Christian Church 320768 226046915 2008-07-16T16:19:40Z Meldshal42 3783630 /* Origins */ adding unused image {{Christianity}} :{{See also|Church (disambiguation)}} {{for2|other uses|[[Church (building)]], [[List of Christian denominations]], or [[Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)]]}} '''Christian Church''' and the word ''church'' are used to denote both a Christian [[Groups of people|association of people]] and a [[place of worship]]. The word is church usually, but not exclusively, associated with [[Christianity]]. The Christian Church is a religiously ambiguous and cultural-sociological term to refer to all [[religion]]s based on the worship of [[Jesus|Jesus of Nazareth]] as the son of [[God]]. It is not a single religious institution, neither a single faith. Today there is no single political entity recognized by the secular world as the unique Christian Church.<ref>''Christian Denominations'', Religious Facts, retrieved May 29, 2007 [http://www.religionfacts.com/christianity/denominations.htm]</ref> The [[Roman Catholic Church]] and the [[Orthodox Church]]es all claim to be the unique church established by Jesus in the [[Great Commission]]. Protestants on the other hand would hold that the concept is justified by the notion that the Church is ultimately headed by Jesus Christ himself, who acts as the unifying figure for all who claim to follow him. [[Anglican]]s feel that they are but a [[Branch theory|branch of the Church]]. The term means something quite different for each religious institution that sees itself as belonging to the Christian traditions. The phrase '''The Church''' in its widest sense, as '''the Body of Christ''' has a similar breadth. ==Etymology of ''church''== The [[English language]] word "church" developed from [[Old English]] ''cirice'', from [[West Germanic]] ''kirika'', from Greek ''kyriake (oikia)'' "Lord's (house)", from ''kyrios'' "ruler, lord." <ref>{{cite encyclopedia |last=Harper |first=Douglas |author=Douglas Harper |authorlink= |coauthors= |editor= |encyclopedia=Online Etymology Dictionary |title=church |url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=church |accessdate=2008-01-18 |edition= |date= |year=2001 |publisher= |volume= |location= |id= |doi= |pages= |quote= }}"O.E. cirice "church," from W.Gmc. *kirika, from Gk. kyriake (oikia) "Lord's (house)," from kyrios "ruler, lord." "</ref> The Greek word ''kyriakon'' (an adjective meaning "of the Lord") was used of houses of Christian worship since c.300, especially in the East, though it was less common in this sense than ''ekklesia'' or ''basilike''.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |last=Harper |first=Douglas |author=Douglas Harper |authorlink= |coauthors= |editor= |encyclopedia=Online Etymology Dictionary |title=church |url=http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=church |accessdate=2008-01-18 |edition= |date= |year=2001 |publisher= |volume= |location= |id= |doi= |pages= |quote= }}"Gk. kyriakon (adj.) "of the Lord" was used of houses of Christian worship since c.300, especially in the East, though it was less common in this sense than ekklesia or basilike."</ref> An abbreviation of ekklesia kyriake used in the septuagint to mean congregation of the lord. == Terminology == [[Image:Nicaea icon.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Icon depicting the [[bishop]]s of the [[First Council of Nicaea]] holding the [[Nicene Creed]].]] Through history there have been various terms that have been used to express the concept of a united Christian Church. This section discusses some of these. The English word ''church'' derives from the [[Greek language|Greek]] κυριακή (kyriake), "Lord's (house)".<ref>''church'', Robertson's Words for a Modern Age: A Dictionary of Latin and Greek Words used in Modern English Vocabulary[http://www.wordinfo.info/words/index/info/view_unit/3462/?letter=C&spage=16]</ref><ref>Random House Unabridged Dictionary, 2006[http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/church]</ref>{{Failed verification|date=January 2008}} The term has expanded over time to the allow today's more general meanings. The [[Greek language|Greek]]/[[Latin language|Latin]] word ''εκκλησια''/''ecclesia'', literally "assembly" in Greek, is the traditional [[Roman Catholic]]/[[Orthodox]] term referring to the Christian Church. Most [[Romance languages]] use derivations of this word. This Latin word is sometimes used in English as well. The phrase ''One, Holy, catholic and Apostolic Church'' appears in the [[Nicene Creed]] ({{polytonic|μίαν, ἁγίαν, καθολικὴν καὶ ἀποστολικὴν Ἐκκλησίαν}}) and, in part, in the [[Apostles' Creed]] ("the holy catholic church", ἁγίαν καθολικὴν ἐκκλησίαν).<ref>''Nicene Creed'', The Seven Ecumenical Councils, Christian Classics Ethereal Library[http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf214.vii.iii.html]</ref><ref>''Apostle's Creed'', Christian Classics Ethereal Library[http://www.ccel.org/creeds/apostles.creed.html]</ref> The phrase is intended to set forth the four marks, or identifying signs, of the Christian Church &mdash; unity, holiness, universality, and apostolicity &mdash; and is based on the premise that all true Christians form a single united group founded by the [[Twelve Apostles|apostle]]s.<ref>Kenneth D. Whitehead, Four Marks of the Church, EWTN Global Catholic Network[http://www.ewtn.com/faith/Teachings/churb2.htm]</ref> The terms ''[[orthodox]] Church'' and ''orthodox faith'' (not to be confused with the modern term "Eastern Orthodox" with a capital 'O') have been used to distinguish what is considered the ''true'' Church from groups considered ''[[Heresy|heretical]]''. The term became especially prominent in referring to the doctrine of the [[Nicene Creed]] and, in historical contexts, is often still used to distinguish this first "official" doctrine from others.