Christian History Course

CHRISTIAN HISTORY ESSAY

John Ozanich

The Christian History course was a wonderful walk through the people, places and events in the formation of the Christian Church.  The emphasis placed on the fathers of the early Christian Church was particularly enlightening.

Through Paul’s writings to the church of Galatia we learn how God prepared things in preparation for the arrival of Jesus.  Throughout the course we learn of the interplay between Jews, Romans and Greeks which shaped Christianity, the church and the challenges which would come to the faith.  Highlighted is the notion that the place, time and events surrounding the coming of the Savior was carefully chosen by God to ensure the proper affect.  The first large and organized unification of disparate nations under Romans rule helped facilitate the spread of Christ’s message throughout the known world.  Had He come prior to this time, the lack of organized interaction between all the people’s of the known world would have prevented the effective spread of His word.

The plethora of pagan religions present at the time in the many various culture provided an early challenge to the church.  Even willing converts to Christianity had difficulty in letting go of their long held Gods and practices.  The early church fathers spent considerable time teaching the proper theology of Christianity and its practices.  Continuous issues of apologetics and polemics erupted and were dealt with in order to maintain trueness to the faith.

The wisdom and logic of Greek faith was pervasive in Roman at the time both assisted in the resolution of theologic matters and frustrated them as many tried to place their own spin on Christianity through the filter of Greek philosophy.  Due to Alexander the Great’s earlier conquest and unification of the region, Koine Greek served as the single common language among all the disparate groups of the mideast region.  For this reason, Green was used to write the first Christian scripture, thus ensuring is readability to the largest possible audience.

The course also discusses some of the historicity of Jesus, citing references by various non-believers from the time period of Christ.  References by scholars are included such as Tacitus, Pliny, Suetonius and Lucian.  Other evidence to the historicity of Jesus’ life is offered.  A brief overview of the life, words and works of Jesus is provided.  The spread of Christianity among the Jews and the establishment of the first Jerusalem church are explained.

A lengthy and interesting exploration of the life and works of the Apostle Paul are presented.  Paul is credited with bringing Christianity to the gentiles.  His life, philosophy, writing and theology in regards to his work in converting gentiles to the Christian faith are presented.  Paul battled the legalism of Judaism and the philosophical interference of Greece to maintain the true faith.

A description of the scrolls and scriptures, the various letters and writings of the early members of the faith which became the foundation for Christian theosophy and organization of the early church is presented.  The development of church government, the various offices and operations is quite interesting.

The social and political impact of the birth of Christianity is described.  This fascinating convergence of various nations, religions, philosophies and cultures is explained along with their individual contributions to the development of Christianity.  Along with this is explained the unintended influence of all these outside factors which tended to pollute the true theology and teachings of Christ and required continuous vigilance by church authorities.

Probably the most valuable teaching of the course is the extensive explorations of the church fathers, their lives, their works, their influences and writings.  Through the understanding of these early players in the development of Christianity we understand the true teachings and intent imparted to them by Jesus Christ.

This course is highly informative and enjoyable.

*******************************

The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have various classes in Christianity, one on Wicca, along with several Pagan courses, more than a few courses about Metaphysics with more being added regularly.

Ordination with the Universal Life Church, is free, legal and lasts for life, so please take advantage of our Free Online Ordination.

The  ULC, run by Rev. Long, has created a chaplaincy program to help train our ministers. We also have a huge catalog of minister supplies.  I've been ordained with the Universal Life Church for many years and am proud to have started the Seminary.

Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar

 

Christian History

Rev. Chris Richard

Master of Christian History

This course work on Christian History was one of two courses I have been taking over the past twenty weeks, and I believe that I have learned a great deal of information; most of which I did not know beforehand. I found many things new and exciting and others new and disappointing.

I was really surprised in what I read in the first lesson of how the Roman Empire was the start of the spread of the Christian gospel; no other ancient empire has ever been able to unite with each other, until the rise of Rome. My heritage is Roman; it was fascinating to learn some of their history. I really enjoyed lesson two when the qualities, work, and character of Jesus Christ was discussed. His personality was not separated from all of the work that He did. He is the only one on earth that had nothing to hide and was always faithful and kind to humanity, even at the sacrifice of his own life. His ministry and everything He accomplished before He was crucified is extraordinary. All of the miracles that He did really revealed His glory and power. Jesus' greatness was especially shown when He was resurrected three days after dying on the cross. I also learned that Jesus gave the Christian message to the Jews first. He wanted them to spread the Good News all around the world and with them doing so He gave them the Holy Spirit to empower them while they spread the word of God. I have never realized that Judaism was the beginning of Christianity.

I was very disappointed when I read lesson seven in which it was discussed that the Romans persecuted the Christians because they thought that they were a secret society. The Romans destroyed all the Christian Churches, meetings were shut down, and those who confessed they were Christians were thrown into prison, and so many were killed. The Romans also stated that there was no such thing as private religion. It didn't seem fair to me that the Romans did not adopt a mindset regarding freedom of Religion. We are very privileged to live in a country today where such a freedom is granted. Many Societies have come so far since the Roman Empire ruled the "world."

I enjoyed reading about the best of the Church fathers. There were many Church fathers, but I think Augustine was the greatest. He was the creator of the Christian historiography that is still used today. Pope Gregory I played another major role in Christian History. While he was bishop of Rome, the greatest accomplishment he made was the expansion of papal power. He did this so that he could assert the spiritual supremacy of the Roman bishop, among other goals. Once this was accomplished, Christian Churches were transformed from being ancient to medieval. All bishops who came after Pope Gregory I followed in his foot steps. Pope Gregory's accomplishments shaped the Church into the middle ages.

I really enjoyed this course on Christian history. I like how the literature was explained in a detailed, yet a simple way. I'm looking forward to starting the next course.

********************************************

To ordain yourself with the Universal Life Church, for free, for life, right now, click on the Free Online Ordination link.

Rev. Long created the ULC seminary site to help ministers learn and grow their ministries. The Seminary offers a huge catalog of materials for ministers of the Universal Life Church, as well as an online seminary program and a chaplaincy program.