CRITIQUE OF THE BOOK, “FOUR VIEWS ON HELL”

A BOOK REVIEW SUBMITTED TO

DR.  TIMOTHY CHONG

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE CLASS

SYSTEMATIC THEOLOGY II

THEO 530

LIBERTY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY

BY

JUSTIN LOWRY

Introduction to the Critique:

The word, “Hell” can scare both believers and non-believers… Therefore, this topic is very uncomfortable for many to talk about openly in our culture today. Some churches here in the US don’t bring up the topic very often, because it can run some away that have had a bad experience at church or just that they too are too uncomfortable with the topic, that they shy away from coming back to church, all denominations apply here.

So why does something the Bible say, make us so uncomfortable? We, as the church can’t shy away from this topic, because the Gospel isn’t fully engaged without the consequences in the text about what or why we would go to hell. How literal is the word Hell and how do we interpret what the Bible is saying about Hell?

¹We will learn here about four main theological doctrines, which are found in, “Four View on Hell” by Grudem and Crockett. We will see the breakdown of each view and the difference in which stance or interpretations they take on. We can’t really know what side is right or wrong, all we can do is take the information presented and make our own suggestions or opinions. We must find in all of these views, what the Bible says about them. That is the most important aspect in all of this, what scripture says about this, not humans.

Key Points/Background Info on Stances:

¹We get to see the very interesting and intriguing view-points from John F. Walvoord, Crockett, Zachary J. Hayes, and Clark H. Pinnock, which all come from very different backgrounds and beliefs, which will be interesting to see. Walvoord, one of the most well respected scholars, is one that takes the literal meaning of Hell being a fiery torment and everlasting state. Crockett, who is on the side of Walvoord, believes that this should be interpreted metaphorically. ¹

¹Hayes believes that Hell is a purgatory of sorts and Pinnock believes there is a total destruction with view of hell. We are going to see with all of these positions, that there is biblical truth provided and philosophical arguments within each scholar’s viewpoint. Each writer will give the views in an eschatology, which will be followed by the author’s contributions in the works. The reader will then be able to see all of the information laid out fairly to make his/her own interpretation and opinion.

Literal View:

¹Walvoord argues that there is an everlasting punishment for the wrong doers and the wicked. This is eternal, non-redemptive state, which is not a single period of time for transgressions or “purgatory”. Walton on the other hand, states that this is presented in both NT and OT to be true. The inter-testament period proves this to be endless. We see that his argument is one that takes on the “literal” meaning of hell in his agreement with the interpretation. ¹

METAPHORICAL VIEW:

¹Crockett’s beliefs are inline with Walvoord and Pinnock, but Crockett insists that Walvoord is mistaken that his views on hell are exactly that of fire and of a furnace burning intensely like we know here on earth. Crockett on the hand in his own theological interpretation of Walvoord’s ideas leaves out the literal interpretation of hell. Also, Crockett believes that we are to treat each of the views in the images of hell to be undefined and attainable in the human status we know today. Symbolism is Crockett’s viewpoint, which have to do with the words darkness and burning. He states that scripture depicts the literal meanings of Heaven and hell as real places that bring happiness or torment.

PURGATORIAL VIEW:

¹Hayes, with his Roman Catholic background, contends that we shouldn’t just focus on hell but we should rely on the fact that we are far from perfect, needing God and that we are far from what Christ who is, perfection. Hayes takes on the Catholic Theologians to prove his works- based arguments for what the idea of Hell actually is and that purgatory exists.

CONDITIONAL VIEW:

¹We then end the book with Pinnock giving his view on hell, which is conditional. Pinnock believes that the reality of hell is scriptural and just… but contends that this is not within the character of God. He states, ”We are to fully understand the character of God and the misinterpretation of God”, that us humans take on daily. He argues with 1 Tim 6, that God alone, is immortal and is the only one that can grant this status.² He states, that God offers the gift of immortality and those that reject his name with be punished eternally. “This is final and just with God.” The actual place and term for hell is a chamber of torture, but doesn’t down play the state in which the word hell is taken seriously, which we sometimes like to do as humans…

My Thoughts:

¹To most that are reading, Walvoord’s view on hell is the most traditional view and one that most can identify with. His word study adds the substance to which his argument, although we can’t just throw out his interpretation of hell being an existence of a fiery flame consuming bodies.¹ With his interpretation there is no room for leaving the realm of the literacy of the interpretation, which are the fulfillments of prophecy. Pinnock is one that states not all scriptures are themselves in fact literal. Some are stories and some are other interpretations by previous scholars. Pinnock is also controversial in that his discussion on the literal form of hell can be discussed for the purpose of weighing the biblical-non-biblical reasons and pragmatic teachings of hell. Crockett holds that Walvoord’s points are not of a caring spirit, but that of a teacher that is straight to the point. Like many in his time, would not scare people in to believing, but keep the integrity of the Bible and its teachings.

¹Crockett’s view- metaphorically the opposite of Walvoord’s, yet they are alike more often then not. They both refute the purgatory beliefs and the destruction possibilities within the views and together, they both argue eternal punishment. Crockett believes we can’t know what Hell will be like, because we can’t know or fathom the idea the actual place. Walvoord sees the literal meaning of hell being that of burning flesh and darkness. We are taken to the words of Jesus and his symbolic words to understand the discussion in which his arguments follow. Like scripture says over and over again, those that call out for Him, will be thrown out or spit out, which Crockett concludes his argument with.

¹Hayes brings his own twist in that he doesn’t say much on hell, but points us to Roman Catholic historical and theological backgrounds of purgatory. Works-based theology is key here…, which is obvious to see with his statements about purgatory in his statements above. With no real support from the cannon, Hayes points his discussion to the Roman Catholic beliefs of justification and grace, which eliminates the view from the Protestant background and beliefs.³

⁴Pinnock seems to fall outside the realm of normal orthodox teachings of hell. Pinnock’s frustrations and irritation lead him down a path that would bring him and others consequences that would almost ultimately have him thrown out of the ETS, Geisler’s resignation kept him in or we wouldn’t even be having this discussion.  This whole story makes him guilty of his errors in biblical interpretation.

²Yet, he does openly appeal to believers to why God would create such a place for punishment, which Walvoord and Crockett have agreed on. Also, why he believes that those that are not found accepted by God and handed the rights to mercy will indeed be destroyed. Pinnock believes that God is justified to permanently destroy the worst, because of the free will the human has made, only because he can’t constructively identify that good and evil can exist in the afterlife. This can be seen to one that agrees with these statements as what Christ wouldn’t do…

CONCLUSION

Very confusing topic, ⁵Francis Chan takes on this topic very seriously and is very informative source as well. We don’t discuss this topic enough in church, because of it past usage of “doom and gloom”. It was unclear in my research, which is the right way to view this and maybe it my fault. There is so much information to cover here, that a paper can’t cover or give it the attention it deserves. We have to be clear on our position and the position the scholars are taking here, for those that are called in to question given the possibility of biblical inerrancy.

Chan takes on hell with this in scripture…

²“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

⁵I had to use this, because I see such an importance here. Despite what the motive is, we all have an inclination to wonder ourselves if there is a literal meaning of hell. We might find it hard to find the faithfulness to scripture, because of our own desires for others fate alone. We can’t ignore the warning and minimize what the book of truth says about this topic. We can’t silence God in this, because there is undoubtedly, a consequence for not receiving God’s grace in the end.  Within all of this, we must interpret the bible for what is says and means to understand the heart of God. Without taking the literal meaning out, we find that Chan has studied this matter and checked his sources through and through to serve the purpose of explaining this subject. It is literal and this is in line with Crockett’s interpretation.

While we can’t fully know, God will show his will to us in time. He will show those that don’t believe that there is a place for them and that he is sovereign and just in His own way. No one can corrupt or change the position God takes. We, as his followers, have a responsibility to allow God to be just that… Sovereign in his own eschatological filled prophecy.

Chan’s final thoughts in his chapter three…“We are bound by the words of the Creator, the One who will do what is right. The One who invented justice and knows perfectly what the unbeliever deserves. God has never asked us to figure out His justice or to see if His way of doing things is morally right. He has only asked us to embrace His Word and bow the knee, to tremble at His word, as Isaiah says (66:2)”⁵

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

1- Walvoord, John F., Zachary J. Hayes, and Clark H. Pinnock. Four Views on Hell. Edited by Stanley N. Gundry and William Crockett. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1996.

2- Zodhiates, Spiros. The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament. Electronic ed. Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers, 2000.

3- Pyne, Robert A. “Book Reviews.” In Bibliotheca Sacra Volume 150, 500. 600. Dallas, TX: Dallas Theological Seminary, 1993.

4- Pinnock, Clark H.. “The Destruction of the Finally Impenitent.” Criswell Theological Review 4

5- Chan, Francis; Preston Sprinkle (2011). Erasing Hell: What God said about eternity, and the things we made up. David C. Cook. ISBN 978-0781407250.

6- Duffy, R. Michael. “Book Reviews.” In Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society Volume 07, 75-76. 1. Irving, TX: Grace Evangelical Society, 1994.

Geisler, Norman. Why I Resigned from the Evangelical Theological Society. 2003. http://www.normangeisler.net/etsresign.htm (accessed February 26, 2010).

7- http://www.walvoord.com/author_bio.php?author_id=1. John F. Walvoord: Theologian.Educator. Author. 2007 (accessed February 26, 2010).

The past couple of months have been interesting in my life. I have been working hard in school as well as work. The things I have seen here in Memphis are sometimes unbelievable… and sometimes they are great. You get my drift. I see so much need for what my age group is searching for. I myself am not immune to the lifestyles and choices other people might make. When you put yourself in the lion’s din, you will eventually get eaten. I have been going to churches, bars and restaurants around here, trying to understand the culture in which I live in… def having a lot of great conversations. The reason I have been doing this is that “we” as a whole ,are missing in the community, (20-30′s). “We” as a church body are suffering from the effects of what this culture in Memphis has experiences in the past with the word church. Kids, teens and young adults are running in the opposite direction of the Love that is available. I have seen more drug activity presently than I ever have, but I have hope that something can change…

All of this, when I look around at the scenery of girls wearing almost nothing in the pursuit of acceptance and love…. and the guys being, well… guys every weekend, boils down to one thing… A bunch of hurt. We all hurt and sometimes the consequence of that hurt is the consequence and which makes us  think that we are incapable of being loved. If our definition of Love is wrapped up in the opposite sex and what they can give us, then we have a distorted view on what love really is. 

For instance, I had a conversation with a guy the other day, that was twice my size and looked like he could tear my head off at any point, and bodly I asked him, “Bro, Is it hard for you to receive love?” He looked at me like no one had ever spoken to him like this and said, “Yes.” So my point was made to myself, no matter what our stories are or what we think we are on the outside, it’s just a facade for people to think we are something  that we are not. I told that dude, “Bro. You are loved without all of this and you have a purpose in this life… We just have to get all of the mess and junk out to find it.” It was awesome to walk away from that conversation, knowing that I might have encouraged him to change one thing in his life. Just one! That’s all it takes. One change in the pattern or addiction to move towards Him. I am not writing this to make you think I am hero or villain. I am sharing this with you, to pray for this city. Pray for me in this city. We need your prayers. 

Change… Is change a hard thing  for you? See if you can change one thing about your day and see what happens. Change the perception of the world you might currently have…  change the image in which the world sees you. Do something good for your brother and sister in this life… Listen, we all have giving hearts and love that is trying to find its way to our hearts… We just have to remove the junk to let what is good back in. I am not perfect, I am a flawed man, but I do care and I love my Jesus. I hope this reaches you well. J

1. “Therefore be followers of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us (Eph 5:1)
2. “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith … ” (1 Tim 1:15)
3. “Let all that you do be done with love.” (1 Cor 16:14)
4. “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together … ” (Heb 10:24)
5. “Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling … ” (1 Peter 3:8)

“Living by the Book”, educates us, that there are in fact issues we must address in the church as well as “us”, the readers. We find that Bible Study is a key motivation in growing through what the Bible says and a community of people that strive for the same goal, Christ. (Hedrick’s) This motivates the group to hear the Gospel, understand the background and interpret the teaching, and then as we gain the wisdom, helps us apply that wisdom. Accountability is another application that can be helpful in our spiritual growth.

Like you, I find it’s hard to “make” the time or keep the discipline to stay in the word constantly. I find other things to do try and distract me from spending time in the word. Hendricks’s recognizes these facts and helps us understand why we don’t want to spend time with the word and why it is relevant in today’s society to spend time with God’s word. We live in the United States, where reading the Bible can be tough, because of our influences. Living by the Book explains the reasons and lame excuses we might have not to spend to in the word. We as a nation don’t depend on the word like many different nations or countries, because of our lifestyles and luxuries. This is NOT a luxury, the word and the ability to read the Bible is the only thing we should hold on too. (Hendricks) Living by the book will help the reader understand the Word of the Living God, what fruit we can experience and the application, which makes all of this effective in our community. These guys do a great job of explaining the application process in a Bible Study for all walks of life.

There is something to learn from this study in how to study, no matter which person or background, from a pastor that has heard it his whole life, to a student that knows it all and needs direction, to the married couple struggling as well as the new Christian desiring to be lead well throughout his walk. Our goal in this is to listen to the spirit, apply the teachings and CHANGE lives in the process.

Application, previously mentioned is much more than a bunch of rules or behavior management. What we live by is way more than what our words do… We can say anything that we have heard from others who have experienced the change in their lives, but even if we are teaching someone our wisdom it has no impact until others see it as an example for them to live it out. We must deny ourselves as well as our desires to be true followers of Christ. (Matt 16) Our thoughts lead our actions, so if change that then we can truly be justified through him in the lifestyle and commitment to HIM through that change. We must take up the Cross and follow Him and the main instrument is the Bible and its contents in this process. Observation, evaluation and interpretation are the main things the reader is asked to do in the text of “Living by the Book.” We are taught to look at scripture in this manner to discern what we have read in the research throughout scripture. Additionally, historical data and cultural backgrounds are articulated to the reader in his/her findings.

As the reader, we find the many different ways to compare the texts and to make sure that our interpretations match up to the proper interpretation or exegesis. Scripture does not confuse or conflict, so if you are conflicted as the reader, you probably have the wrong interpretation, which Hedrick’s helps us dissolve. Lastly, we learn really be honest with ourselves and ask ourselves this, “Are my heart and actions lining up with what is really happening in this life?” We neglect the application so much as Christians, that we must make this a “Homerun” for us in the conclusion of the text. Behavior management, memorizing scripture and laws are NOT the goal here, letting Jesus work through community and loving conviction are. There are several applications that I will use through my life and study groups. I can’t be too quick to jump to conclusions or interpretations. I must meditate on Scripture, while letting the love of Christ manifest in me. Making my actions, become his actions.

Conclusion

This is a great book that will I use and recommend to my small group and church. This is an easy read that makes it simple for the young or old reader to understand and apply the process taught by Hendricks. We must make the time to take these teachings, bringing them to the table, receiving the love and wisdom from those who understand the process in this text. We have to be careful in being so result driven. We must interpret the correct meanings to teach the process to ensure we bring up life changing disciples.

Bibliography

Hendrick, Howard G. and Hendricks, William D. Living by the Book: The Art And Science of Reading the Bible, Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2007.
The New Oxford Annotated Bible: With the Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books, New Revised Standard Version. Michael D. Coogan, editor. New York: Oxford UP, 2001. Print.

Evangelism Vision Paper submitted to Dr. Robert Cowman In partial fulfillment of the Requirements for EVAN 565

By

Justin Lowry

August 19, 2011

INTRODUCTION

God… Is he who we tell everyone he is? Do we really believe in him? Do we think that He can do ALL things through His son that was sent to save us? This question was brought to my attention in a video from Charles Stanley. Do people look at God the way I do and do they see Jesus through my actions. The answer to God is yes, but we all fail and we all go through this life with “stuff”. No matter what your position is. We believe that is hell is real and eternity is something to be attained, then why are there kids, students, parents, and church people dying and going to Hell. Our focus must be on the cross and what we can do to bring people to that point.

Pivotal Circumstances

When we go through a course like this, there were opportunities that I had, that I didn’t take and it was very convicting for me to see the lack in action I was taking in Evangelism. I started praying to God that He would humble me and my actions towards him and see that I am not worthy of his love and that it is a daily process to have blessing through and from Him. Jesus spoke of the lambs and the servant to go and find the lost lamb… I need to take this more serious in my own accord. In the morality or viewpoint of what I think God has left me here to do, I am to call to those who are lost and share the Gospel with any and all that don’t know the love I share with Lord. In Acts, we learn that we are to go to all nations and make disciples. Many churches have named this their mission statement. Some just throw a program around and some actually get it. This isn’t about numbers… this is about relationships. We were made to be in relationship with him and share this with others. I love mission work and I wish I could do more with my time in missions, but even in my own life, I am guilty of not making time to serve. Many Americans don’t have a clue, just how GOOD we have it here in this land. I met a Chinese student and she asked me, “Why don’t more Americans go to church?” She is coming from a government that doesn’t allow freedom and one that denies God in front of the entire world. Church is not just a building, but a “place” that even after Jesus was gone from this world his disciples continued to go to temples to pray and worship. It was a proven system. The Jews started this system and it worked. Jesus gave no one instructions to go there; this was a proven system that everyone in the community of other believers could relate too. Fay stated in his book, “Share Jesus without Fear” that a person needs to be touched 7.6 times with the Gospel before they will have the opportunity to believe in God. Sure, the number seven is significant, but it is ridiculous to put God in a box. We can’t control the Holy Spirit. We try, but we can’t. If you do the math, does that make any since? Fay is not my argument, but Faith and spreading the Gospel is. I think explaining 50 billion times, that Jesus is real would do the job, but its unrealistic. We need to count on prayer and the ONE that dies for us to make this happen.

I was challenged with three assignments that would stretch me over the course of this semester and it bothers me how much I don’t do, service being one of them. When I had to serve for an assignment, there was a humbling I didn’t expect. God said to my spirit, “Justin, this is what I have called you to be”. Who is my God really and who do I serve most in this world? Sadly, just like you, the answer is I. Service opens the door to what lies beneath the surface of broken people. Service is the key.

Sometimes we forget the trinity. We pray to God and we pray to Jesus, but what about the Holy Spirit that lives in us. This should be the one that we count on… We have this with us at all times and it can move us to do some extraordinary things or bring God to the forefront of what we are living in. Prayer in my life is essential. I have learned to put everything on the alter for God to figure out. Through the anger, hurt and tears in our lives, we all want to control people, places and events. Look at our daily lives… we keep schedules, stay on task, not trying to be distracted from what the “world” wants us to do. What does God want us to do? What is your mission statement? I gave my mother the book, Family to Family. The reason I gave it to her is to let her and my future stepdad see the way God intends family to be. What is the mission statement of your family? Our mission statement is to serve others, (believers or not), Love God and Love People. I hope that when I have a family God’s role for my family is to have the opportunity to give and to serve Him with the gifts that he gives us freely.

My mom is an inspiration in my life. She works so hard… She has had it rough, but still stays true to her faith. She intentionally gives free massages to people that can’t afford them. She takes her gift and spreads it to people that are going through tough times at home or in the work force. She tells me all the time about this service and I love it. She doesn’t go around telling everyone, but she shares it with me to be an encouragement for me to serve others, even when they may not deserve it. It opens the door for her to have conversations with customers about the Lord and all that He is to her.

VISION

I realized in this class that I take relationships and transition them in to spiritual matters pretty well. God gives us the gift of transparency and has taken the pride out of my life. I am still prideful at times, but when it comes down to it, I am an open book for anyone to learn from. Isn’t it funny, when you meet a person and you “click” just because…? Then later in the conversation you find out that they are Christians. There is a reason for that. We all share the same thing… That is the spirit living and expressing inside our hearts. My neighbor was cutting the grass the other day and like all men, we want it to be perfect. It’s a man thing. Anyways, he was having trouble with his weed eater and all the sudden; I saw my other neighbor (believer) go to my Muslim neighbor having trouble and gave him his that worked. This is an act of service. No words were needed. He just handed it to him, turned it on, and went back in his home. It was awesome. If I knew what or how a weed eater worked, I would have given him mine. It just wasn’t my time to serve my neighbor and friend that day, it was his. This was a great example of what Wheeler was talking about to be aware of your ability to serve and to aware of the opportunities we are given to show kindness, not asked for and nothing in return, but a sign of love for your neighbor.

FAMILY to FAMILY

Pipes and Lee’s book Family to Family there is a calling to have a focus to be what we are called to be… lovers of Him and truth. One of my passions is high school students and young adults. I love to meet a high school kid that doesn’t have a leader or family to show him or her the way. These days, churches will agree that dad’s just don’t know how to be dad’s. I don’t think it’s their fault at all, but we that pick up some of the pieces, know that God is sufficient to fill the voids in our own lives as well as others. Our communities are filled with single parents, bad kids, and people that don’t know the difference. It our gift that is given to us to change this pattern. In my own story, I was a 16-year-old freshman that all of my teachers wrote off. My 10^th grade Spanish teacher brought me a waffle house application one day and told me that I was going to be working there the rest of my life. He was right if I didn’t have the gift of men wrapping their arms around me and showing me the way. I pledge my life to help in the same way. I want to open a ministry for dads… I want to empower them to know what to be like biblically to their sons and daughters. I want to share with them the love that their father in heaven has for them. No matter what the situation is, it can always be fixed. Not to say there aren’t consequences to the things we fix in our lives, but to say that through Him all things are possible and He works for us that love him, Romans 8:28.

EVANGELISM and CHANGE

God has put on my heart the service of church. I want to start out planting a young adults ministry, then maybe a church. I don’t know what God has in store, but its going to be interesting in finding out the plan, Jeremiah 29:11. There are many people out there trying to make a change. Change is great, but what are we changing if we water it down? We can’t water down truth and God. We have to keep the integrity of what we are learning in seminary, churches, and small groups. I believe in small groups. Men and women doing life with each other is the way we make an impact in our communities.

I had the privilege off going to a church that believed in the model. North-Point church in Atlanta gets this right. We are called to be transparent and let love travel through brokenness. We are all bad at one point or another, but with accountability and obedience, we can be delivered. Deliverance from the evil one is what I pray for daily. I hope that I can bring that kind of change with others around me that believe in the same things.

I am currently not with a church. I haven’t planted myself anywhere here, because I am letting God figure this one out for me. I want to be on staff at a church to serve others, but God hasn’t pointed me in that direction. I know that he has given me the opportunity to meet with the young adult leaders of 20 or so churches for a reason, though I haven’t been painted a clear picture. I don’t just want to be on staff on somewhere, anyone can do that if they wait long enough. I think He is challenging me to do my own thing. Gather others around me to be a light for His kingdom. I don’t want to be some hero either. I am humbled by the fact that he wants to give me tools and has given me tools my whole life that lead me to the season. I hope that in the days, months and years no one sees me as a hero, but doing what I was called to do with a big personality, drive, courage and discipleship that He gave me and continues to grow in me daily.

SUMMING IT UP…

Through out this semester and the material I studied, I found to be relaxed with my life. What I mean is that I don’t have the urgency right now that it takes. I am not ashamed or discouraged by this, but encouraged from the text and teachers to always keep trying to do what is right.

My uncle, whom I respect dearly, told me this, “Justin, Do the next thing RIGHT!” Whatever it is, try to do what is right the next time you fail. I realized that I am not always thinking about my brothers and sisters that need to hear the truth. It isn’t that I am scared or ashamed of my faith in anyway, it’s the fear of rejection and pride I need to get over. I will strive to keep this on the forefront of my heart, spirit, and soul. I was given a tool during this class to better lead my family to be like when calls me to become a leader in that role.

I also plan to serve a lot more than I am, because of this class and the conviction my heart feels. I want to do everything He asks me to be.

I want to be in the chair of judgment with His hand on my shoulder saying to me, “Well done… My Good and faithful Servant… Well Done Son.”

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Wheeler, Richard Leach & David A. Minister to Others. Nashville, TN.: Lifeway, 2009.

Shepherd, William Fay with Linda Evans. Share Jesus Without Fear. Nashville, Tenn.:

B&H Books, 1999.

Pipes, Jerry, and Victor Lee. Family to Family: Leaving a Lasting Legacy.

Lawrenceville, GA: North American Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, 1999.

THE UNFOLDING STORY OF THE CHRISTIAN TRADITION

gathered by Christopher Page © cpage 2008INTRODUCTION

History is a process of story telling in which the story-teller attempts to understand and find meaning in the apparently random events of the past. A chronological list of dates is not history. At best it can be a skeleton in which the stories that make up real history may be oriented.

However, I am a “five” on the Enneagram. One of the fundamental illusions to which “fives” like to cling is that if we acquire enough information, we will come to understand life. Consequently, over the years of my study and reading, I have accumulated a long list of somewhat random historical dates, events and facts. Some of these pieces of information are important, some trivial. They have not been accumulated through systematic scholarly study, but rather through years of random reading.

My major areas of interest are the stories of my Christian tradition and the development of Christian spirituality. So this chronology centres around issues that relate primarily to Christian faith in its external manifestation as an institution known as the church. But it also attempts to raise up some of the important names in the inner spiritual Christian tradition that breathes life and light into the vessel of the church.

The fact that I am a lifelong Anglican and a Canadian accounts for some of the selections whose appearance in this list may seem odd or even a little perverse.

I am aware that Christian faith did not emerge in a historical vacuum. So I have attempted to include some dates that reach beyond the narrow confines of Christian faith. I have tried at times, though only in the slightest manner, to acknowledge other faith traditions and events in world history that correspond in time to major events in the Christian world.

Needless to say, all these dates and facts have not enabled me to understand anything. But, I believe that, as an aid to studying the great stories that make up the history, particularly of the church and Christian faith, this outline might be useful. I am not a historian, so there are no doubt mistakes in this chronology. Important items may well have been omitted and there may be some unnecessary repetition.

As I cannot completely surrender my conviction that accumulating accurate information may one day lead to some kind of insight, any additions or corrections that should be made would be appreciated and might be sent to christopherpage@telus.net.

June 2008

2

WORLD HISTORY BEFORE THE COMMON ERA

up to 10,000 – Paleolithic Period (“Old Stone Age”) 40,000 – earliest specimens of modern humans (homo sapiens) found in Africa 40,000 – first people migrate to America 20,000 – cave art flourishes in France & Spain 15,000 – cave art practiced in Brazil 10,000 – end of last ice age 9000 – beginnings of settled farming in Asia & Africa 7000 – walls of Jericho built 6500 – farming in Europe 6000 – rice cultivated in Thailand 4000 – first use of metal 3100 – Upper & Lower Egypt unite under King Menes 3000 – First Sumerian cities. Invention of writing (in Tigris, Euphrates, & Nile regions) 3000–2000 – Early Helladic Period 2800- pyramids of Giza begun 2700 – Gilgamesh reigns at Uruk 2500 – Minoan civilization in Crete

2500–600 – early Vedic period – Vedas– large corpus of ancient Indian texts circulating in oral form in Sanskrit, written down in 2nd c. BCE, supposed to have been directly revealed

2150-1650 – Middle Bronze Age 2100 – rise of Babylon

3

2100 – 1150 Middle & Late Minoan Period

2000 – first Phoenecian cities

2000 – 1500 – Abraham migrates from Ur in Mesopotamia (part of modern Iraq) to Canaan on eastern shore of Mediterranean Sea; he, his son Isaac & grandson Jacob become patriarchs of the Jewish people. Famine forces migration to Egypt.

1900 – epic of Gilgamesh in Mesopotamia c. 1800 – Joseph in Egypt – Israelites enslaved in Egypt 1750-1450 – Bronze Age

1728-1686 – Code of Hammurabi – one of the earliest sets of recorded laws, preface decreed sun would shine over the people only if king & the mighty did not oppress their vulnerable subjects

1600 – Mycenaean civilization in Greece

1500 – growth of Hindu religion in India. Freedom from material world through purification & elimination of personal identity. Sacred writings: Vedas (including Upanishads) & Bhagavad Gita

1280-1240 – possible date for Moses leading Hebrews from Egypt. For 40 years wander in Sinai desert. Moses receives Torah, including Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai, dies on east bank of Jordan R. before re-enter Canaan, the Promised Land

c. 1200 – Trojan War between forces from mainland of Greece & defenders of city of Troy in what is now Turkey

1200–1050 – occupation & settlement of Canaan

1020 – Monarchy established with Saul as first king (United Kingdom 1020 – 931 – domination of Canaan by Israel which becomes nation)

1012-972 – King David reigns over Hebrews 1000 – Jerusalemmade capital of kingdom of David 960 – King Solomon (965-922) builds First Temple in Jerusalem c.931-722 – writing of much of biblical texts

4

930 – Kingdom divided into Israel (North) under Jeroboam, rebels, capital Samaria, ten tribes, ended 722 & Judah (South) under Rehoboam, David’s line, capital Jerusalem one tribe ended 586 (I Kings 12)

926 – Egyptian pharaoh Shishak invades Canaan, sacks Jerusalem, devastates 150 towns in Israel & Judah & destroys ancient Canaanite stronghold. Canaanite culture never recovers, leaving Israel free to expand into old Canaanite territories

922 – death of Solomon

900-600 – Late Vedic period – Brahmanical religion develops

900-200 – “Axial Age” (Karl Jaspers) four great world traditions come into being: China – Confucianism & Daoism; India – Hinduism & Buddhism; Israel – Monotheism; Greece – philosophical rationalism

885-874 – King Omri built capital in Samaria 874-853 – Omri’s son, Ahab built magnificent ivory palace in Samaria & married

Jezebel, a Phoenician princess who imported cult of Phoenician Baal into Israel

875 – Jezebel marries Ahab of Israel

859 – Assyrian Shalmaneser III comes to throne

853 – Ahab, king of Israel contributes chariot squadron to army that marches against Assyria & is defeated at battle of Qarqar on river Orontes

841 – Assyria defeats Damascus & becomes master of region – Israel as a favoured vassal, enjoys period of peace & prosperity

800 – rise of Greek city-states 800–300 – eleven major Upanishads written (literally “sitting down beside”), part of

Vedas

8th century – art of literacy spreads through Semitic world & eastern Mediterranean – scribes begin to develop royal archive to preserve ancient stories & customs – by end of 8c. Pentateuch probably committed to writing

786-746 – King Jeroboam II rules Israel prospering as vassal of powerful Assyrian empire

c.780 – Amos, shepherd from Tekoa, experiences call of God to prophesy to Jereboam of Israel

5

776 – First Olympic Games

770-700 – Isaiah prophet in Judah

753 – legendary founding of Rome on bank of Tiber River, Roman Empire survived more than 1,200 years until CE 476

750–612 – height of Assyrian Empire 750–550 – Hebrew prophetic revolution 750 ? – The Iliad and the Odyssey Homer’s epic recounting story of Trojan War 745 – Tiglath-pileser III becomes king of Assyria & subjugates Babylon 740 – year that King Uzziah died (Isaiah 6:1) year of Isaiah’s vision

738 – Assyrian army marches into Israel after it is left in disarray following death of Jeroboam III & subdues its northern territories. Tiglath-pileser adopts Aramean language & script to unite growing kingdom

734 – King Pekah of Israel & King Rezin of Damascus enter coalition to oppose Assyria’s westward advance, King Ahaz of Judah refuses to join so kings of Israel & Damascus send army against Judah who asks Tiglath-pileser for protection thus making Judah a vassal of state of Assyria who sweep down on Damascus, execute king Rezin & storm down Mediterranean coast destroying any city that seems about to defect. Pekah is put to death by Hoshea, the son of Elah, who usurps the throne

724 – Tiglath-pileser III dies, King Hoshea of Israel joins other vassal states in resistance to Assyria refusing to pay tribute & appealing to Egypt for support. Shalmaneser V becomes king of Assyria, throws Hoshea in prison & besieges Samaria

722-720 – Assyrians under king SargonIII crush Israel (North); king Hoshea is made prisoner; 10 tribes dispersed (II Kings 17), end of Northern Kingdom of Israel

715 – Hezekiah becomes king of Judah 705 – Sennacharib becomes king of Assyria & Hezekiah enters into anti-Assyrian

coalition & prepares Jerusalem for war

701 – Sennacharib arrives in Judah with huge army & begins to systematically devastate countryside until finally lays siege to Jerusalem. Seems city cannot survive until at last moment it is miraculously delivered but Hezekiah, who had inherited a thriving kingdom, is left with only tiny city-state of Jerusalem

6

7c. in Israel – watershed that sees beginnings of religion of Judaism

687-642 – Manassah son of Hezekiah loyal vassal of Assyrians, allowing Judah to prosper

665 – Assyria controls Mesopotamia, Asia Minor, Syria, Palestine, Egypt – drive Israelites from homeland

660-538 – Zarathustra, Persian prophet founder of Zoroastrianism 656 – Pharaoh Psammetichus I forces Assyrian troops to leave territories of old northern

kingdom of Israel 622 – Josiah begins extensive work to restore Solomon’s temple during which high

priest Hilkiah finds safer torah (the book of the law) 621 – Hilkiah finds Deuteronomy text – editing of Hebrew scriptural material 612 – Ninevah destroyed by Babylonians & Medes

611 – Pharaoh Necho III marches through Palestine to come to aid of Assyrian king. Josiah intercepts Egyptian army at Megiddo & is killed, none of his reforms

survives, Judah reduced to bit player in struggle between Egypt & new Babylonian empire

605 – Babylon conquers Egypt, now rules Judah

605-530 – Lao Tzu Chinese author of Tao Te Ching, attempt to live according to “the Way” which governs the universe

601 – king Jehoiakim of Judah revolts against Babylonian domination

6 & 5c.- Upanishads (Hindu teachings) written down

597 – young King Jehoiachin of Judah submits to Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, is deported with 8,000 into exile in Babylon

587 – Zedekiah, Babylonian appointed ruler of Judah rebels

586 – Babylonians under Nebuchadnezzar conquer Judah (Southern Kingdom), destroy Temple & raze city; 5,000 Jews exiled (until 538), leaving only poorest people & those who had defected to Babylon in devastated land. During exile, Jews introduce Synagogue worship

581 – third group of exiles taken from Judah to Babylon

7

580/570–c. 500 – Pythagoras – Presocratic philosopher emphasized interconnections in numbers, nature & human soul, natural & ethical worlds inseparable

563–483 – traditional dates of Buddha (Prince Siddhartha/Gautama) 560 estimated date of enlightenment under bodhi tree at Bodh Gaya, India

559 – Cyrus becomes king of Persia (now southern Iran) which follows Babylon as major power

551-497 – Confucius established system of ethics that influenced Chinese culture placing high value on following traditional ways, learning & family relationships

547 – Cyrus conquers Media, invades Babylon & is welcomed as hero making him ruler of largest empire world ever seen including modern Iran, much of Turkey, Southern Russia, Afghanistan & Pakistan

540 – Phocaeans (on Carian Coast of Turkey near island of Samos) forced out of their city by Persian army, flee to Corsica, then to coast of Italy just South of Gulf of Sorrento where found city of Velia where soon after Paremenides was born

539 – Persian king Cyrus issues edict allowing Jews to return to homeland under leadership of Sheshbazzar. Most returnees born in exile – Judah was a bleak & alien land occupied now by Philistines, Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Arabs & Phoenicians – returnees call them all am ha-aretz (“the people of the land”) also reunite with fellow Israelites after absence of 70 years

530 – Pythagoras settles in Italy 521 – Darius becomes “Great King” of Persia (until 486) – Zerubbabel leader of Judean

community in Jerusalem

c.520 – Haggai & Zechariahprophesy

518-515 – some 50,000 Jews return from Babylon (part of modern Iraq); Temple rebuilt under Zerubbabel – the “Second Temple” – somewhat impoverished replacement of Great Temple destroyed in 587 – “Second Temple” lasts until 70 CE

c. 515-c.450 – Paremenides (b. in S. Italy) – Presocratic, extends Pythagoras insisting all that exists is unchanging & unifed, therefore, if something is changing, it is illusory, paves way for two-world view important for much mysticism

509 – Roman Republic founded

500 – oral transmission in India of Mahabharata epic. Not committed to writing until 1st centuries of CE – tells story of war between two sets of cousins, Kauravas & Pandavas in which Panadavas are victorious – sixth book eventually includes

8

Bhagavad-Gita (‘The Song of the Lord’) – dialogue between Arjuna, the greatest warrior of the Pandava brothers & his friend Krishna – counters argument that worldly action incompatible with liberation by arguing that it is possible to be free of attachment to fruit of our actions

5c. – Buddhism & Jainism founded in India

c. 492-425 – Vardhamana Jnatruputra teacher in India known as Mahavria (“Great Hero”) whose followers known as Jains , taught ahimsa (“harmlessness”) because all living things consist of a jiva (“eternal soul”) & temporary physical body must be treated with courtesy & respect

c.492-424 – Empedocles 480 – Esther becomes Queen of Persia 480 – Buddha b.

469-399 – Socrates - Greek philosopher, teacher of Plato – question & answer teaching intended to deconstruct preconceptions making student realize knows nothing at which point true struggle to discover truth can being – criticism of democracy leads Athenians to execute him

460 – Parthenon temple built for Greek goddess Athena 458 – Ezra sent to Judah to resettle 450 – Roman Law first codified into Twelve Tables 450 – Parmenides meets young Socrates

450 – Buddha’s enlightenment & first sermon

445 – walls around Jerusalem rebuilt by Nehemiah, appointed Governor of Judah by Persian ruler Artaxerxes I

c.440 – death of prophet Malachi

427–347 – Plato Greek philosopher, student of Socrates, teacher of Aristotle – theory that ideal Forms or Ideas such as Truth or the Good exist in a realm beyond material world. Everything in material world has an eternal unchanging form which cannot be experienced by senses but by power of reason residing in soul (psyche). Influence on Christian thinkers especially in Alexandria. Timaeus – supreme God not being among other beings but transcendent being itself = unchanging perfection (the good, the true & the beautiful) entirely above & beyond the world

9

405 – Buddha d.

c.400 – completion of Torah

399 – Socrates executed, his student Plato (30 years old) is profoundly disillusioned by trial & death of his teacher & withdraws from public life

386 – Plato founds “The Academy” in Athens

384-322 – Aristotle, Greek philosopher disagreed with Plato – form & matter joined

356-323 – Alexander the Great, ruler of Greece conquers most of ancient world establishing Hellenistic rule – after Alexander’s conquests, people in eastern Mediterranean speak & write simplified Attic (classical Greek) known as Koine which becomes common language of all nations from 300 BCE until barbarians overrun Europe

347 – Plato dies, Aristotle leaves Athens

338 – Macedonians conquer Greece

336 – Alexander the Great age 22 succeeds father, Philip as king of Macedonia, northern part of which is known as Greece – becomes greatest general of ancient world

335 – Aristotle returns to Athens & establishes Lyceum

333 – Alexander the Great destroys army of Persian king Darius – beginning of new era of Hellenism (describes religion, science, politics, & art during transition from world of Antiquity to Christian era in Mediterranean & Near East)

332 – Alexander conquers Palestine – Hellenistic period proper to 167 BCE

323 – Alexander dies of malaria in Babylon, empire divided among generals: Ptolemy ruler of Egypt & Palestine, Selucus ruler of Syria & Babylon

c.300 – Buddhism arrives in SE Asia

300-200 – most of Hebrew Scriptures written

250 – Third Buddhist Council – Great Schism resulting in Theravada & Mahayana Buddhism

200’s & 100’s – Latin changed from spoken to highly developed literary language 285-246 – Ptolemy Philadelphus according to legend, responsible for Septuagint (LXX)

10

- Greek translation of Hebrew Scriptures in Alexandria which had largest Jewish community in ancient world. Believed translation made under divine guidance & words of LXX as sacred to Jews as those of Hebrew original

240 – Buddhism introduced into Sri Lanka 214 – Great Wall of China completed 200 – Hebrew prophetic books completed 198 – Seluecids triumph over Ptolemies & become rulers of Palestine

175 – Antiochus IV (Epiphanes “God Manifest”) becomes king of Seleucid or Syrian Empire, tries to stamp out Judaism, provokes Jewish uprising under Mattathias &

five sons, most famous of whom was Judas, whose nickname was Maccabeus 167-63 – Hasmonean times

166–160 – Maccabean revolt frees Judea from Syria, December 164 Maccabees defeat Syrians & purify Temple (Hanukkah – Feast of Lights)

142-63 – Jews enjoy limited independence. Essene community at Qumran acts out a new “exodus” leaving behind a Jerusalem priesthood they regarded as corrupt to form a new “Israel” in desert. Understood universe to be battlefield between God & Satan – apocalyptic expectation of end of world. Saw themselves as one small community of light in vast Roman darkness

106 BCE–14 CE – Latin reaches highest level of development in Golden Age of Latin literature

100 – birth of Gaius Julius Caesar

100 – Beginnings Mahayana Buddhism

80 BCE–30 CE – Rabbi Hillel, greatest of Pharisees – essence of Torah not letter but spirit of law summed up in Golden Rule

75 – Colosseum built in Rome 73 – Gladiator Spartacus leads slave revolt, crushed by Pompey & Crassus 70-19 – Vergil, writer of The Aeneid 63-14 CE – Octavian First Emperor of Rome (in 27 BCE) beginning of Roman rule

11

63 59

58 54 50

50 47

46 44 44

37

31

27

- Roman troops under Pompey conquer Judea, entire eastern Mediterranean brought under pax Romana

– Julius Caesar appointed Consul in Rome after forming alliance with wealthy aristocrat Marcus Licinius Crassus & powerful General Gaeus Pompeii in First Triumvirate

– Caesar invades Gaul making Western Europe part of Roman Empire over 8 years

– Caesar invades Britain

– Caesar crosses Rubicon marking North Eastern border of Italy & heads to Rome embarking on Civil War (“the die is cast”) throughout North Africa & Spain, pursues rival Pompeii to Egypt where is presented with Pompeii’s head & takes Cleopatra as his mistress, returning with her to Rome (“I came; I saw; I conquered.”)

