Early Christian Beliefs that Changed the World

Historians and theologians offer copious responses to these questions, but the real answer rests in the fact that its doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more changed individual lives. People were not just intrigued with some new intellectual idea; they felt power from a source outside themselves that changed their behavior and how they looked at the world. They referred to this converting power as the Holy Spirit that elevated them to become better individuals, more holy, even divine. With this new outlook on life, individuals were capable of enduring extreme hardship with graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more.

The apostle Paul(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 64) Apostle and early Christian missionary, whose letters are the earliest documents contained in the New Testament and thus the first extant writings in Christian theology. more encapsulated this concept when he told the Romans:

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.1

The early Christian apostles taught that the whole purpose of our existence is to develop our capacity to loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more so we can increase our unity with the Divine to realize a more fulfilling eternal existence full of incomprehensible joy with family and loved ones. That was the essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more of Christ’s great intercessory prayer uttered shortly before his crucifixion. ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more prayed to his Father in heaven for his apostles:

For them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us. … [T]he glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one. … I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one … that the loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more wherewith thou hast loved me may be in them, and I in them.2

This was Christ’s supplication at the start of the process we appropriately refer to as the atonement—or at-one-ment—with God. The atonementA term referring to how Christ’s suffering and death on the cross expiates sin and reconciles humans with God. There are various theories regarding how the atonement of Christ functions, including, ransom theory, substitutional or satisfaction theory, the moral influence... more is the whole foundation of Christianity. It is the gospel or good news that Christians proclaim to the world.

There is an ancient saying in the Eastern Orthodox Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more: “God became man that men may become gods.” It comes from the writings of the early Christian fathers, including the apologist Irenaeus(c. A.D. 120–200) Bishop of Lyon, the most important Christian theologian of the 2nd century; author of a large work, Against Heresies. more, bishopA person holding the ecclesiastical office that exerciseds authority over the laity and priests in a geographical area called a “diocese” where the bishop’s “see,” or seat, is located, which is referred to as his bishopric. Also see episcopate. more of Lyons (c. 130–202). He wrote that God “became what we are in order to make us what he is himself.”3 Irenaeus(c. A.D. 120–200) Bishop of Lyon, the most important Christian theologian of the 2nd century; author of a large work, Against Heresies. more also said,

If the Word became a man, it was so men may become gods. … Do we cast blame on Him [God] because we were not made gods from the beginning, but were at first created merely as men, and then later as gods? Although God has adopted this course out of his pure benevolence, that no one may charge him with discrimination or stinginess, he declares, “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are sons of the Most High. … For it was necessary at first that nature be exhibited, then after that what was mortal would be conquered and swallowed up in immortality.”4

There were many other references to God lifting mankind up to become divine in the writings of the early Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more fathers. At about the same time that Irenaeus(c. A.D. 120–200) Bishop of Lyon, the most important Christian theologian of the 2nd century; author of a large work, Against Heresies. more taught, Clement of Alexandria(c. A.D. 150–215) Titus Flavius Clemens, now known as Clement of Alexandria, was an early Christian theologian whose theology was heavily influenced by Greek philosophy. He also espoused esoteric positions informed by esoteric Jewish and Gnostic teachings. more (c. 150–215) wrote: “Yea, I say, the Word of God became a man so you might learn from a man how to become a god.”5 Clement further stated,

If one knows himself, he will know God, and knowing God will become like God. … His is beauty, true beauty, for it is God, and that man becomes a god, since God wills it. So, Heraclitus was right when he said, “Men are gods, and gods are men.”6

Clement of Alexandria(c. A.D. 150–215) Titus Flavius Clemens, now known as Clement of Alexandria, was an early Christian theologian whose theology was heavily influenced by Greek philosophy. He also espoused esoteric positions informed by esoteric Jewish and Gnostic teachings. more also stated that “he who obeys the Lord and follows the prophecy given through him … becomes a god while still moving about in the flesh.”7 The Christian philosopher Justin Martyr(c.A.D 100–165) Born in Palestine early in the 2nd century, Justin was educated as a philosopher and converted to Christianity, retaining many of his Platonist convictions. He wrote an important Apology (meaning a defense of Christianity against the pagans) and... more (c. 100–165) insisted that in the beginning, men “were made like God, free from suffering and death” and that they are thus “deemed worthy of becoming gods and of having power to become sons of the highest.”8 Additionally, Athanasius(c. A.D. 296–373) Athanasius was a Bishop of Alexandria and was a leading proponent of orthodox trinitarianism in opposition to Arianism. His positions led him into conflict with fellow ecclesiastical leaders as well as emperors, but his positions ultimately prevailed. more, bishopA person holding the ecclesiastical office that exerciseds authority over the laity and priests in a geographical area called a “diocese” where the bishop’s “see,” or seat, is located, which is referred to as his bishopric. Also see episcopate. more of Alexandria (c. 296–373), stated his belief in literal deification:

