HISTORY OF CHRISTIANITY

KEY FIGURES (AUTHORS OF NEW TESTAMENT)

• Jesus
• Paul
• Other Authors of Epistles

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JESUS CHRIST

• The prophet that Christianity is based around. Considered Messiah fulfilling Jewish prophecies in the old testament.
• Lived Approximately (4 B.C. – around 34 A.D.)
• Born in Bethlehem to his Mother Mary who was a virgin. Joseph was father through marriage descended from King David, so not directly related to Jesus.
• After birth family fled to Egypt to escape the persecution of Herod.
• Began public ministry at the age of 30 around 28 A.D., chooses 12 disciples to help him carry out his ministry.
• Death by crucifixion. Witnesses claim he rose again after three days.
• The Gospels are a transcription of the teachings of Jesus and a biography of his life.

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MAP OF THE MINISTRY OF JESUS

PAUL THE APOSTLE

• Lived Approximately 5 A.D. – 67 A.D.
• Born in Tarsus to Jewish family. Had Roman citizenry. Was also a pharisee.
• Persecuted early Christians prior to conversion. (Book of Acts)
• Converted to Christianity around 36 A.D. after going blind for three days and seeing vision of Christ.
• Spread Christianity throughout Mediterranean World
• Beheaded by Nero around 67 A.D.
• Author of the Epistles Romans – Philemon. Ministry documented in book of acts.

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Map of Paul’s Journeys

AUTHORS OF OTHER EPISTLES

• Epistles is the Greek word for letters.
• Wisdom literature that makes up a large portion of New Testament.
• Letters of advice written by followers of Jesus to other Christians throughout the Mediterranean.
• Paul authored a large portion of epistles as stated in last slide.
• Epistle of James, authored by James brother of Jesus
• Epistles of Peter, authored by Peter one Jesus 12 disciples.
• Epistles of John, authored by Unknown
• Epistles of Jude, Authored by Jude brother of Jesus.

KEY SCRIPTURES

• New Testament - The collection of scriptures written by Christian’s, added into the Jewish Bible.
• The gospels – The teachings and biography of Jesus. Gospels is a Greek word meaning good news. There were four gospels included in the new testament. The first three Matthew, Mark, and Luke have very similar storylines and teachings, while the fourth John has its own distinct story and teachings.
• The Book of Acts – A biography of early Christians.
• Epistles – Letters of advice written by Jesus’s followers to Christian’s throughout the Mediterranean. Epistles is the Greek word for letters. Corinthians-Jude.
• The Old Testament – These are the books that appear in the Jewish Bible, Tanakh. Catholic old testament and Protestant old testament differ as the protestant cut some books out and refer to those books as Apocrypha.

EARLY NON-BIBLICAL ACCOUNTS OF JESUS

• Antiquities of the Jews - Written by Flavius Josephus 93 a.d. was a work discussing the history of the Jewish people. Josephus was a Jewish general during the Jewish revolt who surrendered to the Romans, and then became a Roman citizen. As a citizen he documented the Jewish History with sponsorship of the Emperors. His work includes references to Jesus, James, and John the Baptist.
• The Annals - written by Roman senator Tacitus in A.D. 116 was a work discussing the history of the Roman Empire from the reign of Tiberius to that of Nero, the years a.d. 14 -68. The context of the Quote on Jesus was in a discussion of the great fire of rome, 64 a.d. where nero blames the Christians for igniting it.

ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS, BOOK 18, CHAPTER 3, VERSE 3. (NON-INTERPOLATED VERSION FROM ARABIC TRANSLATION)

• “At this time there was a wise man called Jesus, and his conduct was good, and he was known to be virtuous. Many people among the Jews and the other nations became his disciples. Pilate condemned him to be crucified and to die. But those who had become his disciples did not abandon his discipleship. They reported that he had appeared to them three days after his crucifixion and that he was alive. Accordingly, he was perhaps the Messiah, concerning whom the prophets have reported wonders. And the tribe of the Christians, so named after him, has not disappeared to this day.”

ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS, BOOK 18, CHAPTER 3, VERSE 3. (INTERPOLATED VERSION POST-ROMAN CHRISTIANIZATION)

• “About this time there lived Jesus, a wise man, if indeed one ought to call him a man. For he was one who performed surprising deeds and was a teacher of such people who accept the truth gladly. He won over many Jews and many of the Greeks. He was the Christ. And when, upon the accusation of the principal men among us, Pilate had condemned him to a cross, those who had first come to love him did not cease. He appeared to them spending a third day restored to life, for the prophets of God had foretold these things and a thousand other marvels about him. And the tribe of the Christians, so called after him, has still to this day not disappeared.”

ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS, BOOK 20, CHAPTER 9, VERSE 1.

• “Having such character, Ananus thought that with Festus dead and Albinus still on the way, he would have the proper opportunity. Convening the judges of the Sanhedrin, he brought before them the brother of Jesus who was called the Christ, whose name was James, and certain others. He accused them of having transgressed the law and delivered them up to be stoned. But those of the city residents who were deemed the most fair-minded and who were strict in observing the law were offended at this. Accordingly, they secretly contacted the king [Herod Agrippa II], urging him to order Ananus to desist from any more such actions, for he had not been justified in what he had already done.” 

ANTIQUITIES OF THE JEWS, BOOK 18, CHAPTER 5, VERSE 2.

• “Now some of the Jews thought that the destruction of Herod's army came from God, and that very justly, as a punishment of what he did against John, that was called the Baptist: for Herod slew him, who was a good man... Herod, who feared lest the great influence John had over the people might put it into his power and inclination to raise a rebellion... Accordingly he was sent a prisoner, out of Herod's suspicious temper, to Macherus, the castle I before mentioned, and was there put to death.”

ROMANS ANNALS, BOOK 15, CHAPTER 44.

• “But all human efforts, all the lavish gifts of the emperor, and the propitiations of the gods, did not banish the sinister belief that the conflagration was the result of an order. Consequently, to get rid of the report, Nero fastened the guilt and inflicted the most exquisite tortures on a class hated for their abominations, called Christians by the populace. Christus, from whom the name had its origin, suffered the extreme penalty during the reign of Tiberius at the hands of one of our procurators, Pontius Pilatus, and a most mischievous superstition, thus checked for the moment, again broke out not only in Judæa, the first source of the evil, but even in Rome, where all things hideous and shameful from every part of the world find their centre and become popular. Accordingly, an arrest was first made of all who pleaded guilty; then, upon their information, an immense multitude was convicted, not so much of the crime of firing the city, as of hatred against mankind.”

THE SIZE OF A MUSTARD SEED: THE EARLY YEARS

• Belief in imminent return of Jesus. Think manic, frantic, anxious, superstitious, hyper-paranoid people who believe every event is a sign that Jesus is about to return. This mindset slowly wears off to a certain extent and Christianity turns into a longer term plan.
• Jewish leaders continue to persecute Christian’s, in reaction Christians begin to spread teachings beyond Judea. Christianity and Judaism begins to split.
• 96 - 98 a.d. Roman Emperor Nerva no longer enforces Jewish tax on Christians.

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EARLY YEARS CONTINUED

• 132 -135 a.d. Christians do not participate in Bar Kokhba revolt and are met with hostility by Jews. Jewish teachers outlaw Christian teachings. establish laws prohibiting trade and marriage with them. Christians are no longer considered Jews by Jewish leaders.
• Christianity communities are spread throughout Mediterranean and Middle last make up minority of population. Largest communities are found in Asia minor.
• As Christianity becomes more popular, Roman and Sassanian authorities increase persecution.
• First use of term Christian appears in new testament in acts 11:26.