BCE-50 C.E. – Buddhism introduced into China

– Herod Antipater, half-Jew from Idumea south of Judea made governor of Judea & made Roman citizen by Julius Caesar

– Caesar appointed dictator for 10 years

(Feb.) – Caesar elected dictator for life

- Julius Caesar - Ides of March (March 15) murdered in Rome by Longinus & Brutus, four months later at celebration honouring one of Caesar’s military victories, comet streaked across sky, taken as sign Caesar was a god. Roman Senate officially declared him the divine Julius. After his death succeeded by nephew & adopted son Octavius/Octavian (later Augustus) who was 19 & in Greece when he was made Caesar’s heir (ruled 27 BCE to 14 CE)

– Herod the Great, Jew, begins rule as king of Judea, Idumea, Samaria under Roman authority (to 4 CE) – dual taxation: one for Rome, one for priestly aristocracy. Many resisted payment resulting in frequent open revolts

– Octavian & Marcus Agrippa defeat Antony (who had married Cleopatra, who had been Julius Caesar’s mistress, & named her illegitimate son by Caesar as Julius’ true heir. Antony & Cleopatra commit suicide, her son is murdered & Egypt becomes part of the Roman Empire) at battle of Actium, begins Roman Empire

– Octavian becomes first Emperor of Rome (ruled 27 BCE–14 CE) granted name Caesar Augustus (“Revered One”), founder of “Pax Romana,” issues in era of unprecedented prosperity

12

21 – Agrippa marries Julia 20 BCE–50 CE – Philo Alexandrian Jew drew from Platonist tradition, Stoicism & neo-

Pythagoreanism to create fusion of active or virtuous life & contemplative life

20 – Herod the Great begins rebuilding Temple from ruins of Solomon’s temple to win favour with Jews

18 BCE – Augustus institutes moral campaign to restore traditional family values in Rome while, behind the scenes, carrying on adulterous lifestyle

14 BCE – Tiberius succeeds Augustus 10 BCE – Agrippa I (b.), grandson of Herod the Great 9 BCE – Tiberius marries Julia

6 BCE – 70 CE – AGE OF JESUS AND THE APOSTLES – COMMON ERA

6-4 BCE – Jesus’ birth before end of reign of King Herod the Great

6 BCE – Territories of Judea, Samaria & Idumea come under direct imperial control as Roman Province of Judea – sacrifices performed in temple as required by Torah plus sacrifices required in honour of Rome & emperor, tension around accommodation to Rome

Sadducees = religious movement devoted to strict conservative & literal interpretation of Torah, rejected all traditions not in written law, came mostly from great priestly families, less devout & more political than Pharisees.

Pharisees = Jewish sect, rigid observers of Law, undue attachment to oral tradition of their rabbis led to extravagant and artificial casuistry

5 BCE-64 CE – life of St. Paul born in Tarsus, prosperous capital of Roman Province of Cilicia, now southeastern Turkey

4 – Judas, Son of brigand chief Hezekiah leads tax revolt among people of town of Sepphoris, few kms. from Nazareth in Galilee – proclaimed Judas king. Romans conquer town & sell people into slavery

4 BCE-29 CE – life of Jesus Christ 4 BCE – Herod’s kingdom divided among sons: Archelaus - Judea, Samaria, Idumea

13

(4 BCE – 6 CE), Herod Antipas – Galilee & Perea (4 BCE – 39 CE), Philip – NE of Sea of Galilee (4 BCE – 33/34 CE) all answerable to a Roman governor

2 BCE – Julia banished

COMMON ERA

5 – Augustus adopts Tiberius as son & successor

14 – death of Augustus Caesar (76 years old) had only one daughter, no surviving grandsons first emperor of Rome, adopted son of Julius Caesar, reign (44 BCE – 14 CE) considered golden age of literature in Ro me, period of peace, succeeded by Tiberius his adopted stepson who ruled to 37 CE. After his death Augustus declared a god by Senate in Rome

19 – Death of Germanicus trial of Piso

26 – 36 – Pontius Pilate Roman procurator of Judea, Samaria & Idumea

27-30 – public ministry of Jesus of Nazareth

28 – Agrippina marries Gnaeus Ahenobarbarus (consul 32 CE) by whom she bears Nero, later marries Crispus Passienus & finally her uncle Claudius

c.30 – Jesus executed under Roman Emperor Tiberius by Pontius Pilate governor of Judea

30-40 – 2 types of religious groups emerge around Jesus’ memory: 1. Jesus movements adhered to memory of Jesus as founding teacher, collected his sayings & recounted his deeds (Palestine & Southern Syria) 2. Christ congregations –

remembered Jesus as divine being whose death & resurrection promised salvation (Northern Syria, Asia Minor, Greece) – Greek speakers

c.35 – conversion of Paul (Acts 9)

?36-?65 period of oral tradition between time of Jesus & first gospel. Christians disperse throughout Judea & Samaria (Acts 8:1ff), Peter leads new Christian church, moves headquarters to Rome

c.35-c.107 – Ignatius of Antioch– Christocentric mystic 37 – Nero born, mother Agrappina sister to eccentric emperor Caligula 37-41 – reign of Gaius Caligula, emperor of Rome declared himself god

14

38 – Agrippa I travels through Alexandria where there are violent anti-Jewish riots

39/40 – Philo of Alexandria (15/10 BCE-45/50) leads delegation of Jews from Alexandria to emperor Caligula (37-41) in Rome. Jews of Alexandria subject to Roman pogrom Philo & companions hoped to end. Caligula cut Philo off as he spoke. Philo later told his fellow ambassadors God would punish Caligula, who was soon assassinated

Philo was a theologian who sought to harmonize Jewish theology with Greek (largely Platonic) philosophy. Many ideas found in later Christian theology present in Philo, though sometimes in a form unacceptable to Church. Philo taught that Greek philosophy had been plagiarized from Moses, believed Greek translation of OT (Septuagint, dating from 3rd c. BCE) was divinely inspired. Philo referred to the Logos (the residence of the Platonic Ideas) as the first- begotten Son of God – though, in his view, the Logos was definitely below God, distinct from the Godhead. He interpreted the theophanies of OT as appearances of the Logos (as for the Fathers they were Christophanies). Stressed allegorical interpretation of scripture, though this must be balanced. With later Eastern mystical theologians, Philo discussed incomprehensibility of God in essence, & how knowledge of God can be attained in an ecstatic state

In some ways, Philo more akin to Gnostics & Manichaeans. Like Plato, Philo viewed body as prison for soul. distinctly non-Christian view of matter

40 – Paul goes to Jerusalem to consult with Peter

41 – assassination of Caligula, succeeded by uncle Claudius

41–54 – Claudius Roman Emperor who expelled Jews & Jewish Christians from Rome in 49, they returned after his death in 54

41-44 – according to Eusebius, Bishop of Caesarea writing in his Ecclesiastical History, St. Mark came to Egypt between first & third year of the reign of Emperor Claudius returned to Alexandria 20 years later to preach & evangelize

43 – Roman Emperor Claudius invades Britain, conquers Celtic tribes

43 – Barnabas brings Saul to Antioch (Acts 11:25,26)

44 – persecution of early church at Jerusalem by Herod Agrippa, executes James, brother of John (Acts 12:1-3)

44 (Aug) – Agrippa at seaside palace of Caesarea for annual celebration of emperor’s birthday, declared a god & dies (Acts 12:23). His death is a disaster for Jews, leading to increasingly strained relations between Jews & Rome

15

45 – church in Antioch sends famine relief to Christians of Judea by Saul & Barnabas (Acts 11:29)

46-48 – Paul’s first missionary journey 47-48 – Paul & Barnabas on Cyprus 48 – Council of Jerusalem (Acts 15:1f) 48-54 – Galatians – Paul

49? – Paul in southern Galatia 49 – according to Roman historian Suetonius (70-122) Claudius “expelled the Jews from

Rome since they rioted constantly at the instigation of Chrestus.” (Claudius, xxv) 50-51 – Paul in Corinth

50-52 – Paul’s second missionary journey

New Testament closes as first generation of pneumatic Christians, including Spirit- filled apostles were ending their lives. Crises of Christianity centered on questions of whether such mystical church could maintain unity in face of possible conflicting revelations or fresh revelations that might be inconsistent with traditions of founding generations & whether pneumatic Christians could co-exist with non- pneumatics as there began to be Christians born into faith

50 – I Thessalonians - Paul

51 – II Thessalonians – Deutero-Pauline

53 – Nero marries Octavia

53-57 – Paul’s third missionary journey

54 – Emperor Claudius poisoned before his son Britannicus came of age to succeed his father. 16 year old Nero declared emperor (reigned to 68)

54-55 – Paul in prison in Ephesus 55 – Nero poisons Britannicus just before fourteenth birthday 55 – I Corinthians - Paul 55-56 – II Corinthians - Paul

16

56 – Paul arrested in Jerusalem for trying to take Greeks & non-Jews into temple (Acts 22)

57 – Romans - Paul

58 – Paul arrested, imprisoned in Caesarea (Acts 25:4)

59 – Nero kills his mother, Agrippina

59-60 – Philippians - Paul

60 – Paul arrives in Rome where he is imprisoned & eventually dies

60 – Andrewmartyred by crucifixion in Achaia (Greece)

61 – Ephesians – Deutero-Pauline

61 – Colossians – Deutero -Pauline

61 – Philemon – Paul

62 – death of James, brother of Jesus

62 – Philippians – Paul

62 – Nero kills his wife Octavia & marries Popeiia Sabina

63 – Popeiia (Nero’s wife) bears daughter who dies, after which Nero kills all royal family

63 – completion of Temple of Herod the Great

64 (June 29) – traditional date of Peter’s martyrdom

64 (July 19) – Great Fire starts & burns for 6 days, three quarters of Rome destroyed, persecution under Emperor Nero (54-68), who uses Christians (a still almost unheard of Jewish sect) as scapegoats to blame for blaze, when suspicion is directed at him for building his own magnificent temple on land cleared by the great fire

64 – church in Alexandria fo unded by St. Mark, disciple of Peter

65 – plot to assassinate Nero fails – assassins forced to commit suicide including Seneca, leaving Rome in state of fear & suspicion

66-73 – The Great Revolt – Jewish zealots revolt against Rome, holding Roman forces at bay for four years. Rabbi Johanan ben Zakkai, Hillel’s greatest pupil & leader of

17

Pharisees wanted no part in violence, realized Jews could not defeat Rome, argued preservation of religion was more important than national independence. When advice rejected had himself smuggled out of Jerusalem in coffin & went to Roman camp of Vespasian where got permission to live with scholars in Javne which became new capital of Jewish religion after destruction of temple

67 – Paul martyred on road from Rome to Ostia. Peter martyred, crucified upside down in Rome

67 – General Vespasian of Rome conquers Galilee

67-68 – Linus succeeds Peter – 2nd “Pope”

68 – Qumran (Essenes?) community destroyed by Rome (site of Dead Sea Scrolls found 1949)

68 – Nero (age 38) orders servant to kill him after fleeing Rome in fear, launches year of civil war in Rome

68 – Galba emperor of Rome 69 – Otho emperor of Rome 69 – Vitellius emperor of Rome

c.69 – St. Ignatius (c.35-c.107) becomes bishop of Antioch, perhaps succeeding Euodius who may have been first successor to Peter. Ignatius first to use the word “catholic” – “Wherever Jesus Christ is, there is the Catholic church.” “Let that be considered a valid Eucharist over which the bishop presides, or one to whom he commits it.”

69–79 – Vespasian, Roman Emperor who put down Jewish revolt & built Colosseum 69-155 – Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna, tried to avoid arrest by going into hiding but was

betrayed by two slaves & became model martyr

70 – Jerusalem is burned, Second Temple destroyed by troops of Emperor Titus, only West wall, “Wailing” Wall left standing. Heart of Jewish religion shifts from temple to text. Beginning of period of rabbinical Judaism in which rabbis focus on exegesis of Scriptures, especially Torah. Priestly class wiped out & Pharisees emerge as dominant group in Palestinian Judaism. Divide between Christianity & Judaism deepens. Virtual end of Christian Church in Jerusalem after which political centre of Christianity shifts to Rome

70-90 – Synoptic Gospels

18

70 – Gospel of Mark interweaving material from sayings known as Q (from German Quelle = “source”)

72 – according to tradition, Thomas stabbed to death by Brahman priests in Mylapore, India

73 – garrison at Masada chooses to die by suicide rather than surrender to Rome, thus ending revolt begun 66

75-100 – James 79 – Hardrian born in Spain 79–81 – Titus, Roman Emperor, destroyed Jerusalem 79-91 – Pope Anacletus, 3rd pope, known as “blameless” 80 – Coliseum opens in Rome ‘80’s – Rome completes conquest of England, making it a Province of huge Empire 81–96 – Domitian, Roman Emperor

85 – formal anathema in synagogue liturgy against Jewish Christians – “May the Nazarenes & the heretics be suddenly destroyed & removed from the Book of Life.”

85-100 – Gospels of Matthew, Luke & Acts of the Apostles c.85-160 – Marcion born in port city of Sirope on shore of Black Sea (modern Turkey) –

130’s or 140’s moves to Rome

90 – in an attempt to stop spreading Christian cult, Palestinian Jewish rabbis meet at Jamnia to declare Christian writings heretical & outline canon of Hebrew Scriptures containing 39 books (later followed by Protestant Christians), Alexandrian Jews & Jews of dispersion had 46 books following canon laid down by Greek Septuagint which was also used by most Christians. Marks beginning of theory that every letter in Hebrew text has a meaning, resulting in demand for standard text & suppression of any variants

90-95 – I Peter, Hebrews, Revelation (not same author as Gospel & Letters – probably Jewish Christian prophet active in Asia Minor)

90-95 – John exiled on island of Patmos 90-110 – I, II Timothy, Titus – not Paul

19

90-100 – Gospel of John, I, II, III John (not the disciple)

c.90 – break between synagogue & Christian community becomes final

93 – writing of Antiquities by Josephus (37-100), Jewish historian publishes Antiquities of the Jews, mentions Jesus: “At this time there appeared Jesus, a wise man. For he was a doer of startling deeds, a teacher of people who receive the truth with pleasure. And he gained a following both among many Jews & among many of Greek origin. And when Pilate, because of an accusation made by the leading men among us, condemned him to the cross, those who had loved him previously, did not cease to do so. And up until this very day the tribe of Christians (named after him) has not died out.”

93 – 2nd persecution of Christians under Domitian (81-96).

c.95 – Clement of Rome (c.30-100), 3d Bishop after St. Peter, writes letter to Corinthians who have deposed their old clergy replacing them with a new man. Clement argues that church leaders possess a divine authority inherited from Christ & his apostles, “apostolic succession” – “The apostles were made evangelists to us by the Lord Christ; Jesus Christ was sent by God. Thus Christ is from God & the apostles from Christ…The Church is built on them as a foundation.” (I Clement 42)

96 – Emperor Domitian stabbed to death in plot organized by his wife & Senators. New emperor Nerva made Trajan, Hadrian’s cousin co-emperor of Rome

96-98 – Nerva Emperor of Rome 98 – Nerva d. Trajan becomes emperor c.98 – d. Apostle John

98-117 – Trajan, first non-Italian Roman Emperor. Roman Empire reaches maximum size. During 2nd cent. number of Christians increases from no more than 250,000 to as many as 1.5 million = less than 2.5% of total population of 60 million in Roman Empire – Jews outnumbered Christians by 4 to 1.

c.100 – Didache/Teachings of the Twelve Apostles written, includes prescription for Eucharist

c.100 – Christian churches are established in Greece, North Africa, Italy, & Asia Minor. Until 3rd cent. “church,” ekklesia = not building but act of gathering for ritual, mostly in private homes, not defined by sacred place but by sacred day of Sunday = beginning of creation of world & day Jesus rose

20

c.100 – First London Bridge built across Thames by Romans

100–165 – St. Justin Martyr, born in Flavia Neapolis (modern town of Nablus, near Shechem in Samaria) one of first Christian apologists to offer defense of Christianity, sought to reconcile faith & reason, using Greek philosophy as stepping stone to Christian theology.

c.100-175 – Valentinus born in Egyptian seacoast village, developed form of Christianity that became Christian Gnosticism based on Gnostic myth of ancient Egypt, Greece, Persia, & Judaism: 1. purely spiritual realm, emanating from highest God, populated by divine beings of wisdom & power

2. material world created by mistake, essentially imperfect 3. by mercy of one or more divine beings, spark of light placed in human beings although have to continue to live in darkness 4. in order to awake those who were spiritually asleep, redeemer came from spiritual realm to reveal knowledge that would remind those who responded to return home

101 – Hadrian joins Trajan in Dacian war & is marked out as great General

101-109 – Pope Evaristus, 5th Pope

107 – 3rd persecution of Christians under Trajan (98-117)

107 – Ignatius , bishop of Antioch arrested. As he was being escorted from Antioch to Rome, he wrote letters urging Christians not to interfere with his death.

108 – Hadrian elected one of Rome’s two consuls although two years too young 110 – Marcion b. leader of sect (d. 165) Rejected OT, impossible Jesus born of woman 110-130 – Jude

117 – Trajan dies suddenly without appointing successor. His widow announces Trajan had adopted Hadrian as his son. Eastern legions hail 41 year old Hadrian as emperor who then declares no further conquests but consolidation of empire

118 – 4th persecution of Christians under Hadrian (117-138)

121-180 – Marcus Aurelius b.(reigned 161-180) – highpoint of Roman Empire

122 – Roman emperor Hadrian (reigned 117-138) visits Britain & begins construction of wall (73 miles long, manned by 15,000 auxiliary troops) & fortifications between northern England & Scotland

21

125 – Papyrus 52 written around this time, oldest extant NT fragment, containing parts of John 18:31-33 & 37-38.

125-136 – Pope Telesphorus, 8th pope martyred

127-142 – Ptolemy, astronomer, geographer, & mathematician in Alexandria, earth- centered model of universe held until 1542, when Copernicus supplies solar- centered model

130 – Hadrian travels to Egypt during which trip his Greek male lover Antonius dies in boating accident, rebuilds Jerusalem, calling it Aelia Captolina, erects temple to Jupiter, charging special tax to Jews to pay for upkeep of temple Jupiter Capitolinus

130-150 – II Peter

132 – Shimeon Bar-Kokhba & Rabbi Akiba Ben-Joseph lead Jews in revolt against Hadrian & his Roman rule spurred on by Hadrian’s building of a temple to Jupiter & the emperor in Jerusalem on the site of the Jewish temple that had been destroyed 60 years earlier & having declared that Jerusalem should be renamed in his honour. They capture Jerusalem & create an independent state of Israel but for three years Roman Legions continue their campaign against the guerrilla tactics of the Jewish rebel army until 135

134 – Hadrian (age 58) returns to Rome

135 – Julius Severus, formerly governor of Britain, violently crushes revolt in Jerusalem led by Bar-Cocheba, province of Judea is abolished. Final Diaspora (dispersion) of Jews driven out of Judea by edict of Hadrian. Rome changes name of the land to Palestinia – “Land of the Philistines” – Jews do not regain control of land until UN establishes State of Israel 1948. Jews begin to formulate religious way of life based on Torah independent of Jerusale m, temple, & sacrificial ritual

138 – Hardian dies in Naples, succeeded by Antonius Pius who reigns until 161

c.140 – Shepherd of Hermas written, presents highly developed system of bishops, deacons, & priests

c.144 – Marcion founds influential Christian sect which argues for existence of two gods (creator God & Redeemer God) salvation achieved by detaching from world in order to adhere to Saviour, Christ. Solved problem of evil by attributing it to failure of creator God. Sees radical split between OT & NT, taught gospel of love to exclusion of law, rejected Hebrew Scriptures – forced Christians to think seriously about texts & begin to develop “canon”

22

mid 2c. – all leading centres of Christianity have Bishops who by late 2c.are unchallenged leaders in church affairs

Massive increase in elaboration of sophisticated Gnostic schemes describing structures of cosmos & mechanisms of enlightenment & salvation, most serious intellectual threat to Church

c.150 – Four “canonical” gospels brought together

c.150 – Justin Martyr in Rome writes First Apology, taking centrist position between Marcion & Valentinus:

1. supreme God of Christians = the divine being ultimately responsible for c reation effected through the logos, the Word of God 2. Jesus = the divine logos incarnate in human form 3. this divine logos = property of Christianity residing in the church

4. the nous begotten by God is capable of a vision of its unbegotten Source – but this is the reward for virtuous living given to a nous that has been adorned by the Holy Spirit, not something owed it by nature (as in Plato)

c.150 – School of Alexandria founded in Egypt, quickly becomes major centre for both Christian theology & Greek philosophy. Among its prominent teachers are theologians Clement (died c.215) & Origen (c.185-254)

c.150–213 – Clement of Alexandria (Egypt) first known major Christian writer to assert gods of other religions really demons:

The verdict of the prophets is that the gods of all the nations

are images of demons.

contradicted general belief in Roman Empire that the gods of all religions & nations were universal differing only in names & certain minor characteristics. He adapted the language of pagan Mysteries to Christian theory of spiritual life, viewed Christianity as fulfillment of highest hopes of pre-Christian world

155 – Bishop Polycarp visits Rome to discuss question of Easter with Bishop Anicetus 156 – Polycarp burned for his faith 160 – Tertullian b. (d. 230) 161-180 – Marcus Aurelius Emperor of Rome

164-180 – Great Plague in Roman Empire

23

165 – Justin Martyr & his disciples denounced as Christians, on refusing to sacrifice, were scourged & beheaded

166 – Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius sends gifts to Chinese emperor Huan Ti.

167 – according to Venerable Bede, Eleutherus, bishop of Rome receives request to baptize British king

177 – 5th persecution of church, under Marcus Aruelius (161-180) at Lyon, Blandina martyred

c.180 – Irenaeus (125-c.202), Bishop of Lyons (in modern-day France) Catholic theologian, writes Against Heresies in attempt to fight spread of Gnosticism. Emphasized John’s Gospel, particularly Logos which became voice of God that revealed itself to all people = last writer able to think of himself as belonging to eschatological age of miracle & revelation. Realised necessity of fixed list (Canon) of NT books. Claimed “every church must agree” with church of Rome because of its apostolic authority. Endeavoured to clarify how invisible God came to be seen through manifestation of his incarnate Son, recapitulating all history

Gnosticism from Greek gnosis (‘knowledge’) complex religious movement. In Christian form, becomes prominent in 2c. Attached importance to special knowing which allows soul to free itself from physical, Distinction between ‘creator god’ & supreme unknowable, Jesus = emissary of supreme God bringing ‘gnosis,’ he neither took proper human body nor died, temporarily inhabited a human being, material world & human body essentially flawed. Strong distinction between spirit & matter, God & world. Led to either: asceticism (spirit must be liberated from bonds of flesh) or antinomianism (material world irrelevant so no point in resisting carnal impulses):

1. raised question of defining authoritative canon of Christian texts by producing new gospels, histories, & revelations 2. produced appeal to “apostolic authority” rather than direct spiritual insight, Peter rather than Paul

3. Gnostics gathered in small study groups devaluing rituals of Christian practice – in response church stressed rituals as essential ingredients leading to salvation

180 – First African Christians martyred at Scillium, Africa.

180-192 – Commodus, unworthy son of Marcus Aurelius succeeds his father as emperor of Rome bringing to an end what Edward Gibbon called, “the period in the history of the world, during which the human race was most happy & prosperous.” The Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire chp. III vol 1, p. 95 – period inaugurated by reign of Commodus = time of imperial murders, civil wars, disaster in social & economic life, plague & famine, time of anarchy & societal collapse

24

185 – Tertullian converts to Christianity. First Christian theologian to write in Latin. Wrote: “Woman! You are the gateway of the devil. You persuaded him whom the devil dared not attack directly. Because of you the Son of God had to die. You should always go dressed in mourning rags.” Called woman “a temple built over a sewer.”

c.185-c.254 – Origenstudent of Clement – leading teacher, Platonic philosopher & biblical interpreter, developed Paul’s allegorical reading of Bible into a system. Distinguished between ideal & material realms in cosmos & soul & body in humans

c.188-231 – Bishop Demetrius of Alexandria

189-198 – Pope Victor I – 1st Latin Pope (14th) excommunicated Eastern churches that continued to observe Easter on 14th day of Jewish month of Nisan, on whichever day it happened to fall. Rome celebrated Easter on first Sunday after 14th of Nisan due to sacred significance of Sunday

c.190 – Clement of Alexandria becomes head of catechetical school in Alexandria to 203, lay theologian – because creation is good, God has implanted seeds of truth in all creatures

193-211 – Septimius Severus emperor of Rome

c.197 – Tertullian (160-225) converts to Christianity African Church Father, living in Carthage, North Africa, tho roughly Latin culture. First Latin Father, helped formulate concept of Trinity. Quoted pagan remark – “see how these Christians love one another.” Anti-gnostic & against modalism, emphasized faith as contradiction to reason – “I believe because it is absurd”

EARLY CHURCH HERESIES:

Modalism – Father, Son, & Spirit = passing expressions/modes of God, not permanent distinctions. God is an actor playing one role then another: Father active in creation, Son in redemption, Spirit in sanctification

Sabellianism – Father, Son, & Holy Spirit = three different modes, masks, or personalities through which the one God appeared. Denied independent divinity of Son.

Ebionites – Jesus human son of Joseph & Mary on whom Holy Spirit lighted at baptism, endowing him with charismatic gifts which distinguished him from other human beings, over-emphasis on binding character of Mosaic Law

Nestorianism– drastically divided human & divine natures in Christ – erred on side of human

25

Adoptionism – Christ = adopted not natural son of God. Jesus human until Holy Spirit descended at baptism

Docetism – (Gk. dokeo “I seem”) – humanity & sufferings of earthly Jesus apparent rather than real, did not really experience human birth. Someone else died on cross in his place, higher insight could perceive that Christ was pure spirit & his physical appearance only an illusion (form of gnosticism)

Apollinarianism – negated Christ’s human spirit – erred on side of divine Monophystism – denied Christ’s human nature, only divine na ture which

absorbed or utilized Christ’s human faculties

Montanism – glorified Spirit at expense of Christ, expectation of speedy outpouring of Holy Spirit on Church with gift of prophecy, antithesis between immediate inspiration & mediated authority, eve ntually reinforced idea that revelation had come to an end with the apostolic age so encouraged closed canon of NT

Monothelitism– claimed Christ had only one will

SCRIPTURE:

Canon – (Gk. “measuring rod,” “rule”) books officially received as containing rule of Christian faith. Jews decided Hebrew Canon in late 1c.

NT – Gospels accepted c.150, placed on same footing as Hebrew Scriptures between 170 & 220.

26

367 St. Athanasius in Festal Epistle – earliest exact witness to present NT 382 Council in Rome under St. Damasus (Pope from 366) gave complete

Canon list of Canonical Books of Hebrew & Christian Scriptures

Apocrypha – (Gk. “the hidden things”) – 12 or 15 Biblical books received by early Church as part of Greek version of Hebrew Scriptures but not included in Hebrew Bible (39 books) Accepted in LXX by Palestinian Jews

By 200 church had: monarchical episcopate, bonds of communion among Episcopal sees, generally similar liturgy & sacraments, official lists (ie. canons) of sacred books, formulas of belief (ie. creeds), above all an ideology of a tradition (paradosis) of common belief handed down from apostles (became religion of empire in 4c.)

c.200 – German Goths create tradition of “best man” by taking their best fighter with them to help abduct brides from neighbouring villages

c.200 – Church Father Tertullian wrote about “places of the Britons, unreached by Romans but subject to the law of Christ” – emphasized faith that was contradiction to reason – “I believe because it is absurd,” first to use Trinitarian (three-in-one) formulation for God

c.200 – Buddhism introduced to Southeast Asia

c.200 – Persecution of Christians, decline of Roman Empire (see 180)

c.200 – Edessa (Urfa in modern Turkey) becomes first Christian state

c.200 – Mishnah compiled, first important work of Rabbinic Judaism, compilation of Oral Torah in written form, not new laws but collection of existing traditions

202 – 6th Christian persecution under Septimius Severus (198-211)

202 – Clement of Alexandria goes into hiding in Cappadocia during persecution by Septimius Severus

203 – martyrdom of Perpetua in Carthage, North Africa

205-270 – Plotinus (Neoplatonic non-Christian philosopher in Rome) – practical mystic in whose pagan writings central mystic doctrine of union with God is found, writings based on Platonic philosophy had enormous influence on later Christian mysticism. Pessimism towards body, desire to overcome undue anxiety about things of this world & inward division caused by such anxiety, virtue = that which leads one to God through interior transformation of one’s being. Goal of philosophy = be so inwardly transformed one could live within society with a freedom derived from a simple regard for “the One.” One ultimate reality = “the One” which radiates outward producing the order of the universe as an ongoing process of emanation. Ideal forms of reality located in mind of God, animating force of universe = soul of God, material world = outer limit of divine emanation, a world of shadows holding only dim reflections of origin in the One. Caught in that material world of shadows, human soul ensnared in ignorance. Plotinus called humans to awaken from ignorance by returning to source, turning inward to divine reason within soul & embarking upon a spiritual journey of the soul back to the eternal being of the One. Positive attitude towards culture.

208 – earliest clear reference to Christianity in Roman province of Britain in writings of Tertullian– “places of the Britons unreached by Romans, but subject to the law of Christ.”

27

209 – St. Alban, first British martyr, killed for his faith in one of few persecutions of Christians by pagans on the island, during governorship of Gaius Junius Faustinus Postumianus

211 – Christians tolerated under Emperor Antonius Caracalla

211 – Origen “Admantius” becomes head of catechetical school in Alexandria (until 232/233)

c.212 – Christian School of Alexandria begins to become official or semi-official institution in church

c.217-222 – Hippolytus of Rome hears Origen in Rome.First of series of Anti-Popes (illegitimate claimants of or pretenders to papal throne). The Apostolic Tradition (between 215 & 217) – “And first baptize the little ones; and if they can speak for themselves, they shall do so; if not, their parents or other relatives shall speak for them. Then baptize the men, and last of all the women; they must first loosen their hair and put aside any gold or silver ornaments that they are wearing: let no one take any alien thing down to the water with them.”

230 – Origen (c.185-c.254) ordained priest in Palestine. Alexandrian/Greek biblical critic, exegete, theologian, spiritual writer, student of Clement shaper of Eastern theological tradition, Christianized & theologized neo-Platonism – all souls existed before being united with flesh & all but one fell away from God – this one God chose to unite with his Logos to form Son of Man, rest have individually fallen (emanation) & must find way back to God (return) through help of the Logos. Absolute primacy of immaterial & invisible over visible & material, tendency to demean body – there is a whole interior & immaterial world corresponding to the exterior one – 5 interior senses mirroring those of body

231 – private house in the city of Dura- Europas on Euphrates adapted for Christian worship = earliest known example of a church with religious pictures on walls

232-304 – Porphyry strongly anti-Christian but important influence in history of Christian mysticism

235 – Christian persecution under Emperor Maximin (235-238) the Thracian

235 – Origen’s Exhortation to Martyrdom in response to persecution in Caesarea: 1. martyrdom guaranteed immediate salvation, deliverance from bondage to body 2. required to properly follow Jesus 3. means of being model to others of true Christian life 4. = way to repay debt to God 5. supplemented Christian sacrificial system

28

In Commentary on Romans, written between 233 & 244, Origen writes, “It is also due to this (hereditary sin) that the church has a tradition from the apostles to give baptism even to infants.”

235-284 – Civil War in Roman Empire

236-238 – Maximus emperor of Rome ends Christian schism by deporting Pope Pontian & anti-Pope Hippolytus to Sardinia where they soon die

244 – Plotinus, pagan from Egypt, opens school in Rome, emphasizes transcendence of God, God’s incomprehensibility, due to His simplicity. Nous is emanated from God & contains ideas of both classes & individuals. Two Souls (corresponding to Plato’s World Soul) proceed from Nous. Material creation exists at the bottom of this chain & is the principle of evil. Curiously, Plotinus criticized the Gnostics for their contempt for material reality, considering it worthy of high value as the image of intelligible reality. Plotinus taught that the soul can rise to union with God through purification, the rejection of sense perception in favour of philosophy & science, a stage which is beyond discursive thought, & a final stage of mystical union which is beyond separation. Vladimir Lossky points out that whereas Plotinus viewed union as simplicity & the removal of distinction, Christian mysticism sees God’s incomprehensibility as due not to His simplicity, but as absolute, & thus union with God is a “going forth from being as such.” Plotinus died in 269 or 270. His chief disciple was Porphyry, a critic of Christianity, who offered Neoplatonism as a cultured alternative to Christianity among the upper classes.

247 – Dionysius, pupil of Origen, becomes bishop of Alexandria (247-64)

248 – Cyprian (200-258) elected Bishop of Carthage, principle authority in Latin Church before St. Augustine, “high church” theologian. Had to deal with problem of those who denied faith in face of persecution & later asked to be received back into church. No salvation outside Church

249 – Rome celebrates 1,000th anniversary

Second half 3d Century – period of severe trial for Roman Empire close to political & social disintegration & economic breakdown. Christianity on rise. By 300 Christians in influential positions, penetrating into every level of society

250 – Decius Roman Emperor (249-251) begins 7th persecution of Christians with execution of Fabian, Bishop of Rome Jan. 250. All citizens required to give proof of having sacrificed to Emperor, many give way or escape through bribery, thousands die – problem of whether penance possible for lapsed. Cyprian, bishop of Carthage (248-258) argues no human has power to remit apostasy, leads to Donatist schism. In response to persecution many flee into desert, among them St. Paul of Thebes (227-340), said to be first Christian hermit, lived 90 years in cave

29

250-336 – Life of Arius, priest at Alexandria (Egypt), founder of Arianism. Arianism was one of the most widespread divisive heresies in history of Christianity. Arius taught (c.318) God is utterly transcendent, can have no involvement in world & therefore created, before all things, a Son who was the first creature, but who was neither equal to nor coeternal with the Father, to work in the world. According to Arius, Jesus Christ was a supernatural creature not quite human & not quite divine. Jesus was closer to God than any other human being, but was born a man. Felt any attempt to recognize the deity of Christ would blur the lines between Christianity & the pagan religions. If Christianity recognized two separate gods, the Father & Jesus, would become a polytheistic religion

Subordinationist – teaching about Person of Christ: there are two Persons substantially similar (homoiousion) but not the same (homoousion). In these ideas Arius followed the school of Lucian of Antioch

251 – Antony born near Memphis in Egypt.

251 – Cyprian, bishop of Carthage writes Unity of the Church

251 – two candidates for pope – Novatian(anti-Pope) – teaches that lapsed who denied faith under persecution, should not be admitted back into church – first major complaint church becoming lax, no forgiveness for sins after baptism. Cornelius who wins election as pope – bishop can remit even grave sins

251-253 – Gallus emperor of Rome

253-260 – Valerian, emperor of Rome, executes all bishops, priests & deacons

254 – Origen dies from injuries suffered in persecution

257 – 8th persecution under Valerian (253-260)

258 – St. Cyprian of Carthage dies martyr’s death in Valerian persecution.

260-261 – emperor Gallienus granted toleration by edict & restored confiscated churches & cemeteries

260-268 – Pope Dionysius (25th) rebuilds Roman church after Valerian persecution 268 – Goths sack Athens, Corinth, & Sparta 270 – Plotinus writes bitter attack against Christians 272 – birth of Constantine

30

276-282 – Marcus Aurelius Probus emperor of Rome

284-305 – Diocletian emperor of Rome, notorious persecutor of Christians

c.285 – St. Antony of Egypt (c.251-356) retires to desert where he attracts a number of disciples. Egypt has a million Christians

286 – Emperor Diocletian divides Roman Empire. He rules East & Maximilian West

290-345 – Pachomius establishes 1st monastery in Egypt

296-304 – Pope Marcellinus (29th) apostate, offered pagan sacrifices for Diocletian

296 – 373 – Athanasius disputed Arius & taught Jesus must be divine, because otherwise, could not be Saviour, wrote Life of Antony

beginning 4th cent. – Christians = no more than 5% of population of Roman Empire, mostly living in major cities: Rome, Carthage, Alexandria, Ephesus, & Antioch

300 – Buddhism begins to become prominent religion in China, begins to penetrate Korea 300 – Codex Vaticanus written – one of oldest extant manuscripts of Bible, probably

slightly older than Codex Sinaiticus

303 – Diocletian (Roman Emperor 284-305) orders general persecution of all Christians on Feb. 23 by issuing edict at Nicomedia which demanded burning of churches & Christian books = “The Great Persecution”

303 – St. Alban martyred in England story told in Bede’s (673-735) Ecclesiastical History of the English People – when persecution of Christians breaks out Alban shelters fleeing cleric in his home, moved by cleric’s example was baptized, when house searched Alban disguises himself as guest executed in his place

305 – persecution of Christians continues under Emperor Galenius = last persecution of Christians under Roman authority

c.305 – Antony comes out of solitude to organize disciples into community of hermits who live under a rule (an innovation) but with little common life = beginning of early Egyptian Monasticism (Desert Fathers) lasting to death of Simeon Stylites (459)

306 (July 25) – in York, Constantine’s father dies. Constantine’s troops declare him new emperor of Britain & Gaul

31

4th cent. churches develop “public” style of architecture & become recognizable as churches

Donatists – schismatic body in African Church, insisted church of saints must remain “holy,” believers who had lapsed from Christian faith under persecution, had not received genuine baptism or ordination to priesthood, guilty of mortal sin & could not perform valid sacrament. Believed validity of sacraments depended on moral character of priest. Required second baptism of “lapsed.” Caused rupture in North African church that lasted 300 years & so weakened church that, what had been one of strongest areas eventually lost to Christianity

306-312 – Maxentius emperor of Western Roman empire

312 (Oct. 28) – Constantine the Great, emperor of Eastern Empire (from 306 – 337) defeats & kills Maxentius, emperor of Western Empire (from 308). Constantine converts to Christianity after seeing vision of luminous cross bearing words “In hoc signo vinces” – “By this sign you shall conquer”) before The Battle of Milvian Bridge (four miles north of Rome). After this his legions emblazoned on their shields the Chi/Rho – first two letters of Greek for Christ

Beginning of period of transition for Roman Empire from persecutor of Church to officially Christian Empire

313 – Constantine issues Edict of Milan, granting legal rights to all Christians & restoring confiscated possessions. Christianity not yet official religion of Roman Empire

Eusebius (c.260-339), bishop of Caesarea saw promise of Christian kingdom of God on earth fulfilled through imperial rule of Constantine – possibility of establishing theocracy. Argued that if Emperor was going to maintain order of heaven & earth, he (the “Friend of God”) had to establish a uniform system of belief & practice to be shared by all Christians. Under Constantine’s rule, Christian religion would be “catholic” or “universal” to extent imperial power reinforced uniformity in Christian beliefs, practices, & social organizations. Emperor acted in ways previously ascribed to Son of God

313 – Antony withdraws again, this time to Inner Mountain near Red Sea shelters in tomb dug out of rock & later barricades himself in disused hut

313 – Miltiades excommunicates Donatus for requiring rebaptism of apostates

313-636 – Byzantine rule of Palestine

314 – First Synod of Arles summoned by Constantine to deal with Donatist schism (teaching of Donatus, bishop of Casae Nigrae that effectiveness of sacraments depends on moral character of minister, emerged as result of Diocletian persecution 303 how to deal with those who recanted faith after persecution

32

ended) – attended by three Bishops from Roman province of Britain who signed “Canons” of Council of Arles

c.315 – Amun, associate of Antony left wife, home & land to organize small desert colonies which came to be known as “cells” of renunciates. These colonies combined lifestyle of hermit with new sense of community

315 – first Christian symbols appeared on coinage

316 – Constantine intervenes in dispute in Carthage between rival claimants to office of bishop – after persecution, churches in North Africa faced with problem of Christians who lapsed. In Carthage one group of Christians required lapsed to be rebaptized – their candidate for Bishop was Donatus – most bishops in North Africa more lenient – their candidate was Caecilianus. Constantine sided with Caecilianus, ordered all Donatist churches confiscated – four months later, Donatist Christians who resisted this oppression killed by Roman soldiers & angry Christians

c.320 – Pachomius (c.290-346) founds monastery at Tabennisi in the Thebaid near the Nile = founder of cenobitic (organized/communal) monasticism in Egypt. At his death he was abbot- general of over 9 monasteries for men and 2 for women.