The Word was made flesh in order that we might be made gods. … Just as the Lord, putting on the body, became a man, so also we men are both deified through his flesh, and henceforth inherit everlasting life.9

Athanasius(c. A.D. 296–373) Athanasius was a Bishop of Alexandria and was a leading proponent of orthodox trinitarianism in opposition to Arianism. His positions led him into conflict with fellow ecclesiastical leaders as well as emperors, but his positions ultimately prevailed. more also observed, “For the Son of God became man so we might become god.”10

The concept of deification is not limited to Eastern OrthodoxySee Orthodox. more and early Christianity.11 The magnitude of this teaching is so great that it still casts a shadow on modern Western Christian thought, both Catholic and ProtestantContrary to popular belief, the term does not refer to protest against the Roman Catholic Church. The term original refers to a formal protest lodged by Lutheran princes against an unfavorable decision made by the imperial Diet of Speyer in... more. C. S. Lewis put it well when he wrote:

Now, the whole offer which Christianity makes is this: that we can, if we let God have His way, come to share in the life of ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more. … If we share in this kind of life, we also shall be sons of God…Every Christian is to become a little ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more. The whole purpose of becoming a Christian is simply nothing else. … He said that we are “gods” and He is going to make good His words. If we let Him—for we can prevent Him, if we choose—He will make the feeblest and filthiest of us into a god or goddess, a dazzling, radiant, immortal creaturerefers to everything except God who is the Creator who created all things. more, pulsating all through with such energy and joy and wisdom and loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more as we cannot now imagine, a bright stainless mirror which reflects back to God perfectly. … His own boundless power and delight and goodness. The process will be long and in parts very painful, but that is what we are in for. Nothing less. He meant what He said.12

This renowned Christian writer recognized that the essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more of Christianity is our conversionThis term is derived from the Latin word for “turning,” and is a theological term that refers to one turning his will from evil to good and is generally used to denote one becoming a Christian and/or joining a particular... more to become as God, even though he did not believe that we would literally become a god. Early Christians felt a force that empowered them to become better individuals. It came from outside them and rested on them. They ascribed this power to be the Holy Spirit of God. They experienced miracles as this Holy Spirit changed their lives. They believed that God was all powerful and was even capable of transforming them into a god in the afterlife to become a joint heir with ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more, just as Paul(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 64) Apostle and early Christian missionary, whose letters are the earliest documents contained in the New Testament and thus the first extant writings in Christian theology. more told the Romans and as JohnJohn (c. A.D. 6–100) was a Jewish fisherman, chosen by Jesus to be one of his 12 Apostles, and appears to have developed an especially close bond with Jesus. John outlived the other Apostles and heavily influenced early Christian thinkers... more mentioned in his Revelation, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.”13 (Emphasis added.)

Redemption

The Christian converts experienced the influence of the Holy Spirit by accepting the Jewish concept of having a covenant relationship with the one true God, which covenant was tied to redemption through an atonementA term referring to how Christ’s suffering and death on the cross expiates sin and reconciles humans with God. There are various theories regarding how the atonement of Christ functions, including, ransom theory, substitutional or satisfaction theory, the moral influence... more. Christians claimed that Jesus’s sacrifice explained how this atonementA term referring to how Christ’s suffering and death on the cross expiates sin and reconciles humans with God. There are various theories regarding how the atonement of Christ functions, including, ransom theory, substitutional or satisfaction theory, the moral influence... more worked. This new covenant flourished as pagan gentiles were allowed to participate in this covenant relationship by being born again through baptismFrom a Greek word meaning “to immerse;” and is an initiatory ritual washing whereby one becomes a member of the Christian community. It involves various symbolic meanings including, cleansing, the death and resurrection of Christ, and a sinners death and... more and the principle of adoption. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews (believed by some to be Paul(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 64) Apostle and early Christian missionary, whose letters are the earliest documents contained in the New Testament and thus the first extant writings in Christian theology. more) explained the relationship between the old covenant (testament) and the new covenant (testament) through Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more.

What do the titles Old Testament and New Testament mean? Of course, they refer to the scriptures before ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more and after ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more, but why do we use the word testament and the distinction between an old and a new one? Modern-day people often think that it refers to a witness of God in two time periods. Even though there is some truth to this idea, it does not represent the true meaning of these titles of holy writ.