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GOSPELS ARE TRANSCRIBED

• Gospel of Matthew 70 - 110 a.d.
• Gospel of Mark 70 a.d.
• Gospel of Luke 80 - 110 a.d.
• Gospel of John 80 – 90 a.d. (Written Independently from other 3 gospels)

�NEW TESTAMENT IN PAPYRUS�

• Gospel of Matthew
• Chapter 1:1-1:12
• Written in Greek
• 3^rd century

THE MELTING POT: RELIGIOUS COMPETITION

• Different denominations of Christianity and religions that branched off from Christianity competed for followers in 2-3^rd centuries.
• Gnosticism - 2^nd century. Focused on dualism, the concept of two forces fighting against each other, good vs evil, flesh vs spirit. Christ was supreme being.
• Marcionism - 2^nd century. Rejected old testament, and hebrew god. believed new testament had a new forgiving god. Gnostic beliefs.
• Montanism - 2^nd century. Originated in Asia minor. New prophecies from Montanist teachers. Lasted until 8^th century.
• Manichaeism - 3^rd century until 14^th century. Considered himself an apostle of Christ. Gnostics beliefs. Had a large following. Became one of Christianity’s main competitors.
• Other Christian gnostic religions. Mandaeism, valentiniainsm, sethianism, basilideans, adoptionism, Docetism, Sabellianism.
• Note: Zoroastrianism was still being practiced in the Persian empire by majority of population, and was the most powerful religious movement in the east.

CATHOLICISM �

• Greek word meaning whole, general, or universal church
• Began being used around 100 a.d. First documented use can be found in a letter written by Bishop Ignatius of Antioch.
• After being arrested Ignatius writes letters to his fellow Christians. In these letters he describes what is to become the structure and hierarchy of the catholic church.
• Structure that is described is that of a monarchy, with the bishop having authority over each individual church.
• Bishops position in overseeing the process of the eucharist is stressed as source of authority.
• The eucharist is a Christian ceremony commemorating the last supper, in which bread and wine are consumed and represent the body and blood of Christ.
• Church in Rome becomes leader due to it being the location of the persecution and burial of the apostles Peter and Paul.
• Term pope begins being used in reference to the Bishop of Rome in the end of the 3^rd century. Stems from the word papa, or father. First council of Constantinople establishes the Bishop of Rome as having the prerogative of honor.

QUOTE FROM IGNATIUS

• “You must all follow the bishop as jesus Christ followed the father… Let no one do anything apart from the bishop that has to do with the church. Let that be regarded as a valid eucharist which is held under the bishop or to whomever he entrusts. Wherever the Bishop appears, there let the congregation be; just as wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the catholic church.”

STATE RELIGION OF ROMAN EMPIRE

• 293 a.d. Emperor Diocletian splits Roman empire between multiple emperors, leads to civil war.
• Emperor Constantine is victorious and credits Christian God for success.
• 313 a.d. Constantine issues “Edict of Milan” which legalizes Christianity.
• 330 a.d. Constantine moves capital to Constantinople modern day Istanbul.
• 380 a.d. Emperor Theodosius I issues the “Edict of Thessalonica” declaring Christianity as official state religion.
• Roman empire after 395 a.d. is known by historians as the Byzantine empire, but citizens of the day continued to refer to themselves as the Roman empire.

ECUMENICAL COUNCILS

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• After adoption of Christianity by the Roman empire, the Catholic church sought to create one view of Christianity. Emperors helped settle disputes by creating councils. The main disputes dealt with the nature of the holy trinity, and specifically Christ. There were also other rules and orders established that defined the duties and practices of the church.
• The concept of the holy trinity, refers to the idea that God is present in three forms, the father, the son, and the holy spirit. This concept was first formed by Christian philosophers such as Origen, Polycarp, Ignatius, and Justin martyr in the 3rd century.
• First Council of Nicaea - Council argues over nature of Jesus, he is the same substance as God. This was called the Nicene creed. 325 A.D.
• First council of Constantinople - Confirms Nicene creed, however arguments over the nature of the holy spirit also occur. 381 A.D.
• First Council of Ephesus – Dispute over nature of Mother Mary, claimed she is the birth mother of God not just mother of Christ. 431 A.D.
• Council of Chalcedon - Changed definition of Christ claiming he has two natures one human and one God. 451 A.D.
• Councils continue…

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DIVISIONS IN IDEOLOGY

• Divisions in ideology formed due to the councils rulings. Differences became confusingly insignificant, but followers took them very seriously.
• Nicene Christianity – Believed in Nicen creed established at first council of Nicaea. Believe Christ is divine and one with God.
• Arian Christianity - Attributed to Arius a priest from Egypt who opposed ruling at first council of Nicaea. Believed Christ and God were separate.
• Nestorianism – The belief that Christ was actually two beings, one human and one divine. Condemned at First Council of Ephesus and council of Chalcedon.
• Monophysitism – The belief that Christ has one nature, and that it is divine. Condemned at the council of Chalcedon.
• Miaphysitism – The belief that Christ is both divine and human but in one nature. Condemned at the Council of Chalcedon.
• Dyophysitism – The belief that there are two natures existing in Christ, human and divine. Accepted at Council of Chalcedon.

