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From Jesus ‘til Now A Timeline of Captivating Stories That Lead You Inside Church History By Julie Boone In cooperation with Mark Boone TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction.................................................................................. 7 How to Use this Book................................................................... 11 Prologue....................................................................................... 13 Chapter One: The Genesis of the Church.................................... 21 Chapter Two: Rumors, Relics, and Defenses .............................. 35 Chapter Three: From Persecution to Power ................................ 47 Chapter Four: Monks and Monasteries ....................................... 59 Chapter Five: Barbarians and Scholars ...................................... 73 Chapter Six: Calendars and Rules............................................... 85 Chapter Seven: The Far Corner of the World............................... 99 Chapter Eight: Islam and Icons.................................................... 111 Chapter Nine: Great Days and Dark Days................................... 125 Chapter Ten: A New Millennium................................................... 139 Chapter Eleven: The Crusades ................................................... 153 Chapter Twelve: Winds of Change............................................... 165 Chapter Thirteen: From Plague to Mysticism............................... 181 Chapter Fourteen: The Fabulous Sixteenth ................................. 195 Chapter Fifteen: Fountains of Change......................................... 209 Chapter Sixteen: The Far Corners of the World........................... 221 Chapter Seventeen: A Way with Words ....................................... 237 Chapter Eighteen: Across a Treacherous Sea............................. 253 Chapter Nineteen: When it Becomes Necessary......................... 267 Chapter Twenty: Amazing Grace................................................. 283 Chapter Twenty-one: Ideas in Action........................................... 301 Chapter Twenty-Two: Questions and Successes......................... 319 Chapter Twenty-Three: A Hall of Fame........................................ 337 Chapter Twenty-Four: Into the iPhone Century............................ 357 Cnclusion..................................................................................... 373 Index............................................................................................ 375 INTRODUCTION In the 21st century world, many of us live as if the only history that matters is the one we’ve seen personally. That can narrow our frame of reference dangerously when it’s time to consider how best to live as people of faith in our own time. By providing insight into church history, Julie Boone demonstrates that the people of God have always faced concerns that are often similar to those we experience today. Readers will see ways that people in different times have sought to enact their similar desires to honor God and live according to God’s will, and their responses – whether wise or not – can illuminate our responses to church and world today. For those unfamiliar with the histories of the ancient biblical world, the early chapters provide helpful orientation to the people and places they will encounter in reading Scripture. First-person records from the early church help us understand perspectives on the world that are very different from our own. Who knew that what 7 we now call England was considered a remote hinterland, described as the “world’s end” by a sixth-century church leader? Who knew that the Turks didn’t originate in Turkey but arrived there as conquerors? For those who think history is boring: you haven’t ever seen a history book like this one. It’s filled with relatable details about the challenges that people of faith have faced and overcome over the centuries. And you probably have never been given the chance to reflect on how moments in the history of the church might parallel moments in the church in our own times. Helping you to find, reflect on, and make good use of those lessons is a primary goal of this book. History can be eye-opening, as when we realize that only 1 in 10 people living in Rome in Jesus’ lifetime knew how to read, and that books (including the Bible itself) have been widely available to nurture faith for less than six hundred years. History can be amusing, as when we learn that Origen’s mother hid his clothing to keep him from going out in public and getting himself martyred. The history of the Christian church is a story of great faith lived out in challenges, of great fears overcome by faith, and sometimes – when we’re honest -- of great failures by those who thought they were trying to do God’s will. In the same way that Fox’s Book of Martyrs introduced many generations to the potential of a heroic faith, the short biographies throughout this book remind readers that Christian heroism has never died – not at any time, in any place, or among any people group. While reference is made to the church in other parts of the world, this book begins in the world of the Bible, which 8 is geographically a good bit larger than the typical Holy Land tourist imagines. It continues into the European and Near Eastern territories where missionaries and marauders made their conquests. After the settlement of what is now the continental United States, the book focuses on Christian religious activity here for the sake of its US readers. We can only hope for similarly helpful books with different focuses. As you look through the first 1000 years of the church and the second 1000 years, you’ll discover things that damaged the church and others that contributed to its advance. The author’s aim is to help you notice parallels that might best guide your own church as Christianity emerges into its third 1000 years. I’m grateful that my mother spent so much of her life developing this text, and proud to have the opportunity to see it published now, after she has passed into glory. May it bring a blessing to you and your family of faith as you seek to grow in the wisdom and knowledge of our Lord. Mark Boone Raleigh, North Carolina 9 HOW TO USE THIS BOOK This book is designed to help readers to both learn about the history of God’s church and discover lessons from church history for church life today. Each chapter details a period of church history and the people who were notable in it, then offers a series of opportunities for reflection: • For thought and discussion: These questions encourage useful comparison between the historic issues reviewed in the chapter and issues that may be experienced in the contemporary church. • Bible Study: A section of Biblical text relevant to the topics under consideration is introduced. • Your response: Questions for considering the Bible text are offered, including questions that challenge the reader to make contemporary applications. • Internet keywords to search: These remind the reader of key names and topics should further study be desired. 