The word testament is a legal term of art that refers to a promise confirmed by a covenant, such as one’s last will and testament. It does not typically refer to a witness’s testimony, even though that word is derived from the oath the witness takes to tell the truth. Instead, it usually refers to a covenant. The Old Testament refers to the covenant God made with the house of Israel through AbrahamAbraham (c. 1800 B.C.) The founding figure of the world’s three monotheistic religions, Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He is the first person in recorded history to introduce into a polytheistic world the concept of one true God, however the Bible... more and Moses(Died c. 1400 B.C.) Moses was a Hebrew prophet who led his people out of slavery in Egypt. He instituted the Mosaic Law consisting of both ritual and moral elements. Many Christians believe that this law is part of God’s... more, and the New Testament refers to the new covenant God made with humanity through Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more. So another way to say New Testament is New CovenantChristians believe that Jesus Christ is the mediator of the new covenant that God promised to establish with the house of Israel to supersede the covenant Moses mediated between God and Israel (see Jeremiah 31:31-32). The term “New Testament” actually... more. A covenant is a binding promise made between two parties. When God covenants with humans, He sets the terms and conditions of his promise. If a human participant in a covenant with God complies with those terms and conditions, they are sure to receive the promised blessing from God, who cannot lie.

When the Lord established his covenant with the house of Israel through Moses(Died c. 1400 B.C.) Moses was a Hebrew prophet who led his people out of slavery in Egypt. He instituted the Mosaic Law consisting of both ritual and moral elements. Many Christians believe that this law is part of God’s... more, he directed that they should observe a Day of Atonement (Yom KippurThe Jewish Day of Atonement and is the most holy day of the Jewish calendar. It is observed 10 days after Rosh Hashana. Devotees fast and pray the whole day seeking repentance and atonement for sins. more) each year, which was to be the most solemn and sacred of all their religious holidays. On this day, two goats were selected. One was given the name of JehovahJehovah is one of the proposed ways to pronounce YHWH, the most commonly used name of God in the Hebrew Bible. It is thought to be an ancient form of the third-person singular imperfect tense of the verb “to be”... more and sacrificed, and the other became the scapegoat that carried all the sins of the people away into the wilderness where it was abandoned.

The author of the Book of Hebrew explained how the annual observance of this sacred day symbolized Christ’s sacrifice for our sins. He described the culmination of this atoning ritual when the high priest went into the temple’s holiest sanctuary to complete the offering as payment to redeem the people from their sins. He pointed out that one’s last will and testament becomes effective when one dies, just as God’s covenant to redeem us was completed with Jesus’s crucifixion. He reminded the Jewish people that before their ancestors were carried away captive to Babylon, the prophet Jeremiah foresaw God establishing a new covenant with the house of Israel. He wrote:

This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old.14

Paul(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 64) Apostle and early Christian missionary, whose letters are the earliest documents contained in the New Testament and thus the first extant writings in Christian theology. more then explained that the sacrifices in their temple foreshadowed Christ’s ultimate sacrifice for humanity on the crossWas an agonizing method used by the Roman Empire to execute slaves, rebels and others major offender to the order of the empire. In fulfillment of prophecy, this was the means by which Christ was crucified. Even though some early... more. He taught:

And for this cause, he [Christ] is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death … they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.15

The good news that Jesus died to satisfy justice and save us from our sins is fundamental to Christian doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more. Unfortunately, deciding what those terms and conditions are has led to much debate and conflict among the various Christian denominations throughout the ages. Regardless, most agree that humans need to exercise faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more, be baptized, and to allow God’s spirit to empower them to live good lives.
What was revolutionary with Christianity was that it expanded this opportunity to participate in a covenant relationship with God to gentiles. After Jesus’s resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more, he told his apostles to share this message to all the world and not just the Jewish nation. He said:

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.16

Paul(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 64) Apostle and early Christian missionary, whose letters are the earliest documents contained in the New Testament and thus the first extant writings in Christian theology. more was a young PhariseeAn ancient Jewish sect which sought to establish strict observance of the Mosaic Law and oral tradition. Pharisees were perceived as being pretentious in their religiosity and their claims to personal righteousness. Pharisees stressed the omnipotence and foreknowledge of God... more committed to destroying what he saw as a new heretical Jewish cult, Christianity. On the way to Damascus, he was struck blind by a bright light and heard a voice declare that Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more was the anointed one and that Paul(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 64) Apostle and early Christian missionary, whose letters are the earliest documents contained in the New Testament and thus the first extant writings in Christian theology. more was called to minister to the gentiles. After being healed by a Christian pastor, he dedicated his life to spreading the gospel message of hope and salvation through Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more to the gentiles throughout the Roman Empire(27 B.C.) After a period of unrest and competing generals jockeying for power, Octavian, the adopted son of Julius Caesar, becomes the first official Emperor of Rome, being known as Augustus. Octavian’s rule initiated an approximately 200 year period of... more.