<ref name="CONSTANTINE AND THE CHRISTIAN STATE">Michael Hines, ''CONSTANTINE AND THE CHRISTIAN STATE'', Church History for the Masses[http://www.christianchronicler.com/history1/constantine.html]</ref> The term ''[[body of Christ]]'' (cf. {{bibleverse|1|Cor|12:27|NAB}}), also known as the ''Bride of Christ'', is used to refer to the total community of Christians seen as interdependent in a single entity headed by [[Jesus|Jesus Christ]].<ref>Saint ''Paul, the Apostle: The body of Christ'', Encyclopedia Britannica[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-259978/Saint-Paul-the-Apostle]</ref> The phrase ''Church Militant and Church Triumphant'' (Ecclesia Militans, Ecclesia Triumphans) is used to express the concept of a united Church that extends beyond the earthly realm into Heaven.<ref>Karl Adam, THE SPIRIT OF CATHOLICISM, Eternal Word Television Network, retrieved May 24, 2007[http://www.ewtn.com/library/THEOLOGY/SPIRCATH.HTM#07]</ref> The term ''Church Militant'' comprises all living Christians while ''Church Triumphant'' comprises those in [[Heaven]]. Within the [[Roman Catholic Church]] there is also the concept of ''Church Suffering'', or ''Church Expectant'', comprising those Christians in Purgatory. The term ''Communion of Saints'' expresses the idea of a shared faith which, through [[prayer]], binds all Christians regardless of the physical separation or separation by death. In Roman Catholic theology this would be differentiated from the Church Militant and Church Triumphant alone because it also includes the Church Suffering.<ref>''communion of saints'', Encyclopedia Britannica[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9064970/communion-of-saints]</ref> == History == {{main|History of Christianity}} [[Image:Bloch-SermonOnTheMount.jpg|thumb|left|250px|''The [[Sermon on the Mount]]'', a painting by [[Carl Heinrich Bloch]]. The [[New Testament]] describes Jesus' regularly [[Sermon|preaching]] to his [[Disciple (Christianity)|disciples]] and large crowds.]] The Christian Church originated in [[Iudaea Province|Roman Judea]] in the first century AD, founded on the teachings of [[Jesus]] of [[Nazareth]] believed by all Christians to be the [[Messiah]], or deliverer king, of the [[Jew|Jewish people]]. The precise start of the Church is considered to be at [[Pentecost]], but it is usually thought of as originating with Jesus' [[Twelve Apostles|Apostles]]. According to [[Four Evangelists|scripture]] Jesus [[Great Commission|commanded]] the Apostles to spread his teachings to all the world. Although springing out of the first century [[Judaism|Jewish faith]], from its earliest days [[Pauline Christianity|some sects of the Church]] accepted non-[[Jew]]s without requiring them to adopt Jewish customs (e.g. [[Circumcision in the Bible|circumcision]]), running counter to tradition.<ref>[[Bible]], Acts 10-15</ref><ref name="CHURCH AS AN INSTITUTION">''CHURCH AS AN INSTITUTION'', Dictionary of the History of Ideas, University of Virginia Library[http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/cgi-local/DHI/dhi.cgi?id=dv1-50]</ref> Conflict with Jewish religious authorities quickly led to the expulsion of the Christians from the [[synagogues]] in [[History of Jerusalem|Jerusalem]],<ref>''An Overview of Christian History'', Catholic Resources for Bible, Liturgy, and More[http://catholic-resources.org/Bible/History-Christian.htm]</ref> see also [[Council of Jamnia]]. The Church gradually spread through the [[Roman Empire]] and outside it gaining major establishments in cities such as [[History of Jerusalem|Jerusalem]], [[Antioch]], and [[Edessa, Mesopotamia|Edessa]].<ref>''Acts of the Apostles'', New Advent[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/01117a.htm]</ref><ref>Donald H. Frew, ''Harran: Last Refuge of Classical Paganism'' Colorado State University Pueblo[http://chass.colostate-pueblo.edu/natrel/pom/old/POM9a1.html]</ref><ref>''From Jesus to Christ: Maps, Archaeology, and Sources: Chronology'', PBS, retrieved May 19, 2007[http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/maps/cron.html]</ref> Christianity became a widely persecuted religion, [[Persecution of early Christians by the Jews|hated by the Jewish authorities]] as a [[heresy]], and by the [[Persecution of early Christians by the Romans|Roman authorities]] because, like Judaism, its [[monotheism|monotheistic]] teachings were fundamentally foreign to the [[Polytheism|traditions of the ancient world]], as well as a challenge to the [[imperial cult]].<ref>Sophie Lunn-Rockliffe, ''Christianity and the Roman Empire: Reasons for persecution'', Ancient History: Romans, BBC Home, retrieved May 10, 2007[http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/christianityromanempire_article_02.shtml]</ref> Despite this the Church grew rapidly until finally legalized and then promoted by Emperors [[Galerius]] and [[Constantine the Great|Constantine]] in the fourth century. A major controversy as the Church was being [[Ecumenical council|formalized]] was the [[Arianism]] vs. [[Trinitarianism]] debate which occupied the Church during the [[fourth century]].