Chapter 3, Study Guide for Test 2

People to know & why they are important

Legalization of Christianity

Heresies

Examples of monastic orders

Chap. 3 vocabulary words

100

Apostolic Fathers and the examples

Apostolic Fathers
The Apostolic Fathers were early Christian writers who lived in the late 1st and early 2nd centuries and were believed to have had direct connections with the apostles.

Examples:

Clement of Rome – Wrote 1 Clement, addressing church unity and authority.
Ignatius of Antioch – Wrote seven letters emphasizing church hierarchy and martyrdom.
Polycarp of Smyrna – Disciple of John, wrote to the Philippians, martyred for his faith.
The Didache – Early Christian manual on ethics, rituals, and church practices.
The Shepherd of Hermas – An apocalyptic text focusing on repentance and Christian living.

A. St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare of Assisi started the monastery of Poor Clares.

B. St. Benedict is renowned for being the Father of Western Monasticism and is credited with founding the Benedictine Order and establishing the Rule of St. Benedict, which became the cornerstone of Western Christian monasticism. The Rule focuses on a balanced life of prayer, work, and study, and is widely known for its motto, "Ora et Labora" (Pray and Work).

C. St. Pachomius initially lived a solitary life but later recognized the need for a more structured monastic life and established the first monastery.

D. Abbot: The head of a monastery for monks, responsible for the spiritual guidance and overall administration of the community.

E. Abbess: The head of a monastery for nuns, with similar responsibilities as an abbot but for a community of nuns.

F. St. Ambrose was a bishop, theologian, and one of the most influential Church Fathers in early Christianity, and his preachings helped in converting St. Augustine.

G. St. Chrysostom was a great preacher of the early church, often referred to as the "Golden Mouth."

H. Athanasius was a key figure in the early Church and a staunch opponent of Arianism, a heresy promoted by the priest Arius.

I. St. Anthony the Great is the first recorded monk and one of the Desert Fathers. He is often regarded as the father of Christian monasticism.

J. The Vulgate is a Latin translation of the Bible, primarily created by St. Jerome in the late 4th century.

100

Legalization of Christianity

Main Points:

Edict of Milan (313 AD) – Officially granted religious freedom to Christians and other faiths.
End of Persecution – Christians were no longer targeted or punished for their beliefs.
Restoration of Property – Confiscated Christian properties were returned.
Imperial Support – Constantine and later emperors favored Christianity, funding churches and clergy.
Integration into Roman Society – Christianity became more influential in politics and culture.

Effect on the Catholic Church:

Church Expansion – Christianity spread rapidly and became a dominant religion.
Construction of Churches – Grand churches and basilicas were built with state support.
Rise of Church Hierarchy – Bishops and clergy gained power and influence.
Christianity’s Legal Privileges – Clergy were exempt from taxes and gained judicial authority.
Foundation for a Christian Empire – Set the stage for Christianity to become the state religion under Emperor Theodosius I in 380 AD.

100

Heresies defintion and some examples as well as chart of them

Heresies are beliefs that contradict established Christian doctrines and are considered false by the Church.

Monothelitism was a heresy which said Jesus has two nature but only one will.

Monophysitism was a heresy which said the son of God has only one nature as a result of the incarnation.

Macedonianism was a heresy which said the Holy Spirit is not God

THE ECUMENICAL COUNCIL

THE HERESY THAT WAS ADDRESSING

HOW THE COUNCIL RESPOND TO THE HERESY? OR WHAT ORTHODOX THAT WAS TAUGHT

First Council of Nicaea

The heresy of Arianism- denied Jesus’ divinity by claiming that Jesus was not the same substance as God.

The council responds to heresy by condemning Arius’s teachings and offers a creed that spelled out that Jesus is consubstantial, which is now the Nicene Creed.

First Council of Constantinople

The heresy of Macedonianism- A heresy that believed that the Son created the Holy Spirit, who was in turn subordinate to the Father and the Son.

Trinitarianism is the Christian doctrine that defines the nature of God as being One in essence but existing in three distinct persons: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus Christ), and God the Holy Spirit. This belief emphasizes that the three persons are co-equal, co-eternal, and consubstantial

Council of Ephesus

Nestorianism → A heresy spread by emperor Nestorious asserted that some of Christ’s traits were purely human while others were purely divine and that Mary was not the mother of God

1.The council taught that there are two persons in Christ—one divine, the other only human.

2.The council responded to the heresy by teaching Mary is truly Theotokos, the mother of God.

100

Examples of monastic orders

Benedictines – Founded by St. Benedict, focused on prayer, work, and community life.
Franciscans – Founded by St. Francis of Assisi, emphasized poverty, simplicity, and service to the poor.
Cistercians – A reform of the Benedictine order, known for a stricter adherence to monastic discipline and manual labor.

100

Hypostatic union

From a Greek term (hypostasis) employed to describe the union of the human and divine natures of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in one Divine Person. The First Council of Ephesus (431) used this term and it was expanded and affirmed at the Coun-cil of Chalcedon (451).