Paul(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 64) Apostle and early Christian missionary, whose letters are the earliest documents contained in the New Testament and thus the first extant writings in Christian theology. more explained that God had opened up the opportunity for everyone to participate in this covenant relationship, enabling them to become sons and daughters of God to inherit all that God has in an afterlife full of joy. He explained that they could be adopted into the household of God by believing in Jesus’s divinity, repenting of their sins, and entering into a covenant relationship through baptismFrom a Greek word meaning “to immerse;” and is an initiatory ritual washing whereby one becomes a member of the Christian community. It involves various symbolic meanings including, cleansing, the death and resurrection of Christ, and a sinners death and... more and living a good life. If they did this, God would bless them with His Spirit to guide them and strengthen them throughout their lives. Paul(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 64) Apostle and early Christian missionary, whose letters are the earliest documents contained in the New Testament and thus the first extant writings in Christian theology. more wrote:

For ye are all the children of God by faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more in ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more. For as many of you as have been baptized into ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more have put on ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more. There is neither JewThis title comes from the Greek word Ioudaios, meaning “Judean” that was used in the New Testament to refer to the populous living in the region of Jerusalem. Very broadly this term refers to all of the descendents of the... more nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.17

God sent forth his Son…to redeem them that were under the lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more.18

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptismFrom a Greek word meaning “to immerse;” and is an initiatory ritual washing whereby one becomes a member of the Christian community. It involves various symbolic meanings including, cleansing, the death and resurrection of Christ, and a sinners death and... more into death: that like as ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

For if we have been planted together in the alikeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sinIs violation to God’s Law, and implicitly includes disobedience to God’s the command to love God and one’s neighbor. See mortal sin, original sin. more might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin…Knowing that ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sinIs violation to God’s Law, and implicitly includes disobedience to God’s the command to love God and one’s neighbor. See mortal sin, original sin. more once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God.

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sinIs violation to God’s Law, and implicitly includes disobedience to God’s the command to love God and one’s neighbor. See mortal sin, original sin. more, but alive unto God through Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more our Lord. Let not sinIs violation to God’s Law, and implicitly includes disobedience to God’s the command to love God and one’s neighbor. See mortal sin, original sin. more therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof.19

If ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatryFrom a Christian perspective, the worship of anything that is not the one true God. During the Reformation era, many Protestants, particularly those from the reformed persuasion, accused Catholics of idolatry for their veneration of the Eucharist, religious art, and... more, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is loveIn a theological discussion “love” refers to one’s love for God and neighbor and is often referred to as “charity” or the pure love of God. It does not mean giving alms to the poor. more, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faithIn word for belief and faith is the same in Latin and most European languages, but in English faith often denotes an active believe, one that inspires action based on a belief. For Luther, faith and belief generally meant the... more, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no lawIs a fundamental concept of Luthernism and is contrasted by Luther with the Gospel. For Luther, the law consists of God’s commands regarding how one should live which no one can fully obey. Consequently, the law functions to condemn and... more. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.20

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sinIs violation to God’s Law, and implicitly includes disobedience to God’s the command to love God and one’s neighbor. See mortal sin, original sin. more. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more, that we may obtain mercy, and find graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more to help in time of need.21

Paul(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 64) Apostle and early Christian missionary, whose letters are the earliest documents contained in the New Testament and thus the first extant writings in Christian theology. more refers to ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more as the great high priest who entered into heaven to redeem us just as the Jewish high priest would pass through the veil of the temple each year on the day of atonementA term referring to how Christ’s suffering and death on the cross expiates sin and reconciles humans with God. There are various theories regarding how the atonement of Christ functions, including, ransom theory, substitutional or satisfaction theory, the moral influence... more to enter into its holiest sanctuary to seek redemption for the Israelite people. The mercy seat of God on top of the ark of the covenant in the Israelite temple is symbolic of the throne of God’s graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more to which Paul(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 64) Apostle and early Christian missionary, whose letters are the earliest documents contained in the New Testament and thus the first extant writings in Christian theology. more refersed. Thus, the message of redemption through the graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more of God became available to all who choose to be born again, participate in the covenant, and become joint heirs with ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more. Reliance on God keeping his promise gave Christian converts hope, which became an anchor to their souls in time of trial.22

Redemption through Jesus’s sacrifice and God’s graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more became one of the two pillars that sustained the early Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more. The other pillar was the teaching of a physical resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more from the dead.

Physical Resurrection and a Three-Tiered Heaven

The physical resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more of humankind remains an official doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more of most Christian denominations, but in practice, it has become just an afterthought. It was not always so. At first, the belief that humans would be resurrected with a physical body was the second core distinctive belief of the early Christians. Indeed, this doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more was the primary teaching that set Christianity apart from all other belief systems. Today, Christians generally believe that the story of Jesus’s resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more was unique because it demonstrated that our personal identity, spirit, or soul continues to exist after death, and the essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more of our being does not cease to exist when we die. That did not grab anyone’s attention in antiquity since practically everyone already believed this.

Most cultures incorporate some concept of an afterlife. In the Greco-Roman world where Christianity began, the god Hermes helped guide the souls of the deceased to the underworld where the god Charon would ferry the spirits of the dead who had received the proper burial rites over the River Styx to Hades. The survivors even placed a coin in the mouth of the corpse at the time of its internment or cremation to pay Charon the fare for this passage. Romans even believed that the spirits of some of the deceased, called manes, functioned like guardian angels for their descendants. No, the idea that we continue to live after death was not new.