<ref>''Arianism summary'', Bookrags.com, retrieved May 18, 2007[http://www.bookrags.com/Arianism]</ref><ref>Michael DiMaio, Jr., Robert Frakes, ''Constantius II (337-361 A.D.)'', De Imperatoribus Romanis: An Online Encyclopedia of Roman Rulers and their Families[http://www.roman-emperors.org/constaii.htm]</ref><ref name="CONSTANTINE AND THE CHRISTIAN STATE"/> After various Church councils ([[First Council of Nicaea|Nicaea]], [[Synod of Tyre|Tyre]], [[Council of Rimini|Rimini]], [[Council of Seleucia|Seleucia]], [[First Council of Constantinople|Constantinople]], etc.), the matter was effectively settled by the Trinitarian Emperor [[Theodosius I]] who made Christianity the [[state religion]] (some [[Germanic peoples|Germanic tribes]], though, remained Arian well into the [[Middle Ages]]).<ref>''Christianity Missions and monasticism'', Encyclopaedia Britannica Online[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-67441/Christianity]</ref> This period would begin the long-term persecution of [[pagan]]s and "heretical" Christians in the Empire and the kingdoms that followed.<ref>Ramsay MacMullen, ''Christianity and Paganism in the Fourth to Eighth Centuries'', Yale University Press, September 23, 1997</ref> See also [[Christendom]]. [[Image:Aya sofya.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The [[Hagia Sophia]] of [[Constantinople]], once the greatest [[cathedral]] in all of Christendom.]] The Church of the Roman Empire was divided into Patriarchal Sees with five holding particular prominence, one in the [[Western Roman Empire|West]] ([[Ancient Rome|Rome]]), and the rest in the [[Eastern Roman Empire|East]] ([[Constantinople]], [[History of Jerusalem|Jerusalem]], [[Antioch]], and [[Alexandria]]). The [[bishop]]s of these five would become the [[Pentarchy|Patriarchs]] of the Church.<ref>Deno Geanakoplos, ''A short history of the ecumenical patriarchate of Constantinople'', Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarch, retrieved May 20, 2007[http://www.archons.org/patriarchate/history/pentarchy.asp]</ref> Even after the [[Roman Empire#Tetrarchy (285–324) and Constantine I (324–337)|split of the Roman Empire]] the Church remained a relatively united institution (excluding [[Oriental Orthodoxy]] and some other groups which separated from the rest of the Church earlier). The Church came to be a central and defining institution of the Empire, especially in the East. In particular, [[Constantinople]] would come to be seen as the center of the Christian world, owing in great part to its economic and political power.<ref>MSN Encarta: Orthodox Church, retrieved May 12, 2007[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761572657_6/Orthodox_Church.html]</ref><ref>Arias of Study: Western Art, Department of Art History, University of Wisconsin, retrieved May 17, 2007[http://www.uwm.edu/Dept/ArtHistory/areas_study.html]</ref> Once the [[Western Roman Empire|Western Empire]] [[Fall of Rome|fell]] to [[Germanic peoples|Germanic]] incursions in the 5th century, the (Roman) Church for centuries became the primary link to [[Culture of ancient Rome|Roman civilization]] for [[Middle Ages|Medieval]] [[Western Europe]]<ref>''What were the Dark Ages?'', GotQuestions.org, retrieved May 20, 2007[http://www.gotquestions.org/dark-ages.html]</ref> and an important channel of influence in the West for the [[Eastern Roman Empire|Eastern Roman]], or ''Byzantine'', emperors. While, in the West, Christianity struggled as the so-called [[orthodoxy|orthodox]] (i.e. Roman) Church competed against the [[Arianism|Arian]] Christian and [[pagan]] faiths of the Germanic rulers, the Eastern Romans spread Christianity to the pagan [[Slavs]] establishing the Church in what is now [[Russia]], [[Central Europe]] and [[Eastern Europe]].<ref name="CHRISTIANITY IN HISTORY">''CHRISTIANITY IN HISTORY'', Dictionary of the History of Ideas, University of Virginia Library[http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/cgi-local/DHI/dhi.cgi?id=dv1-49]</ref> The reign of [[Charlemagne]] in Western Europe is particularly noted for bringing the last major Western tribes outside of the Church into communion with Rome, in part through conquest and forced conversion. Starting in the 7th century the [[Arab Empire|Islamic Caliphates]] rose and gradually began to conquer larger and larger areas of the [[Christendom|Christian world]].<ref name="CHRISTIANITY IN HISTORY"/> Excepting [[Al-Andalus|southern Spain]] and a few smaller areas, Northern and western Europe for centuries escaped largely unscathed by Islamic expansion in great part because Constantinople and its empire acted as a magnet for the onslaught.<ref>''The Byzantine Empire'', byzantinos.com[http://www.byzantinos.com/Byzantium/Legacy.html]</ref> The challenge presented by the Muslims would help to solidify the religious identity of eastern Christians even as it gradually weakened the Eastern Empire.<ref>''BYZANTINE ICONOCLASM AND POLITICAL EARTHQUAKE OF ARAB CONQUESTS – AN EMOTIONAL ‘GUST’'', This Century's Review, retrieved May 24, 2007[http://www.thiscenturyreview.com/BYZANTINE_ICONOCLASM_AND_POLITICAL.byzantineiconoclasm.0.html]</ref> Even in the [[Muslim World]], the Church survived (e.g. the modern [[Copt]]s, [[Maronite]]s, and others) albeit at times with great difficulty.<ref>''The History of the Copts'', California Academy of Sciences[http://www.calacademy.org/research/anthropology/coptic/Copthist.htm], retrieved May 24, 2007</ref><ref>''History of the Maronite Patriarchate'', Opus Libani, retrieved May 24, 2007[http://www.opuslibani.org.lb/egliseeng/002/antioch1.html]</ref> Although there had long been frictions between the [[Bishop of Rome]] (i.e. the [[Western World|Western]] ''Pope'') and the other patriarchs, Rome's [[Charlemagne#Imperator|changing allegiance]] from Constantinople to the [[Frankish Empire|Frankish]] king Charlemagne set the Church on a course towards separation. The political and theological divisions would grow until Rome excommunicated the East in the [[11th century]], ultimately leading to the division of the Church into the [[Roman Catholic Church|Western]] (Roman Catholic) and [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern]] (Eastern Orthodox) Churches.