321 – Arius deposed as bishop

321 – Emperor Constantine declares Sunday to be a day of rest: “On the venerable day of the Sun let the magistrates & people residing in cities

rest, & let all workshops be closed. In the country however persons engaged in agriculture may freely & lawfully continue their pursuits because it often happens that another day is not suitable for grain-sowing or vine planting; lest by neglecting the proper moment for such operations the bounty of heaven should be lost.”

324 – Constantine moves capital of Empire to Constantinople (on site of ancient Greek city of Byzantium – renamed Istanbul in 1930, no w largest city in Turkey) – Rome no longer centre of power for empire – church begins to fill power gap at Rome. Bishop of Constantinople takes place beside Bishops of Alexandria & Rome. After conquering Eastern empire Constantine’s demand for uniform church organization & unanimity among Christians in matters of religious belief embraced both East & West.

325 – First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (city in present day Turkey) convened by Emperor Constantine. 318 bishops out of the approximately 1,800 bishops in existenceattended. EstablishesNiceneCreedasfundamentalstatementof Christian doctrine. The purpose was to settle the dispute over the teachings of Arius (d. 336) that Christ was not equal in divinity to God. Council declares Jesus equal in divinity to God by majority vote & declares Arianism a heresy. Defines

33

relationship between Christ & Father as “consubstantial”/of the same substance (homoousios). As Christian emperor rose in importance (exercising divine kingship, maintaining sacred order, combating evil, & disseminating knowledge necessary to salvation) Son of God rose even higher into heavens, stressing Son’s divinity. Council also formulated canons governing ordination of clergy, election of bishops, & defining Episcopal authority. Constantine specified that religious toleration of Christianity applied only to Catholic Christians, thus trying to create a unified Christianity for a unified Christian empire.

325-590 Post-Nicene era 327 – Macrina, elder sister of Sts. Basil & Gregory of Nyssa dies after heading convent

of nuns in Asia Minor

328 – Athanasius becomes bishop of Alexandria. Defender of homoousion (“of the same substance”) against Arians. Defended Church’s independence from Empire. “God became man in order that man might become God.”

328-361 – Arians control key political & ecclesiastical posts; orthodox bishops in exile

329 – Gregory of Nazianzus b. Cappadocian

330 – old Saint Peter’s Basilica dedicated by Constantine, located over traditional burial site of Peter in Rome on Vatican Hill

330 – Macarius the Great begins monastery in Scetis which grows rapidly. Monasteries spring up in Palestine

330 – Basil the Great b. Cappadocian, gave mystical orientation to monastic movement

331 – seat of Roman empire moved to Constantinople

332 – Constantine orders 50 parchment Bibles indicating widespread use of parchment codex (pages) over previously dominant rotulus (roll) by this date

333 – Antony comes out of solitude & has profound spiritual impact 335 – Gregory of Nyssa b. – believed universe existed as harmonious order emanating

from God

336 – Christmas first celebrated on December 25th, same date as first-century BCE Roman holiday for sun god Mithra.

337 – Emperor Constantine baptized on deathbed (age 49) – empire split between 3 sons: Constantinus rules East & is Arian; Constantine II orthodox shares rule of West (including Britain, Gaul & Spain) (until 340 when falls in war) with Constans,

34

supported by Pope; Constans shares rule of West with Constantine II (rules Italy, Africa, Illyricum, Macedonia, and Achaea) – Constans killed by usurper Magenentius in 353 leaving Constantius emperor of whole empire

339 – dedication of Basilica of the Nativity in Bethlehem = another in Constantine’s systematic destruction & appropriation of pagan sites for Christianity.

340 – Death of Constantine II leaves Constans sole ruler of West until 350

340 – Athanasius , Ammonius the Tall, & Isidore visit Rome – monastic ideal spreads in West

346 – death of Pachomius

mid 4th cent. – church building flourishes, great basilicas built on sites of former pagan temples

350 – Roman co-emperor Constans murdered in a military coup engineered by his military commander Magnentius – leads to period of civil war

350 – Cyril (c. 315-386) becomes bishop of Jerusalem, persecuted by Arians & three times ejected from his see

350 – Christianity first reaches Ethiopia. There are about 33 million Christians in Roman Empire (total population 60 million)

350 – John of Lycopolis begins 48 years as a recluse

354 – Augustine b.

356 – Athanasius of Alexandria writes to Christian emperor Constantius II extolling virtue of virginity as “a picture of the holiness of the angels,” by which time “the brides of Christ” had become an important Christian institution

356 – St. Antony dies Jan. 17 age 105 358 – St. Basil the Great (330-379, Cappadocian) settles as hermit by river Iris near

Neo-caesarea, gave mystical orientation to monastic movement

360 – Council at Arminium called by Constantius II to resolve Arian controversy. Attended by some 400 bishops of Western Roman Empire, but Eastern bishops attend meeting at same time at Seleucia. Most bishops at Arminium subscribe to Nicaean Creed (325) but Arians are supported by emperor & reverse majority decision. Orthodox majority forced to recant Nicaean Creed & accept Arian creed formulated at Nice in Thracia (but see 361)

35

360 – Martin of Tours takes up monastic life

360 – Huns invade Europe, scrolls begin to be replaced by books (Codex)

361 – Pope Liberius repudiates Arian creed, annuls Arminium Council

361-363 – Emperor Julian the Apostate, Emperor of East, tries to restore paganism in place of Christianity

c.364 – The Church Council of Laodicea orders religious observances be conducted on Sunday, not Saturday. Sunday becomes new Sabbath, decrees death for Christians who keep 7th day Sabbath: “Christians shall not Judaize & be idle on Saturday, but shall work on that day.”

- names 26 New Testament books, excludes Revelations 367 – Festal Epistle Easter letter of St. Athanasius bishop of Alexandria (c.293-373)

offers earliest known list of the New Testament canon of 27 books

370 – Basil appointed Bishop of Caesarea. Designer of Rule of discipline under which monasticism of Greek Orthodoxy still organized. Insisted law of love of God & neighbour = context for monasticism

c.371 – Gregory of Nyssa (c.330-c.395, Cappadocian) consecrated bishop of Nyssa – universe exists as harmonious order emanating from God

c.372 – Gregory Nazianzen (330-390, Cappadocian) consecrated to see of Sasima – most profound of Greek Fathers

372 – Buddhism introduced into Korea

374 – St. Ambrose (339-397), baptized & made bishop of Milan

375 – Jerome spends five years in desert of Chalcis

376 – Gregory of Nyssa deposed by Arians remains in exile two years

378 – death of Roman emperor Valens, Arian sympathizer, allowed return of Gregory of Nyssa from exile

379 – Basil the Great d. 379 – Buddhism made state religion in China

36

379-395 – reign of Emperor Theodosius I of Rome – makes orthodox Christianity essential requirement of good citizenship, outlaws paganism & makes heresy liable to punishment = la st emperor of united empire

380 – Christianity becomes official religion of Roman Empire under Theodosius I

381 – First Council of Constantinople. Convened by Theodosius I, then emperor of East & recent convert, to confirm victory over Arianism, council drew up dogmatic statement on Trinity & defined Holy Spirit as having same divinity expressed for Son by Council of Nicaea 56 years earlier. That statement has been lost, but work of the council established the orthodox teaching of the Trinity as held today

council condemned all varieties of Arianism along with a new heresy, Apollinarianism (no human spirit in Christ – human body, soul & Divine Logos – thus lacking in complete humanity). The sessions, which were attended only by bishops of the East, lasted two months. Nicene Creed reformulated. Also gave Bishop of Constantinople honorary pre-eminence after Bishop of Rome, a claim the bishop of Rome refused to recognize.

381 – Egeria, pious woman from north-western Spain embarks on three-year pilgrimage through Holy Land – part of explosion of interest in Christian pilgrimage in 4th cent.

381-after 418 – Proculus bishop of Marseilles

382 – Evagrius Ponticus (346-399) withdraws to Nitrian desert where becomes friend & disciple of St. Macarius of Egypt. Stays in desert until death. From 553 condemned for Origenistic views

382-384 – Pope Damasus I has Jerome revise & unify Latin Bibles

383 – Augustine leaves Carthage & establishes himself as professor of rhetoric in Italian city of Milan, breaks from Manicheans & joins group of intellectuals including a few Christians

383 – Roman legions begin to evacuate Britain

384-399 – Siricius reigned – first bishop of Rome to be called Pope (father)

385 – Jerome & companions found monastery near Bethlehem

385 – bishop Ambrose in Milan defies Empress, helping establish principle of Church confrontation of State to protect Christian teaching

385 – John Cassian (c.360-435, monk) leaves Bethlehem to study monasticism in Egypt. His Dialogues is one of most important documents for history of Christian

37

mysticism. Brought Evagrius’ thought to West

387 – Augustine of Hippo (354-430 born in North Africa now Algeria & Tunisia) converts to Christianity, under influence of mother Monica & Bishop Ambrose. Becomes leading theologian in church’s history by writing major theological works like City of God (in response to charge Rome’s fall was due to disregarding old gods & turning to Christianity) & Confessions & by writing polemics against heresies. Brought Platonism & Christianity together, emphasizing soul’s search for God, made possible by illumination of mind of God. Taught love = central & governing virtue & measure of all activity, pride = chief vice, great emphasis on humility. Responsible for language of soul’s interior ascent to God. Battled:

Messalians (Syriac)/ Euchites (Gk.) – Gnostic sect endeavoured to pray without ceasing by continuously reciting Lord’s Prayer. Taught spiritual person could no longer sin, material world fundamentally evil, rejected OT & God as Creator, stressed private prayer at expense of sacraments

Manicheans – believed there were two deities, one good & one evil, who are at war

Donatitsts (see above)

Pelagians – humans not born sinful, could live sinless lives. All Christians should keep all the commandments. Denied human sin inherited from Adam. Jesus = model for human behaviour not source of grace. Human being = cause of own salvation through ascesis & moral discipline. Forced Augustine to a clear awareness of absolute priority of God’s grace. In response to Pelagianism Augustine produced an unacceptable version of predestination in which sovereign grace becomes arbitrary rescuing the elect. Shifted emphasis in Christian theology & spirituality from transfiguration of the universe to the tragedy of the human condition.

388 – Palladius (c.365-425, historian of early monasticism) visits Alexandria, Nitiria & Cellia

389 – Gregory of Nazianzus d.

c.390 – Gregory of Nyssa writes The Life of Moses

390 – Ambrose Bishop of Milan forces Emperor Theodosius to do public penance for massacre of 7,000 at Thessalonica

390 – first mention of Apostles’ Creed in writings of St. Ambrose – used only in West, East used Nicene Creed.

38

391-392 – monks help destroy Temple of Sarapis at Alexandria

393 – Theodosius I abolishes Greek Olympics

394 – Council of Carthage - first council to uphold doctrines of prayers for dead & purgatory

394 – seven monks from Jerusalem visit Egyptian monks

395 – Gregory of Nyssa d.

395 -Roman Empire divided again between East & West, setting stage for eventual division of Christian Church. Latin Christianity based in Rome under leadership of popes, Eastern Orthodoxy develops in east in Constantinople under leadership of patriarchs

395 – Jovinian, celibate monk suggestes “virgins, widows & married women, who have once gone through Christian baptism, if they are equal in other respects, are of equal merit.” Declared heretic by Jerome, Ambrose, & Augustine because, “he has dared to place marriage on an equal level with perpetual chastity”

397 – Ninian builds church & monastery at Whittorn, Scotland

398 – St. John Chrysostom (347-407) made patriarch of Constantinople

399 – Theophilus turns against teachings of Origen, Origenists driven out of Egypt – Origenist controversy dramatically alters monasticism of Egypt

late 4th & 5c – period Roman Empire pulling back from far flung empire in defense against invasions from barbarians from north

MIDDLE AGES from fall of Rome (476) to Renaissance (14c.- mid.17c.) – early Middle Ages sometimes referred to as DARK AGES

400s – Anglo-Saxon pagan invaders almost eliminate Christianity in England

Early 5c. Roman soldiers leave England leaving population of converted Celtic Christians

c.400 – John Cassian arrives in Constantinople & becomes disciple of St. John Chrysostom

401 – Innocent I becomes Pope (until 417) claims universal jurisdiction over Roman Church, decrees Roman custom to be norm for all Christianity

39

403 – Synod of the Oak condemns Tall Brothers & John Chrysostom – presided over by Theophilus of Alexandria

404 – Chrysostom’s second & definitive exile

404 – St Jerome (rabidly anti-Origenist) translates Rule of Pachomius into Latin – profound influence on subsequent forms of Western monasticism

c.405 – St. Jerome (c.347 – 419) completes Vulgate (“in the common tongue”) – Latin translation of both Old & New Testaments, standard text for 1,000 years remains Latin Bible of RC Church. Cites “expanded” ending of Mark after 16:14, adds pericope of adulteress (Jn. 7:53-8:11)

405–410 – The History of the Monks of Egypt (based on the journey of 394) completed

407 – John Chrysostom dies on forced march in exile

407–408 – First devastation of Scetis by Berber tribes – dramatically affects Egyptian monasticism

410 – last Roman legions leave Britain, leaving behind strong Romano-British Christian culture & church

410 (Aug 24) – led by Alaric, Goths enter & sack Rome. Pope Innocent I survives because out of Rome, trying to arrange peace with Roman Emperor Honorius. Alaric I of the Visigoths dies later that year, succeeded by brother Ataulf. Sack of Rome caused consternation throughout Empire, motivated Augustine’s City of God. Began period of “barbarian” dominance of Empire in West

410-485 – Proclus Greek Neoplatonis philosopher, one of last major Classical philosophers. Eros not just expression of human need but universal force binding together all levels of reality & drawing them up toward the One

411 – Council of Carthage condemns Donatists (church must be church of saints not sinners, sacraments invalid if administered by those who lapsed under persecution)

415 – John Cassian (c.360-435) founded 2 monasteries near Marseilles & wrote the Institutes – ordinary rules for monastic life drawn on by St. Benedict

415 – Hypatia pagan scholar, killed at hands of Christian mob. Close advisor of Orestes, Roman governor of Alexandria, Hypatia had been a popular public lecturer in philosophy & mathematics

40

417 – Pope Innocent I condemns Pelagianism (original sin did not taint human nature, therefore humans free to choose good or evil without divine aid, Jesus set example but did not redeem humanity)

418 – British monk Pelagius (c. 354 – 420) excommunicated at Council of Carthage. Pelagius denied original sin & need for baptism, asserting if God asked men to do good, they must be capable of doing good on their own, condemned by Augustine

419 – Palladius writes Lausiac History of the Friends of God = most valuable single writing that survives for history of early monasticism

420 – Cassian begins writing Institutes

420 – Jerome d.

423 – Symeon Stylites begins living on pole in Antioch, Syria

425 – Bishops of sounthern Gaul commanded by imperial decree to profess anti-Pelagian views

425 – Jerusalem Talmud edited 426 – Augustine declares purpose of marriage is procreation.& writes Grace & Free Will

& Rebuke & Grace 429 – vandals ravage Africa

429 – Picts & Scots expelled from southern England by Anglo Saxon-Jutes

430 (Augt 28) – Augustine d. age 76

c.430 – St. Patrick (390-460) “Apostle of Ireland,” taken captive from England by Irish, escapes & goes to France where he enters monastery, eventually returning to see his family where he had a dream of babies of Ireland pleading with him to return to Ireland to return to tell them about Christ. Introduced Christianity to pagan Ireland. A Roman Briton, he was born Maewyn Succat & adopted Patrick or Patricius upon becoming a priest

431- Ecumenical Council of Ephesus (3rd ecumenical council) denounces teachings of Nestorius (d.451), who argued Christ had completely separate human & divine natures conjoined rather than in essential union ie. Christ exists as two persons – the man Jesus & the divine Son of God, the Logos, rather than as two natures (True God & True Man ) of one divine person

also voted Mary is the mother of God as well as of Jesus Christ. Syrian bishops joined by Theodoret (bishop of Cyrrhus in Syria) held rival meeting &

41

excommunicated Cyril (bishop of Alexandria) & Memon (bishop of Ephesus) Split Christianity into East centre in Persia (Nestorian – disagree with Council of Ephesus) & West (Jacobites)

Kabbalah (literally “receiving”) – Jewish mysticism has roots earlier than Christianity. Flourishes in Middle Ages & Renaissance. Struggles with problem of how person can relate to God who is totally other & how God relates to creation.

432 – Prosper publishes Against the Confessor critique of Cassian’s “Conference 13” 432 – First celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland, to honour arrival of St. Patrick 433 – Attila becomes ruler of the Huns (until 453) c.435 – John Cassian dies

436 – Nestorius banished to Upper Egypt where dies few years later

440-460 – Leo the Great, (46th) first Pope to assert authority over other bishops, claiming bishop of Rome is successor to Apostle Peter

444 – according to legend Patrick establishes Episcopal see at Armagh. Christianity in Ireland centres around monasteries rather than cities as in Europe, therefore ruled by Abbot or Abbess, bishops subordinate

449 – country now known as England invaded by barbarian tribes: Angles, Saxons & Jutes, kill or drive most indigenous Christians into Western parts of Britain. Christian faith suffers temporary eclipse

Indigenous form of Christian faith survives in British Isles, carrying on their traditions for next 150 years, establishing strong centres: Scotland through Ninian (360-432), Patrick (389-461) Wales by missionary work of Illtyd (450-535)

island of Iona where monastery founded by St. Columba (563) Lindisfarne with arrival of St. Aidan from Iona (635)

Celtic Christianity did not rely on Roman church, centred rather in local monasticism, lacked administrative organization of Roman Church

449 – Acquittal of Eutyches (c.378-454) archimiandrite of large monastery at Constantinople. Denied manhood of Christ was consubstantial with ours. Maintained two natures before but only one after Union in the Incarnate Christ, real founder of Monophysitism(Gk. monos “one”, phunis “nature”)

450 – Mark’s resurrection account added (Mark 16:9-20) 42

450 – Athanasian Creed written by anonymous author in Gaul 451 – Attila invades Gaul but is repulsed by joint forces of Franks, Alemanni & Romans

at battle of Chalons. Invades Italy the next year

451- Ecumenical Council of Chalcedon(4th ecumenical council)votes Christ simultaneously “truly man and truly God”

traditional belief that Jesus had both a divine & human nature was being challenged at the time by Monophysitism, an outgrowth of the Alexandrian school. Their followers believed that Christ had only a single divine nature. The council rejected that belief. In their Chalcedonian definition, affirmed Christ had two natures which were “…without confusion, without change, without division, without separation.” This formulation has survived as the traditional belief to the present day among almost all branches of Christendom.

little known statement of the Council was Canon #15 (1):

“No woman under 40 years of age is to be ordained a deacon, & then only after close scrutiny.” – appears to be last time in church history ordination of women mentioned as routine practice in any form, certainly establishes women did hold, at one time, important church offices

Despite objections of Pope, patriarchal powers formally conferred on Bishop of Constantinople. From this point until schism of 1054, Orthodox E. & Catholic W. struggle for dominance

451 (30 Oct.) – Bishop of Constantinople made sole & independent head (patriarch) of Greek Church of Eastern Empire

455 – Gaiseric leads Vandals in sacking Rome. Vandals invade Rome, pillage it for 14 days & leave, taking treasures & hostages (including Empress Eudoxia & her daughters). Vandals head east to Greece & Dalmatia

457-474 – Leo I becomes emperor of remaining (eastern) Roman empire 459 – death of Symeon the Stylite 461 – possible death of St. Patrick or 493

476 – abdication of Romulus Augustus, last Roman Emperor in West, Western Roman Empire falls to barbarian armies, leaving church as primary authority in West = end of antiquity. In East, Roman Empire survives until death of Justinian (565) then becoming the Byzantine Empire based in Constantinople which continues for

43

the next 977 years. Means W. & E. Christians no longer under same political rule & differences in belief & practice grow

Alexandrian Theology – Platonic tradition, sense of reality of spiritual world & tolerance of dualism, transcendence of God, essential godhead of all Three Persons, divine Nature in Incarnate Christ, tended towards tritheism, mystical & allegorical exposition of Scripture

Antiochene Theology – Aristotelian & historical, historical exegesis of Scripture. Emphasized humanity of Jesus. Saw two natures of Jesus as loosely connected

477 – Latest date for invention of stirrup in China. Stirrups provide many advantages to horseback rider: easy way to mount a horse, lateral stability while mounted, make it much easier to strike to the left or right with a sword while mounted without falling

478 – first Shinto religious shrines built in Japan

480-524 – Boethius , philosopher & statesman

483 – Sabas establishes monastic settlement outside Bethlehem

491 – Armenian church secedes from East (Byzantium) & West (Roman) churches

492-496 – Pope Gelasius I (50th) first to be referred to as “Vicar of Christ”

493 – possible date of death of St. Patrick

494 – St. Valentine’s Day set as February 14th by Pope Gelasius I

496 – Clovis, king of Franks leads thousands of Frankish warriors to be baptized by Bishop at Rhemis

c. 500 – Talmud, a compilation of Jewish oral laws & traditions, put in final form in Babylonia. Two parts: oral law (Mishna) in Hebrew & commentaries on the oral law (Gemara) in Aramaic

500 – Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite originates distinction between kataphatic & apophatic

500 – Incense introduced in Christian church service; first plans of Vatican drawn up 500 – Inuit begin hunting seals & whales 500 – King Arthur takes up struggle against Saxons

44

500 – Benedict of Nursia withdraws to cave to begin monastic life 503 – Britons, possibly under war leader Arthur, defeat Saxons at Mount Badon 511 – death of Clovis

518 (July) – Emperor Anastasia dies, leaving no obvious successor – Justinian in his thirties living in Constantinople. His uncle Justin is declared new emperor & soon adopts his nephew as his son & heir

520 – Indian scholar Bodhidharma arrives in China. Zen school of Buddhism eventually evolves from his teachings

524 – Boethius (b.480) – Roman Christian philosopher wrote Consolation of Philosophy 525 – Dionysius Exiguus sets Christian calendar (A.D.) & Jesus’ birth at 23 Dec 1 AD. 526 – Earthquake in Antioch kills 250,000

527 – Justinian’s reign begins, last emperor to rule over united Roman Empire, responsible for codification of Roman Law that affects many future civilizations & re-conquest of Africa & Italy

529 – Plato’s Academy dissolved by Justinian the Great

529 – Council of Orange condemned Massilian teaching that allowed some initiative, however feeble, of human will (the initium fidei) Issued 25 dogmatic capitula upholding many of Augustine’s doctrines on nature of grace though repudiating Augustine’s later views on predestination to evil

c.529 – Italian monk Benedict establishes monastery on Monte Cassino, in Italy. His Benedictine order eventually establishes Western monastic tradition which spread rapidly throughout Europe. Benedict wrote most important Western monastic rule. (today there are 8,500 Benedictine monks around the world) 8-12c. Benedictines = only religious life in W.

537 – Belesarius, Justinian’s commander re-conquers Rome. In response Justinian begins building Hagia Sophia (Divine Wisdom), largest Christian church in the world, in Constantinople as focal point of Byzantine Christianity

538 – Buddhism introduced into Japan from Korea

543 – plague in Constantinople from Egyptian & Syria n rats, kills up to 200,000 (40% of Mediterranean manpower) making difficult to collect taxes, spreads to Europe

547 – plague reaches Britain 45

548 – Theodora, Justinian’s wife dies 550 – Saint David takes Christianity to Wales 550 – Babylonian Talmud edited

553 – Second Council of Constantinople (5th ecumenical), convened by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I to settle dispute known as the Three Chapters. West, in general, slow in recognizing it as an ecumenical council, though ultimately it was accepted, chiefly because of the orthodoxy of its pronouncements. Condemned Evagrius’ metaphysical system along with that of Origen.

562 – End of Japanese power in Korea.

563 – Irish monk Saint Columba (Columcille) with twelve companions founds monastery on island of Iona off West Coast of Scotland & begins conversion of Picts to Christianity

565 – (Nov.14) Justinian dies (age 83) with him dies any hope of re-unifying Roman Empire

570 – Muhammad born in Mecca. Founder of Islam (“submission” ie. to will of God – adherents called Muslims) doctrine found in Koran

579-590 – Pope Pelagius II dies of plague

587 – Visigoths of Spain converted to Christianity

589 – Lombards of Italy converted to Christianity

589 – synod in Teledo, Spain adds filioque to Nicene Creed (asserting Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father and the Son)

590–604 – Pope Gregory the Great (c.540-604) plague ravaged Rome, elected Pope amidst great political & cultural decadence begins liturgical reforms & changes in church administration, enhancing both power & prestige of papacy. Originally Benedictine, Gregory creates religious policy for western Europe by fusing Roman papacy with Benedictine monasticism. Establishes Latin church which serves to counteract subordination of Roman popes to Eastern emperors

also commanded way be found to collect & preserve singing of Benedictine monks of Santo Domingo de Silos (now known as Gregorian Chant).

as fourth great “church father,” St. Gregory the Great drew his theology from Ambrose of Milan, Jerome & Augustine of Hippo. His concepts of purgatory & penance widen growing theological gulf between Eastern & Western Churches

46

596 – Pope Gregory the Great sends Augustine (d. 605) Italian monk along with 40 monks to England on missionary journey to spread message of Christianity, unaware any Christians there until arrived. Lands in Kent (summer 597), favourably received, Christmas Day, 10,000 people baptized. After few months Christianity formally adopted by Ethelbert, King of Kent, whose wife Bertha had been Christian before marriage. Augustine went to Arles to be consecrated first Archbishop of Canterbury, brought spirit of law & order of Church. Meets bishops of old British Church, finds indigenous Christianity rooted in soil, varying eucharistic rites different from those used in Rome – declares they must recognize his authority & bring customs into conformity with Rome, refused

Pope Gregory I to Augustine – “If you have found customs, whether in the Church of Rome or of Gaul or any other that may be more acceptable to God, I wish you to make a careful selection of them, and teach the Church of the English, which is still young in the Faith, whatever you have been able to learn with profit from the various Churches. For things should no t be loved for the sake of places, but places for the sake of good things. Therefore select from each of the Churches whatever things are devout, religious, and right; and when you have bound them, as it were, into a Sheaf, let the minds of the English grow accustomed to it.”

for nearly 200 years four strands of Christianity survive in English Church:

1. left over Romano-British church from pre-5c. Christian influence

2. Celtic Churches – indigenous churches in: Scotland, Northumbria, Wales

3. Churches established by missions from Gaul 4. Churches established by missions from Rome (Augustine) = latest to arrive. Still saw only one Christian Church.

Constant tension between uniformity (Rome) & variety, centralization (Rome) & independence. Frequently it was church officials who favoured uniformity & monarchs who favoured measure of national independence

BRITISH/CELTIC: ROMAN:

indigenous, variety, independence foreign, uniformity, centralization 601 – First cathedral built in England 602 – Earliest Anglo-Saxon code of law: Laws of Aethelberht

47

603 – Augustine tries, but fails, to reach agreement with Celtic Church surviving in Britain but at variance with Rome on questions of discipline & practice

609 – All Saints’ Day (a.k.a. All Hallows’ Day) first celebrated on May 13th when Pope Boniface IV dedicated Pantheon in Rome to the Virgin Mary

610 – Pretzels invented by Italian monk who uses them as rewards to children who learn prayers

610 – Muhammad’s reported vision of Allah on Mount Hira (aged 40), begins to receive words that came to him for next 22 years & eventually become Koran

612 – Muhammad begins to preach in Mecca until 622 614 – Fall of Jerusalem to Persians 619 – Muhammad’s wife dies 620 – Vikings begin invading Ireland

622 – Muhammad (“Praised One”) fled from Mecca to Medina, emigration called “Hegira” (year one for Muslims) – official starting point for Muslim era

624 – Buddhism becomes established religion of Japan 625 – Paulinus of Rome comes to convert Northumbria to Christianity 625 – Muhammad begins dictating Koran

625–638 – Papacy of Honorious I showed great interest in church in Spain & British Isles, did much to reform education of the clergy, became involved in Monotheletism, doctrine declaring Christ operated with but one will, although he had two natures, opposed intent of Council of Chalcedon

626 – King Edwin of Northumbria founds Edinburgh & begins Christianization

630 – Mecca falls to Muhammad’s army

632 – Death of Muhammad (aged 62) – Abu Bakr named first Caliph to succeed Muhammad

632 – East Anglia Christianized

635 – Muslims begin conquest of Persia & Syria. – to 642 take Fertile Crescent (Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Mesopotamian, Persian & Byzantine Empires)

48

635 – Aidan, monk from Iona founded Lindisfarne

635 – Christianization of Wessex

636 – Southern Irish Church submits to Roman Catholicism

636 – Arab conquest of Palestine; Muslim rule established.

638 – Jerusalem seized by armies of Islam

640 – Library of Alexandria, “The Center of Western Culture,” with 300,000 ancient papyrus scrolls, completely destroyed by fire

641 – Muslims control Syria, Palestine & Egypt

644-650 – Muslims conquer Cyprus, Tripoli in N. Africa & establish Muslim rule in Iran & Afghanistan

c.640 – Caliph Uthman (3rd Caliph of Islam) has Koran written down

648 – Emperor Constans II issues “The Typos” limiting Christian teachings to that defined in first five ecumenical councils. Pope Martin I (d. 655) refuses to sign Typos, is seized & banished to Crimea where he dies

651 – Arab conquest of Persia complete 656 – Uthman ibn Affan – son-in-law of Muhammad (3rd Caliph) assassinated 657 – Hilda establishes monastery for men & women at Whitby 661 – Omayyad Dynasty in Islam

663 – Synod of Whitby summoned by King Oswy of Northumbria when discovers he & wife celebrate Easter on different days, King having accepted British practice, wife Roman (meant King finished Lent feasting at Easter while Queen still fasting). Celtic Church arguing for flexibility allowing for local & indigenous practice. King impressed by claims of authority for Roman Pope so Roman custom adopted. Wilfred of Ripon speaking on behalf of Pope – “Though your fathers were ho ly, do you think that their small number, in a corner of the remotest island, is to be preferred before the universal church of Christ throughout the world?” Celtic Christian Church begins decline

668 – Theodore of Tarsus (602-690) sent to England by Pope Vitalian & consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury – works on drawing together factions in England

49

673 – Theodore of Tarsus (7th Archbishop of Canterbury) summons & presides over first Synod of whole Church in England (Council of Hertford) named “Ecclesia Anglicana” – still free from Roman control, ties with Rome strengthened but papal supremacy still not established

673-735 – St. Bede the Venerable father of English history 674 – Arab conquest reaches Indus River 674 – Churches in England fitted with glass windows for first time

680-81 – Third Council of Constantinople. (Sixth Ecumenical Council) convoked by Byzantine Emperor Constantine IV. The council attended by more than 150 bishops from all over world & presided over by papal legates. Just as there are in Christ two natures, divine & human, so there is in Christ not only a divine but also a human will

condemned Monotheletism very clearly by defining orthodox faith as acceptance of a separate will & operation in each of the natures of Chr ist. It also condemned several churchmen as Monothelites, among them an earlier pope, Honorius I.

680-754 – St. Boniface, “Apostle of Germany”

687- Pepin of Heristal, a Merovingian ruler, unites Frankish territories & builds centre of his kingdom in Be lgium. Succeeded by his son, Charles Martel, who creates an alliance with the Christian Church, allowing the Merovingian Dynasty (& Christianity) to expand into Germany. Pepin the Short succeeds his father, Charles Martel, strengthens the convergence of Benedictine missionaries & Frankish expansion

691 – Dome of the Rock Islamic Mosque completed in Jerusalem

692 – The Quinsext Council or The Council of Trullo held in Constantinople made 102 canonical regulations – married men may be priests, only celibates may be bishop, Christians should honour resurrection by not kneeling on Sundays

695 – Spain begins persecution of Jews

end 7th beginning 8th Cents. – Monophysite heresy minimizes human side of the Incarnate God, contributes to Iconoclastic Controversy (752-842)

700 – Psalms translated into Anglo-Saxon, Lindsisfarne Gospels produced

700 – Benedictine missionaries complete conversion of England begun by St. Gregory the Great

50

700 – Isaac of Nineveh d. 700 – Koran edited & begins to reach final form 700 – Buddhism officially established in Tibet; beginnings of Vajrayanna school 710 – First permanent capital of Japan established at Nara 711 – Muslims conquer Spain 712 – Yashumaru Ono completes Kojiki, first history of Japan 716 – Boniface, “the Apostle of Germany,” sets out to bring gospel to pagan lands

718 – Pelayo, a noble Visigoth who has been elected king, defeats Muslim Army in Alcama in neighbourhood of Covadonga, thus beginning the Christian Reconquest of Spain

c.725 – Earliest known mechanical clock built in China

726 – Byzantine emperor Leo III (c.680-741) begins “Iconoclastic Controversy” by banning worship of religious images (icons)

732 – Battle of Tours, Charles Martel turns back Muslim invasion of Europe

735 – Venerable Bede , Anglo-Saxon Benedictine scholar, writes the History of the English Church and People in Latin, generally regarded as best writing of medieval history

c.740 – Earliest known printed newspaper appears in China

750 – first great English epic poem, Beowulf, written in Old English. The work is anonymous & untitled until 1805. It is a Christian poem that exemplifies early medieval society in England & shows roots in Old Testament Law

750 – Irish monks establish early medieval art. Greatest surviving product of these monks is the Book of Kells, a Gospel book of decorative art

750 – Feudal system starts to emerge in Europe. Feudalism – system of obligations that bound lords & subjects in Europe during Middle Ages. King owned all or most of land, gave to leading nobles in return for loyalty & military service. Nobles held land that peasants, including serfs were allowed to farm in return for peasants’ labour & a portion of their produce. Under feudalism, people were born with permanent position in society.

51

751 – St. Boniface (d.754) anoints Pepin the Short as a divinely sanctioned king, thus Frankish monarchy becomes fused into the papal order

The western European empire, based on the alliance between Frankish monarchy & Latin Church, provides an image of Western cultural unity for Europeans lost since fall of the Roman Empire, though it does not last long

753 – Synod of Hieria called by Constantine V decrees all icons should be destroyed

756 – “Donation of Pepin” in which Pepin the Short officially bestowed upon pope territories belonging to Ravenna thus providing legal basis for erection of Papal States in Italy as territory under sovereign control of popes

762-775 – “decade of blood” during which hundreds of Christians mostly monks imprisoned, tortured & even killed for habouring & honouring icons

768 – Pepin’s son, Carolus Magnus (Charlemagne ), succeeds father becoming one of most important rulers of medieval history. Empire, known as Carolingian dynasty, eventually includes much of central Europe, northern & central Italy in addition to realms already conquered by Frankish rule. Charlemagne’s system of government divides the vast realm into different regions, ruled by local “counts” who are overseen by representatives of Charlemagne’s own court

In addition, to aid expansion & administration of the kingdom, Charlemagne promotes what is later called the “Carolingian Renaissance.” Prior to this revival of learning, nearly entire kingdom (with exception of Benedictine England) was illiterate due to decay of Roman Empire

Director of the “renaissance” is Anglo-Saxon Benedictine Alcuin, who receives learning from student of Bede. Alcuin sets up schools, sees to the copying of classical Latin texts & develops new handwriting

778 – Army of Charlemagne suffers defeat of Roncesvalles at hands of the Vascons; death of Roland

787 – The Second Nicean Council (7th Ecumenical) meets – last of the seven church councils commonly accepted as authoritative by both Roman Catholic & Eastern Orthodox churches. Votes to allow veneration but not the worship of icons

787 – Danes invade England for first time

788 – Shankara b. in India systematizes advaita from the Vedas & the Upanishads d. 820

792 – Caroline Books given by Charle magne to Pope in Rome attacking legitimacy of empire in East in order to have himself recognized as sole ruler in Christendom thus bringing about Holy Roman Empire combining E. & W. accusing E. of

52

idolatry because of icon veneration & of dropping words “& the Son” (filioque) from Nicene Creed

794 – Japanese capital city moved to Kyoto

9c. – one of most significant in church history – period of renaissance in E. & increasing centralization in W. around papacy

800-1200 – Jews experience “golden age” of creativity & toleration in Spain under Muslim rule

800 – Charlemange “Charles the Great” (c.742-814) Christmas Day is crowned Holy Roman Emperor of all Romans by Pope Leo III (750-816) at Saint Peter’s Basillica in Rome. This coronation marks beginning of new relationship between church & state, with emperor’s temporal authority depending upon spiritual blessing of pope. Coronation opposed by East, symbolized theocratic nature of medieval empire (Holy Roman Empire lasted until 1806)

800 – Ch’an & Pure Land Buddhism become dominant schools in China; establishment of Tendai & Shingon schools in Japan

801 – Vikings begin selling slaves to Muslims

806 – Hien Tsung becomes Emperor of China. During his reign shortage of copper leads to introduction of paper money

808 – Pope Leo III – reacts against charges of Charlemagne against E., has creed without filioque enshrined in sliver tablets on doors of St. Peter’s

c.810-c.877 – John Scotus Irishman known as Erigena, arrives at Court of France, translates Pseudo-Dionysisus from Greek into Latin, all humans are microcosm of universe, that which is shared, the essence of all things is God

843 – Worship of icons restored in East by Byzantine emperor Michael III (839 – 867), ending “Iconclastic Controversy”

850 – Acropolis of Zimbabwe built in Rhodesia 856 – earthquake in Corinth kills 45,000 861-886 – first open clashes between E & W Christians

861 – Pope Nicholas calls council in Constantinople which affirms Photius as rightful patriarch, decision rejected by Pope Nicholas who calls another council in Rome in 863 proclaiming Ignatius bishop of Constantinople – decision ignored

53

863 – Cyril & Methodius, Greek brothers, evangelize Serbs. Cyril develops Cyrillic alphabet still basis for Slavo nic used in liturgy of Russian church, creates hostility with missionaries from Latin Church who believe official language of church should be only Hebrew, Latin & Greek

867 – Photian Schism between Eastern & Western churches begins during first patriarchy of Photius (c.820-891). Photius excommunicates Pope Nicholas I (c.800-867) during dispute over various issues, but especially use in Western church of filioque clause in Nicene Creed (meaning: “and from the son”), not accepted in East. This had been added to statement that Holy Spirit proceeds from the Father. The schism leads to Photius’ deposition, but he later manages to achieve reconciliation with Rome.

868 – The Diamond Sutra printed in China, world’s oldest printed book 869 – Cyril & Methodius go to Rome – Pope Hadrian II blesses their work particularly

use of native language in liturgy

869-70 – Fourth Coucil of Constantinople, never accepted by Orthodox Church, which instead recognizes council of 880 that supported Photius. Council of 869 was convoked at the suggestion of Basil I, the new Byzantine emperor, to confirm the restoration of St. Ignatius of Constantinople to the see that Photius had resigned.

Photius had already been condemned, without a hearing, at a Roman synod. At Constantinople his defense was cut short. When he refused to sign his own condemnation, he was excommunicated. These councils intensify bitterness between East & West.

late 9c. – W. enters one of darkest periods of history – new waves of invasions destroy security created by empire of Charlemagne, Church suffers from domination of lay lords, communication with E. virtually cut off

871 – King Alfred the Great of England constructs system of government & education allowing for unification of smaller Anglo-Saxon states in 9th & 10th. Alfred responsible for codification of English law, public interest in local government & reorganization of army. Founds schools & promotes Anglo-Saxon literacy & establishment of national culture. Dies in 899 CE.

874 – Vikings settle in Iceland

877 – John Scotus Erigena d. – only theologian of note in W. during 9c.brought strong influence of E. theology of Dionysius & Maximus to W. church

879 – Council in Constantinople presided over by Photius clarifies traditional privileges of Pope of Rome in E. (accepted by Pope John VIII), creed affirmed without filioque

54

900 – Mayans emigrate to Yucatan Peninsula.

910 – Benedictine monastery of Cluny in Burgundy becomes place of monastic reform. Two major innovations: direct subjection of monasteries to pope (avoiding the oversight of secular, local & ecclesiastical powers) & building of “daughter monasteries” subordinate to Cluniac “family,” which grows to sixty-seven monasteries by 1049 CE & over 1,000 by mid-12th cent.

