Biblical Events – Page 8 – Amazing Bible Timeline with World History

Posted on May 1, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Transubstantiation During Mass

(History of the term and early beliefs)

Based on the doctrines of the Catholic, transubstantiation refers to the transformation of the bread and wine present in the Eucharist into Christ’s body and blood. This is listed on the Biblical Timeline starting 250 AD. Thus, bread and wine no longer serve as a figure used in this sacrament as these have already obtained a different form. It is what the Catholic Church claims – that the bread becomes the body of Christ and wine is turned into his blood. While all of these changes happen, the external appearances of these figures remain the same. Moreover, the transformation is beyond anyone’s understanding, which maintains its mystery and sanctity.

Transubstantiation_During_Mass — Christ with the Eucharist, Vicente Juan Masip, 16th century.

Christ with the Eucharist, Vicente Juan Masip, 16th century.

History of Transubstantiation

Archbishop Hildebert de Lavardin of Tours first used the word, “transubstantiation”, in the 11th century. He pertained to it as the best description and explanation of the transformation that occurred during the Eucharist, when the bread and wine are changed into Christ’s very own body and blood. However, it was not until the 12th century that this term was used extensively. It was on November 11, 1215, during the 4th Council of the Lateran, that the formal explanation of this mystery in the sacrament of the Eucharist was made. According to the Council, these changes are made possible because of God’s power.

However, this doctrine of the transubstantiation was criticized and viewed as pseudophilosophy during the rise of Protestant Reformation. Those who doubted this doctrine claimed that it was merely adopted into the Christian teaching to show support of Martin Luther’s philosophy of the sacramental union.

13th Session of the Council of Trent

In 1551, the Council of Trent pertained to transubstantiation as the conversion of the entire components of the bread into Christ’s body and the wine into his blood. As the conversion occurs, the physical characteristics of the wine and bread stay the same. Also, the Council gave its approval to use the term as the official means of expressing the teaching of the Catholic Church regarding this transformation that exist during the sacrament of the Eucharist.

Based on history, it was in the West where the Aristotelian philosophy remained quite strong. In fact, the reality and truth behind this change during the Eucharist also prevailed in various Churches of the East, as well as the Eastern Orthodox Church. With that in mind, this belief has spread wide in other ancient Churches and eliminated people’s doubts about this mystery.

The Catholic Church states that transubstantiation focuses more on the truth that something is changed, instead of the explanation about how that change takes place. This doctrine promotes the truth that the species or appearances are real, and that the Eucharist celebrates the actual presence of Christ.

The act of touching every portion of the bread and the a single drop of the wine allows one to have a close encounter with Jesus Christ. Furthermore, Christ’s presence in these figures is whole, and the breaking of the bread performed during the sacrament does not literally divide every aspect that makes up Christ.

This truth was best explained by Thomas Aquinas in his written work called Summa Theologica. According to him, Christ’s body is ever-present in the sacrament of the Eucharist. However, this presence is not similar as in its literal meaning since it cannot be perceived by the senses or one’s imagination. On the other hand, Christ’s presence is only perceptible to a person’s intellect and faith.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transubstantiation
http://www.webtruth.org/articles/theological-issues-23/transubstantiation-49.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Juan_de_Juanes_002.jpg

Posted on April 30, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

China, Golden Age of Chang-An in

Chang-An, which is presently known as Xi’an, refers to the capital of ten dynasties in Ancient China. It was during the Neolithic Era that some people dwelled in this ancient capital, which also resulted to the establishment of the Yangshao Culture in Banpo. Moreover, the great ruler of the Qin Dynasty named Qin Shi Huang decided to construct a grand mausoleum that was protected by the Terracotta Army, which could still be found at present.

Information about the Chang-An

It was about 3 kilometers of the present-day Xi’an where the Han capital was historically found. According to historians, the capital served as China’s seat of culture, economy, and politics. Aside from being the center of trade and manufacturing, Chang-An also had a large population that supported its political strength. In fact, there were about 246,000 individuals residing in this area in 2 AD where it is listed on the Biblical Timeline. Most of the people who lived in Chang-An were classified as scholars who were supported financially by aristocrats and wealthy families, so they could sustain their education. Civil servants also resided in this city to protect and serve its people.

