EFM 2006 Overview of Church History

Outline of the Sessions Session 1: The Early Church 33-400

Why study church history? Cautions to observe Impact of Roman Empire Persecution Decline of doctrinal and moral purity in the church Significant individuals in this time period Early heresies

Session 2: The Dark Ages 400-1400

Political history, key events Life in the Dark Ages Rise of the Clergy Roman church and its corruption Pilgrim Church 5 Key Events leading to the reformation

Session 3: The Reformation 1400-mid 1700’s

Importance of the printing press Bible translation into the common languages of Europe Overview of events and key people in various countries ! Germany and Luther ! England and Tyndale ! Scotland and the Covenantors ! Switzerland! - Zwingli and Calvin ! ! - the Anabaptists ! France and Huguenots

Session 4: The Missionary age mid 1700’s - 2000

Overview of 1700-2000 Key Trends and Individuals Wesley, Whitefield, Carey, Modern missions movement Beginnings of the brethren movement

Overview of Church History—EFM October 22, 2006 1 EMF 2006 Overview of Church History

Suggested Sources for further study

Christian History web site: chi.gospelcom.net

The Pilgrim Church by E. H. Broadbent, published by Gospel Folio Press if you are only going to read one book on church history this is it! Church History in Plain Language by Bruce Shelley, published by Word a decent overview of the events and people affecting the main denominations A Woman Rides the Beast by David Hunt, published by Harvest House while not a history book per se, Hunt includes a great deal of information on the Catholic church and its history down through the centuries. Very readable. Men of Destiny by Peter Masters, published by the Wakeman Trust a collection of mini-biographies on prominent Christians. Good articles on Luther, Tyn- dale and Latimer and Ridley and an intriguing piece on Alfred the Great of England c.850 The Anabaptist Story by William Estep, published by Eerdmans The Old Religion in the New World by Mark Noll, published by Eerdmans history of American (I am just currently reading it) My People by Robert Baylis, published by Harold Shaw Publishers the most recent history of the brethren movement Historical Sketch of the Brethren Movement by HA Ironside, published by Loixeaux a concise readable history. Deals more with the “exclusive” branch of the movement (out of print) Foxes Book of Martyrs by John Foxe (various editions available; Bridge-Logos one is edited) contains many eyewitness accounts of martyrdoms Martyrs Mirror by T.J. van Braght published by Herald Press contains many eyewitness accounts of martyrdoms, letters and notes to/from believers in prison; largely related to the Anabaptist movement in Switzerland and Holland

Timeline 30-500

eligion ts” er v

“con “official” r ed

entecostwish persecution P Je Roman persecutions ConstantineChristianity Rome sack

30 100 200 300 400 500

2

Who's Who of Church History

People Date Country Description

Early Church and Dark Ages Athansius 296-372 Egypt Bishop of Alexandria - vigorous defender of deity of Christ. Prominent at the Council of Nicea 325 Augustine of Hippo 354-430 North Africa Writings influential to this day - "City of God" basis for many later Catholic heresies. Strong emphasis on Sovreignty of God, basis for Calvinism. Heavily spiritualized interpretation of Scripture. Advocated use of force to "convert" heretics. Charlemange 742-814 France First emperor since fall of Rome in 400's. Crowned by Pope, thereby establishing principal that Pope and the church of Rome has authority over kings. Generally accepted until Henry VIII in 1500's Columba 521-597 Scotland Irish missionary who brought Christianity to Scotland Constantine 272-337 Rome Roman emperor, ended persecution of Christians, initial link of Roman state power to the church. Questionable whether he was a true believer Gregory 1 (pope) 540-604 Rome First real "Pope" in terms of authority and influence - claims church tradition has equal authority to Scripture. Handpicks bishops in most major churches of the empire Origien 185-250 Egypt City of Alexandria - writer and preacher though "layman" Martyred. Stood against priestcraft having a monopoly on ministry Patrick 415-493 Ireland Missionary to Ireland, many converted and churches established. Not connected to Roman Catholics Tertullian 155-233 Carthage Influential writer, coined the word "Trinity" became a (North Africa Montanist (heresy) late in life

