History of Christianity 1: Module 8

Roman emperor under whom was the worst persecution of Christians.

The man who began organizing early monastics into monasteries. He is considered the father of Cenobitic monasticism.

Early apologist who strongly rejected the use of Greek philosophy in forming Christian doctrine, saying "What does Athens have to do with Jerusalem?"

Early leader who was an old man when he was arrested. He had a vision that he would be burned alive, and faithfully testified about Christ even while being burned alive.

Leader of a monastery. All monastics were required to live in obedience to this person.

Schismatic group who believed that the validity of the sacraments depends on the worthiness of the leader who administers them.

The philosophy begun by Socrates that is characterized by a division of reality into the material and spiritual worlds.

The proclamation that gave free exercise of religion to "Christians and all others." It returned seized property to the churches.

The first Christian emperor of Rome, who officially ended all persecution of Christians.

The combining of elements from one or more religions and/or worldviews to form a new mixed religion/worldview.

He advocated for the Arian position at the council of Nicaea and with the emperors after the council was concluded.

The process of training new converts before baptism and full membership in the early church.

A Writing in the Apostolic Fathers that was considered the teaching of the 12 apostles for Christian life and church organization.

The idea that church leadership was faithful to Christ by being in conformity with the first teaching, based on passing the teaching on from one leader to another.

Roman Emperor who tried to turn the empire from Christianity back to paganism.

Ancient Christian historian who is the source of much of our information about the early church period.

This word means "of a similar substance" This term was eventually rejected as not sufficiently communicating the deity of Christ and His relationship with the Father.

The document that most influenced the activities of Medieval monasticism.

The occasion of Constantine's conversion to Christianity, according to Constantine himself.

A famous early Egyptian anchorite who spoke of his struggle against the devil. His biography was written by Athanasius.

Christians should not be sought out for punishment, but should be punished if they are accused and obstinately refuse to deny Christ.

Student of philosophy who was converted to Christ. He became one of the best Christian scholars of his time. He taught Christianity as "the True Philosophy."

A general word used to describe all monastics who lived by charity. Many were travelling monks.

Those who rejected the idea of Christ having two natures. They taught that He had only one nature.

An early heresy that started with a dualistic idea of reality consisting of a pure world of spirit and an evil world of matter. It stressed the use of secret knowledge of the initiated in their ritual and doctrines to find salvation.

The most controversial word of the Nicene creed, intending to convey that the Son is just as divine as the Father. It means "of the same substance."

The standard of books that were recognized by the churches as being inspired Scripture.

Most influential figure in western monasticism. Wrote "the Rule," in which he insisted that monks have obedience and stability, as well as do physical labor.

Term that describes an early monastic who lived as a solitary individual, away from all others in order to commune with God and fight against temptation.

Heretic who claimed that the Son was not equally eternal with the Father.