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Golden_Age_of_Chang-An_in_China — A gilt-silver jar with a pattern of dancing horses found from a 1970 excavation in Xi’an.

A gilt-silver jar with a pattern of dancing horses found from a 1970 excavation in Xi’an.

Improvements in Chang-An

The great Emperor Liu Bang aimed to build a strong capital that is directly at the sun’s center, which is the current location of Luoyang. The site that Liu Bang was pertaining to was also the location of Changzhou, which was pertained as a holy place. Because the site was believed to be a holy and magical place, many people believed that it will become a strong and powerful dynasty to last for years. Thus, it was the kind of image that Han tried to emulate and project to the people.

According to history, Liu Bang decided to relocate a number of military aristocracy clans to this city. He had two intentions for doing so, which was to maintain the closeness of all his rivals to the emperor and to encourage them to defend this capital from the neighboring cities including Xiongnu. He decided to actualize his decision largely due to the guidance from his political adviser, Liu Jing.

Thus, three prefectures were set up to divide the city prior to the construction of various structures in the capital. When Chang-An was first founded, there were only 146,000 inhabitants in the city, but it soon grew as the place progressed.

When Emperor Wu ruled the capital, Zhang Qian, a scholarly diplomat was relocated into Central Asia. Ever since that period, the city served as the people’s gateway to Europe from Asia. It also became the departure point of Silk Road. When the Western Han period ended, the government of Eastern Han remained in Luoyang to make it its new capital. However, the court was eventually relocated to Chang-An, back to its original location, in 190 AD. This event was due to the orders of the Prime Minister Dong Zhuo, yet the capital was placed back to Luoyang after his death. During this era, several dynasties in the world considered Chang-An as the site of strong governance and power that reigned supreme throughout China.

References:
http://totallyhistory.com/changan
http://www.sjsu.edu/faculty/watkins/silk.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chang’an

Posted on April 29, 2014October 16, 2017 by Amy — 1 Comment

Persecution in Rome, Christian

Christians faced harsh treatment from non-believers beginning 200 to 323 AD. where it is listed on the Bible Timeline Poster. In fact, the start of the third century signaled the beginning of severe persecutions that Christians experienced during that period in history. Roman authorities viewed Christians as a threat to the society because of their prominence. For instance, more and more people decided to convert into this religion. Conversions were held in various parts of the nation, which led to the increasing presence of Christians throughout the empire. Lastly, this group of people who was bound by their faith became zealous and expressive with their beliefs. As a result, the Roman leaders were worried that these people would eventually jeopardize the state’s security and power.

Persecutions Under the Roman Leander Septimius Severus

During 193 to 211 AD, a fearless Roman ruler took the throne and aimed to monitor the progress of Christians in the empire. Septimius Severus then issued a law that was intended for the converts. He proclaimed that conversions to Christianity was considered as illegal, and those who disobeyed the law will be persecuted. At that time, more converts were persecuted in Egypt and several parts of Africa. In Alexandria, Leonidas was beheaded and most of the followers of Origen were eliminated. In Carthage, new converts were persecuted and punished by harsh tortures. A number of them were thrown to be devoured by wild animals while others were burned publicly at stake.

Christian_Persecution_in_Rome_wild_animal — ‘A number of them were thrown to be devoured by wild animals while others were burned publicly at stake.’

‘A number of them were thrown to be devoured by wild animals while others were burned publicly at stake.’

Threats to the Life of Christians During the Roman Empire There were some isolated incidents when Christians experienced harsh treatments from the Romans. Aside from being persecuted because they refused to show the highest reverence to the emperor out of their great love for God, they were also punished because of the Romans’ general dislike for Christians. These people refused to participate in any activities such as the worshipping of Gods or taking part in forms of sacrifices that the Romans were tasked to perform. Christians were also believed to follow certain rites that made the Romans assume that they were introducing a dangerous sect to non-believers. Persecution was largely accusatory, and those who were believed to be partaking in these rituals were punished immediately. Governors were responsible for the accusation and prosecution, and most trials failed to allow Christians to explain themselves.

Christian_Persecution_in_Rome_Constantine — ‘Helen and Constantine’

The persecution and suffering of Christians continued for a period of three centuries. However, these threats to converts and believers resulted to the increase of cults and saints, and this has fueled the spread of Christianity instead of putting an end to its progress.