Reformation Era Aquinas, Thomas 1226-1274 Rome, Paris Writings become foremost expression of Catholic theology. Teaches that "merit" is stored up in heaven by saints and is available for sinners on earth leading to the sale of indulgences. Blaurock, George 1491-1529 Switzerland Co-founder of Anabaptist movement- baptized as a believer, promoted the idea of a "believers" church. Burned at the stake. Calvin, John 1509-1564 Switzerland, Influential writer; tried to establish a "Christian" city in France Geneva largely using OT law. Fierce persecutor of theological opponents. His writings formed the basis for much "reformed" theology prevailing to this day. Erasmus, Desiderius 1466-1536 Germany, Published Greek New Testament with notes critical of Holland Catholic church Grebal, Conrad 1498-1526 Switzerland Co-founder of Anabaptist movement - baptized as a believer, promoted the idea of a "believers" church Huss, John 1369-1415 Bohemia (Czech Influenced by Wycliffe and Lollards, preached the republic) Scriptures, burned at the stake Knox, John 1514-1572 Scotland Leading reformer in Scotland. Strong opponent of Catholicism. Followers destroyed numerous Catholic churches. Very politically active. Queen Mary said: "I fear John Knox's prayers more than all the armies of Europe." Luther, Martin 1483-1546 Germany Instigator of the Reformation, influential writer, preacher, political leader. Recovered the truth of "Justification by Faith." Started well, ended up persecuting other reformers.

Page 1 Who's Who of Church History

People Date Country Description

Manz, Felix 1498-1527 Switzerland Co-founder of Anabaptist movement - baptized as a believer, promoted the idea of a "believers" church. Martyred by drowning Simons, Menno 1496-1561 Holland Converted priest, strengthened Anabaptist movement in Holland, writer, Mennonites take their name from him Tyndale, William 1494-1536 England Translated New Testament from Greek into English, printed, martyred Wycliffe, John 1320-1384 England Translated Bible from Latin into English, established the "Lollards" a group of travelling lay preachers, emphasized the authority of the Word of God. Died natural death but 12 years later the pope ordered his body dug up and burned with his writings. Over 150 copies of his edition of the Bible remain.

Missionary Era Carey, William 1761-1834 England, India Father of modern missions, published parts of the Bible in multiple Indian dialects Darby, John Nelson 1800-1882 Ireland, abroad Prolific writer, tireless evangelist, established scores of churches, translated Bible into several languages. Considered to be founder of "Dispensationalism" Edwards, Jonathon 1703-1758 US Congregation clergyman, preacher, writer, evangelist - sermons contributed to the Great Awakening - ardent Calvinist Finney, Charles 1792-1875 US "America's foremost revivalist," was a major leader of the Second Great Awakening. Pioneer in techniques - Alter call, extemporaneous preaching, etc. Presbyterian, became Congregationalist Franke, Herman 1700's Germany Orphanage and school influential on Zinzendorf, Mueller Groves, Anthony Norris 1795-1853 England, Founder of "faith" missions; served in Bagdhad, later abroad India. Wrote "Christian devotedness" very influential in the early Brethren movement. Wife died less than 2 years after arriving in Iraq. Moody, Dwight 1837-1899 US, England Called by some greatest evangelist of the 19th century. Preached to large grounds. Established major church and publishing work in Chicago. Mueller, George 1805-1898 England Faith orphanage and school, 2000+ children under his care Spurgeon, Charles 1834-1892 England Evangelist, Bible teacher, writer -more books in print today than any other Christian writer Wesley, John 1703-1791 Great Britain Great evangelist, thousands saved, founded Methodist societies Whitefield, George 1714-1770 US, England Great evangelist, thousands saved, differed with Wesley on Calvinism Zinzendorf, Nicholas von 1700-1760 Germany Founder of Moravians, godly man, influenced many for missions