200

The Ante-Nicene fathers and the examples

Ante-Nicene Fathers
The Ante-Nicene Fathers were early Christian theologians and writers who lived before the First Council of Nicaea (325 AD).

Examples:

Justin Martyr – Early apologist, defended Christianity to the Roman authorities.
Irenaeus of Lyons – Wrote Against Heresies, refuting Gnosticism.
Tertullian – First to use the term "Trinity," known for his apologetic writings.
Origen – Theologian and biblical scholar, developed allegorical interpretation.
Clement of Alexandria – Combined Greek philosophy with Christian thought.

200

Consequences of legalization of Christianity

Rapid Church Growth – Christianity spread openly, leading to increased conversions.
State Support for the Church – Emperors funded church construction and protected Christian leaders.
Rise of Church Hierarchy – Bishops and clergy gained political and social influence.
Integration with Roman Politics – The Church became intertwined with imperial governance.
Decline of Paganism – Pagan temples lost state funding, and pagan practices diminished.
Theological Debates and Councils – Led to doctrinal disputes, such as Arianism, prompting councils like Nicaea (325 AD).
Persecution of Non-Christians – Pagan religions and later heretical Christian sects faced suppression.
Moral and Social Reforms – Christian values influenced laws, including bans on gladiatorial games and infanticide.
Shift Toward a Christian Empire – Paved the way for Christianity to become the official state religion under Theodosius I (Edict of Thessalonica, 380 AD).
Increased Church Wealth and Power – The Church accumulated land, wealth, and legal privileges.

200

-Monacitism

-What are the benefits of Monasticism

-Monasticism is a religious lifestyle that involves renouncing worldly pursuits to live a life of prayer, contemplation, and asceticism, often in a community or solitary setting.

Spiritual Growth – Fosters deep prayer, meditation, and closeness to God.
Community Support – Provides fellowship and mutual support in faith.
Preservation of Knowledge – Monks preserved texts and culture through copying and teaching.
Self-Discipline – Encourages asceticism, humility, and self-control.

200

The three evangelical counsels the monks and nuns take

Chastity – Commitment to celibacy and purity of heart.
Poverty – Renunciation of personal wealth and material possessions.
Obedience – Submission to the authority of the monastic community and its rules.

200

Canon and Heresy

-official list of books in the Bible, considered divinely inspired. It also applies to church laws and teachings established by religious authorities.

-Heresy is a belief or opinion that contradicts the established teachings of the Church.

300

The post Nicene fathers and the examples.

Post-Nicene Fathers
The Post-Nicene Fathers were Christian theologians and writers who lived after the First Council of Nicaea (325 AD) and contributed to shaping Christian doctrine.

Examples:

Athanasius of Alexandria – Defended the Nicene Creed against Arianism.
Augustine of Hippo – Wrote Confessions and The City of God, foundational for Western theology.
John Chrysostom – Renowned preacher, known for eloquent sermons and biblical exegesis.
Jerome – Translated the Bible into Latin (Vulgate).
Basil the Great – Influential in developing monasticism and Trinitarian theology.
Gregory of Nazianzus – Key figure in shaping the doctrine of the Trinity.
Gregory of Nyssa – Contributed to mystical theology and Trinitarian doctrine.

300

Ecumenical councils

Ecumenical councils are gatherings of Christian leaders to discuss and define important theological doctrines, resolve disputes, and establish church practices. Their decisions are considered authoritative for the broader Christian community.

300

Key Practices of monastic life

Prayer and Worship – Daily rituals, including the Liturgy of the Hours.
Work – Manual labor, often in farming, copying texts, or crafting.
Chastity – Celibacy and dedication to spiritual life.
Poverty – Renunciation of personal wealth and possessions.
Obedience – Following the rules of the monastic order or community.

300

Great patriarchates and values

The great Patriarchates are the five leading centers of Christian authority in the early Church: Rome, Constantinople, Alexandria, Antioch, and Jerusalem. These patriarchates had significant influence on doctrinal, liturgical, and ecclesiastical matters.

Prayerfulness – A deep commitment to daily prayer and spiritual growth.
Simplicity – Embracing a life of poverty and detachment from materialism.
Community – Living in harmony and mutual support with others.
Discipline – Developing self-control through structured routines and work.

300

Nicene Creed Definiton

The Nicene Creed is a formal Christian statement of faith established at the Council of Nicaea and expanded at the Council of Constantinople that affirms belief in one God, the divinity of Jesus Christ, and the Holy Trinity, aiming to clarify Christian beliefs and counter heresies. It remains a central statement of faith in Christianity today.

400

Constantine

Major Accomplishments of Constantine with the Catholic Church

Edict of Milan (313 AD) – Legalized Christianity and ended persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire.
Council of Nicaea (325 AD) – Convened the first ecumenical council, which affirmed the Nicene Creed and condemned Arianism.
Patronage of Christianity – Funded the construction of churches, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and Old St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
Sunday as a Day of Rest – Declared Sunday as a public holiday to honor Christian worship.
Baptism and Conversion – Converted to Christianity and was baptized shortly before his death.
Influence on Church-State Relations – Established the precedent of imperial involvement in church affairs.