930 – Althing, oldest body of representative government in Europe, established in Iceland by Vikings

c.950 – Catholicism is prevalent & dominant religion throughout Europe

950 – Europe enters Dark Ages

950 – Olga of Russia who ruled Russia for seventeen years converts to Christianity

960 – Athanasius of Mt. Athos (d. 1000) founds Great Lavra opening way for development of monastic republic on Holy Mountain

960 – Mieszko I becomes first ruler of Poland (dies 992)

971 – world’s first university founded in Cairo

973-1002 – Otto II & Otto III of Holy Roman Empire distracted by Italian Wars, Holy Roman Empire weakens

977 – Prince Vladimir of Russia decides nation needs monotheistic religion, dispatches ambassadors to enquire about religious beliefs & practices, adopts Eastern faith from Constantinople – Byzantine conversion of Russia to Christianity, founding of Russian Orthodox Church

981 – Eric the Red exiled from Iceland, settles in new land calls Greenland in order to attract settlers

988 – Vladimir I (c.956-1015) grand duke of Kiev, declares Eastern Orthodox Christianity to be official state religion of Russia in attempt to unify & guide Russian people

995 – Japanese literary & artistic golden age begins under Emperor Fujiwara Michinaga (ruled 995-1028)

c.1000 – Scandinavia & Hungary convert to Christianity c.1000 – Chinese perfect gunpowder

55

1002 – Leif Ericsson explores North American coast

1003 – Vikings sail to Vinland (Newfoundland)

1009 – Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem destroyed by Muslim armies under Egyptian ruler Al Haqim

1012 – Germany begins to persecute heretics

1012 – Camaldolese Order founded by St. Romuald at Camaldoli – ideal was barest minimum of communal ties

1016 – Danes overrun most of England, 21 year old King Canute acknowledged as King of England, dies 1035

1021 – Caliph al-Hakim proclaims himself to be divine & founds Druze sect

1022 – Saint Simeon the New Theologian d. – wrote influential treatises about indwelling of Holy Spirit in Christians

1033-1109 – St. Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury

1048 – Al Haqim’s successor rebuilds Church of Holy Sepuchre

1050 – Theravada Buddhism becomes official religion of Burma; other forms of Buddhism flourish throughout Southeast Asia

1050-1200 – first agricultural revolution of Medieval Europe begins in 1050 CE with shift to northern lands for cultivation, improved climate from 700 CE to 1200 CE in western Europe, widespread use & perfection of new farming devices

Technological innovations include use of heavy plow, three- field system of crop rotation, mills for processing cloth, brewing beer, crushing pulp for paper manufacture, & widespread use of iron & horses. With agricultural advancements, Western towns & trade grow exponentially, Western Europe returns to a money economy

1053 – Pope sends legates to Constantinople in attempt to restore communion between E. & W. – Michael Cerularius refuses to hear papal legates

1054 (July 16) – Cardinal Humbert of Italy head of papal delegation tired of waiting, irritated by lack of respect shown Roman ambassadors places documents of anathema & excommunication against Michael Cerularius (patriarch of Constantinople) on altar of Holy Wisdom cathedral (Hagia Sophia in Constantinople) officially due to removal of filioque from Creed (West included in Nicene Creed statement Holy Spirit proceeds from Father and Son/Filioque,

56

added to Creed in Spanish Church from 6c.) & marriage of Orthodox priests. Cerularius excommunicates everyone associated with July 16 event mostly for divergent liturgical practices such as use of unleavened bread for eucharist

1057 – Earthquake in Cilicia (Asia Minor) kills 60,000

1059 – Pope Nicholas II establishes College of Cardinals as body responsible for electing popes

1066 – William the Conqueror invades England & claims English throne at Battle of Hastings. Banners blessed by Pope Alexander II – Oct. 14 Battle of Hastings, defeated King Harold, crowned king of England. As result England became, & remained for four centuries, unquestionably part of Europe, leading to closer integration between English Church & Church of Rome. However, William refused to do homage to Pope or to allow any Church law to become effective or any citizen to be excommunicated without his consent – thus, united Church & State under monarch.

Because William is both King of England & Duke of Normandy, Norman Conquest fuses French & English cultures. Language of England evolves into Middle English with English syntax & grammar & heavily French vocabulary

French art & literature prevail over previous English art & literature, French language eventually becomes language of political realm. William achieves political stability in England with introduction of feudal system which progresses over next two centuries into national monarchy.

1071 – Turkish armies are victorious over Byzantine forces in Battle of Manzikert, leading to sharp decline in power of Byzantine Empire

1073 – Pope Gregory VII (c. 1020 – 1085) begins widespread & famous reforms of church practice, liturgies & administration

1074 – Pope Gregory VII excommunicates all married priests

1075 – Investiture fight begins between Pope Gregory VII & Holy Roman emperor Henry IV (1050 – 1106) Gregory denies Henry traditional right to appoint bishops. Henry, who does not accept this is eventually excommunicated & deposed in 1077, but Henry & his supporters, along with an army, drive Gregory into exile during an invasion of Italy (1081 – 1083)

1076 – First recorded execution in England by the axe: Earl of Huntingdon

1077 – Henry IV, German King & Holy Roman Emperor readmitted to communion after having been excommunicated by Pope Gregory VII. 1080 again excommunicated, set up antipope Clement III who crowned Henry Emperor 1084

57

1079–1142 – Peter Abelard, philosopher & theologian. Jesus’ life = dramatic demonstration of love that changes people, obstacle to reconciliation with God is in people so they need to be changed

1080 – Order of the Hospital of St. John founded in Italy. This special order of knights was dedicated to guarding a pilgrim hospital, or hostel, in Jerusalem. Order not officially acknowledged until 1113 by the Pope

1084 – Carthusian Order – strictly contemplative, founded by St. Bruno at Grande Chartreuse in Alps

1085 – At Council of Clermont First Crusade (out of total of eight official crusades) called by Pope Urban II (c.1035-1099) against Muslims in the Holy Lands

1085-1148 – William of St. Thierry Cistercian like Bernard, emphasized love-mysticism

1090-1153 – Bernard, St. – Abbot of Clairvaux

1093 – Anselm becomes Archbishop of Canterbury, devoted monk & theologian wrote Cur Deus Homo? (Why Did God Become Man?), exploring atonement

1096-1099 – First Crusade under Pope Urban II, actually carried out in effort to aid Byzantine Christians against Muslim invaders

1096-1142 – Hugh of St. Victor close tie between reason & mysticism, most important of two Victorines (other Richard of St. Victor d. 1173)

1098 – Cistercians founded at Citeaux by Robert of Molesme as stricter Benedictines

1098 – Crusaders take Antioch from Turks

1098-1179 – Hildegard of Bingen (Germany)

1099 (July 15) – Crusaders recapture Jerusalem from Turks, killing 40,000, driven out by late 13c.

beginning 12c. – Aristotle translated into Latin. By end 13c. old theological way of looking at world & humans in world replaced by attempt to adopt theology to technical language of Aristotle

1100 – Polynesian islands colonized.

1100 – new asceticism sought for monks who wish to engage in contemplation & self- examination. Two new orders created: the Carthusian & the Cistercian. St. Bernard of Clairvaux, leader of Cistercians, establishes 343 monasteries before he dies

58

Accompanying the fervent worship of Jesus during this period is the pronouncement of the Virgin Mary as a saint. This is the first time a woman is given central significance in Christian religion

1100-1135 – Henry I of England 1100’s–1200’s – Sufi orders founded 1100–1300 – Construction of cathedral in Chartres, France 1108-1137 – Louis VI of France

1109 – St. Anselm of Canterbury d. – wrote of “ontological proof” for existence of God, defended doctrine of filioque & “satisfaction theory” of atonement in which contended Christ on cross was adequate sacrifice necessary to satisfy justice & wrath of God the Father

1112 – St. Bernard (1090-1153) with 30 noblemen of Burgundy enter monastery at Citeaux,

1115 establish house at Clairvaux which soon becomes one of chief centres of Cistercian order. At death Cistercian Order consists of 350 Abbeys & 150 dependent cells. Promoted mystical vision of rhapsodic love in which Church described in erotic terms as bride of Christ, tendency to be anti-intellectual

1119 – Hugues de Payens founds Order of Knights Templars in Jerus alem. Name comes from fact headquarters on the site of Solomon’s Temple

1121- Peter Abelard castrated for his teachings

1122 -Diet of Worms finally brings end to long-standing investiture fight with a compromise which retains church authority over Europe

1123 – First Lateran Council. Summoned by Pope Calixtus II to signal end of the investiture controversy by confirming the Concordat of Worms (1122) held in the Lateran Palace, Rome, making it the first council to be held in Western Europe. Many of the council’s decrees became part of the evolving corpus of medieval Latin canon law.

1123 – Death of Omar Khayyam, Persian poet

1123 – Japan’s ex-emperor Shirikawa imposes Buddhist prohibition against killing any living thing

1124 – fire in Kiev reported to have destroyed 600 church edifices

59

1135-1204 – Life of Moses Ben-Maimon, or Maimonides, one of most influential Jewish philosophers during Middle Ages used reason to fight growing Jewish mysticism

1136 – abbé Suger develops the rose window

1139 – Second Lateran Council. Convened at the Lateran Palace, Rome, by Pope Innocent II, attempts to heal wounds left by schism of the antipope Anacletus II (d. 1138) & condemns theories of Arnold of Brescia

Among council’s canons were prohibitions of clerical concubinage & marriage & of the use of bows & crossbows in fighting Christians; simony & usury also condemned

1140 – Sefer ha-Kusari of Spanish rabbi Judah ben Samuel ha-Levi argues that all revealed religious thought is superior to rational & philosophical

1140 – Synod of Sens dominated by St.Bernard of Clairvaux, Arnold of Brescia (1090– 1155) condemned. Had gained prominence in struggle at Brescia between bishop & city government, but became sharply critical of church, declaring secular powers only ought to hold property because believed church being tainted by temporal power

Peter Abelard submitted, but Arnold did not. Pope Innocent II ordered Arnold exiled & his books burned. In 1155 he was tried by the Roman Curia as a political rebel (not a heretic) & executed by secular authorities. To the end he was idolized by the Roman populace.

1144 – Fall of Edessa (crusader state)

1147 – Second Crusade begins following appeal by St. Bernard of Clarivaux. Lasts until 1149

1151 – End of Toltec Empire in Mexico 1154 – Chartres Cathedral built 1154-1189 – Henry II of England 1155 – Pope Adrian IV gives Ireland to Henry II of England 1157 – Torture reportedly introduced as official tool in Denmark 1161 – Explosives used in China at Battle of Ts’ai-shih

1162 – Theobold, Archbishop of Canterbury dies, Henry thinks, by making friend Thomas a Beckett both Chancellor & Archbishop of Canterbury will get his own

60

way in matters of both Church & State. Becket unwilling to be made Archbishop, King insists. Finally Becket agrees but does not act as King wants, resigns as Chancellor, gives up luxurious life, pours energies into maintaining what holds to be rights & privileges of Church. Since William Conqueror all bishops, priests & clerks in minor orders (ie. virtually all educated people) were tried before Church courts for any offence & were not subject to King’s courts. Most severe punishment church courts could give was to reduce offender to level of layman & consequently make them subject to King’s courts. Henry wanted to bring all secular offences under King’s courts, making all people subject to same justice – also wanted power to decide which were spiritual & which secular offences. Becket refused, assassinated (Dec. 29, 1170 in his own Canterbury Cathedral). Henry forced to do penance & scourged by monks of Canterbury.

1167 – Oxford University founded, around same time as University of Paris – both become influence towards renaissance & reformation

1170–1221 – St. Dominic, founder of Order of Friars Preachers/ Dominicans/ Black Friars

1173 – Peter Waldo founds Waldensians, reform movement emphasizing poverty, preaching & Bible. He & followers eventually condemned as heretics & Waldensians suffer great persecution for centuries

1175 – Rinzai school of Zen established in Japan

1179 – Third Lateran Council. Convened at Lateran Palace, Rome, by Pope Alexander III after the Peace of Venice (1178) had reconciled him with Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I, it included an envoy from the Orthodox Greeks. The most important legislation was the first canon, which confirmed that the election of the pope was thereafter to be in the hands of the cardinals alone, two thirds being necessary for election.

The council also condemned usury, tournaments, & brigandage. The Albigenses & Waldenses were condemned. The legislation from this council formed an important part of the evolving canonical tradition in the 12th & 13th centuries

1182 – Philip II banishes Jews from France 1182-1226 – St. Francis of Assissi 1187 – Crusaders lose Jerusalem to Saladin who becomes most famous Muslim 1189 – Last known Norse visit to North America.

1189 – Third Crusade begins, led by Frederick Barbarossa, Philip of France & Richard of England. Frederick drowns next year on way to Palestine – German folklore

61

develops is hidden in a mountain waiting to return & lead Germany to new & brighter future. Crusade ends 1192

1189 – Jews massacred at coronation of Richard I

1192 – truce between Richard & Saladin leaves battle for Jerusalem unresolved

1198–1216 – power of medieval papacy reaches its height with reign of Innocent III (1161-1216) who manages to excommunicate both Holy Roman emperor Otto IV (1182-1218) & King John of England (c.1167-1216) in 1209

1199 – Liverpool, England, founded

after 12c.- centrality of monastic theology in Western Church comes to an end. 13 c. = new age in Christian world. Platonic elements which had served earlier theologians as vehicle for expressing understanding of huma n condition through life of prayer & contemplation, replaced by or codified in accordance with Aristotelian categories of purely abstract & theoretical nature

c.1200 – Jewish mystic movement Cabala develops in France & spreads to Spain. Cabalists believe every word, letter & number in Bible can reveal hidden mysteries via cabalistic interpretation

1200 – Muslim invaders deal death blow to Buddhism in India after long period of decline

1200 – Pure Land (Jodo) school of Buddhism established in Japan 1200 – Aztecs begin to establish empire in Mexico 1200-1280 – Beatrice of Nazareth Belgian Cistercian mystic, associated with Beguines 1202 – Fourth Crusade launched

1204 – Venetians convince soldiers of Fourth Crusade to attack Constantinople before moving on to Holy Land (= final confirmation of schism between E & W). Residents of City suffer worst devastation in Constantinople’s history; Venice reaps the spoils

After Constantinople is sacked by Western Crusaders on Fourth Crusade, Latin domination of Eastern Church begins. Thomas Morosini of Venice installed as patriarch of Constantinople, increasing rivalry between Eastern & Western churches

1206 – rosary reported given to St. Dominic by an apparition of Mary

62

1206 – St. Francis of Assisi, age twenty-five, begins twenty year allegiance to Christ until death 1226. Founded Franciscan order to imitate life of Jesus by embracing poverty. St. Francis wins support of Pope Innocent III.

1206 – Mongol leader Temujin proclaimed “Genghis Khan,” “emperor within the Seas”

1206-1280 – Albertus Magnus teacher of Thomas Aquinas – unity of science & mysticism

1207 – Church/State tension flares in England under King John, one of Henry II’s sons (1167-1216) – Crown & local Church couldn’t agree on who should be new ArchbishopofCanterbury. PopeInnocentIIIchoseStephenLangton& consecrated him in Rome in 1207 in violation of long-established tradition King should have some say in such matters. John became indignant, prevented Langton from coming to Canterbury until 1213 at which point John gave in as Pope had called on France to enforce his rule over England. John was forced to lay his crown at the Pope’s feet & take oath of loyalty to Pope. Having thus surrendered his kingdom to the Pope he received it back as a vassal of Rome. English people were humiliated. (J.W.C. Wand = “momentary lapse in fear of an imminent French invasion”)

1207-1273 – Jalaluddin Rumi Persian poet b. in Balkh, Afghanistan Sp. 30

1208 – Crusade against the Albingensians (also known as Cathars) & Waldensians launched in southern France by Pope Innocent III. In Beziers alone in 1209, at least 20,000 people massacred

1208 – First recorded witchcraft trial in England. Gideon, alleged to be sorcerer, is acquitted

1209 – Cambridge University founded in England

1210-1280 – Mechtild of Magdeburg (Germany) associated with Beguines (women who lived strict religious lives but never adopted rule & were condemned as heretics because challenged church authority)

1212 – Spain reconquers Iberian peninsula from Muslims in name of Christianity 1212 – Childrens’ Crusade launched. More than 50,000 children sold into slavery 1214 – King John of England defeated by French at battle of Bouvines 1214-1294 – Francis Bacon

1215 – Innocent III organizes Fourth Lateran Council in Rome in order to discuss & define central dogmas of Christianity. It was one of the most important councils

63

ever held. Its canons sum up Innocent’s ideas for church: recognizes necessity of Eucharist understood in terms of transubstantiation, penance as sacrament for salvation, prescribing annual confession for all Christians, call for revitalisation of preaching in church, strengthens authority of popes, requires communion at Easter & annual confession as minimum requirement for church membership, called Easter duty. Priests forbidden to participate in trials by ordeal. Also called for Fifth Crusade under papal guidance by sea.

By 13c. – writings of ancient Greeks pouring into Europe undermining faith & prompting heresy

1215 – Magna Carta signed. English barons force King John to agree to statement of their rights, established principle king could not levy taxes without consent of Parliament & no free person in England could be deprived of liberty or property except through legal process. Pope Innocent III nullifies Magna Carta

Great mistake to think of separation of English Church from Rome solely as doing of Henry VIII. All along English Church had been resisting Rome where it seemed Pope claimed too much power for himself.

1216 – Spanish theologian Dominic (1170-1221) founds his own Dominican order of monks dedicated to preaching, scholarship & teaching. Order authorized by Innocent III. Purpose to convert Muslims & Jews & to put end to heresy. Dominicans eventually become main administrators of inquisitorial trials.

1217 – Fifth Crusade ends in failure

1217-1274 – Bonaventure Franciscan monk developed philosophical, theological & mystical side of Francis’ thought

1218 – Newgate Prison, Lo ndon’s debtor prison completed

1219 – Rumi forced to flee Balkh with father who being attacked by religious enemies & foresaw taking of city by Mongols – for 10 years Rumi & family wandered all over Asia Minor & Arabia

1219 – Sava consecrated first archbishop of Serbian lands by Manuel patriarch of Constantinople

1220 – First General Chapter of Dominican Order under St. Dominic (1170-1221)

1221 – Genghis Kahn & Mongols enter Persia

1222 – András II of Hungary issues A Golden Bull exempting clergy from taxation & refusing land or offices to Jews or foreigners

64

1223 – Genghis Khan invades Russia, distances Russia from Western culture

1225-1274 – Life of theologian Thomas Aquinas, Italian Dominican monk & priest, most influential theologian of Middle Ages, codifies Catholic theology in works such as Summa Theologica, marking high point of medieval scholastic movement. Sought to reconcile faith & reason by showing that elements of Aristotle’s philosopher were compatible with Christianity, understanding of being (existence), principle of analogy – similarities between created beings up the scale between simples forms & God who created them

Scholasticism – educational tradition of Medieval Schools, method of philosophical & theological speculation which aims at better understanding of revealed truths, emphasis upon rational justification & systematic presentation of Christian theology

1226 – Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury divides Bible into chapters

1226-1270 – Louis IX (St. Louis) of France

1228 – Sixth Crusade

1229 – Rumi goes with father to live in Konya (southern Turkey) where Sultan built a college for Rumi’s father where he taught until death 1231, succeeded by Rumi

1231 – Earliest legislation on topic of torture in Italy 1232 – Emperor Frederick II issues edict for Empire entrusting hunting out of heretics to

state officials = beginning of Inquisition

1232 – Earliest known use of rockets in war between Mongols & Chinese

1233 – Holy Inquisition is established by Pope Gregory IX (c.1155-1241) to abolish heresy wherever it can be found. Dominicans assigned responsibility to carry out Inquisition. Forbids reading of Bible by lay persons. Continues to end of 15c.

1235-1315 – Ramon Lull Franciscan, logic of science

1240 – Soto School of Zen established in Japan

1241 – William Marise, pirate, first person recorded hanged, drawn, & quartered in England

1240 – Mongols capture Moscow & destroy Kiev 1244 – Rumi reported (by son Sultan Valad in Secret World) to have 10,000 disciples

65

1244 (Dec. 3) – Shams of Tabriz killed by Rumi’s followers 1247 – traditional date for death of Robin Hood 1248 – Seventh Crusade 1248-1309 – Angela of Foligno mysticism based on facts of Christ’s life & death 1250 – Abolition of trial by fire or water in England

1250 – True Pure Land (Shin Jodo) school of Buddhism founded in Japan

1250–1277 – height of Scholasticism

1252 – papacy approves use of torture for religious disobedience, following Innocent III’s brutal “inquisitions” against heresy (Waldensian & Albigensian heretics)

1256 – First recorded official use of torture in Spain

1258 (Feb. 10) – Mongols conquer Baghdad killing 10,000 inhabitants

1258 – Flagellants begin physically punishing themselves in belief will prevent plagues

1260 – Date that the 1988 Vatican-sponsored scientific study places origin of Shroud of Turin

c.1260-1327 – Meister Eckhart (Germany) first of “Rhineland” mystics – emphasizes search for inner ground of soul

1261 – Michael Palaeologus (1224-1282) drives Latin rulers out of Constantinople & reestablishes local Eastern Orthodox Rule

1265 – Dante Alighieri born in Florence. Italian poet & philosopher. Writes The Divine Comedy perhaps greatest literary expression of Middle Ages – in Italian verse. Dante is extensively educated in literature, philosophy & Scholastic theology. His “Comedy” is saturated with belief of earthly immortality through worthy deeds & preparation for everlasting life

1265 – Thomas Aquinas writes Summa Theologica in which attempts to synthesize philosophy with Western Christian tradition. In process gives impression God can be discussed in same way as other philosophical ideas by prefacing discussion of God with rational demonstration of God’s existence using natural phenomena – suggests possible to know God in same way as other realities ie. intellectually through theoretical reason

1267 – Kublai Kahn establishes city of Beijing 66

1269 – Louis IX of France orders Jews to wear purple badge 1271 – Marco Polo sets off to visit the court of Kublai Khan (grandson of Genghis Khan) 1273 – Aquinas completes Summa Theologica

1273 (Dec. 17) – death of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi in Konya, southern Turkey – after death son, Sultan Velad developed his vision & spiritual practices into structures of Mevlevi order

1274 – Mongols, led by Kublai Khan, attempt to invade Japan 1275 – Meister Eckhart joins Dominicans age about 15 1277 – Roger Bacon imprisoned for heresy 1280 – Eyeglasses invented & later improved in late medieval period

1285-1349 – William of Ockham, English philosopher – no true metaphysical thought can even be attempted, words are empty of content & ideas have no universal application, “Ockham’s razor” – explanations should be kept simple (14c. Nominalism – denied objective intelligibility of creation & of moral law)

1290 – Margaret, Maid of Norway, dies leaving a struggle for throne of Scotland – 13 people claim title of King

1291 – Saracene armies capture Acre, last Christian outpost in Palestine, thus officially ending Crusades, re-establishing Muslim rule in Middle East

1293-1381 – Jan van Ruysbroeck Flemish mystic – stages of mystical life (Rhineland mystic)

1295 – conversion of Mongol dynasty to Islam led to drastic losses for Nestorian Church in 14c. Remnant fled to mountains of Kurdistan where descendants survive as Assyrian Christians

1295-1366 – Henry Suso Rhineland mystic, student of Meister Ekchart 1296-1359 – Gregory Palamas Eastern Orthodox mystic influenced by Pseudo-

Dionysius

1296 – Edward I of England deposes John Balliol from Scottish throne, takes control of Scotland

67

1297 – At Battle of Cambuskenneth, Scottish patriot William Wallace defeats an English army

1298 – longbow revolutionizes warfare at the Battle of Falkirk

14c. – mid. 17c. – RENAISSANCE (Galileo, Shakespeare, da Vinci, Michelangelo) beginning to think of “secular” & “sacred” affairs – realm for state as well as for church

1300 – Rome during celebration of Jubilee of Pope Boniface VIII seated on throne of Constantine with sword, crown & sceptre declared “I am Caesar – I am Emperor”

1300 – Theravada Buddhism becomes official religion of Thailand; Cambodia soon follows

1300-1349 – Richard Rolle “English School” of late medieval mysticism – emphasizes physicality of mystical experience (Rhineland mystic)

1300-1361 – Johannes Tauler (Rhineland mystic) – inner person became popular among Reformers

1302 – Pope Boniface VIII (c.1235-1303) issues papal bull Unum Sanctum, declares pope has supreme & final authority in all matters, both civic & spiritual

1302 (Jan 27) – Dante Alighieri fined & exiled from Florence by Catholic Church

1303 – Pope Boniface VIII is kidnapped by supporters of French King Philip IV (1268- 1314) after threatening to depose Philip. Boniface dies within a month.

1304-1374 – Life of Italian poet Petrarch

1305 – 70-year “Babylonian Captivity” of papacy begins when Pope Clement V (1260- 1314) moves papal residence & administrative offices to Avignon in France to escape political turmoil raging in Italy (1377 – Papacy returns to Rome)

1305 – First reported displaying head on London Bridge: Sir William Wallace, Scottish patriot

1306 – Philip IV expels Jews from France 1309 – Pope Clement V moves papacy to Avignon in France 1310 – First reported use of official torture in England: against Templars 1310 – Dante’s Divine Comedy

68

1310 – Marguerite Porete d. French mystic, author The Mirror of Simple Souls, burned at stake as heretic

1311 – Council of Vienne condemns Beguines

1314 – Battle at Bannockburn: Robert Bruce defeats armies of Edward II gains Scottish independence. Edward I died 1307 on a march north to defeat Bruce

1315 – Bad weather & crop failure result in famine across northwestern Europe. Unsanitary conditions & malnutrition increase death rate. Even after revival of agricultural conditions, weather disasters reappear. Mixture of war, famine & plague in Late Middle Ages reduces population by half

1316 – Pope sends eight Dominican monks to Ethiopia in search of Prester John, a legendary Christian emperor

1321 – death of Dante Aligheri

1322 – Pope John XXII forbids contrapuntal music in churches

1325 – Aztecs found Tenochtitlan (now Mexico City)

1326 – Ottomans conquer Bursa & make it capital & set themselves up at head of Muslim empire

1327 – Edward III becomes king of England

1327 – (b. 1260) German Dominican Meister Eckhart defines individual soul as “spark” of the divine at its most basic element. By renouncing all knowledge of self, one is able to retreat into that “spark” & reach God. Most of his teachings are condemned by papacy.

Two bands of mysticism arise from Eckhart’s theories: heterodox, belief in unification of God & man on earth without aid of priests as intermediaries, & orthodox, belief in possibility of joining soul with God & awareness of divine presence in everyday life

1328 – England recognizes Scottish independence, with Robert Bruce as King.

1328 – Philippe VI (de Valois) becomes king of France, despite England’s better claim to throne through Edward III

1329 (March 27) – Pope John XXII condemns 29 propositions of Meister Eckhart

69

1333 – St. Gregory Palamas defends Orthodox practice of hesychast spirituality & Jesus prayer

1335 – Pope Benedict XII issues sweeping reforms of monastic orders

1337 – Edward III of England claims throne of France – beginning Hundred Years’ War between France & England

1342-c.1415 – Julian of Norwich, anchoress, author Revelations of Divine Love 1343 – William of Ockham’s Dialogues argue for separation of church & state 1345 – Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris completed

1346 – council upholds teaching of Gregory of Palamas who distinguished between unknowable & incomprehensible Essence or Super-essence of God & actions, operations or energies of God which are truly uncreated & divine (such as divine light) communicated to humans by divine grace & open to human participation, knowledge & experience

1346 (Aug. 26) – Battle of Crecy major battle of 100 Years War – English bowmen defeat far superior French force led by Philippe VI, French losses (ca. 11,000, incl. 1,200 knights) exceed entire English army

1347 (Oct.) – Black Death begins in Sicily (bubonic plague) reaches Cyprus from eastern Asia, eventually wipes out more than 1⁄4 population of Western Europe, perhaps 25 million people. Cities worst hit: Avignon 50% (ca. 25,000), Paris 50% (ca. 50,000), London 1/3 (ca. 18,000). 200,000 villages in Europe wiped out

1347-1380 – Catherine of Siena mystic advisor to Pope Gregory XI

1348 – Black Death (bubonic plague) Jan. reaches France, Aug. reaches first reaches England, within 18 months 47% population dies, continues until early 1350 = central traumatic event in Western history

1348 – Jews blamed for Black Death systematically persecuted

1348 – Italian Giovanni Boccaccio (1313-1375 CE) begins writing Decameron, collection of stories about love, sex, adventure & trickery told by seven ladies & three men on a journey into country to escape Black Death

Boccaccio’s work is first literature written in narrative prose, realistic portrayal of men & women in stories, rather than blatantly moral or immoral as in earlier romances

1349 – new period of persecution of Jews sweeps Germany 70

1349 – William of Oakham d. – logic cannot be applied to theology

c.1350 – Renaissance begins in Italy to mid 17c. – often considered beginning of modern era

2nd 1⁄2 of 14c. – Cloud of Unknowing emphasis on “unknowing” God – part of Pseudo- Dionysius apophatic tradition

1350-1400 – anonymous Theologia Germanica rediscovered & popularized by Luther

1354 – Earliest extant documentation stating existence of Shroud of Turin.

1356 – Battle of Poitiers, major battle of 100 Year’s War (Sept. 19) English under Edward the Black Prince vs. 20,500 French under King Jean II. Bowmen throw French into confusion, English mounted flanks converge – 4,500 French killed, King Jean & sons captured, English losses light

1359 – Gregory of Palamas d. monk of Mt. Athos, practitioner of method of prayer called hesychasm (hesychia = silence)

1360 – recurrence of Black Death 1360 – Theravada Buddhism established in Laos 1367 – Pope Urban V returns to Rome, meets resistance, returns to Avignon, dies 1370

1368 – Ming Dynasty established in China by peasant’s son who had become a monk but later led 13-year rebellion against corrupt & ineffectual Mongol rulers. Ming means “brightness.” Dynasty continues until 1644

1369 – recurrence of Black Death

1376 – John Wycliffe (1329-1384) Oxford don, English philosopher, theologian, reformer, writes Civil Dominion calling for reforms in Church. Appointed

Vicar of Lutterworth. Argued Pope’s claims ill founded on Scripture. Questioned transubstantiation, argued Bible (which began to translate into English) only basis for Christian action & belief & preceded Pope in authority. “The Gospel by itself is a rule sufficient to rule the life of every Christian person on the earth, without any other rule.” Condemned in 1382. Less educated followers after death known as Lollards

1377 – Catherine of Siena (1347-1380) makes trip to Avignon to persuade Pope Gregory XI to return to Rome, he does but meets resistance in Rome. Dies there March 1378

71

1378 – “Great Schism” begins when election of Urban VI (c.1318-1389) to papacy is challenged by French cardinals, who in turn elect Clement VII (d. 1394) to same office. Clement becomes known as “antipope” resides in Avignon. England supports Urban, France Clement. Both Rome & Avignon have rival popes for next 40 years. For 8 years three rival popes rule

c.1380 – John Wycliffe (c.1320-1384), English priest, begins first English translation of Bible

1380-1471 – Thomas a Kempis stresses practice of piety & asceticism, finest expression of “devotio moderna” which downplays Rhineland mystics concern with contemplation & speculative theology

1381 – English peasants’ revolt. Peasant army seizes London, beheads Archbishop of Canterbury & burns down Savoy Palace

1382 – John Wycliffe expelled from Oxford University because opposed traditional Church doctrines, later known as “Morning Star of the Reformation,” translates Latin Vulgate into English

1387 – Poet Geoffrey Chaucer begins work on masterpiece “The Canterbury Tales”

1394 – 1423 Benedict XIII is antipope at Avignon

1384 – John Purvey, follower of John Wycliffe, revises Wycliffe’s translation

late 14c. – Sir Gawain And The Green Knight – Arthurian romance sets up moral test- case exploring practic al implications of what it means to be faithful

1391 – Spanish Jews forced to convert to Catholisicm for sake of “social & sectarian uniformity”

d.1395 – Walter Hilton English mystic

1396 – Ottoman Turks conquer Bulgaria

1399 – In England, death penalty becomes punishment for heresy, many Lollards, Wycliffe’s lay followers, convert

1400 – Holy Roman Emperor Wenceslas IV deposed due to drunkenness

1400 – Czech students of John Wycliffe bring Wycliffism to Bohemian capital of Prague. Preacher John Hus (1373-1415 CE) adopts Wycliffe’s theories to support his own claims against ecclesiastical extravagance

72

1400 – Northern provinces of Italy devise own systems of government. Government of Venice becomes a merchant oligarchy; Milan is ruled by dynastic despotism; Florence becomes a republic, ruled by rich. The three cities expand & conquer most of Northern Italy.

1401 – England introduces de Heretico Comburendo, giving Church power over heresy 1401-1464 – Nicholas of Cusa German mystic part of revival of Platonism in

Renaissance, emphasized incomprehensibility & paradoxicality of God

1408 – Council of Oxford forbids translations of Scriptures into vernacular unless & until fully approved by Church authority; sparked by Wycliffite Bible

1409 – Council of Pisa attempts to end Great Schism declaring both rival popes deposed & electing third: Alexander V. Previous two popes intransigent, resulting in three rival popes

1409 – Pope Alexander V publicly burns 200 of John Wycliffe’s writings

1412-1431 Joan of Arc

1413 – Margery Kempe d. mainly known as biographer of Julian

1414 – Lollard uprising in England fails. Some Lollards retreat underground & aid Protestant Reformation in sixteenth century

1414-1418 – Council of Constance 16th Ecumenical Council in Roman Catholic Church, largest Church meeting in medieval history

1415 – Council of Constance condemns Wycliffe’s works, except biblical translations which continue to be used with heretical prologue removed

1415 – John Hus travels to Council of Constance to propose reforms for Church. Upon arrival tried for heresy & burned at stake (July 6). His death encourages further revolt by his followers

1415 (Oct.25) – Battle of Agincourt Major Battle of 100 Years’ War English (mostly archers) under Henry V defeat 25,000 French under Constable d’Albert; French losses exceed 8,000, English – 400

1417 – Council of Constance ends Great Schism. Council gains secular support & elects Martin V as pope, deposing all three rival popes, also replaces papal monarchy with conciliar government, which recognizes a council of prelates as pope’s authority, mandates frequent meeting of council. This new period known as Italian territorial papacy lasts until 1517 CE.

73

1420 – Hus’ supporters defeat German “crusaders.” Lower-class Hussites led by General John Zizka

1427 – Thomas a Kempis writes The Imitation of Christ, manual directing individual through Orthodox mysticism. Originally in Latin, translated into European languages for lay audience. Major themes concern path of Christian piety for those active in everyday life, communion with Christ, biblical meditation & moral life. Only sacrament suggested is Eucharist

1429 – Joan of Arc (Jeanne d’Arc; 1412-1431), peasant girl in France, seeks out French leader & relates her divinely-inspired mission to drive English out of France. She takes control of French troops & liberates most of central France

1430 – Joan of Arc captured & taken to England. English accuse her of being a witch, condemn her for heresy, publicly burned in city of Rouen

1430 – Andrew Rublev d. greatest Russian iconographer

1431-1449 – Council of Florence (originally Council of Basel) – anti-papal atmosphere, declared Council superior to pope & required all Popes to swear an oath upon election

1438 – Johannes Gutenberg invents printing press pioneering technology of movable type, creates first Bible printed with movable type in Mainz, Germany, press becomes means for disseminating new ideas, catalyzing political & theological change

1447-1510 – Catherine of Genoa mysticism spurred in part by neglect & abuse of husband, trauma becomes mystical, argues purgatory = stage on mystical path

1452-1519 – Leonardo da Vinci Italian artist, scientist, & inventor – great example of “Renaissance” man

1453 – last emperor of Byzantium, Constantine XI, leads force of 4,000 troops, succeeds in holding off 160,000 advancing Turks for seven weeks

1453 (May 29) – Ottoman Turks under Sultan Mohammed II defeat Byzantine Empire taking Constantinople renaming it Istanbul = end of Byzantine Empire, remains capital of Turkey until 1923 when moves to Ankara.

After 1500 Moguls (1526-1857) & Safavids (1520-1736) follow military example set by Ottomans & create two new empires

1453 – Bordeaux falls to French, Hundred Years’ War ends without a treaty 1455-1485 – Wars of the Roses between Lancaster & York in England

74

1459 – Serbia falls to Turks, Greece 1459-60, Bosnia 1463, Egypt 1517 – for next 400 years Muslim Turks hold sway over Orthodox Christians in former Byzantine empire in E.

1469 – Sir Thomas Malory writes Le Morte D’Arthur, poetic legends about King Arthur

1469 – Isabella & Ferdinand marry, joint rulers of Christian Spain

1469-1536 – Erasmus Christian humanist opposed Luther in debate over grace & human freedom, assigning greater role in conversion to grace

1469-1538 – Nanak first Sikh guru tried to unite Hindusim & Islam adopting beliefs from both faiths

1473-1481 – Sistine Chapel built under supervision of Giovanni de Dolci

1473-1543 – Nicolas Copernicus Polish scholar first produced workable model of solar system with sun at centre, replacing Ptolemaic model of universe & providing foundation for modern astronomy

1475-1564 – Michelangelo Italian painter & sculptor

1477 – First book printed in England

1478 – Spanish Inquisition established by Ferdinand & Isabella with consent of Pope Sixtus IV. Main goal to punish & persecute all “converted” Jews who still managed to practice their old faith in secret

1480 – Ivan III (“The Great”) ends Mongol rule in Russia 1483 – Inca Empire established in Peru 1483 (Nov. 10) – Martin Lutherborn at Eisleben, Germany 1483 – during Spain’s Torquemada Inquisition, 2,000 heretics executed 1484 – Pope Innocent VIII officially denounces pagan practices 1484-1531 – Ulrich Zwingli Swiss reformer conflict with Luther over Eucharist 1485-1603 – strong Tudor dynasty in England

Hensley Henson The Church of England, 1939, p. 7 – “The key to a right understanding of the modern Church of England lies in a just appreciation of the unique character of the English Reformation.”

75

3 Qualities: 1. assertion of national independence – including repudiation of Pope 2. subordination of Church to State 3. determination to secure at all costs historical continuity of Church of England with that of First Apostles

1487 – Henry VII of England removes right of accused heretics to know names of their accusers

1488–1569 – Miles Coverdale, Augustinian friar who left the Order, repudiated Catholicism & became first Protestant Bishop of Exeter

1491-1551 – Martin Bucer sympathized with Zwingli rather than Luther

1492 – Ferdinand of Aragon & Isabella of Castile, later benefactors of Christopher Columbus, end Muslim rule in Spain, with help of Tourquemada, Grand Inquisitor, also force conversion or expulsion of all Jews in Spain

1491-1556 – Ignatius of Loyola founder of Jesuits, Society of Jesus

1491-1547 – Henry VIII

1492 -Christopher Columbus discovers Americas in name of Spain, ushering in an era of exploration & conquest

1492 – Jews expelled from Spain 1496-1561 – Menno Simons 1497 – Jews expelled from Portugal 1498 – Savonarola, fiery Dominican reformer of Florence in Italy executed 1499 – Francisco Jime’nez forces mass conversion of Muslims

1491-1556 – Ignatius of Loyola, founder of Jesuit order (see 1534) 1494-1536 – William Tyndale 16c. – “third Rome” = Moscow – theory became political reality c. 1500 – mass proliferation of new invention – the mirror

1501 – Church orders books against papal authority burned 76

1502-1520 – Reign of last Aztec ruler, Montezuma

1502 – Persian shah executes Sunnis who refuse to accept Shiite version of Islam

1505 – Luther becomes monk

1505-1572 – John Knox, Protestant reformer in Scotland (see 1560)

1506 – Pope Julius II orders old St Peter’s Basilica torn down & authorizes Donato Bramante to plan new structure, demolition completed 1606

1506 – Approximately 3,000 converted Jews slaughtered in Lisbon riot 1507 – Martin Luther ordained & celebrates first Mass 1508-1512 – Michelangelo frescoes Sistine Chapel’s vaulted ceiling. 1509 – Pope Julius II excommunicates city of Venice

1509 (June 24) – Henry VIII crowned king of England (to 1547) 1509–1564 – John Calvin preached predestination, good conduct & success signs of

election, most influential of second generation of reformers

1510 – first African slaves taken to Americas

1511 – Henry VIII begins proceedings to dissolve marriage to Catherine (commonly done for right price). In this case political considerations came into play. Catherine was aunt of Charles V, King of Spain & Emperor of Holy Roman Empire, ruler of Netherlands, Naples, Sicily, & Sardinia therefore in temporal control of Rome. Henry waited 7 years before trying again.

1512 – Michelangelo completes ceiling of Sistine Chapel in Rome

1513-1572 – John Knox Scottish Reformer, disciple of Calvin

1514 – Thomas Wolsey (1474–1530) made Archbishop of York, in 1515 made a Cardinal & month later Lord Chancellor of England – concentration of power effectively uniting Church & State. However, when he failed to obtain Papal dispensation for Henry’s annulment from Catherine he incurred wrath of Anne Boleyn & through her the King’s displeasure. Paved way for Henry to think of the possibility of uniting Church & State under the crown.