<ref name="CHRISTIANITY IN HISTORY"/> As a result of the [[High Middle Ages|redevelopment of Western Europe]], and the [[Decline of the Byzantine Empire|gradual fall of the Eastern Roman Empire]] to the [[Arab]]s and [[Turkish people|Turks]] (helped by [[Fourth Crusade|warfare against Eastern Christians]]). With the final [[Fall of Constantinople]] in 1453 AD the period of the [[Renaissance|Western Renaissance]] began in the West, as the result of Eastern scholars bringing ancient manuscripts fleeing the Moslem hordes. [[Rome]] came to be seen by the Western Church as Christianity's heartland.<ref>Aristeides Papadakis, John Meyendorff , ''The Christian East and the Rise of the Papacy: The Church 1071-1453 A.D.'', St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, August 1994, ISBN-10: 0881410578, ISBN-13: 978-0881410570</ref> Some Eastern churches even broke with Eastern Orthodoxy and entered into communion with Rome. The changes brought on by the Renaissance eventually led to the [[Protestant Reformation]] during which the Protestant Lutheran and the Reformed followers of Calvin, Hus, Zwingli, Melancthon, Knox, and others split from the Roman Catholic Church. At this time, a series of non-theological disputes also led to the [[English Reformation]] which led to the independence of the [[Anglican Communion]]. Then during the [[Age of Discovery|Age of Exploration]] and the [[Age of Imperialism]], Western Europe spread the Roman Catholic Church and the Protestant and Reformed Churches around the world, especially in the [[Americas]].<ref>''Christianity and world religions'', Encyclopedia Britannica[http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-67632/Christianity]</ref><ref>''South America: Religion'', Encyclopedia Britannica[http://www.britannica.com/ebi/article-208310]</ref> These developments in turn have led to Christianity's being the largest religion in the world today.<ref>''Major Religions of the World Ranked by Number of Adherents'', Adherents.com[http://www.adherents.com/Religions_By_Adherents.html]</ref> ==Origins== [[Image:Torseischurch.jpg|thumb|30ppx|right|Unknown church in Toronto, Canada.]] The [[Christian]] concept of a "Church" is used for the Greek (ecclesia, church, ekklesia), ref. [Strong's Concordance] 1577, Bauer's, Thayer's, and Moulton's and is introduced by Jesus of Nazareth in the New Testament. Of the 114 occurrences of the term in the New Testament, three are found in the Gospel of Matthew: "And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my ''ekklesia'', and the gates of Hades will not overcome it" (Mt 16:18); and "If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the ''ekklesia''; and if he refuses to listen even to the ''ekklesia'', let him be to you as the Gentile and the tax-collector" (Mt 18:17). The Greek term 'ekklesia', which literally means a "gathering" or "selection" or "called out assembly", was a governmental and political term used to denote a national assembly. This concept in Christian terms has its direct antecedent in the Koine Greek translation of the Old Testament (see also Septuagint), where the noun ''ekklesia'' has been employed 96 times to denote the congregation of the Children of Israel, which Christians regard as a Type of the "Body of Christ", as they also call the Christian Church of Jesus Christ. Each church may recognize some or all other Christian churches as legitimate. Mainstream denominations can be far apart ecumenically, but generally do not require members to be rebaptized when they switch from one denomination to another. They share common ground in that they believe and follow Jesus Christ as the savior, and seek to follow Jesus' teachings. == Related Concepts == ===Universal church=== [[Image:Petersdom von Engelsburg gesehen.jpg|thumb|250px|[[St. Peter's Basilica]] in the [[Vatican City|Vatican]] in [[Rome]], the largest church building in the world today.<ref name="UNESCO Article">UNESCO World Heritage: Vatican City[http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/286]</ref>]] The term "[[Catholicism|catholic]]" is derived from the [[Greek language|Greek]] adjective ''καθολικός'' pronounced ''katholikos'', which means "general" or "universal".<ref>Tufts University: Perseus Digital Library: A Greek-English Lexicon[http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/cgi-bin/ptext?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0057%3Aentry%3D%2351864]</ref> Church is taken by some to refer to a single, universal community, although others contend that the doctrine of the universal church was established until later. The doctrine of the universal, visible church was made explicit in the [[Apostles' Creed]],{{Fact|date=July 2007}} while the less common [[Protestant]] notion of the universal, invisible church was not stated explicitly until the [[Reformation]]. The universal church traditions generally accept that the Church includes all who are baptized into her common faith, including the doctrines of the trinity, forgiveness of sins through the sacrificial action of Christ, and the resurrection of the body. These teachings are expressed in liturgy with the celebration of [[sacraments]], visible signs of [[divine grace|grace]]. They are passed down as the [[deposit of faith]]. === Catholic and catholicism === This term appears in both the [[Nicene Creed]] and the [[Apostle's Creed]], statements of faith adhered to by almost all modern denominations. When the word "catholic" or "universal" is applied to the Church, it is generally intended to indicate that the institution is the uniquely legitimate Christian church intended for all of humanity. In [[Christian theology]] the term is often used to imply a calling to spread the faith throughout the whole world and to all ages. It is also thought of as implying that the Church is endowed with all the means of [[salvation]] for its members. Saint [[Ignatius of Antioch]], the earliest known writer to use the phrase "the Catholic church", excluded from it [[heresy|heterodox]] groups whose teaching and practice conflicted with those of the [[bishop]]s of the Roman-Catholic church. In keeping with this idea, many churches and communions see groups that it judges to be in a state of [[heresy]] or [[Schism (religion)|schism]] with their church or communion as not part of the catholic Church. E.g. the [[Roman Catholic]] and [[Eastern Orthodox]] Churches follow this doctrine. Others have, since the [[Protestant Reformation]], used the word "catholic" to designate instead adherence to the doctrines and essential practices of the historical institutional Churches, in contrast to those propounded by the Reformers. In this sense indicated in this paragraph, "Catholic" tends to be written with an upper-case "C". The Roman-Catholic church, the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]] and the [[Oriental Orthodox Churches]] all see themselves as fully "catholic" in all the foregoing senses. Some [[Anglicanism|Anglicans]] see their communion as a component part of the Catholic Church, albeit not subject to the [[Holy See|Holy See of Rome]], and maintain beliefs and practices akin to those of the Roman-Catholic church. They are however not recognised by Roman-Catholic or Orthodox tradition as being part of them. Most other [[Protestant]] denominations interpret "catholic", especially in its creedal context, as referring to the concept of the eternal church of Christ and the Elect, referenced in the [[Bible]] in phrases such as "[[body of Christ]]"<ref>{{bibleverse|1|Cor|12:27|NAB}}</ref> and "great cloud of witnesses."<ref>{{bibleverse||Heb|12:1|NAB}}</ref> Expressed in the language of traditional Roman Catholicism this Protestant interpretation of the words "one holy, catholic, and apostolic church" identifies the "one holy, catholic, and apostolic church" exclusively with the [[Church Triumphant]] - i.e. the church that exists "in heaven" or in eternity as opposed to the [[Church Militant]] which is the communion of the faithful here on Earth. They view this understanding of "catholic" as necessarily distinct from any concrete expression in an institutional Church. In this last sense, "catholic" tends to be written with a lower-case "c". ===Orthodoxy=== [[Image:StMarkCathAlex.jpg|thumb|right|St. Mark's [[Coptic Orthodox]] Cathedral in [[Alexandria|Alexandria, Egypt]].]] The term ''[[orthodoxy|orthodox]]'' is generally used to distinguish the faith or beliefs of the "true Church" from other doctrines which disagree, traditionally referred to as [[heresy]]. This distinction can be seen as originating with the [[Bible|biblical]] proscriptions against [[false prophets]]. "Orthodoxy" means both "true glory" and "correct teaching" this theological term is explicitly used by Orthodox Christians to refer to themselves as a shorthand for "the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic, Orthodox and Orthoprax, Church of Jesus Christ and His saints." In the same manner, the Roman-Catholic church describes itself as orthodox, meaning having possession of the whole faith. Of course, other Christian denominations, who disbelieve the claims of the Orthodox Churches refer to her thus as the "Eastern Orthodox" churches. This concept of "orthodoxy" began to take on particular significance during the reign of the [[Roman Emperor]] [[Constantine I]], the first to actively promote Christianity. Constantine convened the first [[Ecumenical Council]], the [[First Council of Nicea|Council of Nicea]], which attempted to provide the first universal creed of the Christian faith. The major issue of this and other councils during the [[fourth century]] was the [[Christology|christological]] debate between [[arianism]] and [[trinitarianism]]. Trinitarianism is the official doctrine of the Catholic church and is strongly associated with the term "orthodoxy", although some modern non-trinitarian churches dispute this usage. Churches that subscribe to the [[Nicene Creed]], the first official trinitarian [[creed]], are sometimes referred to as "orthodox". === Apostolic succession === [[Image:Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) - The Last Supper (1495-1498).jpg|thumb|left|350px|[[The Last Supper]] by [[Leonardo da Vinci]], depicting [[Jesus]] with his [[twelve Apostles]].]] The doctrine of "[[apostolic succession]]" asserts that the bishops of the true Church enjoy the favor, or [[Divine Grace|grace]], of God as a result of legitimate and unbroken sacramental succession from [[Twelve Apostles|Jesus' apostles]].<ref>''Apostolic Succession'', The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-05.