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NEW DENOMINATIONS

• New denominations of Christianity were created based off the ideologies formed at the councils.
• The Catholic Church – Church sponsored by Roman empire. Practiced Nicene Christianity, and Dyphositism. Melkites were Christians who lived outside of Roman Empire but followed the Roman churches beliefs.
• Church of the East - Practiced Nestorianism. Followers based in Middle east, and spread as far as India and China. Due to having a large amount of followers based within the Persian Empire, there was increased pressure on the church to distance themselves from Roman Christianity.
• Oriental Orthodoxy – Practiced Miaphysitism. Followers Located in middle east and North Africa.
• Gothic Arian Church – Practiced Arian Christianity. Followers were located in Western Europe, part of Gothic tribes. Converted to Catholicism from 5^th – 7^th centuries
• Donatist Church – Practiced Donatism. Donatism was an ideology that believed church leaders had to be faultless. Flourished throughout 4– 5^th centuries in North Africa.

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FIRST STATES THAT ADOPT CHRISTIANITY

• Rome
• Armenia
• Ethiopia
• Ghassanid Kingdom

CHURCH OF ARMENIA

• According to legend apostles Bartholomew and Thaddeus first brought Christianity to Armenia, converting Abgar V, King of Osroene a tributary Kingdom to the Armenian Empire.
• Christians were persecuted from the 1^st – 3^rd century.
• Gregory the Illuminator converts Tiridates III King of Armenia in 301 a.d.
• Armenia declares Christianity as state religion, becoming first state to do so.
• Gregory is considered patron saint of Armenian Apostolic church.
• The neighboring Kingdom of Iberia, modern day Georgia adopted Christianity in 319 a.d.
• Practices Oriental Orthodoxy Christianity.

CHURCH OF ETHIOPIA

• St. Frumentius first brought Christianity to the Kingdom of Axum, predecessor of Ethiopia in the early 4^th century. He was later declared bishop of Ethiopia.
• 341 a.d. Christianity is declared the state religion by King Ezana.
• According to the story “Kebra Nagast” meaning the glory of the kings, written in the 14^th a.d., the rulers of Ethiopia descended from King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba’s child Menelik. Ethiopian tradition calls Queen of Sheba Makeda, and called their imperial line the Solomonic Dynasty.
• Prester John, a mythical king, was believed to be the emperor of Ethiopia by the Europeans for some time. Finding Prester John was one of the causes of European exploration starting at the end of the 14^th century.
• The Ethiopian Church practices Oriental Orthodoxy Christianity

GHASSANID KINGDOM

• An Arab kingdom established in 3^rd century A.D. by immigrants from Yemen.
• Become a client state to Roman Empire, acting as a buffer to surrounding regions.
• Initially adopt Byzantine Christianity, but eventually brake from Roman Catholic church, and began practicing Miaphysitism.
• The Kingdom is eventually conquered in the Islamic conquest, but many of the people remain Christian dispersing into the surrounding areas.

CHURCH OF THE EAST IN CHINA��

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• Stele commemorating 150th anniversary of Christianity in China.

FUN FACT: STYLITE

• A Christian monk who would live on the top of a pillar for extended periods of time or permanently. Food would have to be delivered. They would often preach to the locals shouting down their teachings.
• The practice was pioneered by St. Simeon the Stylite around 420 a.d. He lived on a pillar that was 60 feet tall for the last 37 years of his life.
• The stylite practice became common throughout the near east, and Asia minor. The practice continued into the 12^th century, and in Russia until the 15^th century. Currently there is a stylite practicing in Georgia named Maxime Qavtaradze, who lives on the Katshki pillar.