It was not until Licinius and Constantine the Great issued the 313 Edict of Milan that Christianity was considered as legal. They gave Christians the right to live and practice their faith, and they were no longer persecuted for believing in their God. Although this group of people suffered tremendously in the past centuries, a number of them did not succumb to their fear and continued to remain strong in their faith amidst the intense suffering that other believers experienced.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_early_Christians_by_the_Romans#Persecution_from_64-250
http://www.churchhistory101.com/century2.php
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_Ycv0BE0wFr4/TU8WRXJmxYI/AAAAAAAAAgI/2QjVrd4bEHo/s1600/Sermon_on_the_Mount_Carl_Bloch.jpg
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Gaius_Flavius_Valerius_Constantinus#mediaviewer/File:Sazonov._Elena_and_Konstantin.jpg
http://lj.rossia.org/users/john_petrov/594655.html

Posted on April 28, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Roman Decline

Beginning of Rome’s Decline in 180 AD

Rome was an extremely successful nation for quite a period, particularly during the rule of Trajan. However, just as any kingdoms in history, its glory did not last. Beginning 180 AD where it is listed on the Bible Timeline Chart with World History, Rome was subjected to periods of losses and failures, which eventually led to its decline.

The Reign of Marcus Aurelius

Roman_Decline — Statue of Marcus Aurelius

Rome’s success was due to the efforts of its brilliant rulers who aimed to expand its territories while safeguarding it from invaders across the land. Unfortunately, the slow decline of Rome began under the rule of Marcus Aurelius, who became the empire’s leader from 161 to 180 AD. Although Rome was still in its powerful state when he began his rule, great problems became more apparent throughout his reign. The economy became weaker and more dishonest and unjust authorities were placed in the government.

One of the main causes of Rome’s downfall was the lack of new territories that were incorporated into the empire, which resulted in insufficient revenue sources for the nation. Moreover, there was an increasing volume of trade with nations from the East, specifically China. Luxury goods such as spices and silk were traded for gold and silver, and the empire had little left to pay for these items.

It was also during this period that an epidemic spread in Rome, and there was a lack of knowledge to address this devastating phenomena. Historians failed to give an account of what this epidemic was because of having a poor understanding of the disease. Thus, the symptoms and a total number of casualties were not recorded. Nevertheless, this plague has targeted and consumed a large percentage of Rome’s population. Since the empire relied on its people for labor, the death of these individuals resulted in a troubled economy and society.

Attacks of the Barbarians

The ever-present threat of invasions by the barbarians has always been a major concern of Rome’s rulers. This problem worsened during the reign of Marcus Aurelius as various tribes such as nomadic and semi-nomadic ones joined forces to create a strong alliance to defeat Rome. Hence, the Marcomanni, which was a powerful tribe, invaded the empire across the Danube area. The Roman army experienced difficulties in warding off these invaders as there was a lack of new recruits. Although the empire was able to restore its frontiers, invasions continued to threaten its security until the rule of Marcus Aurelius ended in 180 AD.

Several authorities who took the place of Aurelius further weakened Rome’s economy and power. For instance, Commodus, the son of the great Marcus Aurelius, came to the throne to lead the empire. With little knowledge, skill and experience in ruling the government, he failed to revive Rome’s glory. Other emperors who were appointed to lead the empire were just as worse, with some of them bribing the army to retain their power as rulers. Despite all of these, the Roman people still hoped for Rome’s rise from its fall, yet the bitter truth slowly made itself apparent when the empire reached its decline.

References:
http://www.forumromanum.org/history/morey27.html
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/fallromeeconomic/a/econoffall.htm
http://www.thelatinlibrary.com/historians/narrative/romanhistory.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Aurelius

Posted on April 14, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Saxons on the German Ocean

The Saxons were a gathering of Germanic Tribes in the North German Plain, the majority of which lived in vast areas of Great Britain during the Middle Ages. They are listed on the Bible Timeline Poster between 150 AD and 250 AD. The Saxons became part of the Anglo-Saxons who would ultimately bring about the first united Kingdom of England. Many stayed in Germany and defended against the growing Frankish Empire with the guidance of the renowned Widukind.

