Tag: Church

Before 300: Pre-Constantinian Christianity

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It is often asserted that the Catholic Church was founded by the Constantine, who was Emperor of the Roman Empire from AD 306-337. A couple of weeks ago, a lady named Monica made such an assertion and in earlier post I pointed out some of the problems with such a theory.

However, today I would like to do something a little different… In this post I would like to set forth the positive historical case for the existence of the Catholic Faith in the generations prior to Constantine. I will show how twenty-one different Catholic doctrines were taught long before Constantine rose to power:

  1. The Church is Catholic
  2. The Church has a three-fold structure of leadership
  3. There is unity through episcopal authority and schism is evil
  4. Sacred Tradition is authoritative
  5. Worship is liturgical
  6. There is Apostolic Succession
  7. Peter has Primacy
  8. The Eucharist is a Sacrifice
  9. Jesus is truly present in the Eucharist
  10. The Eucharist is taken to the sick
  11. Infants are to be baptized
  12. Baptism actually washes away sin
  13. Priests forgive sins
  14. Works are involved in salvation
  15. Prayers are said for the dead
  16. There is purgation after death
  17. Relics are venerated and Saints are celebrated
  18. Mary is the New Eve
  19. Mary was a perpetual virgin
  20. Mary is the Mother of God
  21. Prayers are made and songs are sung to Mary

I will demonstrate these early Christian belief by looking at primary sources alone and restricting myself to writings produced prior to AD 300.

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Weedy Christians and Odd Fish

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I’ve had quite a few conversations recently where I’ve referenced two of Christ’s parables. In the process of having these discussions, I’ve started to see the importance of these stories and seen the need for every Christian to spend some time with them to grasp the truths they contain, particularly with regards to the nature of the Church. Both of these parables are found in Chapter 13 of Matthew’s Gospel, in the section known as “The Parables Discourse”…

Parables

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Wise Words on Wednesday: Fed or entertained?

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Are you not entertained

Many say that they weren’t being fed. In all honesty, however, many of them would have to admit they weren’t being entertained, or made to feel special, or welcomed warmly enough after Mass. They grumble and they complain.

I know what I’m talking about. I know the pressure of having to bring in a better singing group next month than the one that visited last month. I know what would happen if my preaching ever weakened or if my smile wasn’t natural enough: People would leave and go find a better preacher, a more exciting worship experience, more comfortable pews, or more programs for the kids. I know this for a fact.

– Jeff Cavins,  “I’m not being fed!”

Wise Words on Wednesday: Democratic Church

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Houses of Parliament

For those who come to theological conclusions by putting their finger in the air to test the various options, Jesus gives us an example by first asking the Apostles what others think of him. Notice that all their answers were wrong. How often do we look to the opinion of others rather than seek out His authority for answers? Knowing that the Father would reveal the correct answer, Jesus asks them the most important question, “But who do you say that I am?”

– Jeff Cavins, “I’m not being fed!”

But what about Church Scandal?

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I was recently corresponding with someone who kept bringing up the recent scandals in the Catholic Church. Here’s how I replied:

Your constant refrain concerning scandal in the Church suggests to me that this is a significant issue for you. It’s understandable. It is for many people. In fact, during the early centuries of Christianity this was an extremely important and controversial question: should those who denied Christ under persecution, or who surrendered the Holy Scriptures to be burnt, be readmitted to the Church if they repented? Should those ordained members who renounced their faith be able to return to ministry? There was a schismatic group called the Donatists who said “Absolutely not!”  

At the heart of the matter was the question: what is the Church? The Donatists viewed the Church as a Museum of Saints. The Catholic Church rejected this limited and narrow understanding. Instead, She said that the Church was a Hospital for Sinners. She would therefore readmit fallen away Christians if they repented.

As a consequence, the Church often looks (and smells!) like a hospital. The Church is full of medicine, nurses and doctors, but She is also full of damaged people and the walking wounded. There are often outbreaks of disease. It often doesn’t look pleasant, but it is the best place to be for those who need healing. For this, I’m grateful, otherwise I fear I could never be admitted.

Hospital

Wise Words on Wednesday: Dysfunctional Families

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Dysfunctional Family

Sure, there are problems in the Church, but what family doesn’t have problems? Noah had problems, Moses had problems, David had problems, and so did Saul. But this is why we need as much of Christ as we can get. There simply is no greater source of grace in the world than the Eucharist. Humble yourself before the King of Kings and allow Him to satisfy your soul. He died to feed you. – Jeff Cavins, “I’m not being fed!”

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