the Church. One in the 9th century, when the Eastern Church separated itself from the Western Church. The Other, in the 16th century, under the leadership of Martin Luther, Greatest man of Modern History. Harnack said: "The Greek Church is Primitive Christianity, plus Greek and Oriental Paganism. The Roman Catholic Church is Primitive Christianity plus Greek and Roman Paganism." The Protestant Church is an effort to Restore Primitive Christianity free from All Paganism. The Roman Empire:The Church was founded in the Roman Empire. Rome was founded 753 B.C.; Subdued Italy, 343-272 B.C.; Subdued Carthage, 264-146 B.C.; Subdued Greece and Asia Minor, 215-146 B.C.; Subdued Spain, Gaul, Briton, Teutons, 133-131 B.C.ZENITH OF ROMAN POWER, 46 B.C-AD. 180:Extended from the Atlantic to the Euphrates, and from the North Sea to the African Desert. Population, 120,000,000. Julius Caesar, 46-44 B.C. Lord of the Roman World. Augustus, 31 B.C-AD. 14. In his reign CHRIST was born. Tiberius, A.D. 12-37, In his reign CHRIST was Crucified. Caligula, AD. 37-41. Claudius, AD. 41-54. Nero, A.D. 54-68. Persecuted Christians. Executed Paul. Galba, AD. 68-69. Otho, Vitelius, AD. 69. Vespasian, A.D. 69-79. Destroyed Jerusalem. Titus, A.D. 79-81. Domitian, AD. 8 1-96. Persecuted Christians. Banished John. Antoninus Pius, AD. 138-161. Persecuted Christians. Hadrian, A.D. 117-138. Persecuted Christians. Antoninus Pius, A.D. 16 1-180. Persecuted Christians. Marcus Aurelius, AD. 138-161. Persecuted Christians. DECLINE AND FALL OF ROMAN EMPIRE, A.D. 180-476:Conirnodus, AD. 180-192. Barrack Emperors, A.D. 192-284. Appointed by Army. Civil War. Septinlius Severus, A.D. 193-211. Persecuted Christians. Caracalla, A.D. 218-222. Tolerated Christianity. Elagabalus, A.D. 218-222. Tolerated Christianity. Alexander Severus, AD. 222-235. Favorable to Christianity. Maximin, AD. 235-238. Persecuted Christians. Phillips, A.D. 244-249. Very favorable to Christianity. Decius, A.D. 249-251. Persecuted Christians Furiously. Valerian, AD. 253-2~O. Persecuted Christians. Galienus, AD. 260-268. Favored Christians. Aurelian, A.D. 270-275. Persecuted Christians. Diocletian, AD. 284-305. Persecuted Christians Furiously. Constantine, AD, 306-337. Became a Christian Himself. Julian, A.D. 361-363. The Apostate. Sought to Restore Paganism. Jovian, A.D. 363-364. Re-Established the Christian Faith, Theodosius, A.D. 378-395. Made Christianity the State Religion. THE EMPIRE DIVIDED, A.D. 395:West: Honorius, AD. 395--423 Valentinian III, A.D. 423--455 Western Empire Fell, AD. 476 at the hands of Barbarians,ushering in the Dark Ages. East:Arcadius, A.D. 395--408 Theodosius II, A.D. 408--450 Anastasius, A.D. 491--518 Justinian, AD. 527--565 Eastern Empire Fell, A.D. 1453 Out of the ruins of the Western Empire arose the Papal Empire, and Rome still Ruled the World for 1000 years.Christianization of the Roman Empire:Rapid Spread of Christianity. Tertullian (A.D. 160-220), wrote: "We are of yesterday. Yet we have filled your Empire, your Cities, your Towns, your Islands, your Tribes, your Camps, Castles, Palaces, Assemblies and Senate."By the end of the Imperial Persecutions (AD. 313), Christians numbered about One-Half the Population of the Roman Empire.Constantine:His conversion: In the course of his wars with competitors, to establish himself on the throne, on the eve of the battle of Milvain Bridge, just outside Rome (October 27, AD. 312), he saw in the sky, just above the setting sun, a vision of the Cross, and above it the words: "In This Sign Conquer." He decided to fight under the banner of Christ, and he Won the Battle, a Turning Point in the history of Christianity.His Edict of Toleration (A.D. 313): By this Edict, Constantine granted to "Christians and to all others Full Liberty of following that Religion which each may choose," the first edict of its kind in history. He went further. He favored Christians in every way: filled chief offices with them: exempted Christian ministers from taxes and military service; encouraged and helped in building Churches: made Christianity the Religion of his Court: issued a general exhortation (A.D. 325), to all his subjects, to embrace Christianity: and, because the Roman Aristocracy persisted in adhering to their Pagan Religions, Constantine moved his Capitol to Byzantium, and called it Constantinople, "New Rome," Capital of the New Christian Empire.Constantine and the Bible: He ordered, for the Churches of Constantinople, 50 Bibles, to be prepared under the direction of Eusebius, on the finest vellum, by skillful artists; and he commissioned two Public Carriages for their speedy conveyance to the Emperor. It is possible that the Sinaitic and Vatican Manuscripts are of this group.Constantine and Sunday: He made the Christians day of Assembly, Sunday, a Rest Day; forbidding ordinary work; permitting Christian soldiers to attend Church services, This Rest for One Day a week meant much for slaves.Houses of Worship: The First Church Building was erected in the reign of Alexander Severus (A.D. 222--235). After the edict of Constantine they began to be built everywhere.Reforms: Slavery, Gladiatorial Fights, Killing of Unwelcome Children, and Crucifixion as a form of execution, were abolished with the Christianization of the Roman Empire.Paganization of the Church:Emperor Constantine (A.D. 306-337), when he became a Christian, issued an Edict granting Everybody the right to choose his own Religion.Emperor Theodosius (AD. 378-398), made