‘Three modern states in Germany are called Saxony: Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and the Free State of Saxony (from north to south)’

Roman influence began to decrease in the northwest part of the country fed with the forceful Saxon piracy located in the North Sea. They extended quickly into North Germany and down the shores of Gaul and Britain. On the other hand, the coasts of Elbe into the Scheldt rivers were maintained by the Frisians over which the Saxons could manipulate.

These growths brought the Saxons into collision with the Franks, becoming the Saxon Wars against Charlemagne in his attempt to convert them into Christianity. This had lasted for 32 years before the Saxons were finally brought completely under the Frankish empire.

References:
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/526015/Saxon
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saxons
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Saxony
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Three_states_called_Saxony.png

Posted on April 11, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — 2 Comments

Trajan

Trajan was well known, and a well loved Emperor. Of the Five Good Emperors mentioned by Edward Gibbon, Trajan was listed as the 2^nd best. He came into power on Jan 27 98 AD where he is listed on the Bible Timeline.

Trajan operated Rome as a triumphant warrior/emperor and was an influence to one of the greatest military growths the country’s history. Roman borders had expanded as far as they would ever go before his death.

Trajan also cared about the community and the economy. He began with a wide range of programs for public buildings, and social welfare policies.

Trajan’s Ascension

September 96 Marcus Cocceius Nerva succeeded the throne. He was older and had no children. Another problem included his unpopularity with the army. In consequence after a year of strife, he was obligated by the Praetorian Guard to adopt Trajan, who was more popular as heir.

Nerva died not long after and Trajan succeeded him with no opposition. As the new emperor of Rome, he was met by the community with much excitement. This was warranted considering his fairness and mercy that was not as prominent with Domitian’s period.

Trajan set free several people who had been unfairly put in prison by Domitian and restored a large amount of personal land that Domitian had taken. Trajan’s renown was so great that later the Roman Senate awarded him with the honorable title of Optimus or “the best.”

Trajan was most known for as a military commander, especially in his conquers around the Near East. Particularly in his two years of battle with Dacia. This had been an issue of trouble for the Romans for past a decade.

Later he re-established Dacia with the Romans and appropriated it as a Roman Empire region. As a result, they were able to boost the economy from the acquired gold mines. For the next several years Trajan governed in the city with the same prestige he started with. At this period, he communicated with Pliny the Younger particularly about the Christians who were becoming more prominent. They were refusing to adhere to standard religious expectations.

They were largely disdained but as far as Pliny was concerned were not a threat. Trajan replied with his standard care for the public advising Pliny to ignore empty claims against the Christians and only focus on those who were pretentiously obstinate.

War with Parthia

Parthia received the Roman’s attention in 113 A.D. after crowning an unapproved ruler in Armenia. This kingdom had been shared between the two for about fifty years. Trajan’s first action was to attack Armenia and overthrow the king. He then proclaimed Parthia as part of the Roman Empire adding in a process the respect of domination from several tribes in the Caucasus by the Eastern shore of the Black Sea. This procedure kept Trajan occupied for at least a year.

Afterwards, he went on to conquer Babylon, the capital of Chesiphon. Working his way through Mesopotamia until she reached the Persian Gulf. There deciding to stop with his age catching up with him and his health declining. In 117 A.D., Trajan gradually returned to Italy and left Hadrian as a commander over the East.

He died soon after, and Hadrian became his successor. One of his first actions was to end all of Trajan’s Eastern invasions. He re-established Armenia and Osroene to the Parthian’s (under Roman ‘suzerainty’). Then kept everything that was left from Trojan’s conquests under Roman rule.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trajan
http://www.luc.edu/roman-emperors/trajan.htm
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/602150/Trajan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Traianus_Glyptothek_Munich_336.jpg

Posted on April 11, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Britain a Roman Province

Rome had been a part of Britain since 55 BC through 40 AD where it is listed on the Bible Timeline Chart. During that time, there was significant influence from Rome to the British on many levels. An example would be how their culture was shaped and the way the economy flowed. In the end, Rome shaped the language, geography, structural design, and more. The current capitol is a Roman City, and for an extended period of time the language and religion was Roman.