[http://www.bartelby.com/65/ap/apostSuc.html]</ref> Modern bishops, therefore, must be viewed as an unbroken line of leadership from the original apostles. Note that this doctrine is distinct from that of [[Papal supremacy]], which grants the [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman-Catholic]] [[bishop of Rome]] special powers in the Roman-Catholic church. The [[Roman Catholic Church]], the [[Eastern Orthodox Church]]es, the [[Oriental Orthodoxy|Oriental Orthodox churches]], the [[Anglican Church]] Communion and others interpret the adjective "apostolic" as referring not only to the Church's origin from Christ's [[Twelve Apostles|Apostles]] and their teachings, but also to the Church's structure around [[bishop]]s who have succeeded the apostles by unbroken succession transmitted by episcopal [[consecration]] (laying on of hands), which is traceable to the Apostles themselves. ====Spiritual authority==== It is a widely held belief among Christians that the Christian church is guided by the Holy Spirit and given spiritual authority by Christ. According to Christian tradition the "authority" of Jesus Christ to preach, to teach, and to do all the things that He had done while on Earth came from God. Before Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven He had given His apostles and disciples the authority to preach (that may include teaching, exhorting, rebuking, correcting{{Fact|date=May 2008}}) and to baptize. This "authority" was passed on by the apostles to the disciples, and was to be passed from one generation of disciples to the next until His [[second coming]]. The passing on of this authority had been conducted solely by the church. This passing on of authority was sometimes called the ''[[anoint]]ing'' or ''appointing'' of pastors or leaders of a church. (Membership in the Christian church has traditionally been defined by baptism. The church administers Christianity's sacred acts: baptism, the Lord's supper, worship, etc.) ====The visible and the invisible church==== Many believe that the Church, as described in the [[Bible]], has a twofold character that can be described as the visible and invisible church. The Church invisible consists of all those from every time and place who are vitally united to Christ through [[Regeneration (Christian doctrine)|regeneration]] and [[salvation]] and who will be eternally united to Jesus Christ in [[eternal life]]. The Church visible consists of all those who visibly join themselves to a profession of faith and gathering together to know and serve the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ. The visible church exists globally in all who identify themselves as Christians and locally in particular places where believers gather for the [[Christian worship|worship]] of God. The visible church may also refer to an association of particular churches from multiple locations who unite themselves under a common charter and set of governmental principles. The church in the visible sense is often governed by office-bearers carrying titles such as [[Minister of religion|minister]], [[pastor]], teacher, [[Elder (religious)|elder]], and [[deacon]]. Some say that no reference to the church is ever made in the Bible that is not referring to a local visible body, such as the church in someone's house or the church as Ephesis. They believe that the term is sometimes used in an institutional sense in which the term refers to all of a certain type, meaning all of the local visible churches. ====Church government==== Major forms of church government include hierarchical ([[Anglican]], [[Eastern orthodox|Eastern Orthodoxy]], [[Roman catholic|Roman Catholic]]), [[presbyterian]] (rule by elders), and independent ([[Baptist]], [[Charismatic movement|charismatic]], other forms of independency). Before the Protestant Reformation clergy were understood to gain their authority through apostolic succession, as still affirmed by the Anglican, Eastern Orthodox, and Roman Catholic churches.<!--in alphabetical order--> ===Metaphors=== Christian scriptures use a wide range of metaphors to describe the Church. These include: * Family of God the Father ({{bibleverse||Ephesians|3:14-15|KJV}},{{bibleverse|2|Corinthians|6:18|KJV}}) * Brothers and sisters with each other in God's family ({{bibleverse||Matthew|12:49-50|KJV}}) * Bride of Christ ({{bibleverse||Ephesians|5:31-32|KJV}}) * Branches on a vine ({{bibleverse||John|15:5|KJV}}) * Olive tree ({{bibleverse||Romans|11:17-24|KJV}}) * Field of crops ({{bibleverse|1|Corinthians|3:6-9|KJV}}) * Building ({{bibleverse|1|Corinthians|3:9|KJV}}) * Harvest ({{bibleverse||Matthew|13:1-30|KJV}},{{bibleverse||John|4:35|KJV}}) * New temple and new priesthood with a new cornerstone ({{bibleverse|1|Peter|2:4-8|KJV}}) * God's house ({{bibleverse||Hebrews|3:3-6|KJV}}) * Pillar and foundation the truth ({{bibleverse|1|Timothy|3:15|KJV}}) * Body of Christ ({{bibleverse|1|Corinthians|12:12-27|KJV}}) * Temple of the Holy Spirit ({{bibleverse|2|Corinthians|6:16|KJV}}) == Divisions and controversies == Today the churches that consider themselves to be Christian are numerous with a variety of different doctrines and traditions. There are many controversies between the [[Christian denomination|denominations]] which persist today. === Existence of the notion of single Christian church === [[Image:ChristianityBranches.svg|500px|thumb|right||A simplified chart of historical branches within the christian belief systems. The different width of the lines is without objective significance. Protestantism in general, and not just Restorationism, claims a direct connection with Early Christianity.]] One significant controversy is simply the definition of the notion ''Christian church'' or ''Catholic church''. To some degree this controversy is related to the [[Nicene Creed]], to which virtually all modern denominations subscribe albeit in somewhat different forms, which specifically references a [[One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church|catholic]], or universal, church. Both the [[Orthodox Church]] and the [[Roman Catholic Church]] have each traditionally regarded itself as the one true and unique church of Christ, hence the names. Note that the formulation of this principle by the [[Roman Catholic Church]] in the document [["Subsistit in" in Lumen Gentium|Lumen Gentium]] of the [[Second Vatican Council]] was purpously made ambiguous.