Page 2 100 Key Events in Church History Page 1 Year Event

1st Century 64 • Fire ravages Rome. Emperor Nero blames Christians and unleashes persecution. 70 • Titus destroys Jerusalem and its temple. Separation deepens between Christianity and Judaism. 2 2nd Century 150 • Justin Martyr writes his First Apology, advancing Christian efforts to address competing philosophies. 156 • Polycarp, an eighty-six-year-old bishop, inspires Christians to stand firm under opposition. 177 • Irenaeus becomes bishop of Lyons and combats developing heresies within the Church. 196 • Colorful and cantankerous Tertullian begins writings that earn him the reputation of being the "Father of Latin Theology." 4 3rd Century 205 • The gifted North African Origen begins writing. He headed a noted catechetical school in Alexandria. 251 • Cyprian, bishop of Carthage, publishes his influential work "Unity of the Church." He was martyred in 258. 270 • Antony gives away his possessions and begins life as a hermit, a key event in the development of Christian monasticism. 3 4th Century 312 • Constantine is converted after seeing a vision of the cross. He becomes a defender and advocate of the oppressed Christians. 325 • The Council of Nicea addresses debates perplexing the Church and defines the doctrine of who Jesus really was. 367 • Athanasius' "Easter Letter" recognizes the New Testament Canon, listing the same books we have now. 385 • In Milan, Bishop Ambrose defies the Empress, helping establish the precedent of Church confrontation of the state when necessary to protect Christian teaching and oppose the state. 387 • Augustine of Hippo is converted. His writings became bedrock for the Middle Ages. The "Confessions" and "City of God" are still read by many. 398 • John Chrysostom, the "golden tongued" preacher is made bishop of Constantinople and leads from there amidst continuing controversies. 6 5th Century 405 • Jerome completes the Latin "Vulgate" version of the bible that becomes the standard for the next one thousand years. 432 • Patrick goes as a missionary to Ireland--taken there as a teenager as a slave. He returns and leads multitudes of Irish people to the Christian faith. 451 • The Council of Chalcedon confirms orthodox teaching that Jesus was truly God and truly man and existed in one person. 3 6th Century 529 • Benedict of Nursia establishes his monastic order. His "rule" becomes the most influential for centuries of monasticism in the West. 563 • Columba goes as a missionary to Scotland. He establishes the legendary monastic mission center at Iona. 590 • Gregory becomes Pope Gregory I, known as "the Great." His leadership significantly advances the development of the papacy and has enormous influence on Europe. 3 7th Century 664 • Synod of Whitby determines that the English church will come under the authority of Rome. 1 8th Century 716 • Boniface, the "Apostle of Germany," sets out as a missionary to bring the gospel to pagan lands. 731 • The "Venerable" Bede completes his careful and influential "Ecclesiastical History" of the English Nation. 732 • At the Battle of Tours, Charles Martel turns back the Muslim invasion of Europe. 3 100 Key Events in Church History Page 2 Year Event