Christianity the State Religion of the Roman Empire, and made Church Membership Compulsory. This was the Worst Calamity that has ever befallen the Church. This Forced Conversion filled the Churches with Unregenerate People.Not only so, Theodosius undertook the Forcible Suppression of all other Religions, and Prohibited Idol Worship. Under his decrees, Heathen Temples were torn down by mobs of Christians, and there was much bloodshed. Christ had designed to conquer by purely Spiritual and Moral Means. Up to this time Conversion was Voluntary, a Genuine Change in Heart and Life.But now the Military Spirit of Imperial Rome had entered the Church. The Church had Conquered the Roman Empire. But in reality the Roman Empire had Conquered the Church, by Making the Church over into the Image of the Roman Empire.The Church had Changed its Nature, had entered its Great Apostasy, had become a Political Organization in the Spirit and Pattern of Imperial Rome, and took its Nose-Dive into the millennium of Papal Abominations.The Imperial Church of the 4th and 5th centuries had become an entirely different institution from the persecuted church of the first three centuries. In its ambition to Rule it lost and forgot the spirit of Christ. Worship, at first very simple, was developed into elaborate, stately, imposing ceremonies having all the outward splendor that had belonged to heathen temples.Ministers became Priests. The term "priest" was not applied to Christian ministers before AD. 200. It was borrowed from the Jewish system, and from the example of heathen priesthood. Leo 1 (440-461) prohibited priests from marrying, and Celibacy of priests became a law of the Roman Church,Conversion of the Barbarians, The Goths, Vandals and Huns who overthrew the Roman Empire accepted Christianity; but to a large extent their conversion was nominal and this further filled the Church with Pagan practices.Conflicts with Heathen Philosophies. Even as every generation seeks to interpret Christ in terms of its own thinking, so, no sooner had Christianity made its appearance than it began its process of amalgamation with Greek and Oriental Philosophies; and there arose many Sects: Gnosticism, Manichaeism, Montanism, Monarchianism, Arianism, Appolinarianism, Nestorianism, Eutychianism, Monophysites. From the 2nd to the 6th centuries the Church was rent with controversies over these and similar Isms, and almost lost sight of its true mission.Persecutions; Imperial persecutions of Christians (by the Roman Empire)Click to return back to indexThe Neronian Persecution: (Apostle Paul beheaded) The Great Fire in Rome occurred AD. 64. Nero himself burned the city. Though an inhuman brute, he was a great builder. It was in order to build a new and grander Rome that he set fire to the city, and fiddled in glee at the sight of it. The people suspected him; and historians have commonly regarded it as a fact that he was the perpetrator of the crime. In order to divert suspicion from himself he accused the Christians of burning Rome.The Bible makes no mention of Nero's persecution of Christians, though it happened in Bible times, and is the direct background of at least two New Testament books, I Peter and II Timothy, and was the persecution that brought Paul to his martyrdom, and, according to some traditions, Peter also. Our source of information is the Roman historian Tacitus. He knew that the Christians did not burn Rome. But somebody had to be made the scapegoat for the Emperors crime. Here was a new and despised sect of people, mostly from the humbler walks of life, without prestige or influence, many of them slaves. Nero accused them of burning Rome, and ordered their punishment.In and around Rome multitudes of Christians were arrested and put to death in the most cruel ways. Crucified. Or tied in skins of animals, and thrown into the arena to be worried to death by dogs, for the entertainment of the people. Or thrown to the wild beasts. Or tied to stakes in Nero's gardens, pitch poured over their bodies, and their burning bodies used as torches to light Nero's gardens at night, while he drove around in his chariot, naked, indulging himself in his midnight revels, gloating over the dying agonies of his victims.It was in the wake of this persecution that Paul was re-arrested, in Greece or Asia Minor, possibly at Troas (II Timothy 4:13), and brought back to Rome. This time by the agents of Rome, not as at first by the Jews. This time as a criminal (II Timothy 2:9), not as at first on some technical violation of Jewish law. For all we know, it may have been in connection with the burning of Rome. For was not Paul the world leader of the people who were being punished for that crime? And had not Paul been in Rome for two years just preceding the fire? Very easy to lay this crime at Paul's door. But whether that was the charge we do not know. The Christian religion, somewhere before this time, had been officially proscribed. It was one of the consequences of Nero's personal persecution and a face-saving device. Paul, at any rate, was indicted. His trial had proceeded far enough that he knew there was no hope of escape. While waiting in the Roman dungeon for the "time of his departure" he wrote this last Letter to Timothy [the book of 2nd Timothy], his bosom friend and trusted co-worker, begging him to be faithful, in spite of everything, to his trust as a minister of Christ, and to hurry on to Rome before winter (II Timothy 4:21).In that dark hour is one