<ref>[http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p123a9p3.htm Catechism of the Catholic Church, 870]</ref> This ambiguity proved so contentious that in 2007 the Vatican Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith issued a clarification document.[http://212.77.1.245/news_services/bulletin/news/20581.php?index=20581&lang=en#TESTO%20IN%20LINGUA%20INGLESE] Many other Christian groups take the view that all denominations are part of a symbolic and global Christian church which is a body bound by a common faith if not a common administration or tradition. Note that in [[Classical antiquity|classical times]] the term ''Catholic Church'' came to be most widely used in reference to the official Roman Imperial church from which the Catholic church, and all of its split offs descend directly or indirectly. The term, however, dates back to the [[Apostles' Creed]] which predates the official sanction of the Church by the Empire. Like the Roman Catholic Church, the Orthodox Church and some others have always referred to themselves as the ''Catholic church''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goarch.org/en/archdiocese/ |title=The Greek (Eastern) Orthodox Church in America |accessdate=2007-08-01 |author= Robert G. Stephanopoulos |work=www.goarch.org |publisher=Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America}}</ref> [[Oriental Orthodoxy]] shares this view, seeing the Churches of the Oriental Orthodox communion as constituting the one true Church. In the [[Western World|West]] the term ''Catholic'' has come to be most commonly associated with the Roman Catholic Church because of its size and influence in the West (although in formal contexts most other churches still reject this naming). {{Denominations of Christianity}} These Churches believe that the term ''one'' in the [[Nicene Creed]] describes and prescribes a visible institutional unity, not only geographically, throughout the world, but also historically, throughout history. They see unity as one of the four marks that the Creed attributes to the genuine Church, and the essence of a mark is that it be visible. A Church whose identity and belief varied from country to country and from age to age would not be "one". In the [[New Testament]], the word "Church" or "assembly" - {{polytonic|ἐκκλησία}} (''ekklesia'') in the original language - normally refers to believers on earth, and they conclude that the Creed's description "one" must be applicable to the Church on earth and must not be reserved for some [[eschatology|eschatological]] reality. The only exception to the normal New Testament use of the word "{{polytonic|ἐκκλησία}}" is the mention of the "{{polytonic|ἐκκλησία}} of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven" in {{bibleverse||Hebrews|12:23}}; and even there the Christians to whom the letter is addressed are associated with that heavenly Church ("you have come to..."). In line with this passage, the ancient Churches mentioned see the [[saint]]s too - that is, the holy dead - as part of the one Church and not as ex-members, so that Christians both in the present life and the afterlife form a single Church. Many [[Anglicanism|Anglicans]], [[Lutheranism|Lutherans]], [[Old Catholic Church|Old Catholics]], and [[Independent Catholic]]s view unity as a mark of catholicity, but see the institutional unity of the Catholic Church as manifested in the shared [[Apostolic Succession]] of their episcopacies, rather than a shared episcopal hierarchy or rites. Reformed Christians hold that every person justified by faith in the Gospel committed to the Apostles is a member of "One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church". From this perspective, the real unity and holiness of the whole church established through the Apostles is yet to be revealed; and meanwhile, the extent and peace of the church on earth is imperfectly realized in a visible way. === First church === The right to be considered the ''first'' or ''oldest'' Christian Church is claimed by the [[Roman Catholic Church]], but also by the [[Orthodox Churches]] and [[Anglican Church]]. Christianity, of course, began with the birth of [[Jesus Christ]] in [[Iudaea Province|Roman Judea]] and gradually spread westward into [[Asia (Roman province)|Asia Minor]], [[Ægyptus|Egypt]], [[Illyricum (Roman province)|Illyria]], [[Ancient Rome|Rome]] and eventually the entire [[Roman Empire|Empire]]. The [[Roman Catholic Church]] is linked to an unbroken succession of Bishops of Rome, who trace their authority to [[Saint Peter]], the first Bishop of Rome. The Orthodox Churches have argued that the Scripture in no way designated Saint Peter as having unique authority over the Church and that all the [[patriarchate|patriarchs]] of the [[Roman Empire]], including the bishop of Rome, as well as the local Churches in [[Corinth]], [[Thessalonica]], [[Ephesus]] and many other places, even outside the Roman Empire, trace their roots to the [[Twelve Apostles]]. === Other debates === Other debates include the following: * There are many opinions as to the ultimate fate of the souls of individuals who are not part of a particular institutional church, i.e. members of a particular church may or may not believe that the souls of those outside their church organisation can or will be saved. * There have always been differing opinions as to the divinity of [[Jesus|God, the Son]] and or his unity with [[God|God, the Father]]. Although historically the