The Evolution of Western European Christianity

Religion in America

Christianity’s Dilemmas

What is Christianity?

Defining orthodoxy and heresy

What to do with dissent?

Pluralism or persecution?

What is Christianity’s relation to the state?

State religion or independent?

Origins: Roman Judaism

Sadducees

Pharisees

Essenes

Zealots

Revolts of 66-70 and 132-135

Destruction of the Temple and exile

Rise of Rabbinical Judaism

Origins: Christianity

James: Christianity as Jewish sect

St. Paul: Jewish sect to world religion

Matthew 5:17-19

Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets; I have come not to abolish but to fulfill. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not one letter, not one stroke of a letter, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. Therefore, whoever breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches others to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

Roman Catholicism

Emperor Constantine, 313

Creation of imperial church

Hierarchy & orthodoxy

St. Augustine (354-430)

Philosophy & theology

Medieval growth of papal power

Gregory VII, 1073: papal goal of Christian society

Innocent III, 1198: pope above kings

Boniface VIII, 1294: outside church, no salvation

Religious orders as standard of piety

Celibacy, confession

Crisis in the Church

The problem of dissent

Channel dissent

Reform

Crusades

Franciscans, Dominicans

Suppress dissent

Inquisition, 1233

“Babylonian captivity” 1309-1377

Popes in Avignon, France

The Great Schism, 1378-1417

Three popes

The Renaissance

Power, wealth, glory

Popular yearning for spiritual renewal

Humanism: recovery of sources

Criticism of wealth, power, corruption of church