Christian History

A Time Without Schisms AND THE "SCHISMS" CONTINUE… on and on, perhaps as long as the spirit is housed in a human body, or leaves hang on the limbs of a tree, but for sure, as long as the ego is in control of man's soul. My family came to what is now the United States in the middle 1700's.  Family oral tradition passed on stories of priest within my mother's family that broke with the Catholic church over the requirement of celibacy, but also over the political control that had replaced sincere spiritual matters.  They settled outside of Philadelphia (in Reading, Pa.) and organized the first Lutheran church and later other Lutheran churches in North Carolina and Tennessee.  As former priest, they were educated and wanted an education for their children in the new world, so they went in search in their new communities, for good teachers, as well as building new churches.  However, when two brothers moved south and married two Methodist sister (who were teachers), the family faith would have their own schisms. Again like the Eastern and Western Catholic church they would split.  Those in the North remained true to the original Lutheran believes and the two moving to the South gave way toward the Methodist faith.  Of course like myself these Methodist children would marry and the schisms of faith would continue, some believing one must have his head and body dipped under the water and other believing just a few symbolic sprinkles for cleaning was enough to show the world you had made a commitment of faith to God. Being highly developed in my right hemisphere I was not one to follow the minister or my parents when told "to do as I say for I know best."  If they all believed in the same God, how could they all be right, I questioned.  I loved my family and all the extended families.  However, I could not understand all of the many religious family members who each disliked the other - for sure they had the "one and one only" path to finding God.  Nevertheless, they all agreed on one point. "All Catholics were going to hell! Had not our ancestors risk their lives to come to a new unknown land to flee the evil Catholic Church?  I wasn't allowed to play with Catholics at school or date them in college.  I even dated a Muslim a few times and while my family did not like the idea they were sure if I brought him to church with me he could be converted. But they were equally sure that a Catholic was set in his ways and could not be changed, and thus, he was doomed to hell.   Well, I did date a Catholic even one that was studying to become a priest. (We kept his faith a secret and I did not take him home.) I learned, actually the two of us believed almost the same things.  He did not "buy into" his faith 100's anymore than I did mine.  What I knew foremost, was this guy had a soul of so much love and compassion for mankind that he could love my family even though they could never love him. Thus, I knew too, the part about all Catholics going to hell was not right. Of course the "celebrate priest" rule put limits on our relationship, but the schisms were put aside for a wonderful friendship where we both saw the honoring of Love for God, self, and mankind as equal duty, and if love always came first who need all the other "stuff."  We both felt Jesus himself, and perhaps even the Buddha had came to tell mankind we had our focus too much on the ego and it's need for power and not enough on Love, Compassion and Forgiveness.  Knowing my friend's heart to serve mankind I can see why he may have chosen the path of priest as a career path, but for me that same heart chose a path as a professional student studying psychology, philosophy and religions around the world to help find a reason for all the schisms and a way to live in peace with one another without the schisms.               I have been enrolled in two classes in the History of the Christian faith this semester.  The local class has many elder students like myself seeking answers to "why."  I wonder about my Catholic friend, the priest. Has he studied the whole history behind his church as given in these last lessons, or does he have to remain blind to it to remain Catholic.  I am finding to remain Christian harder and harder after my studies in Christian History, but then again, I have studied most world religions and could not adopted them either. In the study of religion the leaves of faith come in so many colors.  As a child most of the leaves seemed to be green.  As an elder facing the fall season of my life cycle I am finding myself less and less religious but more and more spiritual. Perhaps when the wind comes to snatch me away from the tree and gravity finds me on the ground looking up at the big tree I will finally begin to see it was never about the leaves or me but about the big picture - THE TREE.  In fact, as a creative dreamer I could see this almost as a child, but it often appears religious people know more about facts, rules and power than creative imagination that might allow them to see the whole tree before that final snip of the wind that takes them to look from below the tree and see the whole picture. There is a legend that the American Indian came to know God through the voice of Mother Nature but he allowed the coming of the big white sails (thought to be birds at first) with white men aboard to trick his vision and he gave way to their ways. However, it is predicted that a time will come when the native American Indian will remember the ways of his Father and he will teach the white man to return to listen to the voice of Mother Earth and Father Universe. Nothing is possible if mankind cannot dream of it first… Cars instead of buggies, electric lights, phones, computers etc.  If this legend should have any truth within it then I choose to dream of time without schisms….. PEACE.        Rev. L. Francis ******************** Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free,  and lasts for life, so use the Free Online Ordination, button. As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of Universal Life Church materials.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and it's Seminary since the beginning and have loved watching the continual growth of the seminary. Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

