The Emergence of the Bishop

In class today, we wrapped up our section on the church before Constantine. What struck me about this period of the church was the powerful emergence of the bishop--a distinctive task for a particular person, discernible from the laity--who shaped theology and practice in light of emerging conflicts (schism, heresy, persecution, etc.). An interesting study would be one that compares the bishop of the pre-Constantine church of the bishop of the early 21st century--would there be discernible differences? Would there be discernible commonalities? This is just something to think about. 

The Church before Constantine

I found Wednesday's class discussion to be most interesting, particularly in light of the early church's transformation toward something more concrete. As the Didache may attest, the church was developing a teaching and a form, an identity pre-Constantine that was honed and sharpened in the crucible of martyrdom. More to come later. 

The Early Church Revisited

Today in class, we revisited the material we have covered regarding the early church. One thing that impresses me about the early church is their plurality. Coming from multiple contexts, the early church took shape as a network of many different communions. Despite this multiphrenicity, however, the early church maintained common bonds of grace and practice, knowing themselves as the body of Christ, the people of God, the temple of God, and the like. They were a people from every tribe and tongue, fashioned together as an instrument of God's work upon the world. That, I think, is a cool thing.

The Early Church

Today we discussed the multiplicity of church expressions that categorized the early church. These early groups were formed in the midst of particular cultural expressions, though knitted together through the common experience of the Lord's presence. I wonder how folks in the midst of a multiplicity of cultures (the contemporary setting) might learn to be sensitive to the sociological realities around them, while at the same time honoring the bond of universal faith? After our brief encounter with the early church, I began to think about the importance of an ecumenical sharing--a gathering of gifts and abilities that could function together toward allegiance to the kingdom of God. 

Looking toward Paul

In this class session, we summarized our discussion concerning Jesus and the church. It is amazing how we often look at the framework Jesus provides for his people and almost glamorize those early followers who took up his mission. I think it is very easy to forget how the early church struggled with issues very similar to our own--they were people dependent upon the grace of Christ, just as much as we are. I look forward to discussing more about Peter and Paul, particularly within their socio-political context. See you next time.

Jesus and the Church Re-visited

In class on Wednesday, we watched a video that attempted to portray Jesus in light of the socio-historical context of the early first century. Jesus' message, re-contextualized, was illuminated for its political and religious potency, and re-cast as a highly subversive message. 

What was also interesting (to me) about this class session was Ryan's description of a prayer practice he has undertaken with his children. Each day, Ryan prays that his children will demonstrate a particular practice of Jesus' kingdom--from peacemaking, to sharing, and the like. I like this, and wonder if there are ways by which I might assume this practice with my family and friends.

Jesus and the Church

Today in class, we began the discussion about "Jesus and the Church." We began with a brief rundown of Jesus' counter-cultural focus: a re-definition of what it means to be the people of God. This new definition was encapsulated in Jesus' ultimate theme--the kingdom of God has come near. Jesus' theme has dramatic implications for what it means to be the church. In a sense, the church becomes a tangible representation of God at work in the world. This made sense to his Jewish audience, whose structures of church (temple, synagogue, home) made all space sacred. Today, folks who desire to re-create this sacred space attempt to utilize the practices of their predecessors in the same way--reconnecting to the tangible witness that the church and synagogue can be in new cultural settings.

Getting to know each other

This afternoon, some classmates and I sat down together and talked about the faith traditions and experiences that have shaped our lives. We attempted to cover the entire gamut--the nature of our different churches, their structures, liturgical expressions, etc. I find these kinds of discussions (those regarding different faith traditions) to be deeply enriching, and look forward to the ongoing conversation that this quarter will offer. More to come soon.