So why then was Christ’s resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more such a big deal? It was important because Christ’s physical resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more and our redemption through his death and resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more were the main messages of the apostles and missionaries of the early church. Jesus did not just continue to exist as a spirit essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more but was a living deified human being with a physical body. That was new. That was definitely unique. The notion that the dead would be eternally reunited with their material bodies to live forever as physical beings caught people’s attention. This was particularly strange in light of the Greco-Roman view of temporalIs a technical term used in theology referring to this mortal physical existence in time as opposed to eternal divine existence outside of time. more matter as corrupt. Plato(c. 427–348 B.C.) Greek philosopher, Socrates’s student, Aristotle’s teacher, and founder of the only rigorously non materialist philosophical tradition in the West and, therefore, a major philosophical resource for Christian theology. more taught that we needed to be liberated from the degrading influence of our physical bodies in order to return to a blissful heavenly state. So, the concept of becoming reunited with our physical body to go to heaven seemed strange.

What happened to devalue the importance of human resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more in Christianity? Three main factors: 1) the continued Hellenization (adoption of pagan Greek influence) of the church, 2) the objective of existence shifting from becoming like God to simply being saved to go to heaven, and 3) the popeThe Roman Catholic bishop of Rome who is regarded as the successor of the chief apostle, Peter, and as the Vicar of Christ is the holder of the Apostolic See and head of Christ’s church on earth. more declaring that one did not need to be resurrected to enjoy the full benefits of heaven.

Greek philosophy taught that only something that was eternal was divine, and temporalIs a technical term used in theology referring to this mortal physical existence in time as opposed to eternal divine existence outside of time. more matter was corrupt, contributing to the belief in a God without body, parts, or passions (emotions). As previously mentioned, Greek philosophy taught that everything has a purpose (telos), which is tied to what makes that thing unique. Human beings, as the only creatures with rational minds, needed to use them in order to realize their telos or purpose of existence and to experience true happiness and fulfillment. Hence, emotions and appetites distract people from realizing their ultimate objective.

Greek philosophy’s emphasis on rationality over emotions contributed to the development of the concept of the TrinityThe Traditional Christian doctrine that God is simultaneously the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three persons in one, and addresses the relation between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This issue as at the center... more and the incarnation of ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more. These creeds held that only Jesus has feelings and was able to suffer because he had a body, while the essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more of God couldn’t because it consists of a passionless, incomprehensible first principle. The idea arose that God debased himself to receive a corporal body in order to save humankind from the corrupting influence of their temporalIs a technical term used in theology referring to this mortal physical existence in time as opposed to eternal divine existence outside of time. more bodies with their appetites and passions. Thus, the importance of human resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more was diminished.

The objective of existence shifted from becoming like God to simply going to heaven to be in God’s presence. The first step in this process occurred as the Christian community lost its early belief in a three-tiered heaven based on the level of one’s unification with the Divine. Paul(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 64) Apostle and early Christian missionary, whose letters are the earliest documents contained in the New Testament and thus the first extant writings in Christian theology. more referred to this concept of a heaven consisting of three levels while emphasizing the reality of a physical resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more, which was under attack. He wrote:

But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come? … There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory. So also is the resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more of the dead.23

Paul(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 64) Apostle and early Christian missionary, whose letters are the earliest documents contained in the New Testament and thus the first extant writings in Christian theology. more later wrote to the Corinthians about his vision of the highest of the three heavens:

It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. I knew a man in ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.24

The concept of three heavens continued in early Christianity. The early Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more father Clement of Alexandria(c. A.D. 150–215) Titus Flavius Clemens, now known as Clement of Alexandria, was an early Christian theologian whose theology was heavily influenced by Greek philosophy. He also espoused esoteric positions informed by esoteric Jewish and Gnostic teachings. more wrote: “The electcomes from the Latin word “to choose” and is used to identify those chosen by God. In the Old Testament, the twelve tribes of Israel are the elect people of God; in many Protestant traditions the elect refers to those... more will be received into one of three dwelling places signified by the figures, thirty, sixty and a hundred in the parableIs a short story that illustrates a moral message and was a frequent method of teaching used by Jesus. more of the sower (Matthew 7:8).25”

The distinguished early third-century bishopA person holding the ecclesiastical office that exerciseds authority over the laity and priests in a geographical area called a “diocese” where the bishop’s “see,” or seat, is located, which is referred to as his bishopric. Also see episcopate. more Irenaeus(c. A.D. 120–200) Bishop of Lyon, the most important Christian theologian of the 2nd century; author of a large work, Against Heresies. more also taught this doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more. He wrote:

There is in this distinction between the habitations of those who produce an hundred-fold, and those who produce thirty-fold; the first will be taken up into the heavens, the second will dwell in paradise, and the last will dwell in the city; and it is on this account the Lord declared, “In my Father’s house are many mansions.” For all things belong to God, who supplies all with a suitable dwelling place; even as his Word says, that a share is allocated to all by the Father according as each personDerived from the Latin term persona and the Greek term prosopon. It is a technical term in Christian theology for the concept that the Trinity consist of three separate persons united as one essence with one of the persons (the... more is or shall be worthy.26