Christian History

Christian History
By Patrick Schwab

The Beginning

Since the beginning of time we have searched the heavens and within ourselves for answers to that which surrounds us. The mysteriousness of it all draws us to seek out answers that seem to be just out of our gasp as we attempt to understand the dawning of our existent. Some of us have come to the belief that religion, as we know it today is of man and in no way that of a God or gods. However from time to time there are those who come forth with an inner knowledge. People who we know as priests, ministers, Shamans, or Holy men and women who have been instrumental in aiding us in finding our way as we journey on our path of trying to understand this thing we call faith. Some of these men and women have touched the world with their beliefs and their understanding of religion. One such man steps out of the pages of our Christian Bible. We will explore Judaism through his eyes within the Laws Of Moses.

His name is Saul as we entry his story. He is a Jew of the Roman colony of Israel. He was known as Saul of Tarsus chief persecutor of the early Christians.

Shortly after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and his resurrection those who live the Laws of Moses declared war on those who profess Jesus as the messiah. Saul was an enthusiastic member of the Pharisees. A sect within the Jewish faith that promoted purity and fidelity to the Laws of Moses. He meant his means as a tent maker. Saul entries the biblical account as a silent witness to the stoning of Stephen and his blasphemy to the Law. Those who stoned Stephen laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. (Acts 8:1) According to Luke, Saul was not actual member of the Sanhedrin that condemned Stephen. But as a member of the Synagogue he may of taken part in the original dispute, and Luke suggest he gave moral consent to the execution which carried as much as the actual deed itself. After this incident Saul begins to participate in the campaign against Christians. Strange as it may sound the wakes of Moses, of Buddha, of Confucius, gave a greater influences over humanity today, than when these men were pondering over faith and happiness.

After Stephen’s stoning those of the Christians sect of Judaism were dispersed throughout the land. They were homeless and driven from Jerusalem. One of the cities where the Christians came was Damascus. A city today consider to be the oldest in existence as well as the oldest continued inhabited and now the capital of Syria. It was a main trade route between the east and west.

Saul knowing this as his reputation grew, as persecutor of Christians, went to the leaders of the synagogue the Sanhedrin and made a case to go to Damascus and bring the Christians bound to Jerusalem.

Now the Apostles (Greek apostolos [person sent]) were in Damascus. These were who Saul sought as he prepared to go.

Now most likely he was given about 20 men from the synagogue guard and they set off for Damascus. Set in their mission they had no idea what laid ahead. As they came upon a rise overlooking the city a bright light appeared. Saul was knocked down and from the light which none had saw brighter a voice came

(Acts 9: 4-9 KJV) 4. and he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul why persecute thou me.

5. and he said who art thou Lord? And the Lord said I am Jesus who thou persecuted; it is hard for thee to kick against the picks.

6. and he trembling and astonished said Lord, what wilt thou have me do? And the Lord said unto him, arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.

7. and the men, which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one.

8. and Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were open he saw no man; but they led him by the hand and brought him to Damascus.

9. and he was three days without sight and neither did eat or drink.

