Church History
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A brief outline history of our faith's development and the events that have had a profound impact upon Christendom.

I Early Church

New Testament beginnings: Christ mandates Apostles and disciples to spread His teachings.

Peter commissioned by Christ to lead Church, becomes first Pope.

Paul brings message of Christ to the Gentiles.

Doctrines established in Early Church:

Nature of God.

Divinity of Christ and Holy Spirit.

Meaning of Redemption.

Mary, the Mother of God.

Council of Nicea 325

Called by Constantine I, an Emperor and convert to Christianity.

Rejects heresy of Arianism.

Declares Father and Son of same divine substance.

Martin Luther, an Augustinian monk, posts "95 Theses" in 1517.

Major causes for his protest:

Granting of indulgences.

Split between theology and biblical roots.

Effects of Great Schism.

Rise of Nationalism.

Joined by others (i.e. Calvin, Zwingli).

Results in formation of Protestant religions.

Counter reformation

Council of Trent 1545-1563.

Called by Paul III

Reaffirms traditional Catholic teachings.

Vatican I

1870.

Called by Pius IX

Defines papal infallibility

Second Vatican Council

1962-1965.

Called by John XXIII.

Shapes church of 20^th Century and beyond.