11 PROLOGUE WHERE THE CHURCH BEGAN The Christian church began among God’s chosen people, the Jews in Jerusalem, Judea, a territory traditionally known as the Jewish homeland. Prophets had predicted the birth of a Messiah many years earlier and now Jesus Christ had come and fulfilled all of the prophecies. His birth, teaching, death and resurrection changed the course of history in the world. The books we collectively refer to as the Bible recorded these events. Josephus in his historical writing also records the extraordinary events that took place in Jerusalem. In that land, centuries earlier, the Jews had established a nation. There they collected their sacred literature, a literature containing their early history plus the greatest of their religious writings. At times during those early centuries the Jews ruled themselves with kings of their own. At other times they were defeated by enemies—large nations more powerful than they. Then they were forced to pay taxes to the conquerors, and abide by the conquerors’ rules. 13 THE GREEK INFLUENCE Slightly more than 300 years before the Christian church began, several world events affected the Jews— and later the church—in significant ways. First, Alexander the Great developed the Greek Empire. When he was but a boy, tradition tells us, Alexander wept any time his father successfully conquered an area. “My father will leave nothing great for me to do,” he complained. But his father died when Alexander was only twenty and the young man became king of Greece. Within ten years he built the largest empire the world had seen, a nation that stretched from the western edge of Egypt to the border of India. Alexander’s influence stretched as wide as his conquests. People throughout that vast nation learned the Greek language, began using Greek architectural designs, and adopted Greek culture. When Alexander reached the Jewish lands, he conquered one city after another just as he had done in other countries, but something different happened in Jerusalem. The high priest of the Temple was frantic with fear that Alexander would destroy the city. He prayed, and asked his people to pray. That night in a dream he saw the gates of Jerusalem opened wide with the people standing in front, all of them dressed in white. The priests were there, also wearing the robes of their office, and the high priest himself, in his festive robes. When the high priest awoke, he sent a message throughout Jerusalem asking the people to produce the scene he had seen in his dream. When Alexander approached Jerusalem, he stopped in surprise. The gates of the city were wide open. Before them stood crowds 14 dressed in pure white, and in front of them stood robed priests and the high priest himself. Alexander stopped his army. Alone he rode his horse up to the priest, dismounted and bowed. Jerusalem was not attacked. Instead Alexander asked the priest what he could do for him and the Jewish people. The priest asked that Jews be allowed to worship their God and follow the traditions of their fathers. The requests were granted. Later one of Alexander’s officers asked him why he, before whom people showed adoration, would honor a priest by bowing before him. Alexander replied that he honored, not the priest, but the God the priest worshiped. Jews learned to speak Greek and adopted many Greek customs, but unlike other peoples conquered by Alexander, they did not bow before Greek gods. They were free to worship God and follow the traditions of their own people. After Alexander died, however, that changed. The Greek nation was divided among Alexander’s top generals. Under those generals and their successors the Jews suffered, especially after a man named Antiochus Epiphanes became the ruler. Antiochus Epiphanes had statues of Greek gods put in all cities and towns, and even in the Jewish Temple, and all people under his authority were ordered to worship them. Some Jews sacrificed before the statues. Others were willing to die rather than to comply. 15 THE MACCABEAN INFLUENCE The situation grew worse and worse. Finally an elderly Jewish priest, Mattathias ben Johanan, rose up and killed a soldier who ordered him to sacrifice. He then fled to the hills where he was joined by his five sons and thousands of Jews. They began guerilla warfare and little by little managed to force the enemy to leave their country. The Jews were free! They established a new country, the Maccabean Kingdom, named for third son Judas Maccabee and ruled by the family that led the revolt. The Temple was cleaned, and the lamp of God was lighted. That lamp traditionally burned continuously, but although a search was made, only one small container of consecrated oil could be found, enough to last one day. A group of priests needed to pray over other oil for seven days before it could be used for such a sacred purpose. To the astonishment of everyone, the one-day supply lasted for eight days. By then new oil was ready. With joy the Jews rededicated the Temple to God and inaugurated a new holiday, Hanukkah, an eight-day festival still celebrated by Jews each year. (That was in 165 BC. Today, in memory of that rededication, eight candles are lighted in Jewish homes, an additional one each day during the eight day celebration. The holiday occurs near the Christian celebration of Christmas, and Jewish children are given gifts much as Christian children are given gifts at Christmas.) While the Maccabean Kingdom existed, the Jews enjoyed religious and political freedom. They were aware that a large nation in what is now Italy had begun to expand: the Roman Republic, with its capital in Rome. 16 That pleased the Jews; the Romans were their friends. Jews trusted the Romans so much that when some Jewish leaders had a disagreement, they went to the Romans for advice. The Romans listened to the problem and settled it quickly, but not as the Jews expected. A Roman army took over the country and the Maccabean Kingdom came to a sudden end. The Jews were no longer free. They were ruled by the Romans, and had to start paying taxes to Rome. THE ROMAN SITUATION As the Romans continued to enlarge their country, Julius Caesar, ruler of the Romans, took an army to Egypt. There two unusual things happened. One was that Caesar and a group of his soldiers found themselves surrounded by hostile Egyptians. They would have been killed had they not been rescued by a band of desert warriors led by a man named Antipater. Caesar rewarded Antipater by making him head of part of the Jewish lands. That upset the Jews terribly, mainly because Antipater was an Idumaean. Jews and Idumaeans (Greek for Edomites) should have been friends because they were kin to each other. Their ancestors were twins. Esau, the older twin became father of the Idumaeans. Jews descended from the younger twin, Jacob. As children the two boys did not get along, and their descendants followed the same pattern. Besides, a prediction before the twins were born said the elder would serve the younger. (See Genesis 25:23-26.) To the Jews that meant a Jew could rule over the Idumaens but no Idumaean could ever rule the Jews. But Caesar had spoken. Antipater ruled. 