Rome ultimately invaded Britain for the convenience of Julius Caesar and Emperor Claudius. It started with Julius Caesar who had just conquered Gaul and did not want to return to Rome. Britain had given him an excuse in 55 B.C. after King Cunobelin of the Catuvellauni imprisoned Commius for trying to prompt Britain to accept Roman protection. Britain had previously overtaken the Trinovantes as the strongest realm in south-eastern Britain, overpowering the previous Trinovantian capital of Camulodunum (Colchester), and pressed the nearby Atrebates, ruled by the descendants of Julius Caesar’s former ally Commius. Caesar then battled his way to land in order to free him. It was a small victory but impressed the senate in Rome. He then organized an expedition to conquer and plunder Britain in hopes of more prestige and gold. He returned to Britain with five legions at his command and re-established Commius as king on the Atrebatic throne. He then returned to Gaul disappointed having found nothing to plunder.

Later Emperor Claudius looking to make a better name for himself set out to return the Atrebatic throne to the rightful ruler of that time named Verica. He had lost his place to the new chief of the Catuvellauni, Caratacus. In 43 A.D., Claudius sent four legions overseas to conquer Britain. Starting at Richborough, they fought into the River Medway. The battle commenced when his general, Vespasian obtained the river with his legion sustained by a group of ‘Celtic’ auxiliaries, and the British were taken.

Britain_a_Roman_Province — Temple of Claudius

Vespasian continued on to attack MaidenCastle and Hod hill. During this time, laudius penetrated the Catuvellaunian capital of Colchester in victory. He erected a temple there and a bronze statue of himself; then founded a legionary fortress. He stayed in Britain for merely 16 days. The remaining parts of the island took almost 30 years to overcome.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_conquest_of_Britain
http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/questions_01.shtml
http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/people_commius.html
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Celio_-_T_del_Divo_Claudio_contrafforti_del_convento_1260095.JPG

Posted on April 7, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — Leave a comment

Germans defeat Roman Teutoburg Forest 9 CE

The Roman Emperor Augustus was in shock when he received the news that his legions were decimated to the last man by the Germans. After hearing all of the details of the incident he repeatedly beat his head against his palace walls in frustration while screaming “Varus, give me back my legions.” After the defeat of his legions by the Germans, Emperor Augustus had to send his General Tiberius to avenge Rome’s devastating defeat at the hands of the Germans. The battle of Teutuborg Forest in 9 A.D. was one of Rome’s most humiliating defeats. It is listed on the Bible Timeline Poster at 1 A.D.-50 A.D. The loss that took place from this battle forced Rome to change how it formed its legions and employ its military tactics.

Emperor Augustus sent his forces into Germania in 9 A.D. to gain control over the barbarian tribes that had been plaguing the land for many years. Many Germans were situated along the Rhine River between Gaul and Germania was constantly harassing the Romans. The Romans controlled Gaul (which is now modern France) and the Germans kept challenging their power by trying to expand into Western Europe.

General Varus was one of Augustus’ leading generals and a gifted military commander. He was given the responsibility of leading Roman legions in Eastern Europe around 9 A.D. Emperor’s Augustus sent him on a mission to put an end to the German’s advancement into Roman territory.

Germans_defeat_Roman_Teutoburg_Forest_9_CE — The Teutoburg Forest on a foggy and rainy day.

The Teutoburg Forest on a foggy and rainy day.

General Varus was provoked by a man named Arminius to attack the German tribes. Arminius was a German prince (son of a chief) who was forced to go to Rome as a hostage from his birth. Arminius had fabricated a clever lie about a group of rebellious Germans revolting near the Rhine. After informing Emperor Augustus about the matter, he gained his approval for an attack against them. Since Arminius was a trusted soldier and who knew all about the Germans, Varus didn’t question him. Instead, he received his instructions from Augustus and marched his three legions into Germania.

The rebellion was taking place at a location that was far from where the legions were stationed along the Rhine. They had to march for many miles to reach the marauding Germans. Arminius was put in charge of leading the Romans to the rebellious tribes. He navigated the Romans throughout the thick and barely impassible forests that were situated in ancient German lands. While the Romans were making the trek, a large rainstorm had taken place.

