Christ Through the Ages, 26: The Later Middle Ages

<p>For additional notes and resources check out Douglas’ <a href="https://www.douglasjacoby.com/christ-through-the-ages-26-the-later-middle-ages/" target="_blank"><strong>website.</strong></a></p><p>Doctrinal development and changing views of Christ</p><ul><li>Changes occur slowly, accumulating incrementally. Probably most people never even noticed.</li><li>But in the 4th century the church rockets into worldliness.<ul><li>Majority authentic disciples -> only the minority (Matthew 7).</li><li>At odds with the world -> friends with the world (James 4).</li><li>Apostolic message authoritative -> Roman message reinterprets and adds to the message.</li><li>The church “baptizes” pagan practices, attitudes, etc. – creative and certainly pragmatic, but what about authentic  Christian culture?</li><li>If we want to locate a pivotal date, perhaps 325 (Nicaea) or 381 (Christianity the official imperial religion)</li></ul></li></ul><p>Mary</p><ul><li>Mother of God, Ephesus, 431 AD</li><li>West (Catholic and Orthodox Christianity) v.  East (Church of the East, 400s+)</li><li>The stern Christ (his mother is more approachable)</li><li>She will be understood as Queen of Heaven (see Jeremiah 7:8. 4417-19, 25)), and become a <i>de facto</i> goddess.</li></ul><p>Accommodation</p><ul><li>Many martyrs are venerated, and days are assigned to remember them.</li><li>Saint days take over pagan holidays.</li><li>Many pagan customs are accepted, after minor tweaking, as Christian traditions.</li></ul><p>Eucharist</p><ul><li>A spectacle</li><li>The cup eventually forbidden to the laity.</li><li>Eucharist brings luck -- even when committing a crime!</li></ul><p>Violence</p><ul><li>Christus Victor</li><li>Inquisition (13th century +)</li><li>Christ of the Crusades</li><li>Papal bodyguards and armies</li><li>Meditation on <strong>Matthew 5:9</strong>.<ul><li>Blessed are the peacemakers.</li><li>How does the medieval Christ square with Jesus' teaching and character?<ul><li>Jesus' treatment of outsiders?</li><li>Jesus' teaching about enemies (l