17 The second unusual thing that happened in Egypt was that Julius Caesar fell in love with Cleopatra, the beautiful queen of Egypt. Instead of replacing her with Roman officials, he allowed her to continue as queen. That angered many Romans. Although Julius Caesar helped the Romans in many ways, some disliked him, especially because of his interest in Cleopatra. A plot developed, and in a surprise attack, men he thought were his friends killed Caesar. War began between Caesar’s enemies and his friends. Several different men wanted to rule the Roman Republic. Eventually a triumvirate (ruling team of three men) was formed. Three of Caesar’s supporters were chosen to rule together. One was soon dismissed. The two remaining were Antony, Caesar’s friend, and Octavian, Caesar’s nephew. That arrangement also soon ended because Antony, like Caesar, fell under the charms of Cleopatra. That caused Octavian to declare war on Antony and Cleopatra. Both Cleopatra and Antony committed suicide and Octavian became the sole ruler of the Romans. Octavian took his uncle’s name, Caesar. To that was added an honorary title, Augustus. Octavian therefore became known as Caesar Augustus. After he became ruler, Caesar Augustus declared the Roman nation was so large it ought to be an empire. The Roman Republic consequently became the Roman Empire and Caesar Augustus became the first Roman ruler to be called Emperor. Antipater, the Idumaean that Julius Caesar appointed to rule the Jews, suffered the same fate as Caesar. He was assassinated. The Jews hoped one of their own could become their ruler, but that did not happen. Antipater’s 18 son, whose name was Herod, took his father’s place and acquired the title king, He became known as Herod the Great. While Caesar Augustus was emperor of the Roman Empire, and Herod was king of the Jews, Jesus Christ was born in the small town of Bethlehem in Judea. (See Matthew 2:1, and Luke 2:1.) The first five Roman Emperors Augustus: ruled from 27 B.C –A.D. 14 Tiberius: ruled from A.D. 14-37 Caligula: ruled from A.D. 37-41 Claudius: ruled from A.D. 41-54 Nero: ruled A.D. 54-68 HEROD THE GREAT Herod’s name is associated with horror. He killed many, including his wife and even two of his own sons. He feared those sons would become king in his place. When news reached him that a future king had been born in Bethlehem, his fear rose to such an extent that he ordered his soldiers to kill all male children in the town who were two years of age or younger. The child Jesus was saved; he had been taken out of the country. Despite Herod’s acts of terror, he made some remarkable accomplishments that helped the Jews. One related to the Jewish Temple, a building Herod embellished with wealth. People often remarked that no one had seen a beautiful building until they had seen Herod’s Temple. Another of Herod’s building projects was the construction of a seaport at Caesarea, a feat some say was 19 as great for its day as the pyramids were for theirs. To overcome a treacherous shoreline, a wall was built out into the sea to provide a safe harbor. To the Jews, those accomplishments were insignificant in comparison with something else Herod did. He secured permission for Jews to worship God in their traditional manner. Jews had to pay Roman taxes. They had to endure having a Roman representative over them. They had to treat with respect all Roman soldiers who marched through their streets. They had to abide having a Roman fortress built into the corner of the wall that enclosed their temple. But they had what was most important to them: freedom to worship God and to observe their religious traditions. JESUS, WHOM THEY FEARED The High Priest, and priests who served under him, appreciated the worship privileges Jews were allowed, yet they lived in fear lest some radical might do or say something that would cause the Romans to withdraw the religious freedoms. When Jesus began teaching and healing they became worried. He didn’t follow their rules. They decided he had to be silenced. They thought that goal had been reached when Jesus was crucified. The greatest threat to their religious freedom had ended. 20 Chapter One The Genesis of the Church Seven weeks after Christ was crucified the Christian church started. The only book in the world that tells about that actual beginning is the fifth book in the New Testament, the book of Acts. The four books that precede Acts—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—each give an 21 From Jesus ‘til Now account of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Only Luke wrote a second book telling what happened next. In Acts Luke gives a complete overview of the early churches and of the progress they made in their first years. That overview provides the background for the remaining books in the New Testament. The majority of those books are letters of advice and encouragement directed to the first churches. In every age since that time, churches have faced situations similar to those described in the New Testament. For that reason the letters are as helpful today as when they were first written. Luke began his story of the church by telling of Jesus’ last visit with his disciples. They expected him to do something spectacular—probably restore Jewish control over their historic land and rule it as King David had done a thousand years earlier. Or maybe they hoped Jesus would cause their country to return to the status it held before the Romans conquered it. Then the Jews had ruled themselves and did not have to abide by Roman rules or pay Roman taxes. But Jesus was not interested in being a king. Instead he told his followers to stay in Jerusalem where, in a few days, they would receive the Holy Spirit and be filled with power. Then they would become his witnesses, starting in Jerusalem, continuing throughout Judea, then to the next country and on throughout the world. The disciples were soon to learn just what Jesus meant. Luke described a get-together they held on a holiday approximately ten days later: When the day of Pentecost had arrived, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like 22 The Genesis of the Church that of a violent rushing wind came from heaven, and it filled the whole house where they were staying. And tongues, like flames of fire that were divided, appeared to them and rested on each one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in different languages, as the Spirit gave them ability to speak (Acts 2:1-4). Because of Pentecost, the streets of Jerusalem thronged with people the day the church began. Many came from foreign countries. When they heard the strange sound of wind blowing, people looked around, curious and puzzled. A crowd quickly gathered. They all wanted to know what had happened. What they found was a group of Jesus’ disciples talking, not in their accustomed Galilean dialect, but in a wide variety of languages, as many as the different nationalities filling Jerusalem that day. Was this a group of drunkards? Some decided it was and began to sneer. Others knew something unique was taking place and wanted to discover what it was. Beginning at that moment, one step at a time, the Christian church was formed. FIRST SERMON: (ACTS 2:14-40) Jesus’ disciple Peter quieted the confused crowd and began to preach. He explained who Jesus was, his purpose for coming to earth, and the meaning of his death and resurrection. He then invited his hearers to turn from their sins and be baptized—the same message proclaimed by the church today. 