9th Century 800 • Charlemagne crowned emperor by the pope on Christmas. He advances the church, education, and culture. 863 • Cyril and Methodius, Greek brothers, evangelize the Serbs. Cyril develops the Cyrillic alphabet which remains the basis for the Slavonic used in the liturgy of the Russian church. 2 10th Century 909 • A monastery is established at Cluny and becomes a center for reform. By the mid-12th century, there were over 1,000 Clunaic houses. 988 • Conversion of Vladimir, Prince of Kiev, who, after examining several religions, chooses Orthodoxy to unify and guide the Russian people. 2 11th Century 1054 • The East-West Schism. Brewing for centuries, rupture finally comes to a head with the fissure that has lasted to this day. 1093 • Anselm becomes Archbishop of Canterbury. A devoted monk and outstanding theologian, his Cur Deus Homo? (Why Did God Become Man?), explored the atonement. 1095 • Pope Urban II launches the First Crusade. The crowd wildly shouts God wills it! There would be several crusades over the next centuries with many tragic results. 3 12th Century 1115 • Bernard founds the monastery at Clairvaux. He and the monastery become a major center of spiritual and political influence. 1150 • Universities of Paris and Oxford are founded and become incubators for renaissance and reformation and precursors for modern educational patterns. 1173 • Peter Waldo founds the Waldensians, a reform movement emphasizing poverty, preaching and the Bible. He and his followers are eventually condemned as heretics and the Waldensians suffer great persecution for centuries. 3 13th Century 1206 • Francis of Assisi renounces wealth and goes on to lead a band of poor friars preaching the simple life. 1215 • The Fourth Lateran Council deals with heresy, reaffirms Roman Catholic doctrines and strengthens the authority of the popes. 1273 • Thomas Aquinas completes work on Summa Theoligica, the theological masterpiece of the Middle Ages. 3 14th Century 1321 • Dante completes The Divine Comedy, the greatest work of Christian literature to emerge from the Middle Ages. 1378 • Catherine of Siena goes to Rome to help heal the Great Papal Schism which had resulted in multiple popes. Partly through her influence, the papacy moves back to Rome from Avignon. 1380 • Wycliffe is exiled from Oxford but oversees a translation of the Bible into English. He is later hailed as the Morning star of the Reformation. 3 15th Century 1415 • John Hus, who teaches Wycliffe's ideas in Bohemia, is condemned and burned at the stake by the Council of Constance. 1456 • Johann Gutenberg produces the first printed Bible, and his press becomes a means for dissemination new ideas, catalyzing changes in politics and theology. 1478 • The Spanish Inquisition is established under King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to oppose heresy. 1498 • Savonarola, the fiery Dominican reformer of Florence, in Italy, is executed. 4 16th Century 1512 • Michelangelo completes his notable artwork on the Sistine Chapel ceiling in Rome. 1517 • Martin Luther posts his ninety-five theses, a simple invitation for scholarly debate that inadvertently becomes a hinge of history. 1523 • Zwingli leads the Swiss reformation from his base as lead pastor in Zurich. 100 Key Events in Church History Page 3 Year Event

1525 • The Anabaptist movement begins. This radical reformation insists on baptism of adult believers and the almost unheard of notion of separation of church and state. 1534 • Henry VIII's Act of Supremacy makes the king, not the pope, head of the Church of England. 1536 • John Calvin publishes The Institutes of the Christian Religion, the most substantial theological work of the Reformation. 1540 • The Society of Jesus is approved by the Vatican. Founded by Ignatius Loyola, the Jesuit order places its services entirely at the disposal of the pope. 1545 • The Council of Trent opens. Called by the Roman Catholic Church, it addresses abuses and serves the Catholic Counter- Reformation. 1549 • Cranmer produces the beloved Book of Common Prayer for the Church of England. 1559 • John Knox returns to Scotland to lead reformation there after a period of exile in Calvin's Geneva. 1572 • The Saint Bartholomew's Day Massacre in France witnesses the killing of tens of thousands of Protestant Huguenots by Catholics. 11 17th Century 1608-09 • Anglican preacher turned Separatist, John Smith, baptizes the first . 1611 • Publication of the Authorized or King James translation of the Bible in the English language. Fifty-four scholars worked for four years on the project. 1620 • Pilgrims coming to America sign the Mayflower Compact and commit themselves to seek the public good, uphold group solidarity and forsake self-seeking. 1628 • Jan Amos Comenius is driven from his homeland in Moravia and wanders the rest of his life spreading educational reform and pleading for Christian reconciliation. 1646 • The Westminster Confession is drafted in the Jerusalem Room at Westminster Abbey. 1648 • George Fox founds the Society of Friends, more commonly known as Quakers. Seeking to live simple lives, opposed to warfare and avoiding formal worship, they had an influence far exceeding their numbers. 1662 • Rembrandt completes his masterful painting the Return of the Prodigal Son. 1675 • German Lutheran minister Philip Jacob Spener publishes Pia Desideria which becomes a manifesto for Pietism. 1678 • 's The Pilgrim's Progress is published. It becomes second in international circulation, exceeded only by the Bible. 1685 • Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frederick Handel born. These two will go on to become musical giants illustrating the central place of Biblical subjects in the masterpieces of Western art. 10 18th Century 1707 • Publication of Isaac Watt's Hymns and Spiritual Songs marks a new development in the kind of music sung in churches. 1727 • Awakening at Herrnhut launches Moravian Brethren as the forerunner of modern Protestant missionary movements. 1735 • Great Awakening under Jonathan Edwards stirs the American colonies with many conversions and individual returns to heartfelt faith. 1738 • John Wesley's conversion eventually leads to the founding of a branch of the Methodist Church although he had no intention of forming a separate denomination. 1780 • Newspaperman Robert Raikes begins Sunday schools to reach poor and uneducated children in England. It rapidly becomes a vital international movement. 1793 1793 • William Carey sails as a missionary to India and oversees more Bible translations than had previously been produced in all Christian history. 6 19th Century 1807 • The British Parliament votes to abolish the slave trade. Its decision is owing in large part to the tireless efforts of the Christian politician William Wilberforce. 1811 • The Campbells begin the Disciples of Christ, an element within what became known as the Restoration Movement of American Christianity. 1812 • Adoniram and Ann Judson sail for India. These first missionaries to be sent from America evangelize Burma and translate the scriptures into Burmese. 1816 • Richard Allen, a former slave, founds the African Methodist Episcopal Church. 1817 • Elizabeth Fry begins ministry to women in prison and becomes model for social compassion and involvement. 1830 • Charles G. Finney's urban revivals begin and introduce techniques that decisively affect later mass evangelism in America. 1830 • John Nelson Darby helps found the Plymouth Brethren, a group which spreads the dispensational view of Scriptural interpretation. 100 Key Events in Church History Page 4 Year Event