Within Damascus was a certain follower of Christ named Ananias. Ananias was a common man and when the Lord in a vision called Ananias, Behold I am the Lord (acts 9:10)

(Acts 9:11-15) [Paraphrased] arise and go to the street, which is called Straight. Now this street was like any street in our cities of the world today where the wine women and desires were plenty. One of those streets where if you wanted it and asked no question for a price it was yours. Ananias wasn’t sure of what he heard let alone of what was to come. The Lord spoke saying Ananias I want you to go to the house of Judas for one called Saul, of tarsus; for behold he prays. He knows from a vision you are coming and you shall lay hands on him and restore his sight.

Ananias wasn’t sure of what he heard. “Lord I have heard of this man how must evil he has brought against the saints in Jerusalem. I know that he has authority to bound all who call upon your name.”

The Lord spoke again to him: Go thy way; for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings; and the children of Israel.

Now in the story of Saul, Ananias is overlooked and cast aside in Paul’s shadow. Yet he played a very important part in what was to become the beginning of the church and spread of Christianity. Ananias was the link from the bright light on the road overlooking Damascus and the journeys to Asia Minor, Greece and into Rome.

Ananias interpreter the experience Saul had happen to him. It was he who translated the blinding light and the directions and duties, which were to come to Saul. He was far a lesser man in terms of worldwide happing but throughout our history a lesser one has launched the greater one. Who in the long run can actually say who is the lesser or the greater?

So reluctantly Ananias went to Straight Street and found the house of Judas. As the story goes he laid hands on Saul and scales fill from his eyes (Acts 9: 18). Then Saul arose and Ananias baptized him. As Saul received food and gained strength he spent days with the disciples.

The other disciples were persecuted men by the Jewish faith. Considered a sect to be destroyed. For they preached this new Messiah message of forgiveness and faith. Interesting is the fact that the Jews believed that Jesus wasn’t the messiah for they expected a warrior like god to lead them out of the roman rule. Now from the very seem ones, who persecuted them, comes into their life a man they all knew to be an enemy of their faith let alone each of them.

So Ananias introduction to them and Saul’s story of his conversion fell on deaf ears. Plus there is some conflict in Saul’s account and that of Luke in Acts.

First lets look at how Saul became Paul. Most likely Saul was his Jewish name and Paul was the name of his Roman citizenship. His Roman citizenship most likely came by mercenary services of his family within the roman army in one or more wars of the empire.

So for his own protection of the persecution he was under with the Jews as well as those of the Christian faith he took on his Roman name for it offered him protection under Roman law.

Paul in Gal. 1:17 claims that right after his conversion he went away to Arabia. But Luke’s account in Acts is historically interesting that he went to the synagogues and immediately proclaimed Jesus. Even tho if the authorities in Damascus had authority to hand over Christians to an emissary from Jerusalem most likely they would of not let him preach the faith they persecuted.

Paul as well had physical handicaps and spiritual weakness. It is not the vessel that counts but the contents, which it holds. The vessels may crack; leak, and sometimes breaks and Paul’s handicaps seem to work against him in his new ministry. Paul as well wasn’t an eloquent speaker either as he struggled to proclaim his message. Yet these very things became his greatest strength.

Of course the first obstacle he had to overcome was his past. All those who knew him or of him held this against him. Just like today when we do wrong no one forgets and when we do right no one remembers. Just a few days before he was the Christians greatest enemy. Then as now it was know a leopard does not change his spots. Nor does a man or women change overnight.

Because of all this the Jews of Damascus plotted to do away with him. Paul having a few faithful friends among the disciples in Damascus and know this managed to get him safely out of the city. His first attempt to preach was a total failure. No one believed him because they knew his past. From Damascus he went to Jerusalem. He found that Jesus new vessel when he found the disciples there did not open their arms for him. For they had not forgotten Stephen and Paul’s part in his stoning for they believed him to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Paul knew all of this, and the Jews watched the gates of Damascus day and night waiting to kill him. So with a few faithful follows they lower him over the wall in a basket and he escaped their gasp and went to Jerusalem. Acts 9:25

We will end here and pick up the story in Jerusalem.

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