23 From Jesus ‘til Now FIRST BAPTISMS (ACTS 2:41) About 3000 people responded to Peter’s invitation and were baptized, performing an outward act that represented an inward cleaning—an act that came to be the normal initiation into the membership of a church. FIRST MEETINGS (ACTS 2:42) The baptized believers began to meet together, learning from the disciples lessons the disciples had learned from Jesus—the principles that were to become the basic teachings of the church. FIRST EXPANSION (ACTS 2:46-47) Every day the number of believers increased. With thanksgiving they all shared what they had with each other and with people who had needs. FIRST TROUBLE FROM OFFICIALS (ACTS 4) Jewish religious authorities, alarmed that information about Jesus was being taught, arrested Peter and John. Because of the crowd, the authorities realized they had to release the two disciples but first they ordered Peter and John never to speak of Jesus again. Boldly Peter replied: “Whether it is right in the sight of God for us to listen to you rather than to God, you decide; for we are unable to stop speaking about what we have seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20). 24 The Genesis of the Church FIRST CHURCH OFFICERS (ACTS 6:1-6) Racial discrimination prompted the need for the first church officers. When funds were distributed to those in need, Greek widows complained that Jewish widows received more. Jesus’ disciples, wishing to teach rather than handle finances, suggested the congregation elect some to handle charitable needs. Seven outstanding men became the first church officers. FIRST PERSECUTION (ACTS 7-8) Stephen, one of the seven new officers, preached a sermon giving a brief overview of Jewish history. He pointed out ways the Jews had repeatedly rebelled against God, always turning from right to wrong and refusing to listen to their prophets. When at last God sent his own son, they crucified him. The crowd grew more and more agitated as Stephen mentioned their community’s rebellious acts one after another. Finally when Stephen mentioned Jesus, the mob erupted in anger, pushed Stephen out of the city, and stoned him to death. FIRST PERSECUTOR TO TURN PROMOTER (ACTS 9:1-22) Paul, an intelligent, well-educated Jew, watched the stoning of Stephen with approval. He became determined to eradicate the rising church, but a remarkable experience turned him into the chief supporter of the new faith. 25 From Jesus ‘til Now FIRST GENTILES (NON-JEWS) BECAME CHRISTIANS (ACTS 10) A Roman army officer invited his family and friends to his home and sent for Peter, whom he had never met, to preach to them. When Peter preached, the room full of Gentiles accepted the new faith just as Jewish converts accepted. Peter was amazed. He had thought the new faith was exclusively for Jews. He learned it was for everyone. FIRST NAME (ACTS 11:26) At first people referred to the new faith as “The Way,” considering it just a teaching community within Judaism, but in the city of Antioch they acquired a name that became universal: Christian. FIRST MISSIONARIES (ACTS 13:2) Anxious to share with others the story of Christ, the disciples appointed Barnabas and Saul (Greek name for Paul) as the first missionaries. FIRST COUNCIL MEETING (ACTS 15:1-9) A number of Christians thought Gentiles should become Jews before becoming Christians. A committee met, discussed the problem, and decided that was not necessary. They sent letters to churches explaining their view. 26 The Genesis of the Church FIRST EXPANSION INTO EUROPE (ACTS 16:9-10; 28:30-31) Paul made several missionary trips to establish churches. The first churches in Europe were in Greece. The book of Acts ends with Paul in Rome where he was waiting to be tried because of accusations the Jews had made against him. He was allowed to rent a house where he welcomed visitors and taught them. By then the first steps Jesus had asked his disciples to perform had been accomplished. They had carried the faith to other countries, and even to Rome, the world’s major city. AFTER ACTS, LIMITED RECORDS Christianity continued to expand, but few records were kept. No one took up the task of recording a history as Luke had done. Fortunately various writings were preserved that provide insights into the church’s progress. THE DIDACHE One writing that has provided information about the early church is called by the short title Didache (Teaching) or the longer, Teaching of the Twelve Apostles. Scholars had known such a book existed, because different writings mentioned it, but not until 1885 was a full copy found. It was in an ancient monastery library, and its discovery created a sensation among Christian scholars. The book contains the oldest known church manual and lists customs associated with a typical church in the first century after Christ. It shows that the church, in its very early years, developed a strong organization, that it had ministers and helpers, and that it collected money to care for the poor, 27 From Jesus ‘til Now the sick, and the needy. The manual also gives instructions for such things as baptism and the Lord’s Supper. Excerpts from the Didache: Concerning baptizing, baptize in this way. Having first rehearsed all these things, baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost, in living water (as in a flowing river or stream). But if you have not living water, baptize into other water, and, if thou canst not in cold, in warm. If you have neither, pour water thrice on the head. Concerning the Lord’s Supper, give thanks in this way. First for the cup; ‘We give thanks to thee, our Father, for the holy vine of David thy servant, which thou madest known to us through thy servant Jesus. To thee be the glory for ever.’ And for the broken bread: ‘We give thanks to thee, our Father. … As this broken bread was scattered upon the hills (when it grew as grain), and was gathered together and made one (loaf), so let thy Church be gathered into thy kingdom from the ends of the earth. ... 28 Three Jewish Festivals Three of the most important Jewish religious festivals are Passover, Pentecost, and the Feast of Tabernacles. In olden times every Jew who could possibly do so went to Jerusalem every year to celebrate each of these three holidays. 1. Passover is observed in early spring in memory of the night the ancient Jews escaped from Egyptian slavery. 2. Pentecost—the word means fifty—is observed fifty days after Passover and commemorates double events. One, it celebrates the ripening of the earliest crops at the beginning of summer. Gifts of “first fruits” were once customarily taken to the priests on the Day of Pentecost. (Seeds planted in early spring at the time of Passover, ripened ... The Genesis of the Church ... fifty days later just as do beans, squash and other crops in today’s gardens.) The other purpose of Pentecost is to honor the day the Jews first received the Ten Commandments, the law, given to them on Mount Sinai on the fiftieth day after they escaped from Egypt. 