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Stylite Pillar

Artistic Depiction of Stylites

CATHOLICISM IN WESTERN EUROPE

• In the late 4^th century St. Martin the third bishop of Tours spreads Catholicism throughout Western Europe and is considered the patron saint.
• In 410 A.D. Arian Christian Visigoths sack Rome, but respect the practice of Catholicism.
• Early 5th century St. Patrick brings Catholicism to Ireland.
• King Clovis I unites the Frankish tribes and founds the Merovingian dynasty. Clovis marries Catholic wife and converts to Catholicism in 508 a.d.
• In the early 7^th century Augustine of Canterbury led the Gregorian mission and helps convert England to Catholicism.
• St. Columbanus beginning in 590 a.d., and St. Boniface beginning in 716 a.d. play key role in converting Germans to Catholicism.
• The Lombards conquer Italy in 568 a.d. In 752 a.d. Catholic King Pepin of the franks forces the Lombards to return the land to Pope Stephen ii. The Relationship between Franks and Pope grow and on Christmas 800 a.d. Pope Leo iii crowns Charlemagne first Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire.

MAP OF CHRISTIANITY

• Dark Blue = By 325 a.d.
• Light Blue = By 600 a.d.

ISLAMIC CONQUESTS EFFECT ON CHRISTIANITY

• Islamic conquests begins in 622 a.d.
• Spreads throughout North Africa and Middle East taking over Christian lands in the Ghassanid Kingdom, Byzantine Syria and Spain.
• Byzantine repels Islamic forces in Asia minor and Caucasia.
• Armenia becomes tributary state to Islamic empire in 645 a.d. for 200 years. Remains Christian but pays tribute tax to Islamic state.
• In Spain Islamic forces invade in 711 a.d. In 732 a.d. at the Battle of Tours, Charles Martel grand father of Charlemagne, repel Islamic forces. Spain remains Islamic for next 700 years slowly losing territory.
• The island of Sicily is conquered by Islamic forces in 652 a.d. and is Islamic until 1071 a.d. Muslims begin trading on the Mediterranean Sea.
• Christians experience different levels of persecution under Islamic rule and are not seen as equal under the law, and sust pay tribute tax. The Pact of Umar establishes them as Dhimmis meaning protected people.

MEDITERRANEAN WORLD 800 A.D.

• Green = Islamic empire
• Purple = Carolingian empire
• Yellow = byzantine empire

EAST-WEST SCHISM

• The east-west schism refers to the splitting up of the Catholic church into two churches, the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church which occurred in 1054 A.D.
• This process began in 1053 when the Arch-Bishop Leo of Ohri (representing the eastern half of the church) wrote to Bishop John of Trani (representing the western half of the church) rebuking their practices of using unleavened bread for the eucharist, and their fasting rules which differed from the east.
• Pope Leo ix responds claiming he has authority over Western Europe given to him by St. peter and Emperor Constantine. Supposedly a letter written by Constantine called the “Donation of Constantine” gave the Pope this power in the 4^th century however it was a forged letter produced in the 8^th century. The Pope argues he was the supreme power in the church and not Caerularius the patriarch of Constantinople
• In 1054 A.D. the two sides mutually excommunicated each other. Excommunication is the exclusion from participation in the sacraments and services of Christian church.

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MAP OF EAST-WEST SCHISM

CRUSADES

• The crusades were military campaigns by Christian Europeans in attempt to capture the holy land of Jerusalem.
• Holy land is called Outremer, meaning the land over the sea.
• In 1095 a.d. Pope Urban ii and Byzantine Emperor Alexios I Comnenos call for the first crusade. The first crusade to Jerusalem happens in 1099 a.d.
• After loss of territory the second crusade begins in 1147 a.d. and fails.
• In 1187 Islamic forces under the leadership of Saladin capture Jerusalem. The third crusade begins in response. After failing to retake Jerusalem, the treaty of Jaffa is signed granting Muslim control over Jerusalem but allowing Christian pilgrims and merchants to visit the city.
• In attempt to retake Jerusalem the fourth crusade begins in 1202 a.d. They ended up sacking Constantinople instead.
• From 1217-1291 six more crusades occur attempting to recapture holy land. Eventually all territory in the Holy Land is lost.