1514 – Albrecht becomes archbishop of Mainz & sells indulgences in return for contributions to building St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome

77

1515 (March 28) – Teresa Snachez de Cepdea y Ahumada (St. Teresa of Avila) born Spanish Carmelite nun formed Discalced (barefoot) Carmelites with St. John of the Cross – stages of mystical journey

1516 – Ottomans conquer Syria

1516 – Sir Thomas More’s Utopia

1516 – Erasmus, northern humanist produces improvised Greek edition of New Testament

1516 – Johann Tetzel (c.1465-1519) German Dominican friar & preacher of indulgences supported public opinion that mere payment of money could be applied with unfailing effect to deliver soul from purgatory

1517 (Oct 31) – Luther posts 95 Theses on indulgences to church door in Wittenberg, protesting sale of indulgences & other corrupt church practices. Beginning of Protestant Reformation

Reformation many divisive forces at work in 16c. Europe – translation of Bible into vernacular, invention printing press, new learning Renaissance – questioning mindless authority, emergence of new sciences

4 questions Protestantism answered differently from Catholicism: 1. How person saved? not by works but by faith alo ne 2. Where does religious authority lie? not in visible institution called

Roman Church, but in Word of God found in the Bible 3. What is the Church? not institution dominated by Roman hierarchy, but

whole community of Christian believers 4. What is essence of Christian living? serving God in any useful calling

ordained or lay

1518 – At meeting of Augustinians in Heidelberg, Martin Luther defends his theology. In October, Luther appears before Cardinal Cajetan at Augsburg, but refuses to recant. In December, his prince, Frederick the Wise, refuses to hand him over to Rome.

1518 – Swiss Reformation begins independently under Huldreich Zwingli (1481-1531)

1519 – Martin Luther claims to understand the “righteousness of God” as “passive righteousness with which God justifies us by faith” [some scholars date this discovery earlier] In July debates Catholic Professor John Eck at Leipzig & denies supreme authority of popes & councils

78

1519-1521 – Hernando Cortes, Spanish conquistador, conquers Mexico with force of about 500 soldiers using mixture of guile & force against Aztec & Mayan natives

1520 (Oct. 10) – Papal bull Exsurge Domine condemns 41 of Luther’s beliefs, gives Luther 60 days to recant or be excommunicated

Luther writes 3 seminal treatises, To the Christian Nobility, On the Babylonian Captivity of the Church, and The Freedom of a Christian.

Luther burns papal bull excommunicating him as well as books of canon law

1520 – Unsuccessful rebellion of Aztecs against Spanish conquerors. Cortes destroys Tenochtitlan & builds Mexico City in its place

1520 – Anabaptist movement develops in Switzerland & Germany, harshly persecuted by both Catholics & Protestants. Anabaptists deny any efficacy in infant baptism & renounce use of violence

1521 – Martin Luther condemned as heretic & outlaw at Diet of Worms in April. On trial before Emperor Charles V & other leaders of church & state, refuses to recant his writings. After Diet of Worms, he is “kidnapped” by Frederick the Wise & hidden at Wartburg Castle. There begins translating Erasmus’ Greek New Testament into vernacular German

1522 – March Luther comes out of hiding & returns to Wittenberg, helping to reestablish order

1522 – Zwingli condemns priestly celibacy, leads Swiss reformation from pastorate in Zurich

1522 – Martin Luther finishes New Testament translation, first published in September 1522 – Ignatius of Loyola writes Spiritual Exercises 1523 – Zurich city government led by Ulrich Zwingli, “puritanical city” 1524 – Luther still wearing monk’s habit

1524 – South German peasant uprising, inspired by Luther’s reform work but repressed with Luther’s support, begins 150 years of religious wars

1525 – Luther marries former nun Katharina von Bora

1525 (Jan. 25) – Conrad Grebel baptized George Blaurock in Zurich – birth of Anabaptism

79

1525-1534 William Tyndale’s translation of the NT from Greek text of Erasmus (1466). Used as vehicle by Tyndale for bitter attacks on Church, reflects influence of Luther’s NT of 1522 in rejecting “priest” for “elder,” “church” for “congregation.” Tyndale soundly rebuked by Chancellor of Gloucester – “I would sooner the Pope’s Word than God’s.”

Tyndale – “If God spare my life, ere many years pass, I will cause a boy that driveth the plough shall know more of the scriptures than thou dost.”

up to 80% Tyndale’s wording passed into KJV NT

1527 – Henry VIII in conflict with pope Clement VII over annulment of Henry’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon (papacy dominated by Charles of Spain – Catherine’s nephew) in order to marry Anne Boleyn

1527 (Jan. 25) – Felix Many first Anabaptist martyr downed at Zurich

Anabaptist principles: – discipleship – Christian’s relationship with Jesus goes beyond inner

experience & doctrine to involve daily walk with God in which Christ’s teaching & example transform life

- love – pacifism & community – “congregational” view of church authority – separation of church & state = almost unheard of idea

1529 – Luther publishes Large Catechism & Small Catechism 1529 – term “Protestant” originates at Diet of Speyer when supporters of Luther formally

protest imperial efforts to limit spread of Lutheranism 1529 – Royal decree in Denmark makes Lutheranism sole religion 1529 – Japanese Tendai monks massacre Nicheren Buddhists in Kyoto

1529 – Thomas Cranmer suggests to Henry consult Universities of Europe for judgment on legal status of marriage to Catherine. Henry so liked the idea employed Cranmer at Royal Court

1530 – Luther, as an outlaw, cannot attend Diet of Augsburg, held in attempt to end religious division in Holy Roman Empire. Philipp Melanchthon, Luther’s co- worker, presents Augsburg Confession, statement of Lutheran beliefs & thus founds Lutheran church. Luther & Zwingli (Swiss Protestant leader) agree on 14 of 15 articles of faith, but disagree on significance of Lord’s Supper

80

1531 – St. Teresa (age 16) sent as boarder to Convent of Our Lady of Grace run by Augustinian nuns

1531 – Zwingli killed in Swiss civil war

1531 – Reported apparition of Mary at Guadalupe, Mexico considered “worthy of belief” by Catholic Church

1531 – Earthquake in Lisbon, Portugal kills 30,000

1531 – Comet, eventually named “Haley’s” creates wave of superstition

1531 – Lutheran states form Schmalkaldic League as alliance against Holy Roman Empire

1531 – Inquisition begins in Portugal

1532 – Thomas Cranmer travelling in Europe meets & secretly marries Margaret Osiander, niece of Andreas Osiander, Lutheran Reformer. Upon return to England, Cranmer appointed Archbishop of Canterbury

1533 – Francisco Pizarro captures Inca capital Cuzco & conquers Peru, orders execution by strangulation of last Inca

1533 (Jan) – Henry VIII secretly marries Anne Boleyn 1533 (May 23) – Henry VIII’s marriage to Catherine declared invalid by Cranmer. Henry

denies Pope’s authority over England so can marry Anne Boleyn 1533 (July 11) – Henry excommunicated by Pope Clement VII 1533-1584 – Ivan “the Terrible” Czar of Russia

1534 – Henry passes Act of Supremacy confirming King & successors with title “the only supreme head in earth of the Church of England called Anglicana Ecclesia” & “the Bishop of Rome hath not by scripture any greater authority in England than any other foreign bishop.” Only in sense beginning of the Church of England. Henry’s intention was simply to take to himself & Archbishop of Canterbury papal Powers. King was named “Defender of the Faith.” Law passed forbidding any further payments to pope, but this law is “not to be interpreted as intending to decline or vary from the congregation of Christ’s Church in anything concerning the very articles of the Catholic faith.”

Not religious but political Reformation – nothing changed doctrinally. After connection from Rome severed Church of England continued religious customs &

81

practices as before. Sacraments not altered; services in Latin; priests remained celibate.

1534 – Luther publishes complete German Bible

1534 – Jesuit order founded by Ignatius of Loyola (1491-1556), Spain, helped reconvert large areas of Poland, Hungary, & S. Germany, sent missionaries to New World, India, & China, led Roman Counter-Reformation

1534 – Jacques Cartier explores Canada

1534-1540 – Pope Paul III

1535-1537 – Coverdale’s Bible (see 1488), used Tyndale’s (1525) translation along with Latin & German versions, includes Apocrypha at the end of the OT (like Luther) as in later English versions. 1537 edition receives royal license, but is banned in 1546

1536 – St. Teresa leaves home, against father’s will, to join Carmelite Convent of the Incarnation

1536 – Luther agrees to Wittenberg Concord on Lord’s Supper in attempt to resolve differences with other reformers, but Zwinglians do not accept it

1536 – John Calvin publishes first edition of his Institutes of the Christian Religion, destined to become one of most influential works of Protestantism. Details theology of humanity’s depravity, necessity of grace for salvation & predestination. Starts theocracy in Geneva but is criticized for forming a “New Papacy” & driven out

1536 – William Tyndale strangled & burnt at stake in Brussels, where he had gone into exile in order to continue translating Scriptures into English

One year later Henry VIII authorized the “Great Bible,” be bought & read throughout realm = Coverdale’s Bible (Miles Coverdale, an Augustinian friar who left the Order, repudiated Catholicism & became first Protestant Bishop of Exeter), used Tyndale’s (1525) translation along with Latin & German versions, included Apocrypha at end of OT (like Luther) as was done in later English versions. 1537 edition received royal license, but banned in 1546. While defective in many places, was corrected by a Latin version of the Hebrew OT, the Latin Bible of Erasmus, & the Complutensian Polyglot. Last edition appeared 1569, never denounced by Church of England

1536 – Anne Boleyn executed. Henry VIII marries Jane Seymor 1536 – Ibrahim, friend of Sulliman murdered

82

1537 (Nov. 3) – St. Teresa’s final profession

1537-1551 – Circulation of Matthew Bible by John Rogers (1500-1555). This translation based on Tyndale & Coverdale received royal license, but was not authorized for use in public worship. There were numerous editions.

1538 – Luther writes Against the Jews 1538 – Teresa suffers complete physical break down for three years during which she is

at one point presumed dead

1539 – The Six Articles of Church of England instituted by Henry VIII to prevent spread of Reformation doctrines & practices: 1. maintained transubstantiation, 2. communion in one kind, 3. enforced clerical celibacy, 4. upheld monastic vows, 5. defended private Masses, 6. obligatory sacramental confession. Requirements largely ignored by those holding high ecclesiastical office

1540’s – Portuguese missionaries arrive in India

1540 – Society of Jesus founded by Ignatius of Loyola approved by Vatican & placed services entirely at disposal of pope

1541–1564 – Calvin, invited back by Synod of Geneva to head theocratic Protestant government in Geneva, Switzerland, known as Europe’s only “Free City”

1542-1591 – John of the Cross stressed union with God attainable only in denial of self

1542 – Portugese merchants first arrive in Japan

1542 – Pope Paul II establishes Universal Inquisition in Rome. Dominican cardinals try alleged heretics with no legal counsel

1543 – Spanish Catholics begin burning Protestants at the stake

1543 – Nikolaus Copernicus writes De Revolutionibus Orbitum Coelestium “On the revolutions of the heavenly spheres” asserting that Earth & planets revolve around sun. Catholic Church has accorded an official holy status to Ptolemy’s geocentric Universe. Copernicus avoids prosecution as heretic by waiting until end of his life to publish controversial claims

1544 – Sweden makes Lutheranism official state religion & bans Catholic worship

1544 -1547 – Schmalkaldic League defeated in war with Holy Roman Emperor Charles V (1500-1558)

83

1545 – Luther writes “Against the Papacy at Rome. Founded by the Devil”

1545-1563 – Council of Trent marks beginning of Catholic Reformation, or counter-reformation. Sought to meet challenge of Protestantism & clearly define official theology. Accorded full canonical status to deuterocanonical Hebrew writings (the Apocrypha – Grk “those having been hidden away”) of questionable authorship or authenticity because had not been accepted by Jewish elders into Hebrew canon, & never quoted in NT

1546 (Feb. 18) – Luther dies in Eisleben

1546 – King Henry VIII forbids anyone to have copy of Tyndale’s or Coverdale’s NT

1546 (Aug 3) – Etienne Dolet hanged & burnt at the stake as a heretic & blasphemer for printing works of humanists, including Erasmus

1547 – Henry VIII dies – Roman mass still in use, no indigenous English prayer book, system of church government unchanged from Rome – only change supremacy of pope has been repudiated

1547 – Ivan III the Terrible (1533-1584) crowned Tsar

1547 – Edward VI, (age 9) becomes King of England. Country governed by Regency Council which inaugurated time of radical Protestantizing. Thomas Cranmer becomes one of Edward’s most influential advisers

1548-1600 – Giordano Bruno Hermetic philosopher one of most important philosophers of Renaissance, advocated kind of nature mysticism with strong scientific component.

Heremeticism– followers of legendary figure Hermes Trismegistus (thrice-great Hermes), reputed to be an Egyptian writer. Much nature writing of Renaissance found hermetic thought useful because both understood world to be intrinsically interconnected & only understandable once those connections are understood

1549 – Book of Common Prayer in England by Cranmer, establishes liturgy & practice for Church of England. Made up of English translation of Latin Beviary (prayers, hymns, psalms, readings); Missal (rights & ceremonies of mass) & Pontifical (Episcopal sacraments & rites) Some revision from originals but no difference in essential matters. Did permit clergy to marry, restored Chalice to people, made confession voluntary not obligatory. BCP imposed on England by “Act of Uniformity”

1549 – St. Francis Xavier arrives in Japan & introduces Christianity

84

1551 – Robert Estienne, French printer in Geneva divides Stephen Langton’s Bible chapters into verses

1552 – Cranmer’s 2nd BCP revision making it more Protestant & adding 42 “Articles of Religion” formed basis of later Thirty-Nine articles, but never enforced because of restoration of RC faith under Queen Mary

1553–1558 – Catholic Queen Mary (1516-1558) reigns in England, persecuting Protestants & restoring Catholicism as official religion. Known as “Bloody Mary” so violent succeeded in instilling hatred in English people against herself & Papacy. Imprisoned Cranmer & had him tried for heresy. He made several recantations affirming belief in transubstantiation & Papal supremacy in attempt to be obedient to his Queen whom he believed reigned by divine right, later renounced his recantations. Cranmer died at the stake March 21, 1556 showing great courage. Mary put a hold on radical Protestantizing tendencies under Edward but also forever makes it impossible for papalism to recapture hearts of the people of England

1553 – Pontifical Gregorian University founded at Vatican City

1554-1600 – Richard Hooker gives intellectual shape to Anglican Church, opposed Puritan idea that whatever was not expressly commanded in Scripture must not be allowed. Church = organic institution, therefore method of Church Government & ecclesiastical administration will cha nge according to circumstances. Exalted reason, tolerance & inclusiveness

1555 – Peace of Augsburg reduces religious hostilities in Holy Roman Empire by allowing princes to choose Catholicism or Lutheranism for their subjects

1555 – Pope Paul IV orders wall built to create first Jewish ghetto

1555-1626 – Lancelot Andrewes

1558 – Elizabeth I Tudor (1533-1603) Anne Boleyn’s daughter, succeeds Mary as Queen of England, restores Protestantism as official religion. Puritan movement develops among those dissatisfied with her reforms. Left to Elizabeth to settle between Puritanism of Edward & papalism of Mary, desires to be inclusive/balanced. When she came to the throne she was declared illegitimate by Rome, country as a whole still predominantly Catholic. Elizabeth had no strong convictions (?) of her own but was prejudiced against Catholicism for having declared her illegitimate. Also, however, personally disliked Puritans.

Three groups Christians in Church of England: 1. ROMANISTS – there from beginning wanted to be subject to Rome

85

2. PURITANS – felt Elizabeth had not gone far enough in Protestant direction, took name from desire to purify Church of England of any traces of origins in Roman Catholic Church. Wanted to start new English Church based entirely on Reformation principles

3. CHURCHMEN – preserve doctrine & sacraments known from beginning but keep English Church free from Roman domination = Anglicans

1558 – John Knox publishes First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstrous Regiment of Women deploring authority of women, & returns to Scotland to lead reformation there after exile in Calvin’s Geneva

1559 – Elizabeth I’s Act of Uniformity BCP imposed on England, absence from church made punishable by fine of twelve pence

1559 – Elizabeth’s first Parliament approved new Act of Supremacy, reviving father’s legislation against Rome & imposing oath on all clergy & secular officials to acknowledge queen as Supreme Governor of both Church & State, assertion of monarch’s responsibility before God for welfare of Church of England

1559–1633 – George Herbert, poet & parish priest

1560 – Publishing of Geneva Bible. NT revision of Matthew’s version of Tyndale with use of Beza’s NT (1556); OT thorough revision of Great Bible, appointed to be read in Scotland (but not England), at least 140 editions

1560 – Scotch Presbyterian Church founded by John Knox (1505-1572), disciple of Calvin, due to disagreement with Lutherans over sacraments & church government

1561 – Sulliman Ottoman Sultan d. 1561–1626 – Francis Bacon

1562 (July) – St Teresa returns to Avila, receives permission to found St. Joseph’s convent of Discalced (barefoot) Carmelites, opened August 24

1562 – War of Religion begins in France between Catholics & French Protestants (Huguenots)

1562 – John of the Cross ordained

1563 – Thirty-nine Articles motivated by political concerns, Elizabeth passed Thirty- nine Articles, though more Protestant than she would have liked = only attempt at

86

doctrinal statement by Church of England other than Creeds. Shaped by controversies of 16c. Main controversy over understanding of Eucharist in 1552 BCP – “Black Rubric” denied “Real Presence” of Christ in Eucharist

JWC Wand – since, however, Church of England “claimed to represent a continuity of the age-long historic church, it did not find it necessary, as some churches on the continent did, to formulate its whole scheme of Christianity afresh from the beginning. All it needed to do was to make clear its attitude towards Rome & towards the more important changes induced by the revolt against her.”

1564 – To commute his death sentence from Inquisition for dissecting human bodies, Andreas Vesalius makes pilgrimage to Holy Land

1564-1642 – Galileo Italian scientist, forced by Rome to renounce belief in Copernicus vision of universe & to assert earth stands still with sun revolving around it

1564-1616 – William Shakespeare

1565 – St.Teresa The Life of Saint Teresa & begins The Way of Perfection

1566 – Suleiman I, 10th Ruler of Ottoman Empire d.

1567 – Teresa meets John of the Cross

1567-1622 – St. Francis de Sales French mystic

1568 – Protestant Netherlands rebel against Catholic Spanish rule, but Dutch independence not finally recognized by Spain until 1648

1568 (Nov.) – Teresa & John of the Cross found first reformed Discalced Carmelite friary for men

1570 (April 27) – Pope Pius V issues Bull of Excommunication declaring Elizabeth deprived of her right to throne & releasing all subjects from allegiance to her. Orders Romans to withdraw from church of England and worship by themselves. Marks final separation of English & Roman churches. Didn’t work.

1572 – Massacre of St. Bartholomew’s Day under Catherine de Medicis in France: 2,000 French Calvinists (Hugenots) murdered by Catholics

1573-1645 – William Laud Archbishop of Canterbury

1574 – Everard Mercurian French General of Jesuits forbade practice of affective prayer & application of five senses, thus limiting prayer to discursive meditation

87

1575-1624 – Jacob Boehme concerned with nature of sin, evil & redemption. Consistent with Lutheran theology, preached that humanity had fallen from state of divine grace to state of sin & suffering, that forces of evil included fallen angels who had rebelled against God, & God’s goal was to restore world to a state of grace

1577 – Orthodox creeds of Lutheranism established as Lutheran churches accept Book of Concord

1577 – Francis Drake sails around world (until 1580)

1582 – Douay Version of New Testament (English translation) completed. After OT translation completed in 1610, becomes first English translation authorized by & for Roman Catholics

1582 – Gregorian calendar introduced into Roman Catholic countries

1584 – Reginald Scot attacks superstition in The Discoverie of Witchcraft.

1586 – Colony of Roanoke established in Virginia, later disappears under unknown circumstances

1587 – Mary Queen of Scots, with whom Romanists along with Pope Pius V, had tried to replace Elizabeth, executed for plotting to assassinate Elizabeth. Brings on Spanish attack

1587 – Christians persecuted in Japan for first time. Hideyoshi bans Christianity from Japan when he is refused sex for religious reasons

1588 – Spanish Armada defeated by English fleet under Lord Howard of Effingham, Sir Francis Drake & Sir John Hawkins. Removed Spanish threat from England, kindled new nationalism which went on to make England foremost Protestant power in Europe & led to increasing persecution of Roman Catholics.

1589 – Muscovite bishop Job recognized as first Patriarch of All Russia

1590 – Michelangelo’s dome in St. Peter’s Basilica completed

1591 – d. John of the Cross

1593 – Russian Church received approval of status as patriarchate from bishops of Jerusalem, Alexandria & Antioch

1593 – Diet of Uppsala in Sweden upholds Martin Luther’s doctrines

1596-1650 – Rene Descartes French philosopher & scientist “father of moderntheology” “Cogito, Ergo sum” = end result of search for something that can not be doubted,

88

relied on reason to explain working of universe, forefather of Enlightenment (18c.) fulfilled way prepared by St. Thomas Aquinas in radical dualism between soul & body, mind & matter in which body & all physical world regarded as totally deprived of all spiritual or non-material qualities & powers

1596 – Ukranian Catholic Church forms when Ukranian subjects of king of Poland reunited with Rome; largest Byzantine Catholic Church

1598 – French king Henry IV (1553-1610) issues Edict of Nantes, ending bloody Wars of Religion & granting religious freedom to Protestants/Hugenots

1600 – Giordano Bruno burned at the stake for supporting Copernican astronomy

Quietism– spirituality of 17th c. minimized human activity. Human responsibility is to be perfect by attaining complete passivity & annihilating will abandoning oneself to God – state reached through mental prayer which refuses all discursive meditation & simply rests in presence of God in pure faith – gave contemplative prayer bad name from 17th to 20th cent.

Deism – God = first in series of factors bringing about universe, watchmaker, ‘Supreme Being’ after creation no longer involved in world, rejects supernatural aspects of religion such as belief in revelation in Bible. Stresses importance of ethical conduct

ENLIGHTENMENT 17 & 18c. – celebration of power of human reason, religious tolerance, desire for freedom from tyranny, truth obtained only through reason, observation & experiment, scientific mind

1600 – Shakespeare writes Hamlet

1603–1625 – James I,(Stuart) only son of Mary, Queen of Scots. King of Scotland since 1567 succeeded Elizabeth I to English throne by right of his mother’s descent from Henry VIII – first to call himself King of Great Britain

1604 – King James (1566-1625) of England commissions “King James” translation of Bible, bans Jesuits

1606 – Champlain establishes Port Royal, Nova Scotia

1607 -English settlers establish Jamestown, Virginia first colony in America

1608 – John Smyth (c.1570-1612) establishes Baptist Church due to objections to infant baptism & demands for church-state separation

1608 – Confucianism becomes official religion of Japan 89

1608 – French colony of Quebec founded

1608-1609 – John Smith, Anglican preacher becomes Nonconformist minister, called “the Se-baptist” (self-baptizer), generally considered founder of organized Baptists of England

1608-1674 – John Milton

1609 – Christianized Muslims, called Moriscos, expelled from Spain, depriving Spain of much of its learned class

1610 – Tea introduced to Europe

1611 – King James Authorized Bible issued after 4 years of work by 54 scholars, commissioned by King James I of England (reigned 1603-1625). Since KJV trans. more ancient & accurate mss have been discovered (eg. Codex Sinaiticus c.325 & Dead Sea Scrolls found at Qumran in 1947 & Nag Hammadi Library in Upper Egypt 1945) giving much better understanding world Jesus lived in & of early Christianity

1612 – Christian missionaries evicted from Japan 1613 – Galileo tries to show Copernican theory can exist alongside Church doctrine 1614 – Dutch found colony of New Amsterdam in area of modern-day New York City 1616 – Church prohibits Galileo from further scientific work

1618 – Protestant uprising in Bohemia begins Thirty Years’ War. Involved: France, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Austria, & numerous states of Germany rooted in national rivalries & conflict between Roman Catholics & Protestants

1619 (Feb 9) – Humanist Lucilio Vanini is tortured & burnt at the stake for atheism

1620 – population of Quebec = 60 persons

1620 – English Puritans, known as Pilgrims, establish colony in America at Plymouth Rock to escape religious pluralism in England

1621- Church bans Johann Kepler’s, The Epitome of the Copernican Astronomer

1622-1625 – Execution of Christian missionaries to Japan reaches high point

1623-1662 – Blaise Pascal, French mathematician, scientist, religious thinker – reason alone cannot satisfy people’s hopes & aspirations, religious faith therefore

90necessary. It is prudent to believe in God’s existence, nothing lost if wrong, eternal happiness if right = “Pascal’s wager”

1624-1691 – George Fox founder Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) 1624 – Cardinal Richelieu becomes chief minister in France, continues until 1642,

instrumental in raising France to great international power

1625–1649 – Charles I (Stuart) King of Great Britain & Ireland

1628 – Jan Amos Comenius, driven from homeland in Moravia, wanders rest of life preaching educational reform & pleading for Christian reconciliation

1632 – Galileo publishes scientific masterpiece showing how Copernican system superior to Ptolemaic, called to Rome

1632-1677 – Benedict Spinoza Dutch philosopher argued for form of pantheism & set out arguments like proofs in Geometry

1632–1704 – John Locke English philosopher, ardent defender of free inquiry, basis for reason is human experience, argued against belief human beings born with certain ideas already in their minds, rather mind = “tabula rasa”

1633 (June 21) – Galileo found guilty of disobeying Church order, forced by Inquisition to renounce theories of Copernicus, forced to publicly recant, sentenced to life imprisonment. Descartes stops publishing in France in response to the Church’s attacks on Galileo

1633 – William Laud High Churchman appointed Archbishop of Canterbury by Charles I, followed vigorous policy enforcing fixed standard of ceremonial & repressing Puritans because refused BCP & wanted altar in nave rather than against east end, they also rejected vestments & used wrong bread at communion. He was unpopular.

1635-1705 – Jakob Spener founder of German Pietism Pietism– seek truth not in church or creed but in heart, importance of personal

faith 1636 – Harvard founded, first university in America 1637 – Japanese outlaw Christianity, foreign books, & contact with Europeans 1638 – Christian rebellion suppressed in Shimabara, Japan 1641- Catholics massacre Protestants in Ulster

91

1642 – City of Montreal founded in Canada by French settlers

1642–1649 – English Civil War(result of Puritan Parliament’s refusal to grant Charles any funds) – between Royalists (Anglicans & Catholics) & Cavaliers (“Roundheads,” Puritans & Presbyterians). Defeat of Royalists meant disestablishment of Church of England & constitution of England as a Republic called the Commonwealth of England

1642 – 1727 – Isaac Newton, English physicist discovered principle of gravity

1643-1727 – Louis XIV of France, the “Sun King,” palace at Versailles

1644 – Long Parliament directed only Hebrew canon of OT be read in Church of England (effectively removed Apocrypha)

1645 (Jan. 10) – William Laud executed by Puritans 1646 – Presbyterianism established as national religion in England by Long Parliament.

Lasts through English Civil War & afterward during interregnum

1646 – The Westminster Confession drafted in Jerusalem Room at Westminster Abbey

1647 – George Fox (1624-1691) founds Society of Friends (Quakers) repudiates use of violence & oathswearing. Quakers also worship without ministers or liturgy, teaching existence of “inner light” of divine revelation

1648 -Thirty Years’ Warends with Peace of Westphalia, Germany divided between Catholic & Protestant states, end of forced religious conformity in Europe – France emerges as Europe’s dominant power

1649 (Jan. 30) – Charles I executed by Puritans 1648-1789 – THE AGE OF REASON AND REVIVAL

(birth of secularism – follow procedure of science – observation, deduction, reason)

1650 – Archbishop James Ussher of Ireland cites Bible to calculate life emerged on Sunday, October 23, 4004 BCE

1652 – City of Capetown founded in South Africa by Dutch settlers

1653 (July 4) – Oliver Cromwell speech at opening of assembly thanks God’s providence believed had brought England to this point & sets out their divine mission: “truly God hath called you to this work by, I think, as wonderful providences as ever passed upon the sons of men in so short a time”. Sometimes

92

known as Parliament of Saints, also called Barebone’s Parliament after one of its members, Praise-God Barebone, charged with finding permanent constitutional & religious settlement (Cromwell invited to be member but declined) failure to do so led to its members voting to dissolve it on 12 December 1653 & appointment of Cromwell as Lord Protector of England until death

Puritans banned Christmas, closed theatres, fired clergy, discarded BCP, changed church architecture & structure of Church of England along Presbyterian lines, threw out crosses, denigrated anything associated with Rome

1653 – Taj Mahal mausoleum built in India

1656 – St. Peter’s Rome completed

1658 (Sept. 3) – Cromwell dies, succeeded by son, Richard, overthrown 1660 by George Monk. New parliament elected, monarchy restored under Charles II = “Restoration” return to traditional government, established church, reversion from austerity to luxury, revival of arts, renewal of external authority in religion & theory of arts

1660 – The Amsterdam Synagogue officially petitions municipal authorities to denounce Jewish philosopher Baruch Spinoza as a “menace to all piety & morals”

1660-1685 – Charles II (Stuart) regains throne of England restores Anglicanism as national religion

1662 – Book of Common Prayerestablished as only legal form of worship in England by Act of Uniformity

1662 – Puritans withdraw from Church of England to start own Presbyterian Church

1662 – Abbot Armand-Jean de Rance introduces reforms to Cistercian order at La Trappe, France creating The Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (The Trappists)

1662 – Rembrandt completes painting of Prodigal Son 1664 – British forces capture New Amsterdam from Dutch & rename it New York City 1664 – First women condemned as witches in New World 1665 – John Milton, Paradise Lost 1666 – Great Fire of London

93

1670 – German pastor Philipp Jacob Spener (1635 -1714) leads German Pietist movement, emphasizes pious living & personal experiences of faith

1673 – Roman Catholics & nonconformists in England deprived of public office by Test Act.

1675 – Sir Christopher Wren begins new St. Paul’s Cathedral

1675 – Philipp Jacob Spener, German Lutheran minister publishes Pia Desideria which becomes manifesto for ‘Pietism’

1675-1751 – Jean Pierre De Caussade French Catholic Jesuit 1678 – John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress 1685-1759 – George Frederick Handel

1685 – James II (Stuart) ascends throne of England openly professing Roman Catholic allegiance. Wants to restore Catholicism & absolute monarchy against peoples’ wishes. People put hopes in his daughter Mary a Protestant. When James II has son who is baptized in RC Church, the nation anticipates permanent entrenchment of Catholicism

1685-1750 – J.S. Bach

1685 – French king Louis XIV (1683-1714) renounces Edict of Nantes & denies religious freedom to French Protestants, resulting in mass exodus of Huguenots from France

1687 (Nov. 19) – Quietismcondemned by Innocent XI in bull “Coelestio Pastor”

1686-1761 – William Law

1688 – at invitation of English Parliament William of Orange (Mary’s husband) invades England forcing James to flee to France giving up throne to William & Mary II (no bloodshed = “Glorious Revolution”) Had to agree to Bill of Rights severely limiting power of King or Queen

1688-1722 – Emanuel Swedenborg detailed understanding of nature mysticism applying it to everything from animal to spiritual world

1689 – Dissenters from Church of England granted rights by Act of Toleration. Catholics excluded from the English throne

1689-1752 – Czar Peter the Great starts to modernize Russia

94

1692 – Salem witch panic & trials occur

1692-1752 – Bishop Joseph Butlerrefuted deism

1694–1778 – Voltaire antagonist of Catholic Church, French philosopher known as free thinker

1698 – founding of SPCK

1699 – “planters of St. John’s Harbor,” Newfoundland petition Bishop of London for “a sober clergyman whose first task will be the rebuilding of the church which was here previously, but which was destroyed by the French”

1699 – Francois Fenelon censured due to influence of Jacques Benigne Bossuet, bishop of Meaux (d. 1704) who viewed mysticism as “essentially a lamentable extravagance, a kind of spiritual failing tempting the odder saints” & opposed quietism

18c. – in 73 years patriarchal throne of Constantinople changed occupant 48 times c.1700 – British East India Company formed 1701 – founding of SPG 1702-1714 – Anne Queen of England (Stuart)

1702 – Tories (High Church) in power 1703-1758 – Jonathan Edwards Congregational preacher & revivalist in America 1703-1791 – John Wesley founder of Methodist movement

1704 – John Locke d. any opposition to reason should be called madness – “Tabula Rasa – Locke’s belief at birth human mind = blank slate which gets filled with what perceive through five senses, from which reason forms abstract concepts

1706 – Irish churchman Francis Makemie (c.1658-1708) establishes Presbyterian church in America

1707 – union of England & Scotland

1709 – British invasion of Canada

1711 – Anthony Cooper 3rd Earl of Shaftesbury publishes principle writings, protests against pessimism re: human nature, human beings by nature benevolent, when good simply following their nature

95

1711-1776 – David Hume, Scottish philosopher, known for scepticism, all knowledge based either on impressions of senses or logical relations of ideas

1712 – Jansenism branch of Catholic thought that emphasized original sin, human depravity, necessity of divine grace, & predestination – human beings born sinful, without divine help human being could never become good. Led Jansenists to seek to exhibit high level of piety & moral rectitude, & to prepare carefully through prayer & confession before receiving Communion so favored less frequent reception. Idea of predestination, based on Augustine’s writing, close to Calvinism, only portion of human beings, the “elect”, destined to be saved. Unlike Calvinism Jansenism lacked doctrine of assurance, making salvation unknowable even to the “saved.”

1712-1778 – Rousseau, French philosopher, leading figure of Enlightenment. In natural state people are good but are corrupted by social institutions, became central idea of Romanticism

1714 – Whigs in power until 1760 supported aristocratic families & non-Anglicans (dissenters), while Tories supported Anglicans & monarchy & were hostile to reform

1714-1727 – George I King of England (Hanover) 1716 – Christian religious teaching prohibited in China 1719 – Jesuits expelled from Russia 1720 – collapse of Mughal empire in India, British begin to take power

1720–1760 – American colonies experience Great Awakening, widespread conversions emphasizing personal piety & individual interpretations of Bible, associated with Jonathan Edwards & George Whitefield, paralleling Continental Pietism & English Evangelicalism

1721-1742 – Walpole PM of England

1723 – England allows Jews to take oaths without words, “On the true faith of a Christian”

1724-1804 – Immanuel Kant, German philosopher, cannot know a thing in itself, but only as our mind constitutes it

1726 – John of the Cross canonized reawakening Church’s long dormant interest in school of Carmel

96

1727 – Awakening at Herrnhut launches Moravian Brethren as forerunner of modern Protestant missionary movements

1727-1760 – King George II King of England (Hanover) 1728 – A Serious Call to a Devout and Holy Life William Law (1686-1761) 1731 – Expulsion of Protestants from Salzburg 1732-1799 – General George Washington First President of USA 1735 – George Whitefield’s conversion 1736-1819 – James Watt develops efficient steam engine

1738 (May 24) – John Wesley Aldersgate experience – insists religious revelation matter of personal experience rather than dogma & theory, direct simplicity & appeal to personal feelings helps bring Romantic Movement

1743 – Pogroms, anti-Jewish riots begin in Russia 1743-1803 – Louis Claude de Saint Martin tradition of Boehme & other nature mystics 1749 – Halifax founded 1750 – Industrial development starts in England based on coal 1752 – Benjamin Franklin invents lightning rod 1756-1763 – Seven Years’ War William Pitt PM of England 1756-1791 – W.A. Mozart 1757 (Nov. 28) – William Blake b. 1759 – English defeat French at Quebec 1759-1833 – William Wilberforce 1760-1820 – George III King of England (Hanover) 1762-1796 – Catherine the Great rules Russia 1767 – Jesuits expelled from Spain, Parma, & Two Sicilies 1768-1780 – three voyages of James Cook

97

1768-1834 – Friedrich Schleiermacher German theologian tried to reconcile criticisms of Enlightenment with orthodox Protestantism

1769 – James Watt’s steam patent

1770-1827 – Beethoven

1770-1831 – Georg Whilhelm Friedrich Hegel, German philosopher, what is real is mind or spirit not material things. History shows gradual unfolding of this mind. Marx treated history as a similar unfolding, but maintained matter, rather than mind truly real

1771 – Parliamentary reporting starts in Britain

1775-1783 – American War of Independence, followed by formation of United States,

1776 Declaration of Independence

1775-1817 – Jane Austen

1777 – Christianity introduced into Korea

1779 – William Carey “the father of modern mission” converted

1782 – William Wilberforce becomes member of Parliament (age 23)

1783 – America wins independence from Britain

1784 – John Wesley writes Deed of Declaration, basic work of Methodism & ordains two men from America

1785 – Church of England in Canada established after American Revolution (1775-1783) had flooded Nova Scotia with loyalist refugees

1787 – Charles Inglis consecrated first Canadian Bishop

1789-1914 – THE AGE OF PROGRESS 1789 – Protestant Episcopal Church founded in America as independent branch of

Anglica nism 1789 (July 14) – storming of Bastille, Paris, French Revolution 1790 – Mutiny on the Bounty – British mutineers colonize Pitcairn Island

98

1791 – John Wesley d.

1792 – Denmark becomes first European country to ban slave trade

1793 – Mountain Jacob consecrated Bishop of Quebec (only 9 clergy in Canada)

1793 – execution of French king Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette, Republic declared

1794 (July) – execution of Robspierre in France, end of The Reign of Terror & of French Revolution

1794 – monks from Valaam monastery in Russian Finland arrive on island of Kodiak in Alaska

1796 – First smallpox vaccination used by Edward Jenner 1797 – Second Awakening begins in US (Charles Finney, Lyman Beecher, Barton Stone) 1798 – Pope Pius VI is prisoner of France 1798 – Napoleon’s expedition to Egypt

1799 – Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834) publishes Religion: Speeches to Its Cultural Despisers, initiating Romantic movement emphasized religious emotions over 18th c. rationalism

1799 – foundation of Church Missionary Society 1801 – Concordat by which Napoleon restores Church of Rome to France

Ultramontanism– devotion to Rome Early 19c. – Church Missionary Society sends missionaries to Indians in Western Canada 1801-1877 – Brigham Young, Mormon leader, colonized Utah 1804-1814 – Napoleon Bonaparte Emperor of France 1805 – Christian literature forbidden in China 1806 – Napoleon master of Europe 1807 – Hegel writes Phenomenology of the Spirit 1807 – abolition of slave trade in British colonies

99

1808 – French occupy Rome 1809–1882 – Charles Darwin 1810 – Mexico wins independence

1811 – The Campbells begin the Disciples of Christ (:the Church of Christ), an element within what becomes known as the “Restoration Movement” of American Christianity, primarily comprised of Presbyterians in distress over Protestant factionalism & decline of fervour

1812-1814 – British-American war

1813–1855 – Soren Kierkegaard, Danish philosopher, forerunner of existentialism

1813–1873 – David Livingstone

1814 – First modern Shinto group, the Kurozumi sect, founded in Japan

1815-1894 – Theophan the Recluse, one of greatest mystics of Eastern Christendom (Russia)

1815 – Battle of Waterloo, defeat of Napoleon, French monarchy restored 1816 – American Bible Society established 1817-1892 – Bahaullah founder of Bahai born in Teheran, Persia (now Iran) 1818–1883 – Karl Marx

1820-1830 – George IV King of England (Hanover) 1820–1895 – Friedrich Engels 1820 – First American missionaries reach Hawaii 1822 – Schleiermacher writes Christian Faith 1822-1889 – Albrecht Ritschl German Protestant theologian 1825 – French law makes sacrilege a capital offense

1827 – Mormon Church founded by Joseph Smith as result of reported visions of Angel Moroni

100

1829 – With Catholic Emancipation Act in Britain, Roman Catholics allowed to hold public office

1830 – Joseph Smith produces Book of Mormon 1830-1837 – William IV King of England (Hanover) 1833 – St. Seraphim of Sarov comes out of twenty years of seclusion 1833 – J.N. Darby breaks with national church in England = start of Brethernism 1833 – J.H. Newman first of 90 Tracts for the Times, beginning Oxford Movement 1833 – John Keble’s sermon “National Apostasy” 1833 – Britain abolishes slavery 1834 – Spanish Inquisition finally abolished 1837-1901 – Victoria queen of England (Hanover) 1838 – Abolition of slavery in British Caribbean 1839 – founding of Cambridge Camden Society = second phase of Oxford Movement 1841 – David Livingston to Africa 1841 – Tract 90 on 39 Articles

1844–1900 – Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche , German thinker – “God is dead,” developed idea of “Superman” ideal superior human condition, not bound by conventional notions of right & wrong. may have influenced Nazism

1845 – Newman received into Rome

1846 – Pope Pius IX pope until 1878

1848 – Karl Marx & Friedrich Engles publish Communist Manifesto, predicting eventual collapse of capitalism

1849 – Western most Canadian Diocese of Ruperstland formed

1852-1922 – Life of Charles Taze Russell, founded Jehovah’s Witnesses movement in 1870s

1853 – Commodore Perry arrives in Japan & forces opening of the society 101

1853 – David Livingstone crosses Africa (to 1856)

1854 – Pius IX declares dogma of Immaculate Conception – Mary conceived without original sin

1855 – English nurse Florence Nightingale reforms nursing during Crimean War

1856–1939 – Sigmund Freud

1857 – Queen Victoria chooses Ottawa as capital of Canada

1858 – Reported apparition of Mary in Lourdes, France, considered “worthy of belief” by Catholic Church

1859 – George Hills consecrated at Westminster Abbey first Bishop Diocese of British Columbia

1859 – Darwin’s Origin of the Species 1861 – Abandonment to Divine Providence assembled by French Jesuit Fr. Henri

Ramiere, SJ from letters of Jean-Pierre de Caussade sent to Sisters of Nancy 1861 – American Civil War begins, lasts until 1865 1863 (Jan. 21) – Swami Brahamananda b. at Sclera village near Calcutta 1865 – William Booth founds Salvation Army 1867 – Canadian B.N.A. Act

1867 – First Lambeth Conference result of “The Colenso Affair.”Bishop Colenso appointed Bishop of Natal by letters patent from Crown (1853) liberal views & published writings. Bishop Gray of Cape Town attempts to depose Colenso who appeals to Judicial Committee of Government who in March 1865 rule in Colenso’s favour preserving his episcopacy. Gray excommunicates Colenso. Growing pressure especially from Canadian Bishops to debate Colenso’s “heresies” & clarify legal situation in overseas provinces. 1866 Archbishop Canterbury sends 144 invitations to Lambeth, only 76 actually attend, some can’t afford to others refuse because fear weakening of church-state links if Privy Council’s declaration for Colenso contradicted. Diocese of Natal declared vacant, Colenso remains in office with another Bishop appointed by Gray in Colenso’s place, unresolved until Colenso dies 1883. Gray’s one achievement comes in1874 when Colonial Clergy Act abolishes any canonical oath of obedience even to Archbishop of Canterbury thus achieving independence for all Anglican Provinces

102

1867 – Tokugawa Shogunate overthrown & Meiji Restoration begins in Japan

1869-1870 – First Vatican Council, under Pope Pius IX (20th ecumenical) affirms doctrine of Papal Infallibility (i.e., when pope speaks ex cathedra on faith or morals does so with supreme apostolic authority, which no Catholic may question or reject)

1869-1948 – Ghandi 1870 – France becomes republic 1870-1924 – Lenin 1872 – Gurdjieff born between Greece & Caspian Sea in Alexandropol (Gumri) 1873 (Jan. 2) – St. Therese of Lisieux b.