of the noblest passages of Scripture. Being executed for a crime of which he was not guilty. His friends forsaking him, and leaving him to suffer alone. The cause for which he had given his life being blotted out in the West by persecution, and in the East going into apostasy. Yet no hint of regret that he had given his life to the service of Christ and the Church. No hint of doubt but that the Church, though now apparently being defeated, would eventually be triumphant. And no hint of doubt but that the moment his head would be cut from his body he would go straight to the arms of HIM whom he had loved and served so devotedly. This Epistle is the exultant cry of a dying conqueror.Domitian Persecution (A.D. 95): Domitian instituted a persecution against Christians. It was short, but extremely violent. Many thousands were slain in Rome and Italy, among them Flavius Clemens, a cousin of the Emperor, and his wife, Flavia Domitilla banished. The Apostle John was banished to Patmos.Trajan Persecution (A.D. 98-117): One of the best Emperors, but felt he should uphold the laws of the Empire; and Christianity was regarded as an illegal religion, because Christians refused to take part in Emperor worship, and the church was regarded as a secret society, which was forbidden. Christians were not sought out, but when accused were punished. Among those who perished in this reign were Simeon, the brother of Jesus, Bishop of Jerusalem, crucified A,D. 107, and Ignatius, second Bishop of Antioch, who was taken to Rome and thrown to the wild beasts (A.D. 110), Pliny, who was sent by the Emperor to Asia Minor, where Christians had become so numerous that the heathen temples were almost forsaken, to punish Christians, wrote to the Emperor Trajan: "They affirmed that the sum of their crime or their error, whichever it was, was this: they used to meet on a stated day before light, and to sing among themselves, in turn, a hymn to Christ, as to a god, and to bind themselves by an oath, not to any wickedness, but that they would never commit theft, or robbery, nor adultery; that they would never break their word; that they would never deny a trust when called to give it up; and after these performances, their way was to separate, and then meet again to partake of ordinary food."Hadrian Persecution (117-1 38): persecuted the Christians, but in moderation. Telephorus, pastor of the Roman church, and many others suffered martyrdom. However, in this reign, Christianity made marked progress in numbers, wealth, learning and social influence.Antonius Pius Persecution (138-161): This emperor rather favored the Christians, but felt he had to uphold the law; and there were many martyrs, among them Polycarp.Marcus Aurelius Persecution (161-180): Like Hadrian he regarded the maintenance of the state religion a political necessity; but unlike Hadrian he encouraged persecution of Christians. It was cruel and barbarous, the severest since Nero. Many thousands were beheaded or thrown to wild beasts, among them Justin Martyr. Very ferocious in South Gaul. The tortures of the victims, endured without flinching, almost surpasses belief. Tortured from morning till night, Blandina, a female slave, would only exclaim: "I am a Christian; among us no evil is done."Septimius Severus Persecution (193-211): This persecution was very severe, but not general. Egypt and North Africa suffered most, In Alexandria "many martyrs were daily burned, crucified or beheaded," among them Leonidas, the father of Origen. In Carthage, Perpetua, a noble lady, and her faithful slave, Felicitas, torn to pieces. by wild beasts.Maximin Persecution (235-238): In this reign many prominent Christian leaders were put to death, Origen escaped by hiding.Decius Persecution (249-251): Resolutely determined to exterminate Christianity. His persecution was coextensive with the Empire, and very violent; multitudes perished under the most cruel tortures, in Rome, North Africa, Egypt, Asia Minor. Cyprian said: "The whole world is devastated."Valerian Persecution (253-260): More severe than Decius; he aimed at the utter destruction of Christianity. Many leaders were executed, among them Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage.Diocletian Persecution (284-305): The last Imperial [Governmental] persecution [the rest of the persecutions were by religious institution] , and the most severe; coextensive with the Empire. For ten years Christians were hunted in cave and forest; they were burned, thrown to wild beasts, put to death by every torture cruelty could devise, It was a resolute, determined, systematic effort to abolish the Christian Name.WBSG Note: It is easy in our more civilized nations of this world to forget of the awesome price the early Christians paid for their faith. Countless numbers of Christians were martyred during the above period of persecution by the Roman Empire. The Christian church at this time was fragmented and not under one head. Contrary to what the Roman Catholic church of today claims, there was no Pope until about two hundred years after these events (approx. A.D. 500) . As horrible as these persecutions, murders, and martyrdoms are, they pale in comparison to the unfathomable persecutions, murders, and martyrdoms perpetrated by the Catholic Church upon non-Catholic Christians at a later era. As we will see further on in this study, hundreds of thousands of Christians were murdered by the Roman Catholic Church under the command and direction of the