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FINAL SPREAD OF CHRISTIANITY IN EUROPE

• In 966 a.d. Mieszko I the ruler of Poland is baptized. Christianity is slow to spread in Poland with pagan revolts occurring in the 1030s. By the 13^th century Christianity is the dominant religion in Poland.
• In 976 a.d. Emperor Basil ii of Byzantine comes to the throne. In order to secure his position he offers Prince Vladmir of Kiev (Predecessor state of Russia) his sister in marriage. In return in 988 a.d. Vladmir converts his people to Christianity.
• In the 10^th century Scandinavia begins to be converted. Denmark converts in 975 a.d. Denmark, Norway, and Sweden have bishops by 1104, 1154, and 1164.
• Lithuania is converted to Christianity in 1386 a.d. when Prince Jogaila marries 11 year old Queen Jadwiga of Poland. The prince then becomes king of Poland.

MAP OF CHRISTIANITY IN EUROPE

PROTESTANT REFORMATION SUMMARY

• The Protestant reformation is a religious revolution in Northern Europe which brakes up the Catholic Church’s monopoly on Christianity, and leads to more religious freedom.
• New Bible Translations
• Martin Luther
• New Denominations
• Thirty years war
• Reformation in England

NEW BIBLE TRANSLATIONS

• In the 16^th century the bible begins to be translated. Prior to this, the bible has mainly been printed in Latin, the language of the Roman Catholic church.
• Bibles also begin to be produced in mass due to the invention of the printer press, making them more accessible to the general population.
• In 1516 a Greek translation of the bible is printed by Desiderius Erasmus.
• In 1517 a Ruthenian (language of Poland) translation is printed by Francysk Skaryna.
• In 1522 a German translation is printed by Martin Luther.
• In 1526 a Dutch translation is printed by Jacob van Liesvelt.
• In 1530 a French translation is printed by Jacques Lefevere d’Etaples.
• In 1531 an English translation of the Bible is printed by Myles Coverdale.

MARTIN LUTHER

• Martin Luther was a German monk who lived in the Holy Roman Empire from 1483 – 1546 a.d. and led the Protestant Reformation.
• In 1517 a.d. Luther writes to his local Bishop protesting the sale of indulgences. Indulgences were payments you could make to the Catholic church to get your sins forgiven. These letters became known as the ninety–five theses, and were reprinted and began circulating throughout Europe.
• Luther begins teaching that salvation comes trough faith in Jesus Christ alone and not your deeds.
• Martin Luther is excommunicated from the Catholic church in 1521.
• Luther begins preaching the ideology of sola scriptura, which is the teaching that only the Biblical scriptures are the source of Christian practices. This was in opposition to the Catholic Church which put strong emphasis om the Pope and Bishop’s authority.
• Luther’s acts break up the Catholic monopoly over Christianity and inspire a religious revolution which creates countless new denominations. The protestant reformation can be seen as one of the first civil rights movements and a catalyst for civil rights movements for the next five centuries. The emphasis on individual rights, and eliminating the monopoly of the Catholic Church can be seen reflected in democracy, civil rights, and economic rights movements to this day.

NEW DENOMINATIONS

• Lutheranism – Protestants who follow the beliefs of Martin Luther.
• Calvinism – Protestants who follow the teachings of John Calvin. John Calvin was a French pastor who lived from 1509-1564, leader in the reformation.
• Anglicanism - English form of Protestantism, identifies with Church of England.
• Puritan – English protestants who sought to purify the Church of England from Catholic influence.
• Baptists – Christians who believe full emersion baptism is a symbol of Christian faith, and can only be done as an adult in order so the person is aware.
• Quakers – Members believe that all humans have the ability to experience the light of Christ within.
• Presbyterianism – Scottish form of Protestantism.
• Methodism – Protestant Christians who believe it is your response to the call of God that initiates salvation.

