Christ Through the Ages, 25: The Early Middle Ages

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/christ-through-the-ages-25-the-early-middle-ages/" target="_blank"><strong>website.</strong></a></p><p>The 25th podcast in this series (21 minutes) is entitled <i><strong>Christ in Church History: The Early Middle Ages</strong></i>. We will also discuss some misunderstandings of Christ in the two centuries leading up to the Middle Ages (2nd-4th centuries).</p><img src="http://www.douglasjacoby.com/wp-content/uploads/CR-52.jpg" alt="CR 5" /><p>Some academic considerations</p><ul><li>Though we could track the changes in how Christ is understood, and proclaimed, century by century, for the sake of brevity and simplicity we are condensing things.<br /> </li><li>Historical terms<ul><li>Apostolic era -- the apostles are still walking the earth.</li><li>Subapostolic period -- there are still disciples around who knew the apostles.</li><li>Patristic period (<i>pater</i> is Greek for father, as in the church fathers) -- many documents are produced by church leaders</li><li>Council of Nicaea (325 AD) -- to resolve the Arian controversy, an "ecumenical" council convenes in the city of Nicaea. The Roman emperor, Constantine, presides.</li><li>Middle Ages -- 4th century-15th century</li><li>Reformation -- Protestant attempt to reform the Catholic Church, beginning in the 16th century</li></ul></li><li>Remember Paul's warning about following a different Christ (2 Corinthians 11:1-4)</li></ul><p>Earlier controversies</p><ul><li>Docetism -- concerns humanity v. divinity of Christ (1-2 John). The Docetists claimed that Christ only <i>appeared</i> to be human. I was, in fact, immaterial. <i>Late first century.</i></li><li>Gnosticism -- this was the great heresy of the second century. Since physicality is evil, Gnostics denied the crucifixion and resurrection (e.g. Gospel of Judas). The Gnostics produced many gospels, apocalypses, etc.  <i>Second century.</i></li><li>Marcion -- The O.T. God is evil, and thus not to be equated with our tr