The Bible Speaks:The Church in Search of Itself - AFC 1996

The Church in Charge

Phil. 2:9­11; Romans 13:1; 1 Peter 2:17; Acts 5:27­29

The church in the Middle Ages enjoyed great social power.

Identity of the church (323­1500)
the official and dominant religion of the Roman Empire
Emperor Constantine's Edict of Milan- (313) made Christianity a legal religion.
He initiated a building program for churches and shrines.
He exempted clergy from taxation.
He called and paid for councils to settle doctrinal disputes. The Council of Nicea (325).
the head of state became a major player in the affairs of the church
between two cities
Augustine wrote The City of God (~413)
In the earthly city, human history is characterized by self-love among Christians and pagans alike. Here the state is a necessary barrier provided by God to check the evil that disrupts human life.
The heavenly city provides the means of salvation through its sacraments and is the goal of God's greater intention for the future.
The church was the representation of the city of God on earth
sacramental
The church viewed itself as the means of grace.- the keys to heaven
If anyone wanted grace, they had to get it according to the church's rules.
- power
As many as thirty sacraments were reduced to a standard seven: baptism, confirmation, Eucharist, penance, extreme unction, orders, and marriage.
rule of bishops
priority of the bishop of Rome - the pope
apostolic succession - the importance of a continuous line from the Apostles
unity of the faith was considered paramount
monastic orders
an answer to how the church retains its purity in a secular world
became a platform for renewal movements within the church - the church's conscience

What do you think?
€ If the church is the body of Christ, how should we expect it to change in different social and technological settings?

We stand on the shoulders of those who have worked out their faith with pain, joy, confusion, blood, sweat, tears, careful thought, and grace.