MAP OF CHRISTIANITY IN EUROPE BY DENOMINATION

THE THIRTY YEARS WAR

• In 1555 the Peace of Augsburg is signed, and allows rulers in the Holy Roman Empire to choose Lutheranism or Catholicism as their state religion.
• In 1618 Ferdinand II becomes the Holy Roman Emperor and attempts to reimpose Roman Catholicism across the empire. This causes the Protestant states to revolt, beginning with Bohemia.
• In 1625 Christian IV of Denmark a protestant leader entered the war against the empire.
• In 1630 Sweden, a protestant state, enters the war and is led by King Gustavus Adolphus who leads them to multiple victories.
• In 1635 France a Catholic power enters the war, but sides with the protestants. Their reasoning for taking sides with the protestants is more political. They view the Holy Roman Empire as having to much power in Europe and wants to use the opportunity to undercut them.
• The war ends in 1648 at the Peace of Westphalia.
• The thirty years war is the last major religious war in Europe, and ends political violence associated with the Protestant reformation

REFORMATION IN ENGLAND

• In 1532 England becomes the first country to make Protestantism its state religion. King Henry VIII converts the country when Pope Clement VII refuses to consent to him divorcing his wife.
• From 1553-1554 Queen Mary Tudor attempts to convert England back to Catholicism. She repeals many of Henry’s Protestant religious laws, and kills several protestant protesters, which inspires her nickname ”Bloody Mary.”
• In 1604 King James VI begins printing the famous King James bible.

REFORMATION IN ENGLAND CONTINUED

• Between 1642-1651 the English civil war is fought, with religious freedom being the primary cause.
• In 1625 King Charles I an Anglican marries a Roman Catholic wife. King Charles also has various views that many view to be too catholic. In 1637 Charles’s archbishop releases a prayer book which many view as too Catholic, but Charles enforces its use which lead to the Bishop’s War’s between 1639-1640.
• In 1642 the civil war begins with one side supporting the Kings authority, and the other side supporting parliament who desire more religious freedom.
• In the aftermath of the civil war puritans control the government before they are removed due to their over strictness. This leads to the formation of the English form of Protestantism called Anglicanism.
• In 1685 King James VII a Catholic comes to the throne. In 1688 he is removed during the Glorious revolution and replaced with a Protestant monarch.

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GLOBALIZATION OF CHRISTIANITY

• By the early 1400s Spain has been essentially reconquered by Christians, the Portuguese seek to find a way around Muslim traders in Africa. This event leads to the Europeans to search for new trade routes beginning the age of discovery/European conquests. The fall of Constantinople also adds extra pressure.
• In 1452, 1454 and 1493 several papal bulls (orders from the Pope) are written giving authority to Portugal and Spain to conquer any Muslim and Pagan territories they discover, search for Prester John, and find trade routes to the East. The Americas are discovered by Spain in 1492, while Portugal reaches India in 1498, and China in 1513.
• The Jesuits, a Roman Catholic order of Priests has some early success spreading Christianity in India, China and Japan but other groups of Christians who come later are more violent and destroy all progress. Recently China has had a growing population of Christians.
• Jesuits have some initial success in Africa, however due to the slave trade and other oppressive practices locals are not as receptive. However, in the 1900s Sub-Saharan Africa becomes mostly converted to Christianity.

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CHRISTIANITY IN AMERICA

• Christianity spreads in the Americas with ease due to the European’s military dominance.
• Many of the U.S. colonies are founded by immigrants from England who are escaping religious persecution and desire to create their own religious states.
• The Plymouth and Massachusetts Bay colonies are founded by the Puritans.
• The Pennsylvania colony is founded by the Quakers.
• The Maryland colony is founded by the Catholics.
• The Rhode Island colony is founded based on the principle of separation of church and state, principles of religious freedom.

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DECLINE OF CHURCH INFLUENCE

• After the Protestant Reformation the ideology of separating church and state slowly decreased the influence of the Church.
• During the French revolution the Catholic church was stripped of its powers and land. Pope Pius vi was killed in 1799. Napoleon’s concordat restored some powers to the Catholic church in 1801 in order to help manage the empire.
• The Pope lost all political power in 1870 when the Papal States were conquered during the Italian Unification.
• After the Russian Revolution in 1917 Christianity was heavily persecuted and churches were shutdown, as communism spread.

GLOBAL MAP OF CHRISTIANITY 2.1 BILLION CHRISTIANS