1873 (Dec. 2) – Bishop David Cummins who had been assistant bishop Diocese of Kentucky forms the Reformed Episcopal Church in response to perceived loss of evangelical witness in Episcopal Church

1874 – Bishop George Hills of Diocese of BC charges Edward Cridge, dean of Christ Church Cathedral, Victoria with eighteen violations of Church Discipline Act. Dean loses license to preach & leaves Church of England joining Reformed Episcopal Church

1876 – Queen Victoria becomes Empress of India

1876 – At Battle of Little Big Horn, Sioux Indians led by Chief Sitting Bull kill General George Armstrong Custer & all his men

1878 – word “anti-Semitism” coined by journalist William Marr who, with Lutheran minister Adolf Stocker, founded the first anti-Jewish party in Berlin in the same year

1878 (March 5) – Ouspensky born in Moscow

1879-1953 – Joseph Stalin

1879-1955 – Albert Einstein, German physicist

1880-1950 – Bhagavan (Lord or God) Sri (honorific title) Ramana (contraction of Venkataraman) Maharshi (great seer in Sanskrit)

1881 (March 1) –Tsar Alexander II assassinated 103

1881-1894 – Revised Version of the Bible, called for by Church of England, is created, used Septuagint (B) & (S) as well as Massoretic text for OT & included Apocrypha. More accurate than previous versions, scholarship never disputed

1881-1955 – Pierre Teilhard de Chardin 1882 – Nietzsche declares “God is dead” 1882 (-1952) – Egypt occupied by British

1882 – Mohammed Ahmed of Dongola, Sudan, claims to be Mahdi (“the guided one” – Islamic equivalent to the Messiah) leads bloody rebellion against British- influenced Egyptian rule

1884-1976 – Rudolph Bultmann

1885 – Riel rebellion

1886-1968 – Karl Barth Swiss Reformed theologian

1887 – Alexander Ulianov (brother of Vladimir Ilich [Lenin]) executed for attempting to assassinate Tsar Alexancer III

1888 – 145 Bishops attend Third Lambeth Conference, adopt Lambeth Quadrilateral:

1. Holy Scriptures of Old & New Testaments as the revealed Word of God

2. Nicene Creed as sufficient statement of the Christian Faith

3. two Sacraments: Baptism & the Supper of the Lord, ministered with unfailing use of Christ’s words of institution & of the elements ordained by Him

4. Historic Episcopate, locally adopted in the methods of its administration to the varying needs of the nations & peoples called of God into the unity of His Church

1893 – First Canadian General Synod held in Toronto. All existing provinces & Dioceses brought together in unity of the “Church of England in Canada.” Created office of “Primate of All Canada” – Robert Machray. Adopted “The Solemn Declaration” – “We declare this Church to be, & desire that it shall continue, in full communion with the Church of England throughout the world, as an integral portion of the One Body of Christ composed of Churches which, united under the One Divine Head & in the fellowship of the One Holy Catholic & Apostolic Church, hold the One Faith revealed in Holy Writ, & defined in the Creeds as maintained by the undivided primitive Church in the Scriptures of the Old & New Testaments, as containing all things necessary to salvation; teach the

104

same Word of God; partake of the same Divinely ordained Sacraments, through the ministry of the same Apostolic Orders; & worship One God & Father through the same Lord Jesus Christ, by the same Holy & Divine Spirit who is given to them that believe to guide them into all truth.”

1895 – “Seekers of Truth” founded, Gurdjieff travels to Europe

1896 – Sri Ramana Maharshi arrives at holy mountain of Arunachala

1896 – Billy Sunday (1863-1955), American Presbyterian evangelist, begins preaching, attracts huge crowds

1897 (March) – Sri Nisargadatta Mahay b. in Bombay

1897 (Sp. 30) – St. Therese of Lisieux d. in Carmel of Lisieux in Normandy

1899-1902 – Boer War leads to British domination of South Africa

1900 – Freud Interpretation of Dreams

1900 – Hawaii becomes US colony

1901-1910 – Edward VII King of England (Saxe-Coburg-Gotha)

1901 – American Standard Version of the Bible, revision of RV published. Includes words/phrases preferred by Americans & follows Greek order of words

1901 – Pentecostal Church formed in Topeka, Kansas in reaction to loss of evangelical fervour among Methodists & other denominations

1903-1914 – Pope Pius X most recent pope to be canonized

1905 (Jan. 9) – massacre of marchers in St. Petersburg (“Bloody Sunday”)

1906 – Azusa Street revival, Los Angeles

1907 – Abraham Joshua Heschel b. Lithuania became American rabbi & influential Jewish theologian

1908 – Henry Ford introduces Model T

1909 – Gurdjieff finishes 21 years of travelling through Asia, Middle East, Africa, & Europe

1909 (Feb 3) – Simone Weil b. Paris (d. Aug. 24, 1943 in England)

105

1910-1915 – The Fundamentals, 12-volume collection of essays by 64 British & American scholars & preachers, becomes ideological inspiration & foundation of Fundamentalism

1910-1936 – George V King of England (Windsor)

1911 – Chinese Revolution leads to overthrow of Manchu dynasty & establishment of Republic

1912 – Gurdjieff begins teaching in Russia. Ouspensky publishes Tertium Organum 1913 – Gurdjieff moves to Moscow 1913-1924 – James Moffat Bible writes first one-man translation in almost 400 years

1914-1980 – AGE OF IDEOLOGIES 1914 – Gurdjieff joined by Ouspensky & Thomas de Hartmann 1914 – Panama Canal opens for business

1914 (June 28) – assassination of Crown Prince of Austria-Hungary. France, Britain, Russia (allies) vs. Germany & Austria. April 6, 1917 US Joins allies (WWI ends 1918)

1914 – Assemblies of God founded

1915 (Jan. 31) – Thomas Merton b. in Prades France

1915 – Ghandi joins nationalist movement in India

1916 (Dec. 16) – Rasputin murdered by Prince Felix Isupov

1917 (Feb.) – Gurdjieff begins journeys through war-torn Caucasus

1917 (Nov.) – Bolshevik Revolution in Russia

1917 (Dec. 18) – US Senate passes Eighteenth Amendment in response to the temperance movement outlawing sale & consumption of alcohol

1917 – Reported apparition of Mary in Fatima, Portugal – “miracle of the sun” witnessed by between 70,000 & 100,000 people, considered “worthy of belief” by Catholic Church

1918 – Summer Civil war in Russia 106

1918 (July 16, 17) – murder of Tsar Nicholas II, family & servants 1918 (Aug) – Iron Cross First Class for bravery awarded to regimental runner in German

army, Adolf Hitler

1918 (Aug) – Gurdjieff leaves Russia

1918 (Nov. 11) – Germany signs armistice ending WWI

1919 – in Tiflis Gurdjieff establishes first Institute for the Harmonious Development of Man, Mme Jean de Salzman becomes student

1919 – Karl Barth’s Commentary on Romans published, critiquing modernist theology

1919 – World’s Christian Fundamentals Association founded

1920 (Jan.) – Hitler becomes chief organizer for German Workers Party, changes name to National Socialist German Workers’ Party (Nazis)

1920 (July) – Gurdjieff goes to Constantinople

1920 (Nov) – end Russian Civil War

1921 – Gurdjieff establishes Priure in France (closes 1924)

1922 – Mussolini gains power in Italy

1922 – Ireland becomes independent from Britain

1923 – Martin Buber’s I and Thou published, may address existence as an “I” towards and “It” or an “I” towards a “Thou”

1923 (Nov) – Hitler in prison begins writing Mein Kamphf (My Struggle)

1924 (Dec 20) – Hitler released from prison

1925 (July) – William Jennings Bryan (against evolution) defeats Clarence Darrow in Scopes Trial, Tennessee

1927 – Stalin dictator of Russia (d.1953)

1927 (May 20) – Charles Lindbergh takes off from New York City in The Spirit of St. Louis to attempt first transatlantic flight (3400 miles)

107

1929 (Aug) – Nazis gather in Nuremburg for Party Congress, 60,000 Brown Shirts parade past Hitler

1929 (Oct) – Wall Street crash

1929-1939 – The Great Depression

1930 (Oct.) – Rene Daumal (age 22) meets de Salzmans

1931 – Sri Nisargadatta Mahaj meets his guru

1932 (Feb. 29) – Charles & Anne Morrow Lindbergh’s first child kidnapped by Bruno Richard Hauptman, carpenter from the Bronx

1932 – Alexandre de Salzman begins teaching group

1932 – Barth’s Church Dogmatics

1932 (Aug 10) – Hitler comes second in German presidential election

1933 (Jan 30) – Hitler named Chancellor of German Republic

1933-1945 – FD Roosevelt US President

1934 (May) – Alexandre de Salzman dies, Mme de Salzman assumes leadership

1934 (May) – Barmen Declaration, statement of the Confessing Church opposing Nazi- supported “German Christian” movement

1934 (August 2) – Hitler combines in himself office of Chancellor & President of Germany

1935 (Sept 15) – Nuremberg Laws deprive Jews of German citizenship

1935 (Dec. 19) – Charles & Anne Morrow Lindbergh move to England

1936 – Ouspensky expands work in London meets Robert S. de Ropp

1936 – Edward VIII, King of England (Windsor), acceded & abdicated

1936 – Spring Nazis remilatirize Rhineland in violation of Versailles Treaty neither Britain nor France respond

1936-1938 – Spanish Civil War 1936-1952 – George VI King of England (Windsor)

108

1937 (Spring) – Simone Weil experiences religious ecstasy in same church in which Saint Francis of Assisi prayed, leads her to pray for first time in her life, has another, more powerful, revelation year later. From 1938 on, writings become more mystical without losing focus on social & political issues

1937–1940 – Neville Chamberlain PM of Britain

1938 – Munich Agreement signed with Hitler after which Chamberlaine promised “peace for our time”

1938 (Nov. 16) – Thomas Merton baptized at Corpus Christi Church, Manhattan

1939 (April) – Gurdjieff finishes All and Everything

1939 (Sept 1) – Germany invades Poland begin WWII: Germany, Italy, Japan vs. France, Britain, US, Canada, Russia

1939–1945 – In WWII six million Jews in Europe put to death, 40 million military & civilian deaths

1940 – Taize community founded in Burgundy 1940’s – Communists take power in Eastern Europe 1940 (April) – Germany attacks Denmark & Norway 1940 (May) – Churchill (aged 65) becomes PM of England 1940 (May 10) – Germany invades Belgium, Luxembourg & Netherlands 1940 (May) – 335,000 Allied troops evacuate from Dunkirk 1940 (June 14) – Nazis enter Paris, (June 23) Hitler (age 51) arrives in Paris 1940 (Aug 15) – German bombing of London begins 1940 (Sep. 6) – Luftwaffe drops over 4 million pounds of bombs on London Docks 1940-45 – (& ’51-’55) – Winston Churchill PM of Britain 1941 (Spring) – Germans conduct first round-up of Dutch Jews 1941 (June 22) – Germans begin invasion of Soviet Union, Stalin fails to respond 1941 (Dec. 7) – Japanese bomb naval base at Pearl Harbor, US enters WWII

109

1941 (Dec. 10) – Thomas Merton enters Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance at the Abbey of Our Lady of Gethsemani, Kentucky

1942 (Winter) – German troops freezing & starving in Russia

1942 (Nov 8) – Operation Torch, Allied forces land in North Africa from where launch invasion of Southern Europe

1943 (Jan 31) – Hitler’s Sixth Army defeated at Stalingrad

1943 – first meeting of “The Big Three” Churchill, Stalin & Roosevelt in Tehran, Iran

1944 (May) – Rene Daumal d. (age 36)

1944 (June 6) – Operation Overboard (D-Day) cross channel invasion of France begins at Normandy

1944 (Friday August 25) – Charles de Gaulle enters Paris following liberation of France – 40,000 French men & women murdered by countrymen

1945 – Nag Hammadi Library discovered in Egypt 1945 – Nazis execute Dietrich Bonhoeffer days before Allied liberation 1945 (April 30) – Hitler commits suicide 1945 (May 7) – Germany surrenders 1945 (Aug 6) – U.S. drops atomic bomb (“Little Boy”) on Hiroshima (c. 140,000 d.) 1945 (Aug 9) – U.S. drops atomic bomb (“Fat Man”) on Nagasaki (c. 74,000 d.) 1945 (Aug 15) – Japan announces surrender to Allied powers 1945 (Sept 2) – Japan signs Instrument of Surrender officially ending WWII 1945 – formation of UN

1946-1952 – Revised Standard Version written as revision of ASV “based on consonantal Hebrew text” for OT & best available texts for NT, in response to changes in English usage

1947 (March 12) – in speech to Congress President Truman separates world into “free peoples” & those of “terror & oppression” – beginning Cold War. US starts funnelling aid to France in fight against Ho Chi Minh for control of Vietnam

110

1947 – independence of India & Pakistan

1948 (Jan 30) – assassination of Mahatma Ghandi

1948 – Israel becomes nation, partition of Palestine, Arab – Israeli War

1948 – formation of World Council of Churches

1949 – Peoples’ Republic of China founded under Communist rule

1949 – Billy Graham begins evangelistic work

1949 (Oct 29) – Gurdjieff d. (aged 77)

1949 – Discovery of Qumran (Essene?) scrolls, aka Dead Sea scrolls

1950 – Tensin Gyatso becomes 14th Dalai Lama, China invades Tibet & suppresses Buddhism

1950 – Papal encyclical Humani generis

1950-1953 – Korean War

1950-1954 – U.S. sends more than $4 billion in aid for France’s war on Vietnam

1952 – ? Elizabeth I Queen of England (Windsor)

1953 – U.S. overthrows PM Mossadeq of Iran & installs Shah as dictator

1954 – U.S. overthrows democratically elected President Arbenz of Guatemala (200,000 civilians killed)

1955 – Church of England in Canada becomes the “Anglican Church of Canada”

1956 – Christianity Today begins publication

1956 – fearing communist win, South Vietnamese Premier Diem & U.S. back elections aimed at reuniting South Vietnam

1957 – United Church of Christ founded by ecumenical union of Evangelical & Reformed Christians with Congregationalists; comprised of both Calvinists & Lutherans

1958-1963 – Pope John XXIII 1959 – Dalai Lama goes into exile

111

1959 – Fidel Castro leads revolution in Cuba

1959 – Ho Chi Minh trail established by communists as military route to South Vietnam

1960 – birth control pill approved by FDA

1961 – first human in space

1961 (May 15) – Papal encyclical Mater et Magistra on “Christianity & Social Progress”

1961 – Berlin Wall built

1961 (Aug) – Anglican Church of Canada ratifies 1959 Canadian Book of Common Prayer

1961-1962 – President Kennedy authorizes drastic increase in military advisors in Vietnam – within year, 9,000 advisors assisting South Vietnamese fighting communists. Agent Orange used to defoliate countryside

1962-1965 – Second Vatican Council, 21st ecumenical council, called by Pope John XXIII in 1959, produced 16 documents which became official after approval by the Pope, purpose to renew “ourselves & the flocks committed to us” (Pope John XXIII)

1963 – Buddhist monks self- immolate on streets of Saigon protesting religious persecution in South Vietnam – with U.S. approval South Vietnamese military stages coup murdering Premier Deem & his brothers

1963 (Aug. 28) – Martin Luther King Jr. “I have a dream” speech at Lincoln Memorial Washington, D.C.

1963 (Nov. 22) – President John F. Kennedy assassinated

1963-1978 – Pope Paul VI

1964 (Aug 2) – North Vietnam attacks U.S. warship in Gulf of Tonkin. U.S. Congress gives President broad powers to wage war, in 3 years over 180,000 civilians die

1964-1973 – US involvement in Vietnam War

1965 – Martin Buber d.

1965 (Jan) – President Johnson initiates Operation Rolling Thunder series of bombing raises against N. Vietnam

112

1966 – creation state of Punjab in India partially controlled by Sikhs, contains Amritsar, holy city

1966 – RSV Catholic Edition, joint effort between Catholics & the Church of England, published, represents big step towards common Catholic/Protestant Bible

1967 – Six Day Arab – Israeli War reunites Jerusalem

1968 – papal encyclical Humanae Vitae reaffirms traditional teaching on abortion & birth control

1968 (April 4) – Martin Luther King, Jr. assassinated 1968 (Dec. 10) – Thomas Merton dies Bangkok, Thailand 1969 (July 20) – Neil Armstrong first man on moon

1969 – President Nixon begins secret bombing raids into Cambodia, neutral country used by North Vietnam to infiltrate south, resulting destabilization of country leads to genocidal Cambodian dictatorship under Khmer Rouge leader Pol Pot, murdered millions of own people

1970 (May 4) – anti-War protestor at Kent State University & Jackson State University shot & killed by U.S. National Guard

1971 – Intel introduces the microprocessor 1971 (Jan 29) – National Executive Council of Anglican Church of Canada agrees to

begin process of revision of 1959 Book of Common Prayer 1971 – New American Standard Bible written, updating ASV using recent Hebrew &

Greek textual discoveries

1971 (June) – Nixon announces withdrawal of 100,000 troops from Vietnam

1973 (Jan 27) – Paris Peace Accord formally recognizes sovereignty of both North & South Vietnam & withdrawal of all American troops by March 29

1973 – Roe v. Wade 1973 – General Synod of Anglican Church of Canada approves ordination of women to

priesthood

1973 (Sept 11) – U.S. stages coup in Chile, democratically elected President Salvator Allende assassinated, dictator Augusto Pinochet installed, 5,000 Chileans die

113

1974 – 11 women illegally ordained priests at Church of the Advocate, Philadelphia

1974 (Aug. 26) – Charles Lindbergh d.

1975 – Communist Khmer Rouge reach Phnom Penh in Cambodia & take power under Pol Pot killing between 1.7 & 3 million Cambodians

1975 – first women ordained priests in Canada

1975 (April 30) – last Americans evacuate Saigon as North Vietnamese roll into capital, war finished nearly 30 years after Ho Chi Minh declared independence from Vietnam which is now united under communist government 58,015 Americans died, over 1 1⁄2 million Vietnamese died

1976 (July 2) – North & South Vietnam united under Communist rule as Socialist Republic of Vietnam

1976 (Sept 9) – death of Mao Tse-Tung

1977 – U.S. backs military rulers of El Salvador – 70,000 Salvadorans die, 4 American nuns die

1978 – New International Version published uses eclectic Greek text, Massoretic Hebrew text, & current English style.

1978 – Polish Cardinal Karol Wojtyla becomes Pope John Paul II, first non-Italian Pope in 455 years, 263rd successor to St. Peter

1979 – Mother Teresa receives Nobel Prize

1979 – Islamic Republic proclaimed in Iran

1979-1982 – New King James Bible, complete revision of 1611 KJV, updates archaisms while retaining style

1980’s – U.S. trains Osama bin Laden & fellow terrorists to kill Soviets, CIA gives them $3 billion

1980-1988 – Iran-Iraq War 1981 – Sri Nisgaradatta Maharaj d. (aged 84) 1981 – Regan administration trains & funds “contras” in Nicaragua – 30,000 Nicaraguans die 1984 – Italy ends Roman Catholicism as state religion

114

1985 – The Book of Alternative Services published in Anglican Church of Canada 1987 – White House secretly gives Iran weapons to kill Iraqis 1989 – Berlin wall comes down

1989 – CIA agent Manuel Noriega (also serving as President of Panama) disobeys orders from Washington, U.S. invades Panama, removes Noriega – 3,000 Panamanian civilians die

1990 – Iraq invades Kuwait with weapons from U.S.

1991 – U.S. enters Iraq – U.S. reinstates dictator of Kuwait

1991-2003 – U.S. planes bomb Iraq on weekly basis. UN estimates 500,000 Iraqi children die from bombing & sanctions

1992 – Church of England allows ordination of women priests

1994 (Oct) – Belgian homeopathic preacher Luc Jouret leads cult of roughly 50 followers to their deaths in Canada & Switzerland

late 1990’s – Taliban come to power in Afghanistan 1997 – birth of internet 1998 – Clinton bombs “weapons” factory in Sudan, turns out to be making aspirins

2000 – Pope John Paul II offers apology & asks forgiveness for Catholicism’s history of “violence in the service of truth”

2000 – Christianity is the world’s largest religion, more than two billion members belonging to more than 20,000 sects & denominations

2000-2001 – U.S. gives Taliban-ruled Afghanistan $245 million in “aid”

2001 (Sept 11) – Osama bin Laden uses expert CIA training to bomb World Trade Centre in NY

2001 – U.S. invades Afghanistan 2003 – U.S. invades Iraq & overthrows Saddam Hussein

115

APPENDIX ONE THE STORY OF THE HEBREW SCRIPTURES

In the beginning God created everything that is and all that God created was good. Human beings were also created good. Among all of God’s creation human beings were created uniquely in the image of God.

Through the exercise of human free will, a tragic flaw entered into God’s perfect creation. Human beings lost heir awareness of God’s presence and began living as if God were absent. Human beings forgot that they were created in the image of God and began to seek satisfaction and fulfillment in things that are not God.

The chaos that followed from humans living as if God were not present is symbolized in a terrible flood from which God graciously rescued humans and animals. After this flood God chose to enter into a relationship of faithfulness with humanity.

After a remnant of humanity was rescued from the terrible consequences of the flaw within human nature, all people were scattered across the earth from the tower of Babel. Human language was confused and human community disintegrated.

This disruption of human community began to be reversed in the story of a man named Abraham who may have lived around 2000 BCE. Abraham was called by God to leave his home. This call was accompanied by the promise that Abraham would become the father of a great nation.

This promise of restoration began to be fulfilled in Abraham’s descendents: Isaac and Jacob. During Jacob’s life, the Hebrew people settled in Egypt to avoid the famine that was afflicting the land. In Egypt, Jacob’s son, Joseph became a powerful ruler. Over many years in Egypt the Hebrew people grew to such a great number that the Egyptians began to fear them and eventually enslaved them.

After Abraham’s descendents had suffered under Egyptian oppression for generations, God raised up Moses to lead the people out of Egypt. God promised to bring them to a land in which they could settle and prosper. For forty years, the people wandered in the wilderness on the border of the land God had promised to them. During this time, God gave Moses the law to be their guide. Moses taught the people in the wilderness saying, “you are a people holy to the Lord your God; it is you the Lord has chosen out of all the peoples on earth to be his people, his treasured possession.”

(Deuteronomy 14:2)

116

This status as God’s chosen people gave the Hebrews a fundamental confidence in God. They believed that God would always be faithful to them – “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who maintains covenant loyalty with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations.” (Deut. 7:9)

About 1200 years before Jesus, Joshua led the Hebrew people into the land of Canaan. After a bloody conquest, they established themselves as occupiers of the land. At first Israel was governed by a succession of 14 Judges, the last of whom was Samuel. Then, under the three kings: Saul, David (1012-972 BCE), and Solomon, Israel became increasingly established as a nation in Canaan. An elaborate system of religious ritual was developed, centred around the magnificent first Temple built by King Solomon in Jerusalem around 960 BCE.

After King Solomon, the Jewish kingdom was divided in two (930 BCE): Judah, of the line of David, in the South (traditionally one tribe) with its capital in Jerusalem and rebellious Israel (traditionally ten tribes) with its capital in Samaria in the North. During this time of internal division, prophets were raised up igniting the great Hebrew prophetic movement in Israel (750-550 BCE). In the face of terrible military threat from surrounding nations, the prophets encouraged the people of Israel to remain faithful to God and to put their trust in God rather than in political alliances, weapons of war, or the foreign gods of Canaan. Sometimes the people listened to the prophets and trusted in God; at other times they put their trust in human means with disastrous results.

The prophets reminded the people of God’s faithfulness. In the words of Jeremiah, God spoke to the people saying, “Only if I had not established my covenant with day and night and the ordinances of heaven and earth, would I reject the offspring of Jacob and of my servant David and not choose any of his descendents as rulers over the offspring of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For I will restore their fortunes, and will have mercy upon them.” (Jeremiah 33:25,26)

After 19 bad rulers, the Northern kingdom of Israel was destroyed by Assyria and the Jews of the North were scattered (722-720), never again to form a nation. In the South, after 20 kings, Judah was destroyed by the Babylonian Empire in 586 BCE and most of the Jews from the South were taken captive. The great Temple of Solomon was destroyed. This was a time of profound and painful crisis for the Jews.

After 50 years in exile, the Jews of the South returned to their land in three stages. Their hope to be a great people began to be restored. They attempted for about 150 years to rebuild the temple and to restore their former glory, but with little success.

This brings the story to the year 400 BCE, the end of the story contained in that part of the Bible which we know as “The Old Testament.”

For 400 years nothing is recorded in the Bible of the fate of the Jewish people. These years are known as “the silent years.”

117

APPENDIX II THE STORY OF JESUS AND HIS FOLLOWERS

After four hundred years of “silence,” in an obscure corner of the Jewish nation, a boy was born. His name was Jesus.

At the time of Jesus’ birth, Israel was an occupied nation. The people of Israel were living under the rule of the mighty Roman Empire.

The name Jesus means “Saviour.” It is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Joshua. Around the time Jesus turned 30, people began to place their hopes in him that he might be a modern day Joshua, able to return to Israel the promised land which they believed God had given them. The life of Jesus proved to be a desperate disappointment to these aspirations, and eventually those who had hoped Jesus might be their saviour called for his death, and he was executed for sedition against the Roman Empire.

After Jesus’ death, strange rumours began to circulate that he had been seen again. Eventually, the tiny group who had been Jesus’ disciples during his ministry began to teach that they had experienced Jesus’ living presence and received from him the gift of new life. From this message of Good News, the Christian Church eventually emerged and became the dominant religious culture of the Roman Empire.

In the Christian community that we call “the Church,” the effects of the fall which began our story are intended by God to be reversed. Barriers are broken down. Human community is restored. God calls us to live together in peace and harmony across all boundaries and divisions.

The New Testament contains the stories of Jesus in four Gospels. The story of the early church is recounted in the Acts of the Apostles. A series of letters, known as “Epistles” written to early churches encourage believers to fulfill their destiny as God’s reconciling community.

Describe in chronological order the various events and locations in Paul’s missionary journeys. 

First Missionary Journey AD 46-48:

1.      Saul and Barnabas chosen by the Holy Spirit in Antioch after prayer and fasting (Acts 13:2-3 KJV)[1]

2.      Sailed to Cyprus and preached from Salamis to Paphos in the Jewish Synagogues.  Acts 13: 4-12

3.      Arrived in Perga in Pamphylia.  John departed to Jerusalem.  Acts 13:14

4.      Departed Perga and arrived in Antioch of Pisidia.  Preached to the Jews (Men of Israel) in the synagogues. Acts 13:16   After Jews left, the Gentiles wanted Paul to preach to them the next Sabbath.  Jews started contradicting and blaspheming what Paul had been preaching.  Acts 13:42,45

5.      Arrived in Iconium, preached to Jews and Gentiles.  Persecuted by the Jews, pushed out of the city. Acts 14:6

6.      Arrived in Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lyconia.  Acts 14:6

7.      Returned to Derbe Acts 14:20

8.      Returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia. Acts 14:21

9.      Returned through Pamphylia.  Preached in Perga and went down to Attalia. Acts 14:25

10.  Sailed back to Antioch

Interlude between First and Second Missionary Journey:  Paul and Barnabas travel to Jerusalem to settle some doctrine issues with James, Peter, and the church at Jerusalem.  The council discussed doctrinal practices allowing Gentiles into the fellowship of believers.

Second Missionary Journey AD 49-52:

1.       Paul and Silas travel through Tarsus into Derbe.  There they met Timothy and he was circumcised because Timothy’s father was Greek.  The Jews would respect him more.  Acts 16:1

2.      Traveled throughout cities of Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Pisidia and into the region of Galatia.  Forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach in this region, they headed to Macedonia.  Acts 16:6

3.      Bithynia:  Started to preach but Holy Spirit forbid them. Acts 16:7

4.      Troas:  Had a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading him to help him in Macedonia. Acts 16: 9

5.      Samathracia and Neapolis:  Acts 16:11

6.      Philippi:  Chief city in Macedonia. Act 16:12 Lydia from Thyatira, was converted and asked Paul and Silas to stay in her home.  Acts 16:13-14 Paul and Silas were beaten and imprisoned for casting out a demon from a female soothsayer, who made a lot of money for her masters.  Acts 16:16-24 Paul and Silas prayed and sang until an earthquake shook the jail and freed the men.  The jailer wanted to kill himself because of his failure to keep them constrained.  Paul and Silas lead him and his whole house into salvation.  Acts 16:25-40

7.      Traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia into Thessalonica. Acts 17:1

8.      Berea:  Bereans were more noble because they listened to the OT preached and verified it with their own study.  Acts 17:11

9.      Athens: Paul’s Mars Hill sermon.  Acts 17:22

10.  Corinth:  Established a fellowship with Priscilla and Aquila, fellow tentmakers.  Stayed a year and 6 months.  Acts 18:2,11

11.    Paul sailed for Antioch of Syria, stopped in Ephesus and left Priscilla and Aquila there.  Acts 18:19

12.  Caesarea: Shaved his head because of a vow. Acts 18:18

13.  Jerusalem: A feast Acts 18:21

14.  Antioch in Syria

Third Missionary Journey AD 53-57:

1.      Syria Antioch:  Acts 18:22

2.      Galatia and Phrygia (Derbe, Lystra, Iconium: Strengthening all the disciples Acts 18:23

3.      Ephesus: Converts were baptized in the name of the Lord: laid hands on them and received the Holy Spirit, with signs of tongues. Acts 19:6 Casted out evil spirits with handkerchiefs. Acts 19:12

4.      Macedonia (Philippi, Thessalonica): Passed through Macedonia. Acts 20:2

5.      Greece (Athens, Corinth): Jews plotted and laid in wait for Paul. Acts 20:3

6.      Macedonia (Troas): Tarried in Troas, preached a man to sleep fell from a window and died.  Paul revives him. Acts 20:10

7.      Miletus: Passing through. Acts 20:15

8.      Tyre: Through Tyre. Acts 22:4

9.      Caesarea: Stayed with Philip and received a prophecy from Agabus. Acts 21:10

10.  Jerusalem: Paul arrested in Jerusalem after his testimony of Gentile ministry. Acts 21:27

11.  Caesarea: Paul defends himself before Felix, Festus, and Agrippa (Lea p.305)[2] . Acts ch.22,23

Why did Paul change the focus of his preaching from the Jews to the Gentiles?   Paul’I s focus in preaching changed because it had to; he was called to preach to the Gentiles in Acts 9.  Paul’s knew the Jewish religion, culture, traditions, the Law, and Judaism.  It was inevitable that he was going to have an audience of Jews that didn’t accept Christ and were still following the Law of Moses, so persecution was a given.  Paul’s finally realized after persecutions, hardships, and the leading of the Holy Spirit that he was called to reach the Gentiles.  I think this goes for anyone that God calls to the ministry.  We have our comfortable place, so we think, but God has called us to a place where he is going to equip us.  If we try and minister outside that equipping, the fruit of our labor is not there.  Paul produced fruit in the Gentile communities.  It was God’s calling for him, as well the writing of the New Testament, which directly involved Gentile audiences.

What historical evidences are found in the book of Acts that help us give specific dates for Paul’s mission activities?  Luke gives us other historical evidence that is mentioned in outside historical literature.  In the book of Acts, Luke mentions the death of Herod Agrippa I (Acts 12:19-23), of a serious famine in the middle 40s (11:27-30), of the edict of Claudius expelling Jews from Rome (18:2), of the replacement of the Judean procurator Felix with Festus (24:27), and of an Egyptian terrorist active in the middle 50s (21:38) are all confirmed in secular historical sources (Carson p. 319).[3]

How did Paul use local culture to relate the gospel to his audience?  Paul used local culture to promote the gospel to his audiences by relating to them on a level that they were educated on.  He called on their personal beliefs.  A great example of this is in Acts 16-34, when he ministered at Mars Hill in Athens.  He referred them to one of their statues that are inscribed “TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.”  He called out to them that they worshiped ignorantly, to a God that they didn’t know.  Then Paul began to outline their beliefs and how that the God that created everything that they see doesn’t live in temples, but was raised from the dead.  This statement of course pointed them to Jesus because the heard of the story of Jesus and his acclaims of rising from the dead.  Paul used their beliefs, their environment, and their morals as the starting point to introduce the Gospel.

How can Christians today learn from Paul’s example?  As Christians today we need realize God’s calling, embrace it, and walk according to the leading of the Holy Spirit.  As Paul did we also need to disciple other while carrying out our ministry so we can leave others to work in the ministry when we care not present, much like Timothy.  We also need to persevere despite our circumstance: whether it be persecution, financial calamity, physical ailment, or social discrimination.

References:

Carson, D. A., and Douglas Moo.  An Introduction to the New Testament, 2nd Ed.  Zondervan Publishing, 2009.

KJV Life in the Spirit Study Bible. Grand Rapids MI: Zondervan: Life Publishers International,

1992.

Lea, Thomas D., and David Black. The New Testament: Its Background and Message. Nashville:

Broadman & Holman, 2003.

[1] Unless otherwise noted all scriptural references in this paper are taken from the KJV. KJV Life in the Spirit Study Bible. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan: Life Publishers International, 1992.

[2] Lea, Thomas D., and David Black. The New Testament: Its Background and Message. Nashville:  Broadman & Holman, 2003. p. 305.

[3] Carson, D. A., and Douglas Moo.  An Introduction to the New Testament, 2nd ed.  Zondervan Publishing, 2009. p. 319.

What a day… I found that my story is proof for me and fruit of what God can do in your life if you let him… He took such a messed up dude and redefined him, made him new and blessed him… even though he had done so much wrong as a non-believer, he still blesses me in the new spiritual body… He celebrated four years ago when I accepted him, then the work began… of humbling, shaping and teaching began… and it’s still going on… I hope he never stops humbling, teaching and showering me with love through friends, family and the of Holy Spirit…

You have the same kind of stuff that I do… you are no different… my faith is the same as yours and yours is the same as David’s… We all have it… We were born in to this life, with no choice… He had great faith in you when he made you… The catch is, that YOU and I are a descendants of Adam, which means you and I both were born in to this sinful world… with sinful hearts and flesh… and the truth is that our flesh is only capable of one thing… Sin…

I asked one of my student-venture kids, “What does it mean to you to be a Christian?” He said with a chuckle, “We suck sometimes… well, ALL the time!!!” ha… I laughed and said”, Yep! Pretty much!”  Point is, we are never going to be right or perfect… so act now and believe that we kind of suck all the time… and we need Christ’s perfect spirit to come in us, humble us and love us… Hope you enjoy this… Pictures can’t describe how beautiful this place is…

I spent 5 hours in front of this… Listening to God… Amazing…

Our Calling…

God has called me, as well as you, to share the good news… to encourage those who are lost and afraid… the world is full of the enemy… I am his warrior… (Like Maximus in the Gladiator!  ) We, as a body of Christ, will conquer the enemy with the Strength of the Lord… as David did by pulling back his slingshot and firing a deadly blow to Goliath… We can all have this… Glory!

I was given a horrible affliction… with addiction… but the good news is that HE, our God, is being glorified by my transgressions… and in yours, because we have turned from the sin that we once lived in through Christ… we have become new, reconciled and forgiven … as he has called us to be shepherd’s, fisher of men among the flocks that most in “this world” would run from… he has surrounded me with wise counsel and pray that for you… he loves me and delights in me with my works… I hope and pray that he has this for you…

No, matter what I say or do… God knows all of the things that I did and will do before it is done… He has forgiven me for the wrongs that I have committed and has praised me and blessed me… it’s a heart thing… you will know when you know…Pain is Growth and my generation doesn’t like to feel… we medicate and soak our wounds in substance…

The promise is that we will be victorious in the day of his return… when every knee shall bow…

He has sought me…and you out and has called us to this commission… To warn, encourage and shower gifts to those who are hurting… or people that think they don’t deserve the one “true” love that you and I experience daily… Given by our Lord God… he promises a hope and a future for me and for you…

Isaiah 61:10: “I delight greatly in the LORD;

my soul rejoices in my God.

For he has clothed me with garments of salvation

and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness,

as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,

and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. “.

I cherish that kind of gift… like a king of admiring his crown, like a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest and the bride who adores herself with her jewels… I am one with him… I am called to move… One Body, one army, ONE shield, and the STRENGTH of Christ…

What are you called to do?

Read Isaiah 61 and see what God says to you… How many promises from God are in the entire verse?

May 9, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

Foundations…

What is your foundation, what are your guiding principles, what are you equipped with in order to move through this life?”

The answers to such questions vary. And today, the following Word resonated within………..hope you enjoy.

Equipping ones, self with the Word, understanding the Word, brings everlasting joy and strength to the full, at all times.

Nehemiah 8:8 so they read distinctly from the book, in the Law of God; and they gave the sense, and helped them to understand the reading.

There is something about understanding that will equip you with power. The Bible says, in all of thy getting, get understanding.

Nehemiah 8:9 And Nehemiah, who was the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the Lord your God; do not mourn nor weep.” For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

The joy of the Lord is your strength. Joy equals strength. Joy comes from what you know, what you understand.

Strength will come when you understand the Word of the Lord.

As Nehemiah was tasked with reviving and reforming the people of God in Jerusalem, he did so under the word of God.

When God’s people read the Word, they got the sense of the Word, they understood the Word, they began to weep, and then the joy showed up.

Joy comes from knowing, abiding, and equipping ones self in the Word.

John 15:7-11 if you abide in me and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you desire, and it shall be given to you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit so you will be my disciples. As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in His love. These things I have spoken unto you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.

What did He speak? He spoke words…

Why has He spoken these things?

So that His joy will become your joy… When you get the words of Jesus, you get Jesus’ joy!

What words do you know?

John 10:10 the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full, overflowing, with abundance.