3.The Feast of Tabernacles is a fall harvest festival held in memory of the rustic life the Jews lived as they migrated through the desert after leaving Egypt. In modern times each Jewish family, or several together, observe the festival by building a rustic outdoor shelter and decorating it with fruits and vegetables. For seven days they enjoy a happy family time by eating their evening meal outdoors in the shelter. Concerning the Lord’s Day, On the Lord’s day assemble and break bread and give thanks, having first confessed your sins. ... If any have a dispute with his fellow, let him not come to the assembly till they be reconciled. ... Concerning bishops and deacons, Elect therefore for yourselves bishops and deacons worthy of the Lord, men that are gentle and not covetous, true men and approved; for they also minister to you the ministry of the prophets and teachers. INFORMATION FROM OTHER WRITINGS A letter written around A.D.112 by a Roman named Pliny, and directed to the Roman Emperor Trajan, gives some information about the attitude of the Roman government toward Christians. Pliny knew the name “Christian” was attached to a new religion, but he didn’t know just how the emperor felt toward followers of that religion. Should they be punished because they did not worship the emperor or other Roman gods? Pliny quizzed several Christians and learned they met together before dawn on certain days. At their meeting they sang a hymn honoring Christ and pledged that they would not 29 From Jesus ‘til Now commit any crime, steal, commit adultery, or be deceitful. After that they ate a meal together of simple ordinary food. That was all Pliny could discover. He even tortured two women who were called deacons, trying to discover exactly what they did do. Even during torture the women gave no evidence of wrong. Still Pliny felt concern. He felt sure they were following some kind of superstition. Emperor Trajan replied to Pliny’s letter by saying no particular rules had been established in connection with Christians. He suggested they be given a chance to express loyalty to Roman gods. If they would do that they could avoid punishment. Like Pliny, Trajan was concerned about superstitions, although he thought Romans were too advanced for that. Various other documents show that Christian groups soon grew too large to meet in homes as in the beginning, but public halls could be rented. Meetings were on Sunday because Christ rose on that day, rather than on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. Services were not unlike customs in churches today: Scripture was read, prayers asked, hymns sung, and an offering was collected to help the poor. Leadership followed the Jewish system of priest and Levite but the titles were changed to bishop (overseer) and deacon (helper). Individual congregations selected bishops and deacons. Deacons helped with needs of the congregation plus distributed gifts to widows, orphans, the sick and the extremely poor. Other service positions developed: sub deacons, readers, musicians, and sextons who took care of the meeting rooms. As time passed part of the offering began to be set aside as salary for the bishop 30 The Genesis of the Church because his work increased to a full-time occupation. A layman could pray, teach the gospel and even preach, but gradually a distinction developed between clergy and laity. Priests were called clergy; all other Christians were called laity. Some specific words related to the church came into use. A congregation was called a parish, a word meaning unworldly, in the sense that Christians are “strangers and pilgrims in this world.” Diocese, sometimes shortened to “See”, meaning a province or district, designated the town or area from which a bishop drew his congregation. No church was over any other church, but often bishops of city churches were looked upon as holding a higher position than village bishops. There was no universal “priesthood,” with one person holding the highest position, yet the age seemed to promote centralization. The Roman Empire was an ideal place for the church to begin and grow. No passports were needed for travel. An excellent road system was in place. The Roman army patrolled and kept peace within the nation’s borders, and the Roman navy subdued piracy at sea. And because Alexander the Great had influenced the entire territory three hundred years earlier, nearly everyone in the entire empire spoke the Greek language. FOR THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION: • Look over the developmental steps taken by the beginning church. Compare them with how your own church was formed. • What similarities do you see between your own 31 From Jesus ‘til Now church and the one that began in Jerusalem so long ago? • The early church handled problems it faced. In what ways do the problems of the early church compare with problems today? • What can today’s church learn from the way the early church handled their problems? • The beginning church faced strong challenges and deep religious prejudices. What challenges and prejudices do Christian churches face today? BIBLE STUDY: READ ACTS 26:1-2, 13-29 Festus was appointed by Rome to serve as the new governor over the Jews. To congratulate him on that appointment, two political friends visited Festus. They were King Agrippa (a descendant of Herod) and his sister Bernice. Festus told King Agrippa about a problem he faced. A man named Paul had been arrested on charges related to a new religion. Festus had investigated but could not find any evidence of wrongdoing. Still, he could not release Paul because he was scheduled to be tried before Caesar. That meant Festus had to send Caesar a letter detailing the offence, but he didn’t know what to say. King Agrippa knew a little about the new religion and asked to hear Paul speak. Festus, glad to have an interesting way to entertain his guests, arranged a meeting. On the following day, amid great pomp and circumstance, King Agrippa, Bernice, Governor Festus, and numerous other 32 The Genesis of the Church dignitaries, entered a meeting room. Paul was brought before them. YOUR RESPONSE: • Picture the scene. Who was the dominant figure? Why? • What do you think of Paul’s defense? • If you, like Paul, were “accused” of being a Christian, what would you say in your defense? • How do you think an impartial audience would react to your statements? FOR FURTHER STUDY: INTERNET KEYWORDS TO SEARCH Alexander the Great Seleucids Julius Caesar Didache Pentecost Augustus Caesar Apostle Paul Pliny Herod the Great FROM JESUS TIL... 250 AD 500 AD 750 AD 1000 AD 1250 AD 1500 AD 1750 AD 2000 AD 33 Chapter Two Rumors, Relics, and Defenses Rumors! Rumors can cause trouble. As the church grew, rumors caused a great deal of trouble for Christians. Rumors stated Christians were cannibals. That accusation developed because Christians spoke of the body and blood of Christ in connection with the Lord’s Supper. Rumors said Christianity was a subversive organization plotting to overthrow the government. 35 From Jesus ‘til Now Because Christians spoke of love for one another, they were accused of immorality. The rumor that caused the most difficulty of all concerned belief: Christians were accused of being atheists because they refused to worship idols. That caused them to be blamed for every disease, flood, earthquake, and volcanic eruption that occurred. Pagans believed the “old gods” sent those troubles because they were angry with Christians for neglecting them. Another rumor declared Christians were haters of the human race. Why that idea developed is impossible to explain. In their daily lives Christians participated in activities just like other people, and got along well with neighbors. Their work was of the same type other people did: farming, selling merchandise, teaching school, raising sheep, weaving cloth, making tents, building houses, making furniture, raising families, keeping their homes, preparing meals and caring for the sick. They showed great compassion and understanding to other people. They helped people who had troubles, and made exceptional donations when natural disasters took place. They lived very clean lives and showed no hate for anyone. Still criticisms arose. Christians were also accused of being superstitious about using material things. That criticism is easy to understand because most Christians rejected luxury completely. Their furniture was plain, without carvings or ivory inlay. Their utensils had no jeweled handles. The women wore no make-up or perfume, and both men and women wore plain robes with no color added. (Church historian Roland Bainton said some Christians explained, “If God had wished purple clothes, he would have made purple sheep.”) 