supposed Vicars of Christ - the Roman Catholic Popes! This is suppressed information in our current age, but we owe it to the Martyrs as well as ourselves to not let the sands of time bury the incredibly disgusting truth.The Catacombs of Rome:Vast subterranean galleries, commonly 8 to 10 feet wide, 4 to 6 feet high, extending for hundreds of miles beneath the city. Used by Christians as places for refuge, worship and burial in the Imperial persecutions. Christian graves are variously estimated at between 2,000,000 and 7,000,000. More than 4000 inscriptions have been found belonging to the period between Tiberius and Constantine.Church Fathers:polycarp (AD. 69-156). Pupil of the Apostle John, Bishop of Smyrna. In the persecution ordered by the Emperor he was arrested and brought before the Governor, and, when offered his freedom if he would curse Christ, he replied "Eighty and six years have I served Christ and He has done me nothing but good; how then could I curse Him, my Lord and Savior?" He was burned alive.Ignatius (AD. 67-110). A pupil of John; bishop of Antioch. The Emperor Trajan, on a visit to Antioch, ordered Ignatius to be arrested; himself presided at the trial, and sentenced him to he thrown to the wild beasts at Rome. En route to Rome, he wrote a letter to the Roman Christians begging them not to try to procure his pardon; that he longed for the honor of dying for his Lord; saying: "May the wild beasts be eager to rush upon me. If they be unwilling 1 will compel them. Come, crowds of wild beasts; come, tearings and ranglings, wracking of bones and hacking of limbs; come, cruel tortures of the devil; only let me attain unto Christ."Papias (About AD. 70-155). Another pupil of the Apostle John; bishop of Hierapolis, about 100 miles east of Ephesus. He may have known Philip, whom tradition says died in Hierapolis. He wrote a book, "Explanation of the Lords Discourses," in which lie says he made it a point to inquire of the Elders the exact words of Jesus. He suffered martyrdom at Pergamum, about same time as Polycarp. Polycarp, Ignatius, Papias, form the connecting link between the apostolic age and later.Justin Martyr (AD. 100-167). Born at Neapolis, ancient Shechem, about the time John died. Studied philosophy. In youth saw a good deal of persecution of Christians. Became a convert. Traveled in a philosophers robe, seeking to win men to Christ. Wrote a Defense of Christianity addressed to the Emperor. One of the ablest men of his time. Died a martyr at Rome. Showing the growth of Christianity, he said that already, in his day: "there is no race of men where prayers are not offered up in the name of Jesus." Here is Justin Martyrs picture of early Christian worship: "On Sunday a meeting is held of all who live in the cities and villages, and a section is read from the Memoirs of the Apostles and the writings of the Prophets, as long as time permits. When the reading is finished, the president, in a discourse, gives the admonition and exhortation to imitate these noble things. After this we all arise and offer a common prayer. At the close of the prayer, as we have before described, bread and wine and thanks for them according to his ability, and the congregation answers, 'Amen'. Then the consecrated elements are distributed to each one and partaken of, and are carried by the deacons to the houses of the absent. The wealthy and the willing then give contributions according to their freewill; and this collection is deposited with the president, who therewith supplies orphans, widows, prisoners, strangers, and all who are in want."Iranaeus (AD. 130-200). Brought up in Smyrna. Pupil of Polycarp and Papias. Traveled widely. Became bishop of Lyons, in Gaul. Noted chiefly for his books against the Gnostics. Died a martyr. Here in his reminiscence of Polycarp: "I remember well the place in which the holy Polycarp sat and spoke. I remember the discourses he delivered to the people, and how he described his relations with John, the apostle, and others who had been with the Lord; how he recited the sayings of Christ and the miracles he wrought; how he received his teachings from eyewitnesses who had seen the Word of Life, agreeing in every way with the Scriptures."Origen (185-254). The most learned man of the ancient church. A great traveler; and a voluminous writer, employing at times as many as twenty copyists. Two-thirds of the New Testament is quoted in his writings. He lived in Alexandria, where his father Leonidas, suffered martyrdom; later, in Palestine, where he died as a result of imprisonment and torture under Decius.Tertullian (160-220), of Carthage; "The father of Latin Christianity," a Roman lawyer, a pagan, after conversion, became a distinguished defender of Christianity.Eusebius (264-340), "Father of Church History"; Bishop of Caesarea at the time of Constantine's conversion; had great influence with Constantine; wrote an "Ecclesiastical History"--from Christ to the Council of Nicaea.John Chrysostom (345-407), "the Golden-mouthed," a matchless orator; greatest preacher of his day, an expository preacher, born at Antioch, became Patriarch of Constantinople, preached to great multitudes, in church of St. Sophia, a reformer, he displeased the king, was banished and died in exile.Jerome (340-420), "most learned of the Latin Fathers," educated at Rome, lived many years at Bethlehem, translated the Bible into the Latin language, called the Vulgate.Augustine (354-430). Bishop of Hippo, North Africa. The