The Origins of the Christian Church: A Journey Through Time

The Christian Church has a rich and complex history spanning over 2,000 years. From its humble beginnings in ancient Palestine to its current global presence, the Church has evolved significantly over time. We all have a personal account of our experience with this faith. And most of us are subject to a culture that identifies itself as Christian. Coloring many aspects of our agreed-upon society to center Christian beliefs including law and order. In my own encounters with these churches, it became obvious that there is a sense of urgency in their message. Polarized of course between the Jesus followers and the GOD of vengance worshipers.

In the United States, As of 2018-2019, 65% of American adults identified as Christians, down 12 percentage points from the previous decade. Meanwhile, the religiously unaffiliated share of the population rose to 26%, up from 17% in 2009. Protestantism and Catholicism are experiencing losses of population. The decline of Christianity in the US continues at a rapid pace. Mainly because of the Christian Deconstruction Movement. Folks that are actively trying to question and understand the origins of their faith especially because of religious trauma.

In this blog post, we will explore the origins of the Christian Church, highlighting key dates, places, and individuals who played a crucial role in its development. We will also examine what the Church has become in the 21st century. This is just highlighting the most well-known information about the consensus on Jesus and its church. This PBS documentary gives an interesting recap of what we know so far. Keep in mind the language and purpose of these videos. Now more than ever we can corroborate these details or dismiss them as pure mythology.

Early Christianity (1st century AD)

* Jesus Christ (c. 4 BC - 30 AD): The founder of Christianity, who preached about the Kingdom of God and was crucified, buried, and resurrected.

* Apostles (1st century AD): Jesus' closest followers, including Peter, John, and Paul, who spread his teachings and established early Christian communities.

* Jerusalem (33 AD): The site of the first Christian Church, where the apostles preached and performed miracles.

The Early Church (1st - 5th century AD)

* Council of Nicaea (325 AD): Emperor Constantine convened this council to establish the Nicene Creed, a fundamental statement of Christian belief.

* Constantine the Great (272 - 337 AD): Roman Emperor who legalized Christianity and became a convert himself.

* Augustine of Hippo (354 - 430 AD): An influential theologian and philosopher who shaped Christian doctrine.

Middle Ages (5th - 15th century AD)

* The Great Schism (1054 AD): The Eastern (Orthodox) and Western (Catholic) Churches split, leading to separate traditions.

* Crusades (1095 - 1291 AD): Military campaigns to reclaim the Holy Land from Muslim control.

* Thomas Aquinas (1225 - 1274 AD): A Dominican friar who synthesized Christian theology with Aristotelian philosophy.

Reformation and Beyond (16th century - present)

* Martin Luther (1483 - 1546 AD): A German monk who sparked the Protestant Reformation, challenging Catholic authority.

* John Calvin (1509 - 1564 AD): A French theologian who developed the doctrine of predestination.

* Missionary movements (18th - 20th century AD): Christianity spread globally, with missionaries establishing churches in Africa, Asia, and the Americas.

21st Century Christianity

* Globalization: Christianity has become a global religion, with diverse expressions and practices.

* Ecumenism: Efforts towards unity and cooperation among different Christian denominations and traditions.

* Contemporary issues: The Church grapples with topics like same-sex marriage, women's ordination, and social justice.

The Christian Church has undergone numerous transformations since its inception. From its early days in Jerusalem to its current global presence, the Church has been shaped by countless individuals, events, and theological debates. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the Church continues to evolve, seeking to remain relevant and faithful to its core message of love, redemption, and salvation. While wrestling with the challenges of abusive environments, manipulation, and sexual abuse from the part of the church. The time has come to deal with these challenges. Make the countless wrongs right and make sure places of worship are safe for those who want to have a community of like-minded people live in peace with its own congregation and the neighbors they serve regardless of faith color and creed. What do you think?