36 Rumors, Relics, and Defenses NERO’S PERSECUTION The first Roman emperor to persecute Christians was Nero, (ruled from A.D. 55-68), one of the worst rulers of all times. Nero persecuted Christians, not because of rumors about them, but because of a rumor about him. A disastrous fire had swept through Rome. Particularly affected were the poor sections where wooden tenements, some seven stories high, towered above cobblestoned alleys. A rumor circulated saying Nero had ordered the fire set. People knew Nero wanted some empty space inside Rome so he could build a new palace for himself. That knowledge, plus his reputation for evil, caused Romans to suspect Nero was the source of the holocaust. Hoping to shift the blame from himself, Nero had a large group of Christians arrested. Some were covered with the hides of wild animals and torn to death by dogs. Others were crucified. Still others were coated with tar and used as torches at Nero’s garden parties. When Romans learned about those acts, they decided someone capable of such horror was capable of burning Rome. They decided Nero destroyed Christians, “not for the public good but to gratify the cruelty of an individual” MARTYRDOM OF POLYCARP As the years passed Christians suffered numerous persecutions—not all the time, and not everywhere— but periodically and in various locations. One especially difficult persecution occurred in the city of Smyrna in A.D. 155. Many Christians were arrested and taken to the arena where they were forced to fight wild animals. The watching crowd grew more savage as the slaughter 37 From Jesus ‘til Now known a time without television, antibiotics, microwaves and microwave popcorn, computers, McDonalds, copy machines, automatic washers and dryers, sex education, and jet planes. Many do not know cursive writing although their thumbs adeptly handle typing text messages. They don’t look up information in encyclopedias; the Internet is for that. They do not have prayer in schools. They have never heard of blue laws, which allowed the purchase of only the most vital medicines and necessities on Sunday. To them the Sunday opening of stores, movies, and other entertainments is as natural as wearing faded jeans. Some of these attend churches, not so much because their parents do so, but because their friends invite them to a program led by a dynamic Minister to Youth or to a music program where instruments and songs appeal to them. AT CHURCH Churches once had one pastor. As the twenty-first century opened, large churches dominated the US church landscape and their senior pastors typically worked with a string of associates. In addition to a Minister to Youth, the staff members often include a Minister of Music and separate ministers to young adults, middle adults, senior adults, college students and children. Sometimes a counselor is also employed and some churches have a food service supervisor in charge of special meals such as family night suppers and senior citizen luncheons. About 1 in 20 congregations has a staff member who specializes in managing technology. Most churches offer diverse programs. Besides worship services, Sunday school, missionary meetings, and prayer meetings, such classes as marriage enrichment, coping 358 Into the iPhone Century with bereavement, divorce recovery, and financial training are available. To meet the needs of newcomers who do not speak English, many American churches employ an international minister to oversee English Second Language (ESL) classes staffed by volunteers. Other groups use the church facilities for such programs as Saturday classes for young Chinese who wish to keep up with their traditional language and culture, a Sunday afternoon worship service for French-speaking Africans, an evening Boy Scout troop, a non-denominational Monday night Bible study, a Tuesday morning exercise class, and at election time, a place for voting. A new name for the age has emerged. The words ancient, medieval, and modern have long been in use, but the period of time ushered in by the Reformation and Renaissance is far different from the technological world of today. The sixteenth and twenty-first centuries are too different for both to be called “modern.” The term “postmodern” has come into use, but a clearer title is needed. Another word that has come into use is missional which implies missionary and mission, but at the same time denotes change. OBSTACLES FACING EARLY TWENTYFIRST CENTURY CHURCHES • Financial: extra programs call for extra staff, which calls for extra money, yet financial support has eroded. The older people—the chief supporters of both inner-city and small town or rural churches— are dying or becoming disabled. Also younger families move to distant suburbs and do not drive in to city churches, adding to the financial crisis. 359 From Jesus ‘til Now • Plurality of religions: the United States, once called a melting pot because people of many nationalities melded together, is a land of multiple faiths. Public school children from Christian families study and play with children from families of no religion, ones who devoutly follow New Age teachings, or Wiccan (witchcraft), Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Bahai, and many others. The variety is so great that at Parris Island, one of the two major training facilities for United States Marines, new recruits are offered worship opportunities for more than fifty different faiths. • Diminished interest in the “passages of life”: for centuries Christians have connected the church with birth and baptism, marriage and the home, death and the funeral. Today christening an infant is not significant to many families, a wedding might be on the beach instead of in a church, and a funeral might consist of a family scattering a loved one’s ashes at a favorite fishing spot or garden. • “My” needs: most potential church members seek a church that serves their needs rather than one that provides a place for them to serve other people or their God. • Secularization: a word with a variety of meanings, has caused the view that religion should be excluded from civil affairs and public education. (Does one dare say “Merry Christmas” to a neighbor?) • Church disconnect from daily life: People are less willing to accept teaching and preaching that has 360 Into the iPhone Century little or no clear connection to the world outside the church. • Lack of commitment to church doctrine, or more likely, lack of knowledge of church doctrine. • No “chain of memory”: The book Religion as a Chain of Memory by Daniele Hervieu-Liger, focuses on