Christ Through the Ages, 25: The Early Middle Ages

For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ website.

The 25th podcast in this series (21 minutes) is entitled Christ in Church History: The Early Middle Ages. We will also discuss some misunderstandings of Christ in the two centuries leading up to the Middle Ages (2nd-4th centuries).

Some academic considerations

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.
 Historical termsApostolic era -- the apostles are still walking the earth.Subapostolic period -- there are still disciples around who knew the apostles.Patristic period (pater is Greek for father, as in the church fathers) -- many documents are produced by church leadersCouncil of Nicaea (325 AD) -- to resolve the Arian controversy, an "ecumenical" council convenes in the city of Nicaea. The Roman emperor, Constantine, presides.Middle Ages -- 4th century-15th centuryReformation -- Protestant attempt to reform the Catholic Church, beginning in the 16th centuryRemember Paul's warning about following a different Christ (2 Corinthians 11:1-4)

Earlier controversies

Docetism -- concerns humanity v. divinity of Christ (1-2 John). The Docetists claimed that Christ only appeared to be human. I was, in fact, immaterial. Late first century.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.  Second century.Marcion -- The O.T. God is evil, and thus not to be equated with our true Lord. Thus Christ divorced from the God of the Old Testament. Mid-second century.Montanism – “new prophecy” (a type of charismatic movement). Jesus speaks directly to the women who lead this movement. Starting in the late second century.

Definitions and Developments

Bishops -- Instead of a body of elders governing each congregation, one elder becomes the chief bishop. The embryonic ecclesiastical hierarchy of the middle ages is growing.Deacons -- Originally servants interfacing with the poor, they increasingly become the servants of the bishops.Priests -- The priesthood of all believers gives way to a clergy class.Martyrs -- Seek death as a means of salvation / union with God.Monks -- React to the worldliness of the church.

Disputes of the Councils

Nicaea (325): Christ fully divineConstantinople (381): Christ fully humanEphesus (431): Christ a unified person – Mary mother of GodChalcedon (451): Human and divine in one person

Four ways in which Christ is re-imaged from the 2nd century to the early middle ages

Mother – Luke 1:41-43, 11:27-28.  As Mary is promoted to a quasi-goddess, Christ recedes. She is a mediatrix. (Note: this tenet goes well beyond the notion of the dead interceding for the living; she isn't simply talking to God for us [intercession], but enthroned with the Father and the Son.)Communion – In the Eucharist, the presence of Christ is mystical… moving towards the magical.Pagan accommodation: celebrations, customs, calendar… E.g. birthday of the Persian god MithrasWarrior – Jesus is less and less the Prince of Peace. More on this next time.

About Mary

Honor those who deserve honor. Mary deserves honor. Please listen to the Mary podcast.Yet the sort of devotion shown in Luke 11 is not accepted by Christ. Or if it is, he certainly diminishes its value. What counts is obedience!Luke 6:46 – we should aim to cultivate a lifestyle of obedience

Communication & Excommunication

Not to say these things are trivial, but little grace was shown to those who disagreed.Conformity with the creeds produced by the councils is the test of fellowship.

Next: Christ in the Later Middle Ages