However, some point out that JohnJohn (c. A.D. 6–100) was a Jewish fisherman, chosen by Jesus to be one of his 12 Apostles, and appears to have developed an especially close bond with Jesus. John outlived the other Apostles and heavily influenced early Christian thinkers... more only referred to one heaven (probably the highest) in his vision recorded in the Book of Revelation. The concept of a three-tiered heaven succumbed to the Jewish and, to a lesser extent, Greek traditions of the afterlife consisting of only one heaven and hell.

The loss of the doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more of three merit-based levels of heaven set the stage for Western Christianity’s paradigm shift regarding the purpose of life. Instead of the early church’s belief that our ultimate objective was unification with God by becoming like him, it changed to simply going to heaven to see God. This came about in the 4th and early fifth century when Augustine(A.D. 354-430) Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, the most influential theologian of the West, known especially for his doctrine of grace, including related doctrines of original sin and predestination. more taught that the ultimate joy was to see God, call “beatific visionA Catholic concept advocated by Augustine related to seeing the essence of God with your mind’s eye, which is the ultimate goal of human existence. The term “beatific” refers to the bliss or ultimate happiness that one realizes in comprehending... more.” So, being saved to go to heaven became the goal. Sin and redemption became the focus, leading to theological disputes regarding original sinThe doctrine developed by Augustine in the late 4th century that all human beings inherit the guilt of Adam’s sin and deserve damnation from birth. This is more than simply being born with a corrupt sinful nature that later leads... more, works, graceIs a term used to identify unmerited assistance by God primarily to redeem and transform human beings. In the early and medieval church it also referred to God’s influence throughout existence. Redemptive grace is important to Augustinian theology which has... more, and predestinationThe Augustinian doctrine that God bestows the grace of salvation on some individuals while assigning others to hell, independent of human choice or actions. This concept was shared by Aquinas, Luther, and John Calvin, with Calvin emphasizing and expanding it... more, which have consumed Western Christianity ever since.

One of these debates involved the need for a resurrected body in order to fully enjoy heaven. For several centuries after Augustine(A.D. 354-430) Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, the most influential theologian of the West, known especially for his doctrine of grace, including related doctrines of original sin and predestination. more, the Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more taught that one needed to be resurrected before one could fully benefit from the beatific visionA Catholic concept advocated by Augustine related to seeing the essence of God with your mind’s eye, which is the ultimate goal of human existence. The term “beatific” refers to the bliss or ultimate happiness that one realizes in comprehending... more of God. This idea came under attack during the scholastic period of the late Middle Ages because there was no logical explanation for it. The issue was hotly debated until Pope Benedict(c. A.D. 2 Mar 480–21 Mar 547) also known as Saint Benedict of Nurcia. He is credited with founding modern monasticism through his written rule for life in a monastery called the Benedictine Rule, which became a model for other monastic orders. more resolved the dispute in 1336 CE. He declared that everyone going to heaven would receive a fulness of joy. Resurrection was not needed, resulting in human resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more becoming an afterthought in Western Christian doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more and practice.

Early Christians Believed in a Personal God with a Body, Parts, and Passions

Contrary to popular belief, early Christians believed in a personal God with a body, parts, and passions.27 Christianity initially grew out of biblical Judaism’s worship of the personal God of the TorahThe foundation of Jewish beliefs that refers to the first five books of the Old Testament and is also referred to as the Law or the Pentateuch. In a broad sense, it refers to the entire Jewish tradition of learning... more, who most Jews believed had a physical body and male gender. This concept of a material God who entered into a personal covenant with His people and remained intimately involved in their lives contrasted deeply with the Greco-Roman philosophical concept of the form of the Good (the Ultimate Being) as a detached creative mind or force that was a perfect, eternal, changeless, immaterial essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more, existing outside time and space and the source of all existence. Over five centuries, Plato’s ideas gradually supplanted the original Jewish concept of a personal, material God.

Even though there were many varying sects of Judaism during the time of ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more, the majority of the populace believed in the literal language in the TorahThe foundation of Jewish beliefs that refers to the first five books of the Old Testament and is also referred to as the Law or the Pentateuch. In a broad sense, it refers to the entire Jewish tradition of learning... more of an anthropomorphic material God.28 Judaism’s “rich legacy of anthropomorphism” was so strong that the Jewish midrash tells a story by the revered Rabbi Hoshaiah regarding the creation, in which the angels mistook AdamAccording to Jewish, Christian and Muslim scriptures, Adam was the first human being created by God out of the dust of the earth as the last step of creation. All humans descended from Adam and his wife, Eve, after they... more for God himself.29 There are volumes of respected research documenting the first- and second-century Rabbinical Jewish belief in a anthropomorphic corporal God.30