2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

Psalm 91 I will say of the Lord He is my refuge and my fortress, my word, my God, in Him I will trust

Know that Jesus’ joy comes from the Word… it cannot be taken by the world.

James 1:2 my brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.

When should we count it all joy?

At all times, including times of being tempted, tested, or tried.

How…?

How do you count it all joy in difficult times?

You go back to what you KNOW…

…You go back to your strength…

, which is from the Word!

At some point, our faith will be tested, we will be tempted, and the pressure of the world will come upon us…

Such pressure will try to change us. To make us doubt our faith… but being rooted and grounded in the Word will provide us with a KNOWING…

If we are not prepared, if we are not rooted… we will not be able to overcome the temptations… we will not know God’s joy.

However, when we are prepared, when we are rooted in the Word, we will be overcomers, we will be granted the life in which He has promised.

James 1:12 blessed are the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Thank you guys! I love you all! JL

May 2, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Inspire! | | No Comments Yet | Edit

Why go?

Why Go To Church?

A Churchgoer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to church every Sunday.

“I’ve gone for 30 years now,” he wrote, “and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 sermons. However, for the life, we sometimes can’t remember even one of them.

So, I think I’m wasting my time and the pastors are wasting theirs by giving sermons at all.”

This started a real controversy in the “Letters to the Editor” column, much to the delight of the editor.

It went on for weeks until someone wrote this decisive factor:

“I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time, my future wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. However, for the life, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals.

However, I do know this. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today.

Likewise, if I had not gone to church for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!”

When you are DOWN to nothing………….God is UP to something!

Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible!

Thank God for our physical AND our spiritual nourishment!

When Satan is knocking at your door, simply say, “Jesus, could you get that for me?”

April 26, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Inspire!!! | | No Comments Yet | Edit

Thankful…

Thankful

Loving

Caring

Smile

Happy

Scared

Alone

God

Home

Jesus

Blessed

Right

Solitude

Ministry

Mom

Humble

Mortal

World

Fair

Right

Upright

Laugh

Cry

Relief

Settle

Warning

God

Unlocked

Depressed

Repressed

Anterior

Posterior

Front

Back

Side to side

Kiss

Love

Pour

Legit

Make

Up

Stay

Go

Hot

Warm

Luke

Believe

In

Him

Justin

Kyle

You

Are not… A

Failure…

I

Love

This

Happened

No quotas

No beating

just me and God

His would

not mine

Future

Hope

Faith

Love live love

Enjoy

Joy

Full

Ok…

Thank you god!

April 22, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

Waves of life… Waves of emotion…

Read this slow and let the words flow through your heart like waves in the Ocean…

Ocean waves

Crashing along the crest of my Soul…

Bringing in strength from the deep

Deep calls to deep…

Moving out of the shallow

Cleansing that which binds me

Enlightenment is for certain

Yet still not clear…

And through it all, standing…

Standing to hear the call

Seeing the face of faith…

Asking for deliverance

Still seeing “self”…

Desiring to be at one

Energized by the possibilities…

Forevermore.,,

Ever lasting….

Always changing…

Always the same…

Free and flowing

The crest of the wave rises…

Tides roll in…

Heart wide open…

Soothing to the core

Just an observer…

The tides traverse back out

Carrying all that is called to the deep

Deep calls to deep

Standing in strength

Enlightenment is

May each breath be filled with light, laughter, and LOVE!

April 21, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Inspire!!! | | 1 Comment | Edit

April 12, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

27 Today!

Therefore, it’s been a couple of days since you have heard from me… My bad… A lot has been going on…. I met this awesome girl through a friend… She loves the lord with all her heart, soul, and mind… She is his and she embodies him his love and grace… Rather has too with me;) She is turning in to one of my best friends in a very short time… She challenges me and looks right through me… She is awesome. That’s all I will say about that  but know that this relationship will be blessed by God 100% because I am following him and doing something like I have never done before… I promise I will talk more about what is going on and what I am learning…. Let me learn it first….;) Then I will share what God has revealed… I ask for your prayers.

So I am reading a book called, “If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat.” by John Ortberg. In the third chapter, I was asked to think about these questions:

What is my deepest dream?

How much Passion do I experience in my daily life?

What do I want my epitaph to say?

How much am I growing these days?

How often do I take risks that require a power greater than mine?

If I had “one true thing” I was called to here on earth, what would it be?

How clear is it to me?

Wow… Kinda loaded there, but I love how the author makes you think about your life… where you are now and where you want to go…

My deepest dream is to be a good and faithful servant to my God… to Sheppard people like me… who have the same battles I have…to be a counselor…

I have so much passion in my life… I love that god has me here on earth and he has blessed me with this life… I am so humbled…

I feel like I am growing everyday… In the beggining of my walk I was lazy and was content that “being” a Christian was enough… Now, I am in the word every morning… On fire! My prayer time is awesome… I am preparing for something bigger then I can see… Now for later… Living with purpose…. God’s purpose…

I feel like I take risks in his name all the time… No trying to boast here… I usually wouldn’t share this, but it’s cool.

Thursday I was pumping gas and I noticed a big African-American lady trucking a suitcase down the street. I yelled, “hey! You need a ride?” everyone looked at me as if I was crazy…:) (Ha-ha, I love shocking people!) However, she lit up so bright and said, “YES!” … I saw and felt so much joy in that moment… She was blessed, because I am blessed… with four seats in a car… and I am sure that only one gets used everyday…ha I talked to her and she had some great things to say to me… I was so humbled in that moment… God was in that car and believe he was winking at me though her… Challenge: Be bold and shock the world with kindness…

I believe that I am called to be a co-star in Gods HUGE story… A communicator of his word… how it has effected and how it has been demonstrated in my life… He has called on mercy and me to help my fellow addicts in this world that think they are inadequate for God’s love…

It is soooo real in my life… It is clear to me, because I believe I have the ability to connect with people… wherever they are in life… Because of my life experiences and chains that have been broken with the strength of God… People connect with people that have gone through the storms and wilderness that they are going through… Only through God and wisdom does that change…

I love all of you… Today is my 27th Birthday and I am somewhat shocked I made it this far… You know how? One answer! My Savior! Thank you all for you prayers and I will continue to write… To share what he is teaching me… To encourage you and remind you that you are loved… There is no other love greater then that of the one who are All Mighty, sovereign… creator, ruler, and King of ALL our hearts… Love God Love people! J

April 6, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Inspire! | | No Comments Yet | Edit

Love… What does it look like?

I wanted to write about a subject that has been hard for me in the past… and maybe for you too. It’s apart of all us… No matter who you are, where you are from or what you have done…

Everyone has had this feeling… Love… But what is Love? What does it look like? How do we love?

For me, I have never loved anyone… I thought I did, but looking back, I never really cared or loved anyone… All I wanted out of a relationship was what she could give me… Dead end road for you guys out there… I have learned in the past three or four years that my fantasies and desires are not how love works… God has shown me that love… I am thankful I haven’t loved, because my wife is going to receive all of me with no strings or a memory of a first love, because she will be my best friend and love… We have to remember Patience… So tough… but over time broke me, challenged me and made me new and I have to believe that if he did that for me, he will move for you… Through him and only him this happens…

This verse describes the characteristics of true love. These qualities can certainly be found in the person of Jesus Christ, and they can be found in all truly loving relationships. The problem with trying to “find” love in our dating lives is that too often we don’t look for these characteristics. Rather we look at physical appearance, popularity, or wealth. These are not the qualities of God

I am guilty of it… In the past, I looked at what a woman was on the outside or what she could give me physically… Why? ME! And because of my sinful desires… because of my own selfishness… Those are none of God’s characteristics…

In my life I have been on countless dates… but the best date by far, was one of honesty and truth… a reflection of God. We talked for hours on in about God and what he is actively doing in our lives. We encouraged and challenged each other… There was no real awkwardness (until I would say something stupid of course), but God was the centerpiece and not I or her…he blesses those kinds of nights, because they are a reflection of him (MEN!) … He is always working on a bigger picture that YOU can’t see…

Burning kind of love…

Have you ever seen a magic show? At some point, the magician will use a diversion to get your mind off what he is really showing you… He might use flash paper… Flash paper is a special effects tissue that can produce flames on a person’s fingertips. The special paper ignites quickly into a bright flame using a lighter or match. And then nothing… The show is over…

This is not what God sees as love… That flame went out as soon as the match finished the stroke… God’s idea of love is of slow burning coal… over time it gets warm, then hot, then hotter and so on… Sometimes, later on you might have to shake the coals to get a stronger fire, but you still have that slow burning fire… love… the coal, which is your foundation of the fire…

The point is… we need to let God move… let God shape our hearts in to the people he wants us to be… NOT US and OUR desires…

If you are 30 something and single, God is with you… shaping you in to an awesome husband or wife… not for you, but for him… So Wait! Dance with him for a while and see what he can do for you…

I leave you with this…

However, the LORD said to Samuel, “The LORD does not look at the things man looks at Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart”. I Samuel 16:7

I truly love all of you. I don’t write for me… I write for him…. to bring him Glory… I write not to boast, but to be a reflection of what he has put on my heart… its so awesome to think that he can take a man so far from God… reforming, reshaping and molding THIS man to be a man of Christ… with love. J

March 30, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | 1 Comment | Edit

Forgiveness… Love… Easter… He is raised!

Forgiveness-

C.S. Lewis said, “We all agree that forgiveness is beautiful until we have to practice it!”

For me forgiveness was one of the hardest things for me to learn… Growing up I didn’t really know my father… I lived so far away and for a young boy you just don’t get it… You think you did something wrong and resentment sets in over time. Therefore, for me the word “father” was identified with pain and because of my own selfishness and hurt I didn’t want anything to do with my eternal father… He knew why and would later break me of that…

Sad to say, but it took 20 something years to learn forgiveness… Not because I didn’t know how too, it was because I didn’t want too… I thought I was hurting him (dad) by holding him in my chains…

Come to find out, I wasn’t holding him in chains… I was holding myself captive… Secluding myself from loved and ultimately became 100% unlovable… Miserable to live like that…

Over time, God broke me… I was prideful and cocky… I thought I had the world figured out and respected no one… Including myself….

There is a process of forgiveness I want to share with you… if you have someone your life that you just can’t let go of, this might help… It’s tough but you have to make the first step… So important, because you can’t finish healing without that first step…

Step 1- Repentance

Both parties of the broken relationship have to be willing to forgive one another… HUGE! Active choice…

Step 2- Reconciliation

The reconciliation “event” is a mutual repentance… Confession… In addition, through this forgiveness results in a reconciled relationship.

Step 3- Restoration

This is a mutual effort to rebuild trust… Respect and Intimacy results in a restored relationship…

Step 4- Reinstatement- THE PLAN

Implementation of an action plan to reinstate the individual to the position they held prior to the broken relationship… Results in a reinstated relationship…

Maybe you have someone that doesn’t want that forgiveness… Or doesn’t want to participate… Its okay. You can forgive and move on… God will give you that strength without having to have the other person in your life… He is jealous for you…

Why we don’t like to forgive…

It’s too hard.

He/she isn’t sorry for what they did.

I don’t “feel” forgiving.

Why they did was so awful.

What God says about forgiveness?

Forgiven people must forgive.

God commands us to forgive. Matt 18:21

Forgiveness is the only God-honoring way to settle a debt.

***Forgiveness frees us to serve God.

Usually I would define a topic for you at the beginning of my thoughts, but I wanted you to be thinking about what forgiveness is to you…

To me forgiveness is:

Choice

Act of faith

Act of love

Act of obedience

I can proudly say that through God grace he freed me from my own chains… I have forgiven the two people in my life that hurt me the most with his strength…

After he broke the chains keeping me captive, my life has changed drastically… I am a happier person… I can love… I am lovable… I cherish people… Friendships… Family… There is a verse in the Bible that says, “He who is forgiven much loves much”. If you have tasted that sweet forgiveness then you will be moved to love more…

Our father in heaven loves me unconditionally… He is me obsession and desire… He holds my affection… I can feel his presence everyday and I love him for what he did for me…

He came to teach us, show us how to love one another… humbled himself and died on a cross to prove that he was the Lamb of God they talked about in the old testament as a sacrifice… this week we remember him for the ultimate sacrifice and resurrection on Easter.

My hope is that you can forgive… Move on… grow with God, having nothing hold you back… I love you all and know God is with you wherever you go… Love God Love People… JL

March 29, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

Never Settle…

Therefore, last night my friend went out with a girl he met through a friend… Awesome girl! He picked her up around 7, had a rose in the car waiting on her and was NERVOUS as a lab rat…;) He called me and said, “Dude! I have never been out with someone like this… She might love Jesus more then I do and it scared him… lol”. I laughed at him, because he was acting like a fifth grader at Valentines… See my friend just became a Christian a couple of years ago and he had a hard time figuring out which girls really loved Jesus… In the past, he would go on meaningless dates and ultimately they would end with him looking like the ALL HIGH and MIGHTY jerk that takes his religion too serious…

I think he just didn’t want to settle… He called me this morning and told me that it was an awesome night and he now knows what I meant when I told him that he DESERVES someone that will love God more then she will ever love him… That’s the kind of woman you want boys! One that wants to talk about what God is doing through her and one that will stand by you in your walk with Christ, hold you accountable and in the end, love you unconditionally… You will know when you know, so don’t rush it… Sit back, let God work… Find your strength in Christ… Find your identity in him>… Put it on the alter and know that it is his will… No matter what! Jeremiah 29:11

The lesson for me here is that we all settle in some ways… or many ways, depending on who you are… and we have tendencies not to trust that God has our lives and has a hand in it… I read Psalm 139 last night and it really hit me… He knew everything I would do, before I did it. He knew everything I would say, before I said it… He shaped me in the womb, gave me life, made me in his image and I had no choice but to trust that he would get it right…AND STILL HUNG ON A CROSS!!! WOW!

Now… do you trust that he will get it right again? Do you trust that when you look at your life, you will see the reflection of Christ in it? Some of that is up to you, but he gave you the tools to love, just to love carries so much weight… My challenge is that you read Psalm 139… Not too long, but very cool if you take in what David is trying get across to God… Thanks guys… Love God, Love People… JL

Christ-like…

Are you a person that adheres to Christianity, an Abrahamic, monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, belief that he is the Messiah prophesied in the Old Testament/Hebrew Bible, and the Son of God?

The term “Christian” is also used adjectivally to describe anything associated with Christianity or in a proverbial sense “all that is noble, and good, and Christ-like.

Therefore, I just defined it for you… Why do we make this so hard on ourselves?

I think I can understand where you come from… I sometimes love to do the things that aren’t good for Justin and that is a battle within me… I know you go through it too. We are human… and its balance that keeps you around… HOWEVER, that doesn’t give us an excuse to do or be someone that we are not. I do it and its through grace and forgiveness that I learn from those times… We have to keep Christ on the forefront of our minds and hearts…

Something I learned this weekend…when I share my story with people… I tell the truth, but maybe talk to much, looking for that connection… That ah moment, that if I say enough words then she/he will get it and in my mind if I say enough or the right words, they will go “wow” he does get it… ha-ha … Not the case… It takes time… for anything in life to learn about that person on the other end… TIME and Patience is the hardest thing for us to learn… Its not that I am in “need” or pressing a situation… I like the connection… the spark, the excitement of new people… The point is that the person on the other end will never get it, because they haven’t gone through what you and have gone through… They will grow to get it and maybe learn from you and your story… Be a light!

Lesson: For me, I hate missing out “stuff” my friends/family do… No matter what it is… I think I just like to be in the moment so I don’t miss anything… We all like to be “IN” the up and up, because you and I both want the whole story… not just the minor details “they”, being your friends, choose to share with you… we want the scoop… The worst feeling is feeling “outside” the group, like when you miss out on a trip cause maybe your parents didn’t let you go or you just didn’t have the money… it makes you feel disconnected from the group of friends that went without you… I know you can’t stand that… Cause I can’t!

What if that happened to you after you die?

What if you were standing there in line at the gates… of heaven… looking at your mom, your dad, your brother, your friends… all smiling and but deeply saddened at the same time… without you… going to be with the God and his son that never knew you? What would your status on your Facebook be then?

Take that feeling in…

For me, that would be the worst feeling of “missing” out or missing the boat… With tears in my eyes I would be saying to myself… I should have listened more. I should have paid more attention when my Christian friends were trying to guide me into a relationship with Christ… I messed up… and there is nothing that can get me out of this one… I am not trying to scare you in to my religion, but if you call yourself a Christ-follower, then act like it… Be strong and courageous against the enemy… Stand together… Pray!

What would do you do then?  What will you do NOW so this doesn’t happen to you?

I’m about to throw it out there… but we all call ourselves “Christians”. For example, as I scroll through Facebook, I see all these people I know and their beliefs on their profile says, “Christian”. … Now, in my head, I know we are all broken and sinners… and you should know that no matter what, we are all gods’ kids… He loves each and everyone of us equally… we have the choice to follow him or not… It falls on us… what hurts my heart the most is when I see people “out” and their actions don’t match up with the faith they say they have… I am blown away that they could be the only example for someone new to faith… Think about who is watching you and temper action with wisdom… I will continue to pray for you… JL

March 22, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | 1 Comment | Edit

Taking the I out of SIN…

Today is one of those days… when you look at yourself in the mirror and you really don’t like what you see…

What have I become? Have I surrendered my life to God in every way? Have I given him every part of me?

Have I compartmentalized God?

Am I a good servant?

These are the questions I am asking myself this week…

Maybe… Its seems that I trust God with certain parts of my life… and sometimes can’t understand his plan… It kind of sucks when you come to that realization that you are NOT in control… I try so hard at the worldly things in my life and sometimes put God on the back burner… Like, it’s not going to catch up with me eventually…;) I guess I have mastered the art of work and become prideful in what I feel I am owed… Am I owed anything? While I feel I am owed something, have I paid attention to the most important thing in this life? My relationship and being humble?

I think we all do that…we all pull on the reigns that God has for us and we want to do it “our way”. Funny thing is that no matter where you run or take a turn, he will always find you… bringing you back… through brokenness…

Trust and Judgment… I know for me in the past, I would jump in to things without praying or even thinking about it… It was hard for me to come to that realization… I had to fail many times doing it “Justin’s way”, but boy don’t we always like it our way… and when it doesn’t go our way, we get pissed at God like its his fault… ha-ha like he got in our way…;)

I was forced to see that from Andy on Sunday… Am I judgmental? Do I decide who God should give grace too? Do I love and have compassion for everyone I meet? Do you?

Sometimes, I don’t… Not because I am a bad person, but what is inside me that isn’t always good… which is sin… I want what is good for Justin and maybe not the rest of the world… I know you can probably put yourself in that same category as well. We all can be a little selfish and greedy at times…

You want to know a secret. I struggle with giving… I give, but I don’t trust in giving as well as I should…god gave me the job and career that I have… He gave me a house, car, nice clothes, and a second chance… and I still hesitate when I give…

Money is the hardest thing for us and our flesh to give up… Think about it… What do you do with your money? Do you give enough? Giving is what feeds our sole… The man who came here to die on a cross gave up his life for you… the ultimate gift… Grace, Forgiveness, and Mercy when we fail him…

Try this…If you had 100 bucks left in your bank account, what would you do with it? Would you give 10%? and trust that God would provide for you? Hmmm… Tough one… I know that’s tough for me, but I want to be open and honest with you, so my prayer for you guys is to become more aware of your gifts and to be thankful, rather than prideful… if you want to pray for me, pray for God to soften that worldly heart of mine…

March 17, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

Good Sex… Bad Sex….

I was researching last night and found some information for you guys that I think will help… Now, if you have sex in your relationship and you feel bad about it, that’s a good thing… That means, the Holy Spirit is at work convicting you and good wants to come out of the situation… most people don’t want to follow Christ closely because of the no sex policy… We, as a culture are so controlled by sex and what makes our physical bodies “feel” good… I think many people get misguided by other religions and their promises that they get lost in those false pleasures promised… My God promises an amazing place after this life… Eternal Life… He came here and died for that gift… Here’s what I got from it…

What the Bible Says About… Sex

Let’s talk about sex…yes, the “S” word. The Bible actually has a lot to say about the subject. You may think, with all the warnings about not having sex before marriage, that sex is bad, the Bible says something quite contrary to that. Sex is biblical, if looked at from a Godly perspective. So, what does the Bible have to say about sex?

Answer:

Sex is a Good Thing

What? Sex is a good thing. Well, God created sex. He created man and woman to create babies. The Bible says that sex is a way for a husband and wife to express their love for one another. Yes, “husband and wife”. God did create sex to be a beautiful and enjoyable expression of love, but only between a man and wife.

Genesis 1: 27-28 – “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number”;

Genesis 2:24 – “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.”

Proverbs 5:18-19 – “May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer — may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be captivated by her love.”

Song of Songs 7:Six – “How beautiful you are and how pleasing, O love, with your delights!”

One Corinthians 6:13 – “The body is not meant for sexual immorality, but for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.”

So, Sex is Good, but Premarital Sex is not?

Right. There is a lot of talk going on around you about sex. Sex is in just about every magazine, newspaper, television show, and movie. It is the point of a lot of music. Our world has gotten lax about sex, making it seem like premarital sex is okay because it feels good, but the Bible does not agree. God calls us all to control our passions and wait for marriage.

1 Corinthians 7:2-3 – “But since there is so much immorality, each man should have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband.”

Hebrews 13:4 – “Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral”.

1 Thessalonians 4:3-4 – “It is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality; that each of you should learn to control his own body in a way that is holy and honorable”

What if I’ve Already Had Sex?

Everyone falls to sin in some area or another. If your area happens to be sex, there is still hope. While you cannot become a virgin again, you can obtain God’s forgiveness. You just have to ask for it and try not to sin that way again. What truly angers God is willful sin, when you know you are sinning and keep on participating in that sin. While giving up sex may be difficult, God calls us to remain sexually pure until marriage.

Acts 13:38-39 – “Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the Law of Moses.”

Romans 1:24 – “Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another.”

However, It’s So Tempting!

As a Christian, you fight off temptation every day. Being tempted is not the sin, but giving into the temptation is. So how do you fight off the temptation? The desire to have sex can be very strong, especially if you have already had sex. It is only by relying on God for strength that you can truly fight off the temptation to have sex.

1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. In addition, God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”

March 10, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

A weekend to remember… I’m in Miami…;)

I am going to warn you now… this is a lot… I’m sorry if it’s too much, but I have a lot to share today…

First, I have to say that this weekend was awesome… I learned a lot about my friends, I laughed so hard I cried… met some awesome people and witnessed to some true brokenness…

Night one- I became a professional salsa dancer:)… We met this Spanish girl named Christiane on the dance floor where she attempted to show me how to Salsa… Honestly, I think by the end of it her toes were sore if not broken and she felt bad for me… She was a sweet girl with an awesome, fun-loving heart… I think one of my friends has a serious crush on her…we parted ways about 1-130 and went home. I love the beach and I love the weather in South Beach…

The next day we went to the pool, had some good laughs and got fried… That night we went to a club… I hate clubby type places… But, if I go to a place like that; I like it to be a lounge where its open to have conversation and you can hear yourself talk… This was def. not that type of place… I was the only white dude when I went down stairs to the other part of the building… So I stood there and watched… I love to people watch… After 30 minutes of standing there like the kid at the playground that always gets picked last, this big black dude came up and said, “man, you have some balls and I like it.” Shaking his hand, I laughed and kept watching… Come to find out, that guy was Miami’s finest drug dealer… I watched him make under the table deals for about an hour… I was amazed about how open it was…Cocaine was everywhere.

See… most normal people like my friends are so naive and couldn’t see the things that I could, but I can point a junky or addict out in 5 minutes talking to him or her… you rather get that way when you used to be one..

We left there at  2 in the morning, went to the casino where I did pretty well… I won 500, then  slowly lost it… Ha-ha… Have to know when to fold me’. I know what your thinking…DUMB!!! I woke up that morning with the same thought…

Anyways, Saturday was low-key at the pool… We walked down the boardwalk where I saw a pool party going on… It was about 2000 dudes… OMG!!!! I didn’t know if I should scream or pray… I could see the enemy working and smiling at me the whole tine I watched… It was the saddest thing to see fellow humans, giving in to their sexual addiction and temptations… (That might be touchy for people to read, but that’s what was going on…)

I have never seen anything like that… It’s so excepted to our culture now… It’s the norm…

After lunch, we went back to the pool and sat in the hot tub. Marks friend Craig lives there and he is currently reading Married for Life… He has a heart for God… I love this guy… We were going over his devotion for the day and all the sudden over his shoulder I see four Guys walking in to join us…

Immediately, one of them says, “okay boys, what’s our Bible verse of the day?” I laughed, jumped up and shook his hand… Smiling and hoping that he didn’t think we were judging them, I asked if they had a good time and he said OF COURSE!!! HAHA. They were fun guys… A little bizarre, but fun people.

The guy Craig was talking too had been married with kids, the whole nine yards… Craig asked him what changed and why… He said to him quietly, “No man has ever loved me”… Growing up he didn’t play sports or do anything his dad liked… No man really took the time to love that little boy as a child… He was broken. Craig told him that he was sorry for all the Christians in the world that had persecuted him, judged him, and belittled him in then past… With tears in eyes, you could tell he was thankful… these 4 guys in the hot tub with us were controlled by sex and drugs on THIS weekend.

The guy that I was talking to admitted that they live responsible lives but 2-3 times a year they get out and “let loose”. He meant they go to these parties and do a bunch of drugs every so often… I told him it would come to an end one day if not soon… I connected with him. I hope and pray that he saw Christ through me…

I walked away from the hot tub confused about what I had learned from them… The good thing is that I did learn from them… I learned that I am no better than they are in their worst behavior… I probably sin more than they do… We as a culture have just blown this completely gay thing out of the water…

We all have stories…BUT

when that guy I was talking about earlier looked at me, pointing at his boyfriend; telling us the he WAS the only man who has ever loved him UNCONDITIONALLY… I knew in my heart that wasn’t the case… I knew that HIS father in Heaven, regardless if he knew him or not, loves him solo much… so much that he knew the behaviors he would do for a lifetime and still hung on a cross… It goes for me… I do so much good, but boy does that enemy know how to knock me out… He wants to take me out…

see, so many people think that they are so far gone that God doesn’t love them and it’s not true… He is waiting… Patiently… For you… To answer his call. Jeremiah 29:11… I love all you, Lowry.

March 9, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

Life passes… and things change… We need to deal and NOT push away!

So, today is one of those times that you will see me be 100% completely honest about my life… I think its only fair… its been a couple of weeks since I have written anything… I think there are a few good explanations for that… I don’t want to say that I was mad at God, but I was mad at my life circumstances… Seeing one of your old friends buried is tough and I think it was the toughest thing I have dealt with since becoming a Christian… I mean, I felt like David in the Psalms yelling at God. “How could you let this happen?” was ringing in my head for days… I saw how much hurt there was and I found out that I don’t like to hurt…

With that said, I had a rough couple of weekends… I didn’t do what I preach to you guys about doing… I jumped right in to a bottle… Yes, I got drunk and tried to cover my problems up with alcohol…. Which never works? Only temporary… It proved to me that I am going to fail and the only way through that failure is my savior… I should have let someone know I was hurting, rather than going out on the town and acting as if nothing was wrong… btw, I hated myself the next day… That’s a good thing, because the Holy Spirit in me was telling me, “Justin, I am here… Trust in me and I will take your pain…”

I don’t think Brennan caused all of this pain to come out, but something happened inside me when he died… I started thinking about my life and what I want out of it… It was a lesson to me that life is short and I need to play like a Champion everyday!;) No Excuses… I shouldn’t throw everything that I know is GOOD away when something happens that I can’t control… You guys know that my main goal in life is to plant seeds and bring people closer to Christ…

I wanted to share with you guys an email through a friend of mine on our world and its brokenness. This was the explanation…

In thinking about our conversation the other night,  I was challenged to look a little deeper then just telling you to trust in him with no proof or explanation… I found that there aren’t many answers to this, but I think I might be able to at least get you started in trusting more… Why do bad things happen? Why are there rape, murder, and suicide? Why is there disease? Why can’t I play God and save a person from his/her horrible circumstances? What is sin ad how does it relate to this world being broken? Well, It’s more of a theological compilation of passages that we rely on… More the whole picture of sin leading to death. Not just-’if you sin you die’ but Sin leads to everything in this world being broken and dying. God created the capacity to love. Well you can’t know what love is unless you know its opposite. Hatred. You can’t know what Good even is without the possibility of evil or bad. God created that world. Therefore, this broken sinful world contains hurtful things. Romans 8:28 are a promise that God will work ALL things 4 good in the end. Romans 8:37-39 tells us we can never be separated from his love.

Hope this helps of you the way it has helped so many… Love you guys! Keep Praying and Thinking Eternal everyday…

March 3, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

One tough week…

This week was painful… I was reminded how much someone else’s decision can hurt us… I was in Nashville this week for one of my childhood friends funeral… I spoke about Brennan last week, so most of you know what happened. Tuesday night I went to the visitation and saw some people I haven’t seen in a very long time…  being there brought back some memories of the good old’ days and at times was very sad…I had some interesting conversations that I will continue to pray for… There is some real “brokenness” in Bellevue… I don’t what it is, but drugs are very prevalent there…

I went to the funeral Wednesday with my mom and this was one of the hardest things I have ever been through emotionally as an adult… Even though I haven’t been close to Brennan in a few years, there was still a connection in my heart… I saw some pictures of us as kids and that broke me… I was a mess. Crying is not my favorite things to do… The echo’s of his mom’s screams, “I want him back!” “Not Brennan…” are still very much alive in my ears…

I was a Paul Bearer and that in it was an honor… If you looked at the row of Bearers, we were all spaced out in Brennan’s life and it was very cool to see that he had such close friends that loved him dearly… I think I can speak for the rest of us when I say that placing my rose from my lapel on the coffin and walking away was the hardest thing I had to do… It was my farewell to him… After the 6 of us placed our roses on the coffin, the crowd of about 200 watched as the lowered the cover to the vault and covered it with dirt… It was as if people had to see him buried to really believe it… I still can’t believe he’s gone…

The stories that I heard throughout the week from his friends weren’t good and had a sense of shock about them… He was making some bad decisions and ultimately was taken by his own deep sadness. He felt like there was no way out of the addiction and loss…

The whole week I was mad and kind of upset with God, but after last night, I realized AGAIN that he is always in control… I drank too much last night and I don’t even really drink a lot… I know that’s the wrong way to deal or cope, but that was my choice and my flesh failed… Bottom line is we just have to make the most out of the times with our family and friends. I believe that once you are in Christ, you can never lose him… no matter what you do… I mess up all the time… I know that he still loves me with all my mess no matter what… Love you guys and continue to pray for Lola and Steph…

*** My prayer… Father, help me see the truth… your amazing love and grace… strengthen me when I am weak and make me know that you are the only way. I want to always be seeking your face. I want to represent you well. Please soften my heart and break my heart for what breaks yours. Thank you Father… For your Grace, Mercy and Love…

PS. I didn’t proofread, I just wrote so please excuse my grammatical errors…

February 20, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | 1 Comment | Edit

Brennan…RIP Buddy…

I am up at 4 am thinking about the news I got the other day about my boy Brennan’s death… I don’t know what to write, but I know that I need too so I can process…. Brennan and I met in the 8th grade when I moved to Nashville. He was my first friend there… I slept at his house all most every weekend, we played basketball together, and we talked about girls we could never get;)… we had an awesome time no matter what we did… We always wanted the best for each other… We were inseparable for a couple of years through grade school and high school and then something happened… We grew apart… Friends tend to do that sometimes when they are on different paths…

I spoke to Brennan a couple of months ago… he valet my car and I got to spend a couple of minutes with him to see how life was…I told him how I was and by the end other conversation I told him that I was sorry for the way things ended back in the day… he brushed me off like it was nothing, but I know deep down he wanted to hear me say that and we hugged it out…

We rather stopped hanging out and through that I feel like I turned my back on him… I don’t know why I thought he wasn’t good enough for my friendship or me after I started making other friends at school… other than that I was too worried about status or the “cool” crowd… I left him with no one and that was wrong of me… My regret… I was immature and a jackass… He would have never done that to me…

I sit here, think about the loss his family is going through, and there is nothing in a world that compares to that. How is a mother to feel when her kid makes this type of decision? What pieces are there for the family to pick back up and move on? How are we supposed to respond when something happens as if this to our friends loved ones?

(We do what we can to help this mourning process begin… We love each other and make sure the people that mean something to you know that you love them…)

I know that my readers here this all the time from me, but God will restore our hearts… (Romans 8:28) Our hearts won’t be the same, but we will go on  and we will heal. He intervenes and takes on that hurt. We never have to do it alone ya know… I take time for us to trust in him that he can take the burden, but in the end, he does and always intervenes with brokenness. In all of our history as human beings and Christians, has he ever just sat on the sidelines and done nothing?…

My hearts hurts so bad right now… just like yours… all of those thoughts come to mind when you think you could have done something or said something to him to make him know that we have an amazing God that loves us no matter what we are, what we do, who we hang out with or what our life looks like…

I know that Jesus is weeping… with all of you… and I know he hears our cries… knowing that our God is weeping with us is one of the most comforting and amazing things to feel and know… We are not alone in this… We have to LEAN in and not pull away from him, especially in times like this…

I just now cried… after about 24 hours from hearing the news… I was in shock and in question… I thought about all the times he looked at me and there was a sense of mystery in his eyes that I just couldn’t figure out… Maybe I’m crazy… he told me that he had some deep hurts and scars on his heart from childhood, but never really explained… It blows my mind… I can’t believe he is gone….

He loved his mother Lola dearly, she was his biggest fan… and he looked up to his older sister Stephanie…Dude loved people and could make you smile with just one goofy look he would give you… He was a great guy and friend… He had a way to make you smile… laugh… have a great time and was always himself… Never put a front up… He made you feel special… to know him was a blessing in my life… I will never forget that dude…

Finishing up… I know that a lot of you are thinking, “Wow, how could this amazing God let this happen?” Folks, God didn’t let this happen. Unfortunately, Brennan made that choice for God… HOWEVER, I have to believe that our Faithful God is a forgiving God and a just God. He knows our hearts and knows our troubles before they happen… I believe that Brennan is in heaven right now… He knew God and to me there is no way to lose your salvation once you have received it…I want to believe that God has Grace for that defining decision… My hope is that my friend is in heaven right now, smiling that bright smile… away from all of this “worldly” stuff” dancing a jig and praising our Mighty God… I love you guys. Pray for Lola, Steph, and the Frey family…

*** Remember… We are not God… We try, but we can’t control what happens and we can’t judge like God. We have to know that God works for the good of those who love him… He loved Brennan just as if he loves you and me… Have faith that he is in a better place. Define Faith…

February 14, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | 2 Comments | Edit

Lesson for me while driving…

I was driving to the airport the other day to pick up a co-worker and looked at my GPS to find an arrow, but no voice giving me direction… I am so used to punching in an address and the voice telling me where to go… I noticed about half way there that I had gone to the airport with no directions and the thing that shocked me the most was that I was going the right way and was going to make it there with or without the voice telling me where to go… For me no matter where I go, it is such a habit to turn the GPS on and get my ETA to wherever I am going, so that I can let people know when I will arrive…

How do we know what our ETA is? What if your ETA is 10 minutes from now? Are you ready?

Have you ever thought of GOD being our personal GPS? Have you ever thought about God whispering in your ear to tell you, “HEY! I wouldn’t do that…” or “I’m here for you my child…”

He does that everyday with us… Through the Holy Spirit that you and I received, he has put a GPS in our hearts… He guides us and gives us wings to be just like Jesus and to get to him eternally…

He gave us a Bible as a road map to discover new things about others and ourselves… He gave us the voice, the map and him…it is our choice not to turn down the volume and pull away… It is our choice not to take the exit too soon or make a wrong right or left turn…

So often, we can be going along and not paying any attention to the signs or people that he brings in to our lives, because we had our blinders on… Start looking for those people and start asking questions… He is so good to us and he is so AWESOME…

February 12, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

Learning and Processing…

2-8-10

Today is a great day… I am a child of God and I know that I am worthy of his love…

Last night I had an interesting conversation with my friend’s dad about Mormonism… Now, I know what you are thinking, let’s not judge, but instead love… Before I go on, I have to tell you the background of my beliefs… I believe in having an open and growing relationship with Christ. I have no denomination and I believe in my heart that if I judge someone else’s faith, then I am going against everything that is good in my heart and good to our Father… as well as challenges the main principles that God sent me here to do… Love people… I am in no way a Mormon or Catholic. Just example here…

I have known my friend I have to see this weekend for about 20 years and last night I had an interesting conversation with his dad… I learned a lot… Throughout the talk, it seemed if there was a sense of defense when he was talking to me. It seemed as if he was trying to prove something to me… He had given me the entire history of Constantine and the Catholic Church splitting, he said that he grew up in the Catholic Church and became a Mormon after much research and proof, key word “proof”.

It seemed that there was biblical data of what he was saying, but I can’t get my mind around the story of Joseph… it is said in the Mormon Bible that Joseph, (the founder of Mormonism) never prayed in the beginning of his life and was fed up with the separation of churches. He went to the “forest” where he prayed for the God to reveal the “true” church and Joseph claimed that God came to him through revelation… Just as John had been revealed revelation…

On April 6, 1830, the Mormon Church was established. Mormons claim that the church founded by Joseph Smith in 1830 was a literal restoration of the original church of Jesus and his twelve Apostles. Thus, Mormonism classifies itself within Christianity. Mormons believe that after a time the Church as established by the Lord fell into spiritual decay. His teachings were altered; His ordinances were changed; and the Great Apostasy came as had been foretold by Paul, who knew that the Lord would not come again “except there come a falling away first” (2 Thessalonians 2:3).

According to Bruce McConkie, a respected Mormon authority, “Mormonism is indistinguishable from Christianity.” One-way Mormon fundamentalism distinguishes itself from mainstream Mormonism is through the practice of plural marriage. Fundamentalists initially broke from the LDS Church after that doctrine was abandoned around the beginning of the 20th century. Mormon fundamentalism teaches that plural marriage is a requirement for Exaltation (the highest degree of salvation), which will allow them to live alongside God in the afterlife. Mainstream Mormons, by contrast, believe that a single Celestial marriage is necessary for Exaltation. In distinctions with the LDS Church, Mormon fundamentalists also often believe in a number of other doctrines taught and practiced by Brigham Young in the 19th century, which the LDS Church has abandoned, repudiated, or put in abeyance. These include: the law of consecration also known as the United Order (put in abeyance by the LDS Church in the 19th century); the Adam–God teachings taught by Brigham Young and other early leaders of the LDS Church (repudiated by the LDS Church in the mid-20th century)* the principle of blood atonement (repudiated by the LDS Church in the mid-20th century); and the exclusion of black men from the priesthood (abandoned by the LDS Church in 1978). Mormon fundamentalists believe that these principles were wrongly abandoned or changed by the LDS Church, in large part due to the desire of its leadership and members to assimilate into mainstream American society and avoid the persecutions and conflict that had characterized the church throughout its early years. Others believe that it was a necessity at some point for “a restoration of all things” to be a truly restored Church.

My point in sharing this history lesson with you is to get you thinking a little bit… I know that God sent me here to be a “light”, whatever that light should be… in my short time as a Christian I have learned that we as Americans let our “religion” get in the way of progress… We claim to be certain religions, but most of you don’t know anything about the religion you claim…

I was talking to my 14-year-old cousin and she said that she was Catholic. I was like, Okay. What do you know about that religion…? I asked her a few questions about Catholicism at the end of our talk she really didn’t know what she believed… she didn’t like the idea of confession, purgatory, praying to Mary, having to tell a priest your sins;), (when God chose you in the first place and knows your heart and everything you do before you do it) or women not really having a true voice in the church… However, there are some great aspects to it too. Very formal, if you like that sort of thing with a lot of structure… Beautiful music and cathedrals… A lot of ancient history… most of the bibles heroes in it… Catholics are the foundation of our religion… We all derived from the Catholic Church in some way…

Thing is, we get convinced at an early age by our culture or family to be a certain way, because it “sounds” good and I don’t agree with that principle. Everyone is affected by this… I know I was…

Now being a Catholic is great, but most Catholics don’t have the same kind of relationship with Jesus that I have and that’s what bothers me… They rarely read the Bible for themselves and go to church because they have too… the example of confession to me is like having a sin bucket and every Friday I would go to dump it out on the priest, leave with my empty bucket feeling justified… and have it filled back up by that next Wednesday… That’s what and me I would do if I was Catholic and follow that Law. I just know me… I am weak in that sense… ha-ha that is my experience with my friends that were Catholic that is what I am going by…

I think that the more we argue about prophets and what people “did” here on this earth means that we are missing the big picture… We were sent here to love one another and help one another through this life to get to the eternal goal… not forgetting that ONE man came here to die for our sins and justified us with his blood on the cross…

I will get in to sanctification with my next post, but I think that if you put your faith in “men” and not of God, you live an empty life… You chase a happiness that will never be attained or fulfilled, but by you no who… I am in no way picking on Catholics or Mormons… I am giving you guys a front row seat in to my life and how my brain processes the information I come across in my fleeting days…

February 8, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | 1 Comment | Edit

4 Year Mark…

2-1-10

Today is a day of reflection… Reflection on the past four years of my life…

Four years ago, I stood at a mirror in a night club; I had taken 5 pills of ecstasy, drank all night had a few rails of coke and I was broken and on the door step of death; was 30-40 pounds lighter than I am today…

Brokenness is something I knew nothing about, but I said to myself, “If I don’t stop now I know I will die,” I know that God was with me, because I was scared and alone… He took my pain and stood right there with me through all the detox and horrible aftermath of doing what I did to my body… If I didn’t stop then, I would have died eventually and just been another sad story of a kid that abused and took drugs to fill the voids in his life with absolutely no chance of redemption…. I turned away from my sin… Hosea 5-15…

In the past 4 years, I have become a Christian and better person because of his Grace and Love. I re-evaluated my life, moved to Atlanta to get away, made some great friends and God has been so faithful to me through this time… I couldn’t have done it without most of you and his everlasting love…

Some of my old friends from high school and college look at me and say that I have changed for the better, but some think it’s some kind of “phase” I’m going through… they say that I am a radical and that’s okay, I love that. I am somewhat radical, but the purpose of all of this writing is to get you thinking about eternal living and radical living and radical change… Thinking Eternal, doing NOW for Later, and live with your purpose… I think God is achieving this if you are reading what I write and thinking a little outside the box about a relationship with God.

