History of Christianity

The origin of Christianity dates back to the middle of the first century. AD The emergence of this religion was associated with the difficult living conditions of the people in Palestine, who sought solace in the new faith for themselves. The attendants of the cult associate the appearance of Christianity with the preaching work of Jesus Christ.

The history of Christianity, according to the teachings of representatives of the clergy, begins with the descent of the Holy Spirit on the apostles, who began to preach the teaching of Christ in different cities and localities. There were five societies in different territories, which became known as Churches. They were the Jerusalem, Antioch, Alexandrian, Roman and Constantinople Churches, equal to each other.

The first Christians were ancient Jews (according to the former world view - Jews). After the fall of Jerusalem, a period of persecution against Christians by the Romans, who were then pagans. Their values completely disagreed with Christian postulates (luxury versus asceticism, pride against humility, etc.). Christianity preached abstinence, monotheism, freedom, called for mercy. All this contradicted the way of life of the ancient Romans, which led to a complete ban on the emerging doctrine. The followers of Jesus were tortured and executed until the year 313, when Emperor Constantine officially called Christianity a state religion.

The history of Christianity since apostolic times is associated with the Holy Fathers and teachers of the Church. Fathers of the church are writers, famous for the holiness of their own lives. Teachers of the Church are writers who were not saints, but were devoted to the faith, defended it from heretics and false prophets.

For the need to resolve complex or controversial issues for a long time, the Councils were convened. The first was held in 51 and was called the Apostolic. Later, following his example, the Ecumenical Councils began to be convened . They were attended by the chief bishops and other representatives of all the churches, who were equal in status to the councils. Decisions with common decisions were recorded in the Book of Canons, which became part of the teaching of the Church.

The first Ecumenical Council was held in 325 in Nicaea, the second - in Constantinople. They were approved by the Symbol of Faith. The last (7th) took place in 787, the same as the first, in Nicaea. It approved the use of icons.

From its very inception, the history of Christianity is associated with the Holy Books that are part of the Holy Scriptures.

Since the beginning of the existence of the Christian teaching in the Roman church, a pronounced desire for primacy has emerged. The reason for this was the glory of the Roman Empire, in which the teaching of this church was spread. In 1054, it separated from other churches and became known under the name of the Roman Catholic. The remaining churches began to call themselves Orthodox, to emphasize adherence to the original teaching.

After 1054 the Orthodox Christian church did not introduce any innovations into its teaching. Within its framework, new national churches-daughters began to appear. Over time, they gained complete independence. For example, the Russian Orthodox Church, the Church of Constantinople and others appeared. They worshiped in local languages.

After the split, the Catholic Church introduced a number of changes in the tradition of Christianity. There were 14 "Ecumenical Councils". Other churches were present, and therefore they were not recognized. There appeared the doctrine of celibacy (celibacy), the Julian calendar was replaced by the Gregorian calendar (there were changes in the dates of the celebration of Easter). The 8th Symbol of the Faith was changed, many posts (abridged or even abolished). There appeared the doctrine of the infallibility of the popes.

All this led to the emergence of new teachings, the departure of people from the Roman Church and the emergence of new Protestant churches, which continued the history of Christianity. They left only the Holy Scriptures from the former religious canons, having refused confessions, icons, fasts, veneration of the saints.