Even after Christianity matured beyond the cradle of its Jewish infancy, it continued to believe in a personal, material Father in Heaven and in His son, Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more, who had a separate resurrected physical body. The early Jewish doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more was enhanced by the incarnation and resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more of Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more with a physical body. JohnJohn (c. A.D. 6–100) was a Jewish fisherman, chosen by Jesus to be one of his 12 Apostles, and appears to have developed an especially close bond with Jesus. John outlived the other Apostles and heavily influenced early Christian thinkers... more the apostle strongly opposed the gnostic attack on Christ’s physical resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more.31

The belief in a corporal God came under intense attack in the early third century by the Platonist Christian father Origen(c. A.D. 185–254) Alexandrian theologian famous for his commentaries and homilies on the scriptures, which established a long-lasting tradition of Christian allegorical exegesis. Long after his death, his speculations about the preexistence and the Fall were a cause of intense... more, who had such an extremely negative view of physicality that he castrated himself. Consequently, he exerted tremendous effort to convince the Christian community that their belief in a corporal God was misguided. From his apologetic writing, we learn how widespread this belief was. For example, he argues against the passage “God is a Spirit” in JohnJohn (c. A.D. 6–100) was a Jewish fisherman, chosen by Jesus to be one of his 12 Apostles, and appears to have developed an especially close bond with Jesus. John outlived the other Apostles and heavily influenced early Christian thinkers... more 4:24—which today is used to prove God does not have a material body—because back then, it was understood that a spirit consisted of material substance that was more fine and subtle than flesh and bones, but it was still material.32 Origen was a very vocal and influential force in the early Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more. His efforts were not just focused on attacking the widely held Christian belief in a physical God; they were centered on incorporating the rational Platonist philosophy into Christian theology, including the idea of reincarnation. Even though he failed with that last issue, he was widely successful in changing Christian’s view of God which was later reflected in the NiceneRefers to the Trinitarian theology accepted by the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325 that is the foundation of the “Nicene Creed” that was actually formulated at the Council of Constantinople in A.D. 381, that is accepted as orthodox theology... more Creed.

He was opposed by Tertullian(c. A.D. 160–225) North African priest and theologian, the first major Latin Christian author. Despite the large number of his writings that have survived, his influence was limited because at the end of his life he joined the Montanist heresy. more, who defended the original Christian doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more from infection with heretical ideas based on Greek philosophy.33

[Tertullian] argued that (1) God, like all that exists, is embodied; (2) beings of spirit may take on more solid bodily form; (3) ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more in the IncarnationA term derived from the Latin word for “flesh”, carnem, and refers to the doctrine developed during the Christological disputes of the 4th-6th centuries regarding the nature of Christ and the relationship between his divinity and humanity. Traditional Christianity adopted... more specifically took on flesh that was unqualifiedly human; (4) human flesh is a sacred and glorious substance; (5) the same fleshy body that falls in human death rises in the resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more; and (6) Christ’s resurrected body is an everlasting and crucial attribute of the Godhead.34

He also taught that the material universe should be revered and not viewed as degenerate as the Platonists claimed.35
Tertullian(c. A.D. 160–225) North African priest and theologian, the first major Latin Christian author. Despite the large number of his writings that have survived, his influence was limited because at the end of his life he joined the Montanist heresy. more was trained as a lawyer and was very articulate. He stressed that because Christianity was a revealed religion, we had to resort to God’s standard to resolve doctrinal questions. This standard consisted of the Old Testament, the writings of the apostles, and the traditions of the churches established by the apostles, all of which supported the literal physical resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more of Jesus and a corporal God in heaven. He even used the widely held belief in a corporal Father in Heaven to support Jesus’s physical resurrectionThe doctrine that Jesus’ spiritual essence was reunited with his physical body and that other humans will likewise live again with their spirit or soul reunited with their material body. This term does not refer to the doctrine of the... more.36 Tertullian(c. A.D. 160–225) North African priest and theologian, the first major Latin Christian author. Despite the large number of his writings that have survived, his influence was limited because at the end of his life he joined the Montanist heresy. more even wrote a book titled On the Flesh of ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more to prove that Jesus’s flesh was human flesh and that his spirit, which gave that flesh life, was of the same type that inhabits other human bodies, not some totally distinct deified essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more. He also pointed out that even the few scriptures that could imply that God was merely a spiritual essencethe English word generally used for the Greek term ousia, that is also translated as “being” or “substance” and refers to that which makes something what it is such as human nature is the essence of a human being. This... more were misconstrued. For example, he explained that the reference to a natural body being raised to a spiritual body in 1 Corinthians 15:44 talks about a body of flesh and bone that is purified by the Holy Spirit.37 Even recent research points out that the reference in Colossians 1:15 to humans being created in the image of the invisible God does not mean “impossible to see” but “not currently seen,” just as Peter’s reference to the unknown God in Acts 17:33 did not mean unknowable but simply not currently known.38

