Download Christianity in 2nd & 3rd Centuries: Rituals, Life, Women's Roles & Church Leadership and more Study notes Christianity in PDF only on Docsity! Christianity Emerges Changes in the 2nd & 3rd Centuries 1. Christian Ritual • Eucharist (Thanksgiving) – Language emphasized the Real (material?) presence of Christ (in the elements) perhaps in response to Docetists (Christ Seemed human)…How literally Christians took these statements is unclear. – Worship leaders (presbyter/bishops) become more powerful as they determine who does or does not receive the bread and wine. 2. Christian Life • “Two Ways,” “Way of Life” terms describing emphasis on moral conduct. • Sexual Practices – Ascetic abstinence from sexual activity is admired (recommended by some) – Sexual moderation (marriage is good) avoid fornication, adultery & homosexuality…the standard moral ideal of the day • Charity – Care for poor, widows, orphans, elderly, prisoners – Care for sick 3. Role of Women • What leadership roles women may have exercised increasingly are diminished. • Women are honored for fulfilling traditional roles. • Women are exalted for exceptional courage as martyrs. • Women who live ascetic lives are liberated from traditional expectations. • Women (Maximilla and Priscilla) who put themselves in leadership roles are rejected. Perhaps strengthening a backlash against women. 4. Christian Hope • Eschatological hope for a millennial reign on earth rises when pressure is applied by the state but decreases as pressure drops and time passes. • Expectation of a delayed return and spiritual kingdom becomes the standard message. • Christians come to more peaceable terms with pagan culture. 6. Views of the Church Evolve 1. All members are Saints 2. The Clergy (leadership) must be Saints 3. The Church embraced “Saints” and “Sinners”…mostly perceive themselves as sinners who admire heroic saints. 4. Sacraments of the Church are the only true sacred elements as all individuals are sinners. (Augustine, 4th-5th century) Peace & Persecution • Peace – 211-250 Ignored – 222-235 Alexander Severus favorable – 244-249 Philip the Arabian Christian? – probably not – 260-303 ignored • Persecuted – 202 Conversion forbidden by Septimius Severus – 249-251 persecution by Decius – 253-260 persecution by Valerian • Systematic attacks on Christian leadership and members of the upper classes and standard requirement of sacrifice Cyprian & Episcopal Authority 1. Bishop determines the handling of the lapsed – Cyprian advocated a moderating position with consequences adjusted to the severity of lapsing 2. Opposed Novation’s rebellion against the Bishop at Rome (Cornelius) and thus strengthened the Roman Bishop’s position (Used the trad. N. African term of “Papa” [Pope] for the bishop) 3. Insisted that the validity of a sacrament depended upon the administrator 4. Saw Church leadership as being exercised by bishops jointly