great theologian of the early church. More than any other he molded the doctrines of the church of the Middle Ages.Early Infidels:Celsus (AD. 180), most famous early literary opponent of Christianity. No argument advanced since hut what can be found in his writings. Many ideas now parading as "modern" are old as Celsus. Porphyry (AD. 233--300), also exerted a powerful influence against Christianity.Ecumenical Councils:Nicaea. (AD. 325). Condemned Arianism. Constantinople. (381). Called to settle Apollinarianism. Ephesus. (431). Called to settle the Nestorian Controversy. Chalcedon. (451). Called to settle the Eutychian Controversy. Constantinople. (553). To settle Monophvsites Controversy. Constantinople. (680). Doctrine of Two Wills in Christ. Nicaea. (787). Sanctioned Image Worship. Constantinople. (869). Final Schism between East and West. Rome. (1123). Decided Bishops be appointed by Popes. Rome. (1139). An effort to heal Schism of East and West. Rome. (1179). To enforce ecclesiastical discipline. Rome. (1215). To do the bidding of Innocent III. Lyons. (1245). To settle quarrel of Pope and Emperor. Lyons. (1274). A new effort for union of East and West. Vienne. (1311). Suppressed the Templars. Constance. (1414--18). To heal Papal Schism. Burned Huss. Basel. (1431--49). To reform Church. Rome. (1512--18). Another effort to reform. Trent. (1545--63). To counteract the Reformation. Vatican. (1869--70). Declared the Infallibility of the Pope. Vatican. (October 11, 1962-- ). An effort to bring Christendom into one church. Largest ever. Monasticism:Started in Egypt with Anthony (A.D. 250-350) who retired to the desert and lived in solitude. Multitudes followed his example. The movement spread to Palestine, Syria, Asia Minor and Europe. In the East each lived in his own cave or hut or on his pillar. In Europe they lived in communities called Monasteries, dividing their time between work and religious exercises. They became very numerous, and there arose many orders of monks and nuns. The Monasteries of Europe did the best work of the church of the Middle Ages in Christian philanthropy, literature, education and agriculture. But when they grew rich they became grossly immoral. In the Reformation in Protestant countries they soon disappeared, and are dying out in Cathoic countries.The Crusades:The effort of Christendom to regain the Holy Land from the Mohammedans. There were seven:First (1095--1099); Captured Jerusalem. Second (1147--1149); postponed the fall of Jerusalem. Third (1189--1191); army failed to reach Jerusalem. Fourth (1201--1204); captured and plundered Constantinople. Fifth (1228--1229) took Jerusalem, but soon lost it. Sixth (1248--1254); a failure. Seventh (1270--1272), came to naught. The Crusades were of influence in saving Europe from the Turks, and in opening up intercourse between Europe and the East, paving the way for the Revival of Learning.Mohammedanism [Islam, Muslim religion]:Mohammed: Born at Mecca (AD. 570), grandson of Governor. In youth he visited Syria, came in contact with Christians and Jews, became filled with horror of Idolatry. In 610 he declared himself a Prophet, was rejected at Mecca, 622 fled to Medina, was received, became a warrior, and began to propagate his faith by the Sword, 630 reentered Mecca at the head of an army, destroyed 360 Idols and became filled with enthusiasm for the destruction of Idolatry. Died 632. His successors were called Caliphs.Rapid Growth. By A.D. 634 Syria was conquered; 637, Jerusalem; 638, Egypt; 640, Persia; 689, North Africa; 711, Spain. Thus within a short time the whole of Western Asia and North Africa, the cradle of Christianity, became Mohammedan. Mohammed appeared at a time when the Church had become Paganized with the worship of Images, Relics, Martyrs, Mary and the Saints. In a sense Mohammedanism was a revolt against the Idolatry of the "Christian world"; a judgment on a corrupt and degenerate Church. It itself, however, has proved a worse blight to the nations it conquered. It is a religion of Hate; was propagated by the Sword; has encouraged Slavery, Polygamy and the Degradation of Womanhood.Battle of Tours, France (AD. 732), one of the decisive battles of the world. Charles Martel defeated the Moslem army, and saved Europe from Mohammedanism which was sweeping the world like a tidal wave. But for that victory Christianity may have been completely submerged.Arabians dominated the Mohammedan world (622-1058). The capital was moved to Damascus (661); to Bagdad in 750, where it remained till 1258.Turks have ruled the Mohammedan world from 1058 to modern times. They were far more intolerant and cruel than the Arabians. Their barbarous treatment of Christians in Palestine led to the Crusades.Mongols, from central Asia, arrested Turkish Rule under Genghis Khan (1206-1227), who, at the head of vast armies, traversed with sword and torch a great part of Asia; 50,000 cities and towns were burned; 5,000,000 people murdered; in Asia Minor 630,000 Christians were butchered; Under Tamerlane (1336-1402), a similar hurricane of destruction, route everywhere marked with ruined fields and burned villages and blood. At gate of every city his custom was to build piles of thousands of heads: at Bagdad, 90,000.Fall of Constantinople (1453), to the Turks, brought to an end the Eastern Roman Empire, and jarred Europe with a second threat of Mohammedan control, which, later was stopped by John Sobieski in the battle of Vienna (1683).The Papacy was a