Two hundred years later, the great theologian Augustine(A.D. 354-430) Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, the most influential theologian of the West, known especially for his doctrine of grace, including related doctrines of original sin and predestination. more picked up Origen’s torch and continued to press Platonist ideas. Augustine’s mother was a Christian who strenuously tried to convert her son, but he “recoiled” at the prevalent Christian belief in a God with a physical body. He wrote, “I thought it outrageous to believe that you [God] had the shape of a human body and were limited within the dimensions of limbs like our own.”39 However, when he traveled to Italy and met AmbroseAurelius Ambrosius (c. A.D. 340–397) was Bishop of Milan, which had by then become the capital of the Western Roman Empire. He had government experience as a governor, and he used his experience and his position in Milan to exert... more, the bishopA person holding the ecclesiastical office that exerciseds authority over the laity and priests in a geographical area called a “diocese” where the bishop’s “see,” or seat, is located, which is referred to as his bishopric. Also see episcopate. more of Milan, he learned of the allegorical interpretation of scripture that made it possible to assimilate Greek philosophical ideas into Christian theology. AmbroseAurelius Ambrosius (c. A.D. 340–397) was Bishop of Milan, which had by then become the capital of the Western Roman Empire. He had government experience as a governor, and he used his experience and his position in Milan to exert... more was thus able to convince Augustine(A.D. 354-430) Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, the most influential theologian of the West, known especially for his doctrine of grace, including related doctrines of original sin and predestination. more to become a Christian. Augustine(A.D. 354-430) Bishop of Hippo in North Africa, the most influential theologian of the West, known especially for his doctrine of grace, including related doctrines of original sin and predestination. more then attempted to stamp out the remaining vestiges of the earlier belief in the Christian god containing three separate beings: the Father, with a corporal body; Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more ChristDerived from a Greek term meaning anointed and is equivalent to the word “messiah” from Hebrew roots. The anointing references the act of installing a new king similar to the modern custom of crowning a king, so the term “Christ”... more, with a distinct resurrected physical body; and the Holy Spirit, and replace this belief with the Platonist concepts that led to the adoption of the NiceneRefers to the Trinitarian theology accepted by the Council of Nicaea in A.D. 325 that is the foundation of the “Nicene Creed” that was actually formulated at the Council of Constantinople in A.D. 381, that is accepted as orthodox theology... more Cread.

“Only after divine embodiment was rejected on philosophical (primarily Platonist) grounds was the image of God identified with the soul or rational aspect of the soul.”40 Thus, during the fourth and fifth centuries, the Churcha term translated from the Greek word “Ecclesia” which means an assembly called together and is sometime translated as a congregation. A church is an organized group of believers who adhere to a set of core beliefs. The Church in... more adopted creeds reflecting the Platonist concepts of a God without body, parts, or passions. Integrating these pagan philosophical ideas into Christianity created centuries of debate and even violent conflict. Eventually, they decided that the orthodoxDerived from a Greek term meaning “right belief” and also “right worship.” When the term is not capitalized it typically refers to teachings in Christian traditions that are not heretical. When capitalized it refers to the mainstream Christian tradition in... more perspective of the TrinityThe Traditional Christian doctrine that God is simultaneously the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three persons in one, and addresses the relation between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This issue as at the center... more was that only Christ had a physical body, which allowed him to suffer, but God the Father was not encumbered by a physical body and thus was not subject to emotions. This passionless God was the Great Lawgiver and Judge. Accordingly, the lay populace related more to a compassionate Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more who condescended to become human than to God the Father, who appeared to be more austere. This perspective of Jesus(c. 4 B.C.–A.D. 30-33) Also known as Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus Christ, the Messiah, and Savior of the World. He is the founding figure of Christianity and accepted by Christians as the Son of God in the flesh. He taught... more decreased somewhat in the late Middle Ages when the clergyconsists of the priest, ministers and pastors of Christian churches. In the medieval church this term referred to both regular priest who were monks subject to a rule (regula) of a monastic order and secular priest who were not monks... more stressed Christ’s unity with the Father and his role as judge. So the adoration of MaryMary (born c. 18 B.C.) was a Galilean Jewish woman and mother of Jesus. Christians believe that Jesus was conceived miraculously through the Holy Spirit while betrothed to Joseph. She has been venerated since early Christianity and is considered by... more increased to fill the need for a relatable divine personality. This is when the Catholic doctrineis derived from the Latin word for teaching, doctrina, and is an important aspect of Christianity more so than other world religions because Christianity focuses on the teachings and nature of Christ. more of Mary’s immaculate conception was introduced. However, throughout all this doctrinal upheaval, many Christians took comfort in John’s testimony of a passionate Father in Heaven who loved humanity:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.41

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Jesus and the Advent of Christianity

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Christianity in the First and Second Century:
Growth, Persecution and Transformation