The Romans were forced to travel through mud and other rough conditions. This wasn’t the only problem that the Romans had to deal with they also marched to their destination with their troops spaced over a 9-mile stretch. Thousands of troops were miles away from each other, and if something were to happen during the march, then it would take some time before soldiers could aid their comrades.

The rain poured down on the Romans for most of their journey and by the time they made it close to their destination it had stopped. Arminius then decided to go on a brief mushroom hunting expedition and General Varus agreed to his activity. While the Romans were rested, Arminius had managed to navigate them into a trap, and his ruse worked. The Germans violently attacked the unsuspecting Roman Legions and slaughtered thousands of them.

The Romans couldn’t effectively counter the Germans, and they were being beat at every turn. Since their armies were spread out for about 9 miles, this made it easy for the Germans to pick them off at will. Eventually, General Varus and his commanding officers were killed, and the vast majority of the Roman soldiers were also slain. The ones that were fortunate enough to escape were forced into slavery. Many of the captured officers were sacrificed to the gods of the German tribes. After this defeat, the Romans never again tried to conquer German lands. General Tiberius was sent to Germania to avenge this humiliation set in Rome, but he left Germania after he accomplished this task.

References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Teutoburg_Forest
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arminius
http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/battleswarsto1000/p/Roman-Empire-Battle-Of-The-Teutoburg-Forest.htm

Posted on April 4, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — 14 Comments

Infant Baptism and Sprinkling, History of

Purification and consecration are two important concepts in Christianity that reveals the type of relationship and expectations that God has toward his followers. Baptisms began with John the Baptist in the Bible. John the Baptist was the first evangelist in the history of Christianity, who preached the coming of Christ. He was gifted with the ability to preach, and he had drawn thousands of people from around the countryside of Judah with his message of repentance and salvation in Jesus. John baptized many people as they accepted faith in Christ and even Jesus himself was baptized by him as well.

The concept of a child being baptized isn’t a far-fetched idea since many early Christians also converted their whole entire households into the faith of Christ (see Christian verses). In the book of Proverbs, a passage of scripture reads “even a child is known by his deeds whether his way is evil or good”. Upon careful inspection, the Bible reveals many references to children being saved by God and showing faith in Jesus as well. Even Christ himself was seen acknowledging God at the temple when he was but a 12-year-old boy. Hebrew people were more than aware of the fact that their children could be evil and that not all children will automatically go to heaven when they die. Also noted, the Hebrews performed the practice of circumcision that was used to identify a person as a Jew. Since the first Christians were former Jewish believers, the idea of baptizing Christian youth definitely meant the same outward expression of their newfound faith in Christ.

As the early church began to grow and expand, the first believers began to develop doctrinal truths to stop heresy and false doctrine from infiltrating the church. One of the doctrines that they started was related to infant baptism. This particular ritual wasn’t documented until the 2nd century A.D. It is located on the Bible Timeline Chart between 50 A.D. and 250 A.D. Then early believers started to keep written records for children who were baptized.

The practice of infant baptism evolved over time before it became a standard practice within the Catholic Church. Some of the most notable members of the early Catholic Church were Polycarp and Justin Martyr. Both these famous Christian leaders were baptized when they were young children. A noted Church Father was named Irenaeus, and he stated that “Jesus came to save all men… including infants, children and youth”(see Against the Heresies II 22:4; the quote is paraphrased). His views were taken into consideration when the church began to develop doctrine on the matter. Origen another popular figure during the era of the early church also claimed that infants were to be baptized for the remission of sins. Ultimately, the concept of baptizing children was a natural part of a believer’s faith that began to take on some prominence when Christianity was first being developed. In the time, it has become a modern practice within many Catholic Churches.

Bible References:

Proverbs 20: 11 Even a child is known by his deeds

Colossians 2: 11 – 12 The New Circumcision

Acts 2: 39 Peter makes a reference to baptizing children

Acts 16: 15 Lydia converted with her household

Colossians 2: 11 – 12 The New Circumcision of the heart. Paul contrasts this with the former Jewish circumcision rituals.