Gradual development, first appearing as a World Power in the 6th century A.D., reaching the Height of its Power in 13th century AD., declining in Power from 13th century to present [1962] time.Original Mission of the Church:The Church was founded, not as an institution of Authority to Force the Name and Teaching of Christ upon the world, but only as a Witness-Bearing institution to Christ, to hold Him before the people. Christ Himself, not the Church, is the Transforming Power in Human Life. But the Church was founded in the Roman Empire, and gradually developed a form of Government like the Political World in which it existed, becoming a vast Autocratic organization, ruled from the top.Original Form of Church Government:At the close of the Apostolic age Churches were independent one of another, each being shepherded by a board of Pastors. The main leader came to be called Bishop. The others, later, were called Presbyters. Gradually the jurisdiction of Bishop came to include neighboring towns.The First Pope:Click to return back to indexThe word "Pope" means "Papa," "Father." At first it was applied to all Western Bishops. About AD. 500 it began to be restricted to the Bishop of Rome, and soon, in common use, came to mean Universal Bishop. The Roman Catholic list of Popes includes the Bishops of Rome from the 1st century onward. But for 500 years Bishops of Rome were NOT Popes. The idea that the Bishop of Rome should have Authority over the Whole Church was a slow growth, bitterly contested at every step, and Never Has, at any time, Been Universally Recognized.WBSG Note: Jesus tells us in the Bible to "call no man your father on earth." We know that He wasn't speaking about your flesh parent because the fifth commandment says: "Honor thy father and thy mother..." [Ex 20:12]. So what other father could He mean except Pope (The word "Pope" means "Papa," "Father."). Also notice the capitalization below in the word Father (this indicates the presence of the definite article in the Greek language):Matt 23:9 (Jesus speaking)9 And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. (KJV)Peter:The Roman Catholic tradition that Peter was the First Pope is Fiction pure and simple. There is no New Testament hint, and no historical evidence whatever, that Peter was at any time Bishop of Rome. Nor did he ever claim for himself such Authority as the Popes have claimed for themselves. It seems that Peter had a divine foreboding that his "Successors" would be mainly concerned with "Lording it over Gods flock, rather than showing themselves Examples to the flock" (I Peter 5:3).Early Roman Bishops:Linus (AD. 67--79)? Cletus (79--91)? Clement (91-1OO), wrote a letter to the Corinthian Church, in the name of the Roman Church, Not in His Own Name, with no hint of Papal Authority such as Popes later assumed. Evaristus (100-109). Alexander I (109-119). Sixtus I (119-128). Telesphorus (128-139). Hyginus (139-142). Pius I (142-154).Beginning of Rome's Domineering Policy:Anicetus, Bishop of Rome (154-168), tried to influence Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, to change the date of Easter observance; but Polycarp refused to yield. Soter (168-176). Eleutherus (177-190). Victor 1 (190-202), threatened to excommunicate the Eastern Churches for celebrating Easter on the 14th of Nisan. Polycrates, Bishop of Ephesus, replied that he was not afraid of Victors threats, and asserted his independent authority. Iranaeus, of Lyons, though a Western Bishop, and in sympathy with the Western viewpoint on Easter Observance, that is, the week-day rather than the month-day, rebuked Victor for trying to Dictate to Eastern Churches.Growing Influence of Rome:Zephyrinus (202-218). Calixtus I (218-223), was the first to base his claim on Matthew 16:18. Tertullian, of Carthage, called him a Usurper in speaking as if Bishop of Bishops. Urban I (223-230). Pontianus (230-235). Anterus (235-236). Fabian (236-250). Cornelius (251-252). Lucius I (252-253). Stephen I (253-257), objected to certain baptismal practices in the North African Church. Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage, in North Africa, answered that each Bishop was supreme in his own diocese, and refused to yield to Stephen. Nevertheless, the feeling grew that Rome, the Capital City, should be Head of the Church, even as it was Head of the Empire. Sixtus II (257-258). Dionysius (259-269). Felix I (269-274). Eutychianus (275-283). Caius (283-296). Marcellinus (296-304). Marcellus (308-309). Eusebius (309-310). Miltiades (311-314).Union of Church and State:Silvester I (314-335),was Bishop of Rome when, under Constantine, Christianity was virtually made the State Religion of the Roman Empire. The Church immediately became an institution of vast importance in World Politics. Constantine regarded himself as Head of the Church. He called the Council of Nicaea (AD. 325), and presided over it, the First World Council of the Church. This Council accorded the Bishops of Alexandria and Antioch full jurisdiction over their Provinces, as the Roman Bishop had over his, with NOT EVEN A HINT that they were subject to Rome. Marcus (A.D. 336-337) Julius I (337-352). The Council of Sardica (AD. 343), composed of Western churchmen only, Not an Ecumenical Council, was the First Council to recognize the authority of the Roman Bishop.The Five Patriarchs:By the end of the 4th century the Churches and Bishops of Christendom had come to be largely dominated from FIVE great