the fact that “the chain” of religious memory has ceased to exist for most Christians. The 2000 years between the time of Christ and today comprise one giant blank. The earlier chain—the connected unified story given in the Bible—is equally blank. Even people who have been to church “all their lives” often know very little about the Bible. • Loss of church-centered community: For most people, the church is no longer the center of family and social life. The church must compete with soccer, weekend trips, etc. Connecting with an institutional church is not seen as of major importance in relation to faith. BIBLE TEACHING THEN AND NOW An existing faded and worn Bible study manual, published in 1906 for fifth and sixth grade children, presents a strong overview of information given in the Old Testament books, Genesis through Esther. That portion of the Bible, to the knowledgeable Bible student, contains the ancient history of the Jewish people and of the nations most closely associated with them. That history was once very familiar to church-going people because they studied the Bible from the beginning straight through. Ethical viewpoints were emphasized, but the sequence of 361 From Jesus ‘til Now biblical events—the larger Bible “story”—was firmly planted in the minds of people who attended church and Sunday school. In the early twentieth century, however, the emphasis began to be placed almost exclusively on Christian morals and ethics. Selected passages from scattered sections of the Bible were used as the basis for life application studies. Regular church attendees consequently became well acquainted with biblical moral teachings, and with religious words such as conversion and salvation. Too, they learned Biblical names— Abraham, David, Daniel, Peter, Paul—but they did not learn how the names fit into the larger biblical story. The Bible presents the background of Judaism and Christianity through history written in a loosely chronological order. Without knowledge of that historical sequence, much of the literature section of the Old Testament cannot be understood. The same is true of 362 Many years ago a system of dividing the books of the Bible into categories was developed. The sections were called: Law, History, Poetry, Major Prophets, Minor Prophets, History, Epistles, General Epistles, and Revelation. A much clearer and easier-to-understand division states: The Old Testament contains: 1. Early history and laws of the Jewish people (GenesisEsther) 2. Important religious literature of these people (JobMalachi) The New Testament contains: 1. Accounts of Jesus Christ and the beginning church (Matthew-Acts) 2. Important religious literature (mostly letters) related to the early church (Romans-Revelation) Into the iPhone Century the New Testament. To understand the letters of the New Testament, a person needs to learn the history—the story— given in the gospels and Acts. Without knowledge of those backgrounds, plus information about the 2000-year progress (and regressions) of the church, persons lack the “chain of religious memory” that helps them relate to the faith they might claim to possess. DECLINE OR RESURGENCE? Do the difficulties and competitions the church faces today mean the organization is dying? Or is it headed toward the brightest resurgence it has ever known? Luther’s Ninety-five Theses was a major driving force in the Protestant Reformation mainly because his words expressed what others were thinking. Today the Christian air is permeated with ideas stated by strong speakers and writers who express what others are thinking. “RETURN TO THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH” Over the last 200 years, Christians in the US have often stated, “We need to return to the New Testament Church.” This statement seems to imply that Christians of the past were far better than those of the present, and the church purer. But how true is that? If we examine the book of Acts, we find the same kind of difficulties and controversies in the early church as in the modern one: people like Ananias and Sapphira proclaim faith, but do not practice honesty (Acts 5); people continue to practice and defend racial discrimination (Acts 6); some people want to add difficult and unnecessary rules (Acts 15:1-20); 363 From Jesus ‘til Now still prevalent are leadership conflicts such as ones between Christianity’s early missionaries, Paul and Barnabas (Acts 15:36-40). Those passages show that the early church had problems that had to be worked through just as today’s church has problems that must be diagnosed and cured. The church of today faces situations much like those of the first century. A study of the New Testament therefore offers, in essence, a series of case studies that can help the church meet current situations. THE EMERGING CHURCH “You and I live in a fascinating time in church history,” Dan Kimball, pastor, speaker and author says in his book, The Emerging Church. The word emerging suggests newness. Just as tiny green plants emerging from the ground show that spring is on the way, so certain signs today indicate that the church is emerging from what has been, in effect, a long severe winter. EVIDENCES OF THE EMERGING CHURCH • Forms of worship are in transition. In front of many churches a sign states: • “Sunday Services: Contemporary Worship 8:30, Traditional Worship 11:00.” In the contemporary service casual dress is the norm, words of songs used—mostly choruses—are flashed on a large projection screen while guitars and drums accompany the choruses. In contrast, at the traditional service (held at the traditional 11:00 hour) people dress more formally, the congregation uses hymnals, and an organ 364 Into the iPhone Century accompanies the singing. In a subtle way, by using two forms of worship—or in some cases, several forms of worship—today’s church says to the outside world, “We know changes are needed. Please help us learn what steps to take.” • A number of churches offer simultaneous multihour live video of a very popular speaker. People pay to watch the video on a large screen, take an intermission, and then return to the program. That enables many people to hear at the same time a particularly motivating speaker they might never hear otherwise. • Churches are examining their purpose. Many churches have developed a simple clear statement of direction and are making strong efforts to focus on specific goals. In his popular book, The Purpose Driven Church, Rick Warren points out the importance of setting goals. • Non-denominational “mega-churches” have been built at large crossroads, the kind of sites usually chosen for shopping centers. They are easy to reach and have ample parking facilities. These churches work to reach people who have never been to church, or who would never go to a traditional church. The educational programs offer a variety of studies, including some designed to empower members in identifying and exercising ministry gifts. • Research and planning: Some especially successful churches of today did a great deal of research before organizing. One of the largest is Willow Creek 365 From Jesus ‘til Now Community Church near Chicago. An energetic minister, Bill Hybels led a team to question many people about the kind of programs they thought a church should provide. From the answers received they began a church directed toward the