most significant debate in this arena was the [[arianism]] and [[trinitarianism]] debate in the Roman Empire, debates in this realm have occurred throughout Christian history. * It has been debated whether or not the Christian Church is in fact a unified [[heaven]]ly institution with the earthly institutions relegated to secondary status. == Criticisms == <gallery> Image:jesus 001.jpeg|the messiah </gallery> Throughout its history the Christian church, both as a single [[abstract entity]] and as concrete institutional groups has been criticized both by outsiders and by its own members. (On criticisms of Christianity in general, see [[Criticism of Christianity]].) One criticism is that the Church does not accept others and so does not follow the example of [[Jesus]] in accepting children, women, gentiles, and adulterers, whom the religious establishment and society of the time rejected.<ref>[[Rubel Shelly]], ''Loving the Person Who Isn't "One of Us"'', Woodmont Hills Church of Christ[http://www.rubelshelly.com/content.asp?CID=19372]</ref> These critics often pass over in silence his recommendations to "sin no more".<ref>{{bibleverse||John|5:14}}; {{bibleverse-nb||John|8:11}}</ref> From early times some have seen the Church as intolerant of outsiders and prone to fierce internal disputes.{{Fact|date=March 2008}} == See also == * [[Jesus Christ]] * [[Christendom]] * [[Christianity]] * [[History of Christianity]] * [[List of Christian denominations]] * [[Church militant and church triumphant]] * [[Christian ecumenism]] * [[Germanic Christianity]] * [[Chicago-Lambeth Quadrilateral]] *[[Body of Christ]] *[[Bride of Christ (theology)|Bride of Christ]] *[[Ecclesia (Church)]] *[[Ecclesiology]] *[[One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church]] *[[Churching of women]] *[[High Church]], such as [[Anglicanism]] *[[Low Church]], such as [[Evangelicalism]] *[[Church architecture]] *Stone-Campbell Movement **[[Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)]] (Instrumental) **[[Churches of Christ]], (A Cappella) **[[Independent Christian Churches/Churches of Christ|Christian Churches and Churches of Christ]] (Independent) ==Notes== <div class="references-small" style="-moz-column-count:3; column-count:3;"> <references/> </div> ==References== *University of Virginia: Dictionary of the History of Ideas: ''Christianity in History'', retrieved May 10, 2007[http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/cgi-local/DHI/dhi.cgi?id=dv1-49] *University of Virginia: Dictionary of the History of Ideas: ''Church as an Institution'', retrieved May 10, 2007[http://etext.lib.virginia.edu/cgi-local/DHI/dhi.cgi?id=dv1-50] *''Christianity and the Roman Empire'', Ancient History Romans, BBC Home, retrieved May 10, 2007[http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/christianityromanempire_article_01.shtml] *''Orthodox Church'', MSN Encarta, retrieved May 10, 2007[http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761572657_6/Orthodox_Church.html] * Catechism of the Catholic Church[http://www.vatican.va/archive/catechism/p123a9p3.htm] * Robert G. Stephanopoulos. The Greek (Eastern) Orthodox Church in America. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Retrieved on 2007-08-01. [http://www.goarch.org] * Mark Gstohl, Theological Perspectives of the Reformation, ''The Magisterial Reformation'', retrived May 10, 2007[http://www.reformationhappens.com/movements/magisterial] * J. Faber, ''The Catholicity of the Belgic Confession'', Spindle Works, The Canadian Reformed Magazine 18 (Sept. 20-27, Oct. 4-11, 18, Nov. 1, 8, 1969) - [http://spindleworks.com/library/faber/008_theca.htm] *Boise State University: History of the Crusades: ''The Fourth Crusade''[http://crusades.boisestate.edu/4th] *United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: ARTICLE 9 "I BELIEVE IN THE HOLY CATHOLIC CHURCH": 830-831[http://www.usccb.org/catechism/text/pt1sect2chpt3art9p3.htm]: Provides Roman Catholic interpretations of the term ''catholic'' *Kenneth D. Whitehead, ''Four Marks of the Church'', EWTN Global Catholic Network[http://www.ewtn.com/faith/Teachings/churb2.htm] *''Unity (as a Mark of the Church)'', New Advent[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/15179a.htm] *''Apostolic Succession'', The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition. 2001-05.[http://www.bartleby.com/65/ap/apostSuc.html] *Gerd Ludemann, ''Heretics: The Other Side of Early Christianity'', Westminster John Knox Press, 1st American ed edition (August 1996), ISBN-10: 0664220851, ISBN-13: 978-0664220853 *''From Jesus to Christ: Maps, Archaeology, and Sources: Chronology'', PBS, retrieved May 19, 2007[http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion/maps/cron.html] *Anderson, Robert A., ''Church of God? or the Temples of Satan: A reference book of Spiritual understanding and Gnosis'', TGS Publishers, Texas, 2006. ISBN 0-9786249-6-3. * Bannerman, James, ''The Church of Christ: A treatise on the nature, powers, ordinances, discipline and government of the Christian Church', Still Waters Revival Books, Edmonton, Reprint Edition May 1991, First Edition 1869. * Grudem, Wayne, ''Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine'', Inter-Varsity Press, Leicester, England, 1994. * Kuiper, R.B., ''The Glorious Body of Christ'', The Banner of Truth Trust, Edinburgh, 1967 * Mannion, Gerard and Mudge, Lewis (eds.), ''The Routledge Companion to the Christian Church'', 2007 [[Category:Christian history]] [[Category:Christian group structuring]] [[Category:Christian denominations]] [[fa:گرایش‌های مسیحی]] [[simple:One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church]] [[zh:基督教會]]