centers, Rome, Constantinople, Antioch, Jerusalem and Alexandria, whose Bishops had come to be called PATRIARCHS, of equal authority one with another, each having full control in his own Province. After the Division of the Empire (A.D. 395), into the East and the West, the Patriarchs of Antioch, Jerusalem and Alexandria, gradually came to acknowledge the Leadership of Constantinople; and henceforth the struggle for the Leadership of Christendom was between Rome and Constantinople. Liberius (352-366). Damascus (366-384).Division of the Roman Empire:Siricius (385-398), Bishop of Rome, in his Lust for Worldly Power, claimed Universal Jurisdiction over the Church. But, unfortunately for him, in his day the Empire Divided (A.D. 395), into two separate Empires, East and West, which made it all the more difficult for the Roman Bishop to get the East to recognize his authority. (Anastasius, 398-402).Augustine's "City of God":Innocent I (402-417), called himself "Ruler of the Church of God," and claimed the right to settle the more important matters of controversy in the Whole Church. Zosimus (417-418). Boniface (418-422). Coelestine I (422-432). Sixtus III (432-440). The Western Empire was now rapidly dissolving amid the storms of the Barbarian Migration and, in the distress and anxiety of the times, Augustine wrote his monumental work, "The City of God," in which he envisioned a Universal Christian Empire. This book had vast influence in molding opinion favorable to a Universal Church Hierarchy under One Head. This promoted Rome's claim for Lordship. Thus the Church was Changing its Nature, making itself over into the Image of the Roman Empire.Imperial Recognition of the Popes Claim:Leo I (AD. 440-461), called by some historians the First Pope. The misfortunes of the Empire were his opportunity. The East was rent with controversies. The West, under weak Emperors, was breaking up before the Barbarians. Leo was the one strong man of the hour. He claimed that he was, by divine appointment, Primate of All Bishops; and (A.D. 445), he obtained from Emperor Valentinian III Imperial Recognition for his claim. In A.D. 452 he persuaded Attila the Hun to spare the city of Rome. Later (455), he induced Genseric the Vandal to have mercy on the city. This greatly enhanced his reputation.He proclaimed himself Lord of the Whole Church; advocated Exclusive Universal Papacy; said that Resistance to his authority was a Sure Way to Hell; advocated Death Penalty for heresy.However, the Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon (451), composed of assembled Bishops from all the world, in spite of the Emperors Act, and Leos Claim, gave the Patriarch of Constantinople Equal Prerogatives with the Bishop of Rome.Hilarus (A.D. 461-468). Continued the policy of predecessor. Fall of Rome:Simplicius (468-483), was Roman Pope when the Western Empire came to an end (AD. 476). This left the Popes free from Civil Authority. The various new small Kingdoms of the Barbarians into which the West was now broken furnished the Popes opportunity for advantageous Alliances, and gradually the Pope became the most commanding figure in the West.Felix III (483-492). Gelasius I (492-496). Anastasius II (496-498). Symmachus (498-514). Hormisdas (514-523). John I (523-525). Felix IV (526-530). Boniface II (530-532). John II (532-535). Agapetus I (535-536). Silverius (536-540). Vigilius (540-554). Pelagius I (555- 560). John III (560-573). Benedict I (574-578). Pelagius II (578-590).The First Real Pope:Gregory I (A.D. 590-604), generally regarded as the First Pope. He appeared at a time of Political Anarchy and great Public Distress throughout Europe. Italy, after the Fall of Rome (A.D. 476), had become a Gothic kingdom; later a Byzantine Province under control of the Eastern Emperor; and now was being pillaged by the Lombards. Gregory's influence over the various kings had a stabilizing effect. He established for himself complete control over the churches of Italy, Spain, Gaul and England whose Conversion to Christianity was the great event of Gregory's times. Gregory labored untiringly for the Purification of the Church; deposed neglectful or unworthy Bishops; and opposed with great zeal the practice of Simony, the Sale of Office. He exerted great influence in the East, although he did not claim jurisdiction over the Eastern Church. The Patriarch of Constantinople called himself "Universal Bishop." This greatly irritated Gregory, who rejected the title as Vicious and Haughty, and refused to allow it to be applied to himself. Yet he practically exercised all the authority the title stood for. In his personal life he was a good man, one of the purest and best of the Popes, untiring in his efforts for Justice to the Oppressed, and unbounded in his Charities to the Poor. If all Popes had been such as he, what a different estimate the world would have of the Papacy!Sabinianus (604-606). Boniface III (607). Boniface IV (609-614). Deusdedit (615-618). Boniface V (619-625). Honorius I (625-638). Severinus (640). John IV (640-642). Theodore 1 (642-649). Martin I (649-653). Eugenius I (654-657). Vitalianus (657-672). Adeodatus (672-676). Donus I (676-678). Agatho (678-682). Leo II (682-683), pronounced Honorius I a Heretic. Benedict II (684-685). John V (685-686). Cono (686-687). Theodorus (687). Sergius I (687-701). John VI (701-705). John VII (705-707). Sisinnius (708). Constantine (708-715). Gregory II (715-731). Gregory III (73 1-741).The Pope Becomes an Earthly King:Zacharias (741-752), was instrumental in making Pepin, father of Charlemagne, King of the Franks, a Germanic people occupying western Germany and northern France.Stephen II (752-757). At his request, Pepin led his army to Italy, conquered the Lombards, and gave their lands, a large part of Central Italy, to the Pope.This was the beginning of the PAPAL STATES, or TEMPORAL DOMINION of the Popes. Civil Control of Rome and Central Italy by the Popes, thus established by Popes Zacharias and Stephen, and recognized by Pepin (754), was later confirmed by Charlemagne (774). Thus, Central Italy, once the Head of the Roman Empire, later a Gothic Kingdom ruled by the "Head" of the Church. This TEMPORAL KINGDOM of the Church lasted 1100 years, till 1870, when, on the outbreak of the war between France and Germany, king Victor Immanuel of Italy took possession of Rome, and added the Papal States to the Kingdom of Italy.Paul I (757-767). Stephen III (768-772). Adrian I (772-795).Papal Power Greatly Promoted by Charlemagne:Leo III (A.D. 795-816), in return for Charlemagne's recognition (774) of the Popes Temporal Power over the Papal States, conferred on Charlemagne (800) the title of Roman Emperor, thus combining the Roman and Frank realms into the HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE.Charlemagne (742-814), King of the Franks, grandson of Charles Martel, who had saved Europe from the Mohammedans (see page 766), was one of the greatest rulers of all time. He reigned 46 years, and made many wars and conquests of vast magnitude. His realm included what is modern Germany, France, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Belgium, and parts of Spain and Italy. He helped the Pope, and the Pope helped him. He was one of the Greatest Influences in bringing the Papacy to a position of World Power. Soon after his death, by the treaty of Verdun (843), his Empire was divided into what became the foundations of modern Germany, France and Italy; and henceforth, for centuries, there was ceaseless struggle between Popes and German and French Kings for Supremacy."The Holy Roman Empire":Thus established by Charlemagne and Leo III, was, in a sense, the re-establishment of the Western Roman Empire, with German kings on the throne bearing the title of "Caesar," which was conferred by the Popes, purporting to be a continuation of the Old Roman Empire, under the Joint Control of Popes and German Emperors, the Emperors having control in Temporal matters and the Popes in Spiritual matters. But inasmuch as the Church was a State institution jurisdiction was not always easy to define, and the arrangement resulted in many Bitter Struggles between Emperors and Popes.The Holy Roman Empire, a "name rather than an accomplished fact," lived a thousand years, and was brought to an end by Napoleon (1806). It served a purpose in blending the Roman and German civilizations, out of which the life of the modern world arose.Stephen IV (816-817). Pascal 1(817-824). Eugene II (824-827). Valentine (827). Gregory IV (827-844). Sergius II (844-847). Leo IV (847-855). Benedict III (855-858).Pseudo-Isidorian Decretals Help Papacy:Nicolas 1 (858-867). First Pope to wear a Crown. To promote his claim of Universal Authority he used with great effect the "PSEUDOISIDORIAN DECRETALS," a book that appeared about 857, containing documents that purported to be Letters and Decrees of Bishops and Councils of the 2nd and 3rd centuries, all tending to exalt the power of the Pope. They were Deliberate Forgeries and Corruptions of Ancient Historical Documents, but their Spurious Character was not discovered till some centuries later. Whether Nicolas knew them to be Forgeries, at least he Lied in stating that they had been kept in the archives of the Roman Church from ancient times. But they served their purpose, in "stamping the Claims of the Medieval Priesthood with the Authority of Antiquity." "The Papacy, which was the Growth of Several Centuries, was made to appear as something Complete and Unchangeable from the very Beginning." "The object was to Ante-Date by Five Centuries the Popes Temporal Power." "The Most Colossal Literary Fraud in History.""Yet it Strengthened the Papacy more than any other one agency, and forms to large extent the Basis of the Canon Law of the Roman Church."The Great Cleavage of Christendom:Nicolas undertook to interfere in the affairs of the Eastern Church. He excommunicated Photius, Patriarch of Constantinople, who in turn excommunicated him. The Division of Christendom followed, 869 (completed 1054).Although the Empire had been Divided since 395, and although there had been a long and bitter struggle between the Popes of Rome and the Patriarchs of Constantinople for supremacy, yet the CHURCH had remained ONE. The Councils had been attended by representatives of both the East and the West.Up to 869 all Ecumenical Councils had been held in or near Constantinople, and in the Greek language. But now at last the Popes insistent claim of being Lord of Christendom had become unbearable, and the East definitely separated itself. The Council of Coastantinople (869), was the Last Ecumenical Council. Henceforth the Greek Church had its Councils, and the Roman Church had its Councils. And the Breach grew wider with the centuries. The brutal treatment of Constantinople by the armies of Pope Innocent III during the Crusades embittered the East all the more. And the creation of the dogma of Papal Infallibility in 1870 further deepened the chasm.