unchurched. Much earlier, Robert Schuller did similar groundwork before he began what has become the large Crystal Cathedral. Beginning in a drive-in theater, Schuller’s church was one of the first to begin a successful television ministry. These two churches are non-denominational but some denominational churches have developed new forms that are working successfully. • Changing ministry focuses: Some local churches have begun to emphasize the doorstep of the church. They ask: Who is outside the door? Single mothers? Sexually involved teenagers? The homeless? Then they look for ways to serve these people. • Divinity schools such as the one at Duke University offer new programs. The aim is to meld faith and career, to help the church member become, not an ordained minister, but a worker in one of the many fields that exercise Christianity in the workplace. Students want tools and training so they can use their faith in the world. One example is of a nurse who went to seminary to learn how to work with parents of seriously ill and dying children. • Missionaries to foreign lands once increased church members’ knowledge of the world by speaking about the places where they served. Now 366 Into the iPhone Century churches send out groups of church members to sites all over the world, often to help with building projects. In Kiev, one project has helped street children move into living quarters made from former Communist camps. In Jamaica, volunteers built a school. In other places medical and dental clinics are held. POST-MODERN CHALLENGES The story of the church is a story of change. Unfortunately, church-driven change has too often carried God’s people and God’s church in the wrong direction. The crusades aimed to end unfaithfulness by killing followers of other faiths, rather than trying to effectively communicate with people holding different religious views. Thousands of so-called heretics were killed in the Inquisition’s efforts to purify the church. More than 30,000 witches -- both men and women -- were killed between the early 1300s and 1782, with the US witch trials coming near the end. Kings caused deep suffering because of “divine right” claims that gave them excess authority over their realms and inappropriate authority over the church. US chattel slavery got moral backing from clergy until clergy, among others, recognized that only God can “own” the Godimaging humans God created. But changes toward evil were consistently met by resistance. Always some people came upon the scene, pulled toward good, and proved that truth had not died. Stagnation occurs anywhere changes do not take place, but most often changes do not occur quickly. Great changes, as definite as the dew at dawn, are occurring in the postmodern church but for them to mature will take time. 367 From Jesus ‘til Now Hearts long for God today for the same reason Augustine fell on his face under a fig tree so long ago. Like that saint, post-moderns, perhaps not in Augustine’s exact words, but with the same feelings, cry out to God, “You have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until we find peace in you.” Perhaps, as writer Elton Trueblood suggested, the church of today is much nearer its beginning than its end. The institutional church, like the life of an individual Christian, is one of becoming. The church has not died nor has it arrived. It is simply in transition and seeking the best path to continue on the way. The old wineskins need replacing—and in the process many church members need to learn the meaning of the term “wineskins.” Writer Loren B. Meade states, “We are at the front edges of the greatest transformation of the church that has occurred for 1,600 years. It is by far the greatest change that the church has ever experienced in America: it may eventually make the transformation of the Reformation look like a ripple in a pond.” But what caused the Reformation? Didn’t Luther discover something about salvation? Christ came to change the hearts of human beings. That is why the church began. Only genuine recognition and experience of that specific fact will infuse the post-modern church with new life. FINAL PERSPECTIVE The history of the Christian church started 2000 years ago. The first Christ followers thought then that they were living in the “last days”. The teaching on the 368 Into the iPhone Century return of Christ and eternal life was prevalent in the early church and has always been emphasized during revival times throughout church history. Although Christ may choose to return today or delay for another 5000 years we are closer to the time of our Lord’s return now than they were 2000 years ago. It is fascinating to think about. Through the past, and into the future the existence of the church has not been a goal in itself, but a help for us to “stay focused” on our relationship with God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit. FOR THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION: • What kind of “doorstep” is around your church; what variety of religions, languages, and family situations are in the blocks nearby? How do you relate to the people? If you and they are quite different, what can you do to make communication easier? • What kind of changes in music and activities have you experienced in your church? What changes have you seen in other churches with which you are familiar? • Some look upon the church as a fortress. How do you think the walls can be torn down between it and the world? • Has your church developed a “purpose” statement? If so, what plans have been developed to help members work toward that purpose? If not, what do you consider the main aims of your church, and how are those aims being approached and carried out? 369 From Jesus ‘til Now • Have you wanted to learn more about other religions? How can you go about learning and what advantages for you and for others would learning provide? BIBLE STUDY: READ MATTHEW 28:16-20 Chapter 28 of Matthew contains some of the last advice Jesus gave to his disciples. The disciples gathered where Jesus told them to gather. Some of them had doubts (verse 17). What do you think they doubted and why did they doubt? The instructions Jesus gave them were simple: Go. Baptize. Teach. These are the guidelines the early Christians followed as they began the church. As simple as they were, they worked. YOUR RESPONSE: • Exactly how do you think anyone today is supposed to go about following the guidelines Jesus gave? Where are you to go? Are you supposed to baptize anyone, or are you to influence others to take this step that depicts what has happened within them? In what way are you to teach? • Write a summary of what those guidelines say to you and how they can affect what you do in your Christian life. Be realistic. If you are a young mother, what opportunities do you have? If you are an elderly grandfather, what opportunities do you have? If you are very busy at work to support your family, what are your opportunities? Christian people are diverse in age, talents, and 370 Into the iPhone Century location. Each one can set and meet some goals. What should your goals be? FOR FURTHER STUDY: INTERNET KEYWORDS TO SEARCH: Dan Kimball: The Emerging Church Church music Post-Modern Christianity Missional Religious writings FROM JESUS TIL NOW 250 AD 500 AD 750 AD 1000 AD 1250 AD 1500 AD 1750 AD 2000 AD 371