Lecture Notes: Understanding Early Christian Schisms and the Rise of Christianity in Rome

Introduction

• Episodes designed for modern students to understand pivotal parts of Roman history.
• Importance of doctrinal disputes in understanding the fall of Rome and transition to Medieval era.
• Focus on engaging storytelling with detailed explorations of doctrinal disputes.

Early Christian Struggles

• Early Christianity not solidified; viewed as an offshoot of Judaism.
• Key questions faced by early Christians:
  • Were they still Jewish?
  • Could only Jews be Christians?
  • Did Christ overthrow or continue Mosaic Law?

Judaizing Christianity

• Issue of circumcision pivotal in early Christian decisions.
• Judaizing Christians wanted strict adherence to Mosaic Law including circumcision.
• Paul opposed circumcision for converting Gentiles; necessary for religion’s growth.
• Resulted in the distancing of Christianity from Judaism (e.g., Sunday vs. Saturday as a holy day).
• Decision to abandon Jewish tradition crucial for Rome becoming a Christian state.

Nature of Christ Debate

• Fundamental question: Was Christ a man, spirit, or something else?
• Conflict between Docetists and other Christians:
  • Docetists: Christ was a being of pure spirit and only seemed human.
  • Others, including John: Countered by emphasizing belief in Christ "in the flesh."

Docetic Schism

• Ignatius warned against Docetists while being taken to Rome.
• Docetism challenged essential Christian beliefs about Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection.
• Martyrdom and the human sacrifice of Christ were central to Christian identity.

Growth of Christianity

• Christianity spread by including Gentiles and rejecting Docetism.
• As the 3rd century crisis unfolded, Christianity attracted converts, especially the impoverished.
• The Church began filling roles previously held by the state.

Constantine's Influence

• Constantine’s vision at the Battle of the Milvian Bridge in 312 CE pivotal for Christianity.
• Post-battle, Constantine repealed laws against Christians and began supporting them.
• Christianity quickly grew to comprise over half of the Roman Empire within 40 years.

Conclusion

• Upcoming episodes will explore the heresies that shook the Empire further.
• Anticipation of further discussion on Constantine’s faith in subsequent episodes.