1833 • John Keble's sermon National Apostasy initiates the Oxford movement in England. 1854 • Hudson Taylor arrives as a missionary in China. His faith work has immense impact. 1854 • Philosopher Soron Kierkegaard publishes Attacks on Christendom. 1854 • Charles Haddon Spurgeon becomes pastor in London and will go on the be one of the most influential pastors ever. 1855 • Dwight L. Moody is converted. He goes on to become one of the most effective American evangelists. 1857 • David Livingstone publishes Missionary Travels and his exploits in Africa attract world wide attention. 1865 • William Booth founds the Salvation Army, vowing to bring the gospel into the streets to the most desperate and needy. 1870 • Pope Pius IX proclaims the doctrine of Papal Infallibility. 1886 • The Student Volunteer Movement begins as a major thrust of young people to bring the gospel to the world as missionaries. 16 20th Century 1906 • Asuza Street revival launches Pentecostalism, and paves the way for the development of the modern charismatic movement. 1910-15 • The fundamentals are published and demonstrate the great divide in American Christianity known as the Modernist- Fundamentalist controversy. 1919 • Karl Barth's Commentary on Romans is published, effectively critiquing modernistic theology. 1921 • First Christian radio broadcast over KDKA in Pittsburgh. 1934 • Cameron Townsend begins the Summer Institute of Linguistics that aspires with sister organization Wycliffe Bible translators to bring the Bible to every language group of the world. 1945 • Dietrich Bonhoeffer is executed by the Nazis. The German pastor is killed just days before the Allies arrive to liberate that region. His theological writings remain influential. 1948 • The World Council of Churches is formed as an interdenominational body promoting Christian unity and presence in society. 1949 • 's Los Angeles crusade thrusts the young evangelist into several decades of worldwide ministry and an impressive reputation. 1960 • Charismatic renewal surges forward, crossing denominational lines and becoming more mainstream. 1962 • Second Vatican Council begins, the most significant council since Trent. It will promote new attitudes and practices in Catholicism. 1963 • Martin Luther King, Jr., a Baptist minister, leads a march on Washington espousing the teachings of Jesus in a civil rights movement that affects all America. 1966-76 • The Chinese church grows despite the Cultural Revolution. Christianity did not die out under Communism, but experienced one of the most dramatic 12 100 From "Dates with Destiny: The 100 Most Important Dates in Church History" published by Christian History Institute Maps of Church History

Map 3 The PilgrimChur ch: ImposedNames on Brethren Throughthe Ages

Modern cities as locators Pre-ReformationOrigins Post-ReformationOrigins

Groups that have sought, with varying degrees of success, to live in obedience to the Scripture meeting as local churches apart from influence and control from Roman Catholic or State church control. (map from the Pilgrim Church)