400

What was the purpose of ecumenical councils? Give four reasons

Define Christian Doctrine – Clarify key theological beliefs (e.g., the Trinity, nature of Christ).
Resolve Heresies – Address and condemn false teachings or beliefs.
Establish Church Practices – Set guidelines for worship, rituals, and church governance.
Promote Unity – Maintain unity within the Christian Church by addressing disputes and divisions.

400

St. Benedict
and his Rule

Founder of Benedictine Monasticism – Established a monastic community at Monte Cassino in Italy.
The Rule of St. Benedict – A guide for monastic life, focusing on balance, prayer, work, and community.
Key Principles:
- Obedience – Submission to the abbot and community rules.
- Stability – Commitment to the monastic community for life.
- Regular Prayer – Emphasis on communal prayer and the Liturgy of the Hours.
- Work and Study – Balanced work and intellectual activity to support both body and mind.
Influence – His rule became the standard for many monastic communities in the West.

400

Hermite 78

Monks and Nuns

Hermits devout themselves to lives of silence, solitude, prayer, and penance. They also, choose one day to be absent from social media, spend one hour in a place devoid from people and sound, spend thirty minutes in prayerful adoration before the Blessed Sacrament, and lastly offer a donation of goods or money to an agency that supports people in need.

-A man who is a member of the religious order and life in a monastery trying to live the most simple lives possible.

-A woman who has taken vows of chastity, poverty and obedience1 and who gives their life to serve humanity. These women are also commonly known as sisters or nuns. They belong to a religious institute established under Catholic Church Law.

400

Desert fathers and Edict of Milan

-The Desert Fathers are Austere Christians who withdrew from society were known as the Desert Fathers.

-A joint declaration by the Roman emperor Constantine and Licinius in the East in 313 that legal-ized the practice of Christianity and other religions throughout the Roman Empire.

500

Edict of Milan

Main Points:

Legalization of Christianity – Granted religious freedom to Christians and all religions in the Roman Empire.
Restoration of Confiscated Property – Ordered the return of Christian properties taken during previous persecutions.
End of Christian Persecution – Officially halted the persecution of Christians.
Religious Tolerance – Promoted a policy of religious coexistence.
Issued by Constantine and Licinius – Jointly proclaimed by the Western and Eastern Roman emperors.

Effect on the Catholic Church:

Growth and Expansion – Allowed Christianity to flourish and spread openly.
Church Building Projects – Led to the construction of major churches with imperial support.
Increased Political Influence – Strengthened the Church’s role in governance and society.
Clergy Privileges – Granted special legal and financial privileges to Christian leaders.
Foundation for Christian Rome – Paved the way for Christianity to become the dominant religion of the empire.

500

What are the Outcomes of Specific Councils ?

Council of Nicaea (325 AD) – Affirmed the Nicene Creed, condemning Arianism and declaring the full divinity of Christ.
Council of Constantinople (381 AD) – Expanded the Nicene Creed, confirming the divinity of the Holy Spirit and addressing Arianism.
Council of Ephesus (431 AD) – Affirmed Mary as Theotokos (Mother of God) and condemned Nestorianism.
Council of Chalcedon (451 AD) – Defined the dual nature of Christ (fully divine and fully human) against Monophysitism.
Second Council of Nicaea (787 AD) – Reaffirmed the veneration of icons and condemned iconoclasm.

500

The contribution of monasticism.

Preservation of Knowledge – Monks preserved and copied ancient texts, including the Bible and classical works.
Spread of Christianity – Monasteries helped evangelize rural areas and spread Christian teachings.
Cultural Development – Monasteries were centers of education, art, and architecture.
Social Welfare – Monks provided care for the poor, sick, and travelers.
Agricultural Advancements – Monasteries introduced new farming techniques and improved land use.

500

Hereies and heresies difference between Christokos and Theotokos

How did the first council of Nicaea respond to Arianisn?

The First Council of Nicaea condemned Arianism by affirming that Christ is fully divine and co-eternal with the Father, leading to the Nicene Creed.

Christokos means "Christ-bearer," emphasizing Mary as the mother of Christ's human nature only, while Theotokos means "God-bearer," affirming her as the mother of the fully divine and human Jesus.

500

Filioque

Ecumenical councils

Monasticism page 71

Filioque is a Latin term meaning "and the Son," added to the Nicene Creed to state that the Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son, a key issue in the East-West Schism.

Meetings of Catholic bishops from around the world, typically convened in order to discuss and resolve pressing theological topics.

Religious life in which men or women leave the world and enter a monastery or convent to devote themselves to solitary prayer, contemplation, and self-denial. After martyrdom became rare, monas-ticism became the most demanding way to live out a Christian vocation.