EARLY CHRISTIANITY

 

 

  1. Hebrew Heritage
    1. Ethical monotheism (the Covenant)
    2. Resurrection/Messiah – differences between

                                                               i.      Sadducees

                                                             ii.      Pharisees

                                                            iii.      Essenes

                                                           iv.      Zealots

    1. Jesus of Nazareth (c. 4 BC – 29 AD)
  1. Greco-Roman Heritage
    1. Role of St. Paul (c. 5 – 67 AD)

                                                               i.      Conversion of gentiles a

                                                             ii.      Christianity as separate religion

    1. Structure of empire

                                                               i.      Common language

                                                             ii.      Role of cities

                                                            iii.      Good roles

  1. Church Structure
    1. Clergy

                                                               i.      Priest/parish

                                                             ii.      Bishop/diocese

                                                            iii.      Archbishop/province

    1. Laity

                                                               i.      Elders (presbuteroi)

                                                             ii.      Deacons

  1. Christian Doctrine
    1. Resurrection
    2. Baptism
    3. Sabbath
    4. Nature of Christ (Nicene Creed 325 AD)
  2. Church and State
    1. Persecution – Diocletian
    2. Legitimacy – Constantine; Theodosius 380 AD

St. Augustine of Hippo (354 - 430 AD): Confessions and City of God