References:
http://www.biblegateway.com/
http://www.mtio.com/articles/aissar40.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant_baptism
http://www.catholic.com/tracts/infant-baptism
http://www.catholic.com/tracts/early-teachings-on-infant-baptism
http://www.gotquestions.org/infant-baptism.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infant_Baptism
http://pixabay.com

Posted on April 4, 2014October 4, 2017 by Amy — 4 Comments

Martyr Worship Introduced in Rome Christian Church

Christianity began in the city of Jerusalem around 35 A.D. After the first church was established by the early believers it was attacked by the Jews who wanted to rid themselves of the followers of Jesus Christ. They had previously crucified Jesus because they viewed him as a threat to their power and as a danger to all of Jerusalem. They honestly believed that when Jesus was crucified that his influence would die with him. They were wrong. The Jews didn’t anticipate that his followers would continue to spread his message to the world. So they slowly started a campaign to persecute the early church. Ultimately, they were able to force many Christians to flee Jerusalem to other parts of the world.

Persecuted Christians Settle all over the Empire of Rome

The Romans had dominated Jerusalem and the surrounding territories within the ancient Middle East and Mesopotamian area. They also controlled most of the lands around the Mediterranean Sea. When Christians left Jerusalem, they spread out to nearby regions within the Roman Empire. As they settled into these areas they started to form new churches. Most of the pagan people that lived in the areas where the Christians settled into thought they were as an odd and strange cult. People were pagans, and the concept of one god was just too foreign for them to understand.

Polytheism is the belief in more than one deity, and ancient people had many polytheistic religions. The Romans were known to worship a pantheon of gods and when they encountered a group of people who worshiped and honored one god they thought this was rather different than the norm. Many Roman people didn’t take to the Jews concept of monotheism, and they didn’t accept the Christian version as well.

General Animosity Toward Early Christians

Christianity was seen as a pagan religion to the Romans. After churches began to form in various parts of the empire the Romans started to become more aware of Christian practices. Many of them formed the idea that Christians were cannibals and that they indulged in incest. They also couldn’t understand the concepts of holiness, salvation, and sin. These were foreign ideas to pagan men. Even though the Romans did stress ideas such as purity, strength, vigor, justice and righteousness; they were rooted in man’s ability to produce these results and not dependence on God (Jesus) through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Most people do not like it when they encounter other groups of people who are different from themselves. Many early Romans felt this way about Christian worshippers. Roman rulers held the same opinion as their subjects. Since they were charged with keeping order within the empire, they sometimes lashed out against the Christians.

The early Christians were martyred all over the empire by different rulers at different times. Some of the most noted rulers who persecuted Christians were Emperor Nero, Emperor Domitian, and Julian the Apostate. After the early Christians were martyred many of the first believers thought to keep them in remembrance.

Martyr_Worship_Introduced_in_Rome_Christian_Church — The Roman Church began a process of recognizing martyred saints around the 2nd century A.D.

The Roman Church began a process of recognizing martyred saints around the 2nd century A.D.

Catholic Church Establishes Canonization Practice in Honor of Martyred Believers

The Catholic Church was the first established Christian denomination that was started outside of Jerusalem. The word Catholic means “universal” and the universal church was the first Christian organization that started the worship of martyrs or the worship of Christian saints. The Roman Church began a process of recognizing martyred saints around the 2nd century AD. It is listed on the Bible Timeline between 150-250 A.D. This process eventually became known as canonization and many Christian martyrs who showed exemplary service for the cause of Christianity could be added to the list. The practice still continues, and it is not uncommon for some Catholic believers to pray to these saints so that they could petition God on their behalf. When Christians died after living an outstanding life in Christ, they could be venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church. Famous martyrs over the years have been canonized, and they include Stephen (Acts 6 – 7) who was the first persecuted Christian and Origen and Polycarp, who were early church, fathers.

Bible References:

Acts 6 -7 Martyr of Stephen

Acts 8: 1 The first is persecuted and scattered.

References:
http://www.biblegateway.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Persecution_of_Christians_in_the_Roman_Empire
http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/history/persecution.htm
http://ancienthistory.about.com/od/earlychurch/f/10persecutions.htm
http://www.probe.org/site/c.fdKEIMNsEoG/b.4226225/k.3AE5/Persecution_in_the_Early_Church.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canonization
http://www.catholicdoors.com/faq/qu221.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Westminster_Abbey_C20th_martyrs.jpg