Christian History

Master of Christian History ~ Lesson #15 (Origins of Roman Catholicism) by Bro. Jim DeManche 1. What were the factors that caused the Roman bishop to become so powerful? The bishop in the early church was thought of as one of many bishops who were equal in every respect to one another. Between A.D. 313 and 450 however, the Roman bishop became known as first among equals. Yet when Pope Leo I ascended the Roman cathedra in A.D. 440, the Roman bishop started asserting supremacy over all other bishops. Concentrating power is a logical result from the need for efficiency and order. The bishop was also the person who vouchsafed orthodox doctrine. The men who occupied the Roman cathedra did not fail in using the opportunities that came their way to increase their power. 2. In what ways did church liturgy become so complex?   The flood of barbarians and the increase in episcopal power brought changes to the church's worship. Since the barbarians were used to worshiping images, many church leaders thought that it would be necessary to materialize the liturgy to make God seemingly more visible to these worshipers. Venerating angels, saints, relics, pictures, and statues was the logical result of this approach. Being connected with the monarchical state resulted in a liturgical transformation from a simple and democratic worship to a more aristocratic, colorful liturgy with a profound division between clergy and laity. 3. How did all these things serve to become the foundation for medieval Roman Catholicism?   Aid from the state and religious freedom under Constantine resulted in a major church building program. The Christians borrowed the architectural style of the Roman basilica that had formerly been used by the Romans for business and pleasure. The basilica was a long rectangular cross-shaped building with two aisles, a western portico for the unbaptized, and an eastern chancel where the choir, the priests, and the bishop [if a cathedral church] presided over the services. The chancel was normally separated from the nave by an ironwork screen. The earliest singing in the church had been conducted by a leader to whom the people gave response in song. Antiphonal singing, where two separate choirs sing alternately, was formed in Antioch. Ambrose instituted antiphonal singing in Milan, and its spread throughout the Western church.   This was a time of great preachers. Ambrose in the West and John Chrysostom in the East were the major preachers. Before this time preachers wore no special vestments. Special vestments for the priests came about as people started throwing out Roman dress, and the clergy kept Roman dress for their church services.   It was in this time that a special priestly hierarchy came into being all under the very powerful Roman pontiff. There was also an enlargement of the number of sacraments that in turn became the major means of grace. The liturgy also became much more complicated. These several things assisted in the laying of the foundations for what would become medieval Roman Catholicism. ******************************* The Universal Life Church is a comprehensive online seminary where we have classes in Christianity two courses in , Wicca, several in  Paganism, two courses in Metaphysics and much more. I have been a proud member of the ULC for many years and the Seminary since its inception. The Universal Life Church offers handfasting ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and free minister training.   As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.   Try our new free toolbar at: ULC Toolbar