This week at church, I heard Andy Stanley say that, “If we sit and look at our behavior and others behavior to justify what we are doing in the present, there is NO possible way to make progress…” In addition, with that Justification, we make excuses for ourselves when we do the things we are trying to fix or work through. Ben Franklin said, “He that is good at making excuses is never good at anything… thanks Andy.

God has given all of us talents and blessings. I mean, with me I feel like he gave me many talents, because I sometimes feel like I do excessively much. I am still trying balance those talents and learn to say “NO” sometimes… I want to be everywhere for everyone, but that is me trying to be like God and its impossible… I struggle with not being God… ha-ha

I use the talents that he gave me to be an on-call medical device rep, part-time youth minister who meets with kids twice a week for small group (bible study), Fusion Leader, personal men’s small group on Wednesday ‘s;  I am  a Celebrate Recovery member (been slacking on that) and a loving Christian… Here’s the thing, I am not telling you this to be boastful, but asking you if you are using the talents, that God gave you… I want to challenge you to make a step forward to doing your purpose and using the talents, he gave you….

Great story here of God’s Faithfulness through purpose: I have a really good friend, that went to Hollywood for a girl’s trip and came home with a vision that she was going to become and actor and minister to people in that industry… within 5 months, she was in acting school and doing what she loved and what she is called to in her purpose… Still working her day job, she is in two movies an was selected for a sitcom this summer…. If that isn’t God moving in her life I don’t know what is… I am not saying to be irresponsible, quit your job, and go broke. What I am challenging you with is to find that balance and make the sacrifices, make the time and take that step towards your dream. Your dreams are a reflection of you and your life… If you stop dreaming, you will never get to where you want to go… John Piper…

My prayer today: Worthy God, you are MIGHTY! I know that you have been faithful to me in the past four years… I hope and pray for another 50 years of sobriety… You are the only reason I am here, because of your love and Grace I have a voice to speak to my brothers and sisters in Christ. I pray for my mom now that you will show your Faithfulness and she stays faithful to you… Amen…

Relationships… Love you Brother…

I ended up coming back to Atlanta after our surgery was canceled and made small group… I love the guys I share life with…our talks are so enriched with his presence… I am so lucky to have a group of men that I meet with every Wednesday night that are after God’s own heart. I came home after and I had a great talk with Clint, my roommate… He had been upset for the past two weeks with the way I had treated him. I have to admit, I have acted strange with everything that has gone on in the past month… New things and change is not something I deal with very well, but I am working on that… I have been so selfish about feelings and the way I talk to people…

I am so prideful sometimes and he called me out on it… I needed that. I am very lucky to have friends like him… to call me out when I am off my rocker or not being happy-go-lucky, “Lowry”… I am not a fun guy when I am stressing or when I let life get me down. I am trying to find that balance again… When someone tells me to hold him or her, accountable with a behavior they are trying change; I sometimes ask for perfection…

My God doesn’t even ask for perfection and I have the nerve to do exactly to Clint what is not expected of me… All the things I try to encourage you with, the truth is that I fail at them too… Human… yes I am one… I make him feel uncomfortable around me, because I am not used to having to consider someone else’s feelings in a house… I have lived by myself for a year now and its tough to adjust… Thanks economy;)… I am blessed to have he and Will in my life…

I am going to take some time out of every day and pray our relationship to grow, for me to be more considerate and loving of him or anyone else that comes my way, and I don’t get my way. I need to love him as if my God loves me… Unconditionally. He is my friend and that is what we are called to do.. I wanted to share this with you, because you might be in a situation like this and the best thing to do is get it out of the dark and talk about it.

Work out your problems and love on some people…Mine and Clint’s friendship will grow closer because of tonight’s eye-opening conversation and I can’t wait see what God does through mine and your prayers… Please, if you can pray for us… ask God for our strength in all of these transitions in life… that we remember who we are deep down inside when life doesn’t go the way we want… TO Lean on him with your doubts and fears… In Jesus name… Amen… JL

*** I am so tired so I will check the grammar tomorrow. Good night and God bless you…

January 28, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | 1 Comment | Edit

A great night…a great week…

Tonight is Friday night and I had an awesome time with some awesome people… We had Alice, Keri, Clint, Will, and Val also known as the “basics” and many other people randomly show up. ha. See, I thought I had to go out and have a good time, but I am learning that you can have just as much fun with your friends in a house on a Friday night, just playing games and hanging out… It was good, clean fun… Something I have wanted for a long time. It seems like when the guys want to go out it’s always at a bar and being out just to be out and seen isn’t that fun anymore…Its the same old’ thing… We stay out late. People get drunk and regret tomorrow. Just not my thing anymore…

I had an awesome week at work with some major changes going on… Learning new things and being open to that change is helping me grow… I need and want growth in my life… I have that happiness now that only God can give a man… that happiness comes from the knowing that his grace is enough for me and that I am following his plan for me.

I went to a night of worship on Thursday and I had such a great time… Just me, God, and he felt so tangible… Worshiping is how I feel connected to him. Some feel him through prayer, but his love for me is poured out and shown to my heart by music…somewhat funny, because I have no rhythm and have no musical talent… I feel that tingle all over me and with that, I know that he is real… There is nothing like it for me in this world. At one point in my life I thought drugs could give me that feeling  and now its church, music, worship and prayer that give me that feeling times 1000 times over… I still struggle with my “stuff”, but he is there and he knows that I am doing my best and everything in my power to prepare for his kingdom…

Lesson of the week from Thursday…Romans 8:26-27 says, “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.”

That means he is praying for you and me… He is fighting for you and me up there… with prayer… Read it again if you don’t think so… This stuff is so real. Please read your Bible and at least check this kind of stuff out… It’s very cool gift passed down to us and is so beneficial to me and you if we use it for the duration of our lives … I pray for you…

January 23, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

Prayer can change you…

This morning I was thinking about you guys and wanted to give you an update on me… God has blessed me and he is faithful to me in so many ways… I stayed faithful to him and his plan and his “will” just so happened to be what I wanted… Somewhat funny how that works, when I finally stayed Faithful to him and didn’t blow over when things didn’t go my way…

This month is January and people for some reason like to change everything they do because well, Its January…  People go on crazy diets, go 40 days without doing something, go to church, fast, go to the gym, buy a $50 gallon jug of protein and try not to text while driving… you know… the basics… ha-ha.

I, myself am going through many changes this year… I can feel change is going on within my heart and my soul… I sometimes try to be a fixer, “fix” things, not pray, and believe in the power of prayer… I have learned in the past year that there is some wonderful power in scripture and if you leverage it; you can see a difference in your work life, spiritual life, and family life… It’s a heart thing…

The truth is that I hold on to something other than God’s love and Grace… That something is and of the world… Just like you, I worry about my job, finances, and family way too much. As I said, I try to fix and control my situation even though I know that I am not fit to do so… There is a good reason the Bible says, “Do not be afraid!!!” 365 times…

Jesus left this earth and gave us the Holy Spirit for a purpose. He left a part of himself for us to carry around, trust, and KNOW that our Father is faithful to those who love him… I am not blinded by this fact and I understand there is sin in all of us, but through the Holy Spirit you and I can change,… this can be done through prayer and eternal thinking… doing NOW for LATER…

Just going to church isn’t enough for me anymore… I need to feed our Holy Spirit… Prayer and worship feeds my soul’s belly…

Do we believe that prayer works? Can we change people’s lives through all the chaos with prayer??? I was listening to Francis Chan and he is talking about 2 Peter 3:11-12 and the return of Christ…Sounds kind of “out there” as my boss tells me when I tell him I think we are going to see the end of the world… The scientists tell us that we are one catastrophe away from the end of the world… Are you ready? Are you doing everything in your power to be ready? Are you anxiously awaiting like the bible uses the analogies of the Bridegroom… are you waiting hastily? (which means to be done or made too quickly to be exact or wise)? Like a test that you studied for hours you get there and all the answers are in your head,… you try so hard to go as fast as you can to get it all out without forgetting anything. I have felt that in school, but not in life yet…

Lesson for the week: I was in church last weekend and Andy said something that really hit home for me… He said, Galatians 9- Let us not become weary in doing good. At the proper time, we reap a harvest if we don’t give up… Never give up… Paul wrote that to us… How awesome is that? Think eternal this week and never give up on him, because he is faithful and does love us…

Prayer: I pray for my wife today… wherever she is… whatever she is doing in this world, make it all for your Glory… God I pray for her if she feels scared and alone, God just be with her… God, I pray for the day I get to meet her…

January 21, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

A lesson at Student Venture… Thanks for this lesson Darren.

What do you expect of God when you pray?

• That He will hear

• That He will respond

We expect that God will hear our prayer and answer. That is, we expect Him to be faithful. Faithfulness is an extremely important part of our relationship with God. In the Bible you will find

a number of pictures of God that show how faithful He are to us. Some of these will be more challenging than others because God puts it in terms of human relationships. If you have not had a good relationship with your earthly father, thinking of God as “Father” may be a challenge for you. While people have let us down, God never will.

God as Faithful “Father”

Deuteronomy 1:29-31 Moses reminds the Israelites how God was faithful to them in the wilderness. What three things did God do for the Israelites as they traveled through the wilderness?

• He went before them

• He fought for them

• He carried them as a father carries his son.

Moses says God carried them as a father carries his son. How is this type of carrying different than someone might carry a grocery bag or a suitcase?

• when you carry your child, you carry them carefully and with love.

• Protection—No harm will come to a child who is in his father’s arms.

The people saw all that God had done. How does seeing God act on our behalf build our faith in Him?

• we see how much He loves that and us He is willing to be there for us.

• we know that if He did it in the past He can still do it today.

What have you seen God do in your life that helped build your faith in Him?

How could someone’s background make it difficult to accept God as his or her “Father”?

• if you didn’t have a relationship with your father or if that relationship was a difficult one.

“Father”

How does seeing God as the faithful father give us a healthy view of God (see esp. Psalm 68:5)?

• God is better than any earthly father is.

• Fathers here mess up but God doesn’t.

• God loves us more than any person ever could because He made us and even died for us.

In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus starts by calling God “our Father”. How can our prayers better appreciate God as our Father?

• we thank him for the privilege of being his children.

• we pray that we will be more fully submissive to His will.

• we ask for His guidance.

God as Faithful “Shepherd”

In Psalm 23 God is our shepherd. When we read Psalm 23:1-4 we take on the perspective of a sheep that is being guided through dangerous places by a seasoned and powerful shepherd.

What are some things from this psalm that show how well the shepherd provides for the sheep?

• lacking nothing

• Green pastures

• Quiet waters

• Guides me

• He is present and able to protect the sheep from danger

That is how God is. God is willing to nurture us, provide for us, and even protect us in difficult and dangerous times.

How can our prayers reflect on our relationship with God as our Shepherd?

• we declare our confidence in Him

• we thank Him for His provision.

• we appreciate his presence and leadership

God as Faithful “Spouse”

This picture is painted most vividly in Hosea. Hosea was told by God to marry an unfaithful woman to show him how much anguish God has over His unfaithful people. This metaphor shouldn’t be taken too far but God uses it to show us that He has always remained faithful to us. On the other hand, sin is considered spiritual adultery—cheating on God and being unfaithful. We need

to be just as serious about our faithfulness to God as we are about our faithfulness to our spouse.

Hosea 2:16-23

“Spouse”

In what 6 ways does God say he will betroth himself to his people?

• Forever, in Righteousness, in Justice, Love, Compassion, Faithfulness.

What does it mean to betroth yourself to someone?

• it means you marry them/enter a covenant relationship with them.

• Promise to be faithful to them—there can be no one besides them.

God has committed himself to us. When we are baptized, we make that promise back to God. We spend the rest of our lives living faithfully to God.

How hard would it be to go one month without talking to your spouse?

• hopefully—VERY hard!

How can recognizing our covenant relationship in spiritual betrothal to God improve the regularity of our prayer lives?

• you can’t help but talk to God. We should want to talk to God.

How can our prayers reflect our steadfast decision to be faithfully committed to God no matter what?

• we renounce all other options

• we praise and adore Him for His commitment to us

• we declare our allegiance to Him as our Lord

• We pray on a regular basis because that is what you do with someone you love.

Why does faithfulness require confession?

• Close relationships require honesty. Confession is being honest with God.

• Confession and repentance are an attempt to repair our relationship with God.

Which of these pictures of God is the most challenging for you? Why?

What barriers to being faithful have you faced in your prayer life?

How should our prayer life reflect the faithfulness of God?

Faithfulness starts with God and we respond. Our prayers should reflect thanks for God’s faithfulness and a declaration that we will respond to him with faithfulness.

January 11, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

Its a New Year…

Today, I sat and thought about what I learned over the past year and most of it came from the past month…By the way, I had an awesome time with the family over the holidays and especially with my mom…

I had a great conversation with my Pawpaw Lowry a couple of days ago… he was telling me how proud of me he was and that God is going to do some great things with my life… He said something that really hit home though… He told me to look past all the brokenness you and I share and move forward…Moving forward is something that I am just now learning how to do… I struggle with the sin of my past… Therefore, a couple of questions came to me:

How do we get better and move forward? I move forward by putting it all on the altar for God to show his will in my life… What’s on your altar?

What do we do to better ourselves? I pray that I am becoming a better person everyday… How much do you pray?

Do we make unreasonable lifestyle changes? I know I do… I try to flip my whole world upside down when I am doing just one thing wrong or out-of-bounds… What lifestyle are you leading?

Do we educate ourselves on how to become better? I read great books… I let Christian authors poor in to me the Holy Spirit that they have received. How many books do read?

Why do we only want to get better at the 1st of the year or why do we want to get better when something is so bad, we can’t fix it on our own? I will leave that up to you…

What is progress? I think progress is something that will not and cannot be done in a day, a month or even a year… It’s an ongoing change, an evolution of oneself and a movement to the betterment of “us”…

Guys, I can’t give you the meaning of life or some secret to success, but I can say that whatever you are dealing with in this day of 2010 can be taken care of by your Heavenly Father… I’m serious when I say to pray to him with all you have, he can do things so wild, and mind-blowing that even those who think that he is all about fear will turn their heads and thank him He isn’t that kind of God. He wants so much for us, but we choose differently…

I wake up most mornings and thank God for waking me up, but what about the mornings I don’t talk to him. Does he listen and know what I am thinking? I think so, no, I know so… He knows everything before we do it… Kind of wild if you think about it… He knows the shape that your hearts in. He knows your wrongdoings and he KNOWS all of you… If you are reading this and you think I have it together, you have it all wrong… I don’t. I struggle and he knows… He allows me grace, which I don’t deserve…

I heard this the other day… A man was in the hospital and his friend came to see him. The friend asked the man, “How are you feeling?” The man said, “I am great. I am so glad I am in here, because I got to meet this awesome doctor.” The friend said, you’re Crazy, Why would you want to be in here with all of these sick people.” The friend said, “Because I’m healed and kind of made new again…”

Don’t take this wrong way and I’m not saying that God makes you sick, but it is kind of like being sick without God. He is the Doctor of Love, Redemption, Grace, and Healing… He is the best Doctor I have in my life…

Romans 8:28- and we know! That in ALL things, God works for the GOOD of those who live him… who have been called according to his purpose…

January 4, 2010 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

Luke 2 1-20… What I learned…

// // 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled. 2 This was the first enrollment, when Quires’-us was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be enrolled, each to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. 7 And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

I want you to read this again and picture what it would be like if it were you… or your child… There was no room in the inn…WOW! There was no room in this world for our GOD… He came and no one would give him a bed, something to eat or warmth… It’s funny, cause he does this for us everyday…

It broke me when I read that part of Luke and I cried over the fact that my savior had suffered on not only the cross, but also his whole life… for me…so humbling… that happens constantly in the bible and he still loved and gave so much… He loves us so much that he bought and paid for all of our sin by the cross. What a gift…that’s the only Christmas present I want or need;)…

I celebrate this time of year with you my brothers and sisters of Christ… I celebrate the fact that he was born 2000 years ago to give us eternal life and that we can share the warmth that he gives and shares with us… Peace…

8 And in that region, there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; 11 for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us”. 16 And they went with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it they made known the saying which had been told them concerning this child; 18 and all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

December 21, 2009 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

I am…

I am a liar, cheat, manipulator, hater, judge, cruel, mean, sad, lonely, tired, depressed, anxious, actor, imposter, impatient, fool, hated, dumb-ass, smart-ass, punk, gelled-up, smoker, drunk, addict, jock, lover, fornicator, nice, smart, sophisticated, medicated, buff, mastered, made, saved, successful, sweet, charming, forgiving, compassionate, friendly, caring, happy, overachiever, proud, intelligent, good-looking, loved, and I am a big, fat, hairy sinner… did I say good-looking and prideful? lol

Day to day, I am all of these things at one time or another (good or bad), but above all else I know that I am loved and forgiven for my shortcomings… I am loved, because he bought my sins when he sent his son here 2000 years ago to hang on a cross for all of those things I have listed above. Maybe I missed some of yours and that doesn’t really matter, but what matters is you knowing that your debt is paid in full and it’s not too late to ask him to come in to your life… shhhh… he might be knocking on the door on your door more importantly… and maybe… just maybe your life is far too busy to hear him… Think about the time you submerge yourself in to sports, shows, Twitter or Facebook and even our culture… maybe he is sitting… waiting patiently… on you… to speak… to listen… to love you in ways you can’t imagine.

I, just like you have an imposter that comes out and sometimes “he” says and does some things that we can’t explain… I guess that is the enemy working in our lives… The enemy tells us big lies and tells us we aren’t good enough or adequate for this life… He brings temptation and tells us we don’t deserve the things God promises if we follow him… and more importantly, he (the enemy) is building an army and we see this increasingly in the world and in our culture…

There such a thing called “spiritual warfare” and we, meaning you and I are in the battle field everyday… I am not asking you for perfection nor am I trying for perfection in my own life… I am consumed and embraced in the fact that I am a sinner (everything mentioned above) and that will never change as long as my flesh is here on this earth…. It’s not about what I do or will do in this life; it’s about what he has done for me… and you. I want you to understand that he takes us with all that “junk” and loves me and you before we found all that junk… We loved that junk before him and he still loves us… What an awesome God we have…

I was asked the other day by my good friend Mark what I was afraid of in life… and the first thing that came to my mind was death… I don’t know why, but as I thought about it… I’m not scared of dying… that was the lie the enemy was telling me at the time and wanted me to believe… he said, “You’re scared, because you don’t know if you are good enough for him i.e. the Lord, but you do know you are bad enough for me”…  he continued telling me, “you are done after this life and there is no more”… What a punk!!! You might be thinking that’s stupid, but that’s what happened and he knowingly throws darts and attacks me with some of the same BS he attacks you with… Am I wrong here? you can think of some things he throws at you…

My answer:  We are undeserving of God’s love… I know I am… I mean, for him to love such a wretch like me is so amazing when I think about the person I was without him for so many years and the person he forgave… So my answer to Mark tonight would be that even with all the struggles that I have in my life right now… I know where I am going and that I am not afraid to die, but before that day comes I can’t wait to spend my life spreading the good news and living in his will… JL

December 13, 2009 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

A letter to my Mom…

I love my mom. She has been there with me through the good, bad and very ugly… She still loves me the way God intended parents to love, unconditionally the way he loves you. I have tested that my whole life.

Mom,

I am reading a book called Wild at Heart… and the writer is trying give men a better understanding of why they do what they do in life. I have learned the men are all about performance and pride when it comes down to it. If you look in Gen 2, Adam sinned and then hid in the garden from his father cause he was naked and prideful. Even Adam was prideful. But, before that Adam was created outside the Garden of Eden and that is why men like the outdoors and adventure, but on the other hand Eve was created inside the Garden to nurture and take care of the Garden i.e. family and kids…

The point being that Adam was created to explore and be the “man” and he brought pride in the mix with his sin. I struggle with this too… I have learned by reading this that a little boy needs assurance that he is good enough or adequate… I don’t think I ever got that from a man, but from you… I know that’s not your fault and I love you for trying to fill that void. Most parents don’t care as much as you… As the author explains, single moms have a special place in heaven with their drive for a better life for their kids…

I know you tried your best and I love you and will always love you… Our relational problems stem from Adam and his pride as well as the pride he passed down to me… It’s a “me” problem. I am the one at fault when I get mad or upset at you… It’s in us men to want to “separate” from mom, because we as men want to feel adequate or “man enough” for this world… I will strive hard not to let the sins of my father and his father and his father’s father (i.e. Adam) affect our relationship… I love you mom. JL

December 9, 2009 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

True Brokenness…

Want to see how quick life can change? I met with a kid the other day that told me an amazing story about his life… Now, before you read this, you have to know that this is from his mouth and his life… I want you to know that it probably isn’t the story that you want to hear from me today because there are no heroes… but there is a great lesson here.

So, we will call this kid Mercy… I got a phone call last week from Mercy and he wanted to meet up for lunch so I canceled what I had going on and went to see him… He was sitting outside the McDonald’s we were meeting  and as I walked up, I could see that he had tears in his eyes and seemed to have been baling for some time… Mercy is 21 and his parents are divorcing… Now, we all know how this works… I know I do…

He told me that his step-dad had been cheating on his mom with another woman and that he “chose” the other woman over mom… He looked at me and said, ” Justin, I want to kill him”. I think he was serious when he said it, but I think that was out of anger and fear of the unknown… So, mom and dad had been married since he was 5 and they had two other children together… they have lived in a suburb of Atlanta for 20 years. He said everything seemed like it was great until dad started drinking… in the past his dad has a scotch/water every night before he went to bed and then one day he noticed dad drinking increasingly and becoming angry all the time… He knew something was up when dad couldn’t make it to bed most nights… Passed out on the couch, drunk…

Mercy and his dad had a close relationship until the drinking started… I think in a way Mercy felt responsible for his dad’s actions, so I shared my story with him about my parents and how much he and I have in common. I told him that we can’t control substances and we are NOT at fault for someone else’s addictions and sins… that we have to know that God is telling us truth in Jeremiah 29:11.

I think I had some of the same feelings when my mom and step-dad divorced… I felt like I could control the situation and make things better by acting out with fear and threats… I told mercy that over time his heart would heel and he would move on from this… It’s tough, but we all have to move on from something like this… We can’t let others lives affect us so much that we are consumed with it. Everyone makes mistakes and everyone is forgiven, if they truly mean it when they ask God for forgiveness…

So, we have to forgive, because we are forgiven… I told him that throughout life people would disappoint him… I told him that I have learned that the only “one” that hasn’t disappointed me or let me down is my God and his love is more than any earthly father can give me… He is so big and powerful and we can do all things with him and through him…

The lesson to Mercy would be “forgiveness”… and what not to do when he gets married… I think that if you have a Christ centered life and relationship then he will bless you with happiness… Happiness with the partner you choose for your life here on earth and eternity…

Parents, remember that your actions do impact your children and the way they see the world when they get older and even now. Remember how you felt when mom and dad split up? I did…remember how lonely you felt. I did… Remember asking God, WHY? I did…

I see through the bible what Christ centered relationships look like and I am going to overcome the label of being a “product of divorce”. I have embraced the fact that we are all broken and need a God that can save us from ourselves… The flesh always wants the things it doesn’t need. Let the spirit lead your life and see what happens… Love you all. JL

December 7, 2009 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

The HS moves and tells us to Love…

Last night I was thinking about how much God has blessed me this year… with success with business and in my personal life with giving me some great friends. I don’t know where or what I would be like if I didn’t have friends like the ones I do now pouring wisdom in to my life. I was at small group last night talking with the boys and it struck me that I am blessed not only with that group, but with all my friends outside of group… I have surrounded myself with Christ-like people and people that want to impact others with their amazing faith. I keep a balance of church friends and non-seekers… I think it is healthy to have both parts so that you don’t seclude yourself with just churchgoers…

I was also thinking about how much time I have on my hands this month and I was praying about what to do with what God has given me… I decided to start studying for my GRE, which is like the ACT, but for graduate students. I hate standardized tests… I am going to TRY to start school in the fall. I am praying that God will open that door soon and I am staying faithful to him in that calling… I have prayed for a couple of years now for God to show me what to do… I think if I kept that mentality, I would probably be waiting a long time and “talking” more than acting… I need to move… No, I don’t mean to move out-of-state, quit my job, or do something irresponsible; I need to make a move and see where they Holy Spirit take me… I am reading a Francis Chan book called, The Forgotten God and it talks about the Holy Spirit and how we forget to have a relationship with him. He is in us and we ignore that part of him when we pray. We pray to God and Jesus all the time, but we neglect the one that lives inside of us. The father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are like a three leaf clover… All equal parts, coming from the same stalk… The Holy Spirit can move you and make you do things others would think, “Man, that dude is crazy”… I have had that happen to me a couple of times where people were shocked in my actions…  .

The Holy Spirit has changed me over the years and convicts me when I do something wrong… he is hurt through those sins just like our father in heaven is… They are the same… Sin is what separates us from his love… Don’t you feel out of touch when you knowingly sin against his love? Don’t you feel out of touch when you sin period? The good news is that when we sin and we will sin, there is a God that gives us Grace and forgives. Grace is defined as unearned favors received from God… We don’t deserve it and we can’t earn it, but he gives it to us… He knows we are broken and we will fail all the time; that’s ok… no one is asking for perfection; Lord knows I’m not, but I TRY to live in his boundaries and not mine…

Thought of the day: Christians are like Manure… Keep them in one area or spot and they start to stink… but spread them out and they start fertilizing and growing… I know that some of you are laughing, but seriously think about how you can impact or grow someone’s faith… Let the Holy Spirit move you and shock someone. Make someone’s day today… Unexpectedly, buy someone coffee or lunch. Give that homeless man you see everyday a dollar and tell him you love him… Hug someone and laugh till you cry… if you can manage to do all these things in one day, boy that’s a real joy to our Father. Love always, JL

You don’t want to miss this… Great lesson!

We started out Thanksgiving by feeding the homeless last week… well we didn’t feed anyone, but we carved 30 turkeys and blessed the cooks of the mission work… It was awesome to see the faces of the people that ran the Atlanta Union Mission as we worked diligently. They weren’t expecting us and our hard work and were very appreciative at the end. We had a group of 6 or 7 and I think the girls we had with us learned more about the insides of Turkeys then they wanted too… lol I left there feeling great about what we had done that day and accomplished for them. If we hadn’t shown up, they would have had to carve the turkey’s one at a time as the people came and that is no fun…

I had a great dinner with some friends that stayed behind for the holiday… We watched football, had some wine, and finished the night off with some fireworks from Dina’s Buck Head view porch. It was great, but it wasn’t home… I missed my family for the holidays and I drank a little too much wine that night. I guess I was trying to fill the void of not being home… I’m human and that’s what happens when we get down about something and we try to fix our problems by substance… I know what you are thinking…

On Saturday, Brandon and I started our 6-hour trek to Lexington, KY. It was my first time going to KY to watch football. UT was in town and I think I was the only UT fan in my section at the game. On the way, there we had a lot to talk about… Brandon is one of the best friends I have ever had. He and I have a lot going on in life and we hold each other accountable for our actions. He knows everything about me and I know everything about him. He is my true brother in Christ. We talked about girls, family, faith, and football. Awesome time!

The football game was awesome too, because UT pulled out the win in Over Time  . At one point Brandon looked at me and said, “I’m never bring another friend that isn’t a KY fan.” Ha, He was so pissed! I wasn’t even being loud and obnoxious like normal… I think I was respectful to them since I love UT football… Although, I have to tell you it did get on my last nerve when KY got a first down… Everyone would point in the direction of the goal line they were going for and scream, “That’s a KENTUCKYYYYYY FIRST DOWN”. I think that was the worst part of my trip…J

On the way home we were listening to Francis Chan, (who is an amazing communicator) and he was talking about being quick to respond and defend… Boy did I get a lesson in THAT when we stopped at DQ for lunch… Let me set it up for yak… Brandon and I were trying to make it back for Church and he had a special lady friend waiting on him… We had about 200 miles left when we stopped for gas. He, being the low maintenance person he is, got a protein bar and water for lunch. I, being the high maintenance friend had to have a proper lunch… burger and fries ha-ha so… We go to DQ right next to the gas station and I ran in with the intention of only being 5 min or so… I make my order, I look at where she puts the ticket, and there were many tickets before me. I said, “How long you thinking’?” She said a few min… Well, she was lying… lol after 20 minutes and 3 text messages from Brandon, I was mad as hell… I mean the things that were going through my mind were just awful… How dare she? They are messing up OUR plans… We wanted to get back, do a little laundry, maybe take a little cat nap and then go to church… ha-ha I failed this test awfully… I think I might have said some choice words under my breathe and I know I made them feel very uncomfortable… They knew I was steaming and rushed to get me my food… I almost wanted to throw it back at her and give her a lesson on how to run a restaurant… I was horrible in this and in the back of my mind I was dreading getting back in that car with Brandon who was steaming and probably cussing’ me for 20 minutes or so…

I get back in the car and yes Brandon was pissed  … about 30 minutes later I thought about how tough I acted and how mean I was…I had no Grace…I didn’t even want to eat, I felt so bad… Have you ever done that? I mean, what if she was having a horrible day already and I made it worse? What if I made her cry when she got home? What does she think of me? How did I show her the love Jesus shows me? I didn’t…Ultimately, what does my God think of me and the way I handled that situation. I cared about me, me, and me… I had no consideration for what she was going through… I didn’t have any patience or compassion for her that God has for me…

Point is…I am human and I have expectations wherever I go… I expect the best service every time I go in to a restaurant, because that is what our culture is driven by…Service. When we don’t get what we want, we don’t know what to do… We freak out! I certainly did… I thought more about myself in that time then I did for others… That night, I got on my knees and begged for God’s mercy and forgiveness… It broke my heart when I thought about the way I was to her and it still bothers me… God convicted me and taught me a lesson through this… Don’t be too quick to respond… You don’t know what other people are going through… try to make their day and be a blessing to someone… So, have patience and grace for others in time like this. You don’t want to feel the way I do right now… I am forgiven, but I left a scar on her heart as well as mine…

December 1, 2009 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | 1 Comment | Edit

What a week…

This week has been awesome and real blessing… Monday night we had guy’s night at Darren’s house with about 75 kids and we had no clue what God had planned to happen that night… I mean, just to see God working in these young adult  lives is so awesome to me, because I was no where near where they are “spiritually” at this age (high-school)… I know it’s against the rules to talk about what happens in the “circle of trust” and guy’s time, so I won’t give specifics… We started out with burgers, hot dogs, caffeine and more candy than you would know what to do with… We also had a bonfire and shared stories about our lives… That part was so powerful… Pain, Regret, Forgiveness, Grace and Love were all shared and the transparency was divine .

I got to see the many different roads less traveled and willingly shared my insight with examples from my story…I shared with them how I deal with the hurt in my life, the pain of my actions or even the pain from someone else’s actions that I can’t control…… I helped them feel better about their situation… whatever it may be, because they felt alone… like no one knew how they felt or had ever been in that moment or made that type of decision that “changed” their story… There were tears, laughs, and truth. You couldn’t pay me to be anywhere else, but in that moment… God was tangible and present in that basement.

I think guys and girls should find some time, get away from the opposite sex for a while, and just am what God made you to be. I mean, the boys will definitely be boys… but the girls need that time too… I don’t have a clue what they in girl’s time, but I hear that’s pretty powerful stuff too…

Thinking about the time that we shared around the campfire I wondered to myself,  what would they be doing if not here? or What would they be like if God wasn’t in their lives… and How do we guide and impact them to keep these thoughts of and about our creator through the rest of their lives…Nothing we do is greater than he and nothing we do is enough for him… we try to plant seeds and wait to see the Fruit…

That night brought confirmation to me that God had Darren, Student Venture and even me in these kids lives for a reason and had planned this night a long time ago, which we are so great-full for him… and that we can be a co-star in his story. We all speak truth in to their lives and we give them the our story on how we dealt with things at their age and wisdom on how “not” to do things and what the bible tell us is truth…;) God has ever given that coolest and most humbling gift me…

We learn as we go on in a life that we can’t go back and make better decisions for ourselves and that is one part about life that sucks… I know there are parts of your story that you don’t like to talk about, because we all have that… There is only one person that knows you like a book, inside and out… On the other hand, there is also another “person or being” that knows how to attack you… He knows your weaknesses, hurts, and fears… He lies to you constantly and tells you that nothing can make you “feel” like he can… It may be the bottle, the drugs, the sex, the lies, and the overall darkness that you live in now… But know.. that there is freedom!!! You have to want it and you have to work at it… Nothing I say here will make you change, but at least I have you thinking… That is what I think I am here for… To give some kind of HOPE… and make you feel okay with your situation, because I have probably been where you are at in your story… In some way have felt the same way you have…

I understand and pray for all that read this… I believe that no matter what it is you are feeling or going through, there is hope for you through FAITH in him…

November 22, 2009 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

Never good enough…

I love all of you and I love him with all my heart, soul, and strength…

I know its been a couple of days since I have written about what God is doing in my life and there is a reason for that… I am challenging myself just to simply shut up. lol now for me, that is a hard thing to do… But, In order to hear God speak to me and help me get through this life, sometimes we just need to shut up… With this time, I have found that no matter what I do, say or act out I am not worthy of his love… I am nowhere near perfect or a master of the bible and its teachings. Nothing is surer… I am learning everyday that what was written long ago happens in our everyday lives repeatedly and if we open that thing called the bible, we might just learn how to do things “his” way rather than ours.

I asked myself these questions everyday: Am I giving enough? Do I walk the walk? Do I lead people in the right direction? Am I living life the “right” way? All of these questions are pretty deep and heavy… I don’t know if I can answer these with a yes, but I do know that I no matter how well I answer these questions it will never be enough… I am a sinner no matter what I do. I know this through my relationship with Christ. Every morning I wake up there is sin in my heart. I want to go find the neighborhood crack dealer and get high all day… I can’t help it, because I was born in to this world of sin. I brought that addiction into my life and I have to face that consequence everyday. It’s easy to get high and not deal with this world. It’s hard to say no… Through the bloodshed I do though… Amen?

I just like you get side tract with our culture, popularity, how much money I make and how successful I am. I do this because that is how we are all wired. Perform, perform, and perfect our talents… He has given us so much and we give so little back. The lesson for me is that no matter how much time, money, or God-given ability to do whatever he wants me to do will NEVER be enough. Side note- the average Christian spends 10 minutes with God everyday and 4 hours with the TV and our culture (Francis Chan)… Hmmmmm…

God gave us all talents and traits that he is very fond of, but with that, we need to understand the giving back part. For me, giving back would be giving to my church 10% of what I make a year… I mean, he did entrust me with it in the first place. Honestly, the hardest thing is to continue to give 10% when I don’t get that check that says to me, “Comfort”. We all love the feeling of comfort, but when we are vulnerable to not having as much or being able to do the things that we enjoy so often; little by little we start taking back what he has given to us as an offering… Do you lower that percentage? I know that I have… Do you take for granted what God has blessed you with? I do… Or do you stay the course, pray through those times, and stay faithful like God has stayed faithful to you? I try to get better everyday.

All of this was put on my heart this week and I think its very important for us to notice the small things and trust that no mater what is happening here on earth, there is a bigger plan and we are just a dot in a big universe. I challenge you in this holiday season to give more than usual and love people. Imagine your son or daughter out there homeless, sick, and hungry… How much would you give then? Bless people with what you have been blessed with a thousand fold and it is promised that it will be returned to you in the house of the Lord…

The most eye-opening and sad thing that I learned this week is that, those who call themselves “Christians” and ignore what the Bible tells us is truth, won’t be in heaven… My heart weeps with that realization and it scares me to know that there are so many people out there like that… I want so badly to be there with my loved ones and I want him to pat me on the back and say, “Job well done, my servant”. He and I both want that for you…JL

November 12, 2009 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

go and make disciples of all nations…

Have you ever been sitting in church feeling disconnected, like you really didn’t want to be there? Well, I felt like that this past Sunday… I mean, I feel him all day… but there is something about singing worship songs with 3000 brothers and sisters in Christ. I was jealous of all the people around me with their hands held high and voices screaming loudly for him… Feeling his presence… (The enemy was keeping that closeness from me with my thoughts… I don’t know how or why…) the feeling I am talking about with God starts with him breathing on me… You might not get this, but I get this numb tingle feeling like no one else is around and it’s just me and him… Then… I dance with my Jesus, whether it’s with my hands held high or swaying back and forth to the sweet melodies he has provided through some very talented people…

That disconnect I felt was caused by the things in my world…I think its easy to get caught up in the worldly “stuff”. I want to share this with you today… In my day job, I sell Medical Devices to hospitals and the other day I was at Duke University in the ICU… We were working on a 350 lb. man the was involved in a drunk-driving accident (head on collision) and as I was looking down at him watching his pain of all of his bones broken, he was helpless… He depended fully on those doctors to save his life… regardless of the bonehead decision he made, the doctors still worked on him. They didn’t stop working on him when they found out he killed two other people in the accident; it was their job to keep going… They made a promise to try to save the lives of every broken person that came in to that hospital… They didn’t take a piece of chalk out to keep score, they kept going… Making decisions for him without any of his say so…

Kind of funny… But doesn’t God do that with all of us? I mean, we all at one point or another come to him broken… with baggage and life experiences that we are not proud of and he shows his faithfulness… He loves us and forgives us… He doesn’t give up on you when you screw up or have to change your life story because of a bad decision… What story do you want to tell? What brought you to God in the first place? What if you died tomorrow? How many people would go to heaven because you introduced them to a relationship with Christ? How many have felt God’s unconditional love because of your impact in their life?

Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:16-20

November 5, 2009 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | 1 Comment | Edit

Keeping Focus….

Hey guys, I know its been a couple of days, but I had to be in New Orleans and Charlotte for work this week. I had excessively much fun the other night in the Casino and of course had to check out the French Quarter. When I was on the French Quarter I found where the homeless hangout and a numerous amount of strip clubs… I had no idea there were so much “trouble” for me out there, kind of shocked… I was “people watching” intensely and I was saddened about what I saw. I witnessed some serious brokenness in their lives and they were all masking something; it seemed they were filling voids in their life with money, sex, and drugs. These women didn’t care what they had to do to be paid… Now, I am not saying that in my past life, I never went to one of those places, but I was blind with no intention of following Christ and had no idea what the repercussions in my soul and in my mind were. Like many of you, I have images I can’t ever get out of my head that I don’t want anymore and the enemy feeds off that. He wants us to remember those “fun” times so that when we are back in the “lion’s den” we will pounce on whatever will leave scars on our hearts even after forgiveness… The enemy was breathing down the back of my neck the entire time I was there…

I was talking to a homeless man outside a bar, named Cecil, he wore a long coat, road a bicycle and had one leg… (He claimed police brutality is why he lost his leg)… Cecil kept telling me repeatedly he had to get his license renewed to get his check cashed… “100 Dallas’ man, that’s all I needed”. Now, I don’t know what check or where the check came from or if there really was one, but he stuck to his story. I watched three people put money is his cup and he looked at me and said, “Come on Preacher man, you got something?” Unfortunately, I didn’t, but I wanted to grab him up and let him live at my house until he got straight… Whatever straight is… I know you probably think I am crazy, but I also know that if you would have engaged in a conversation with him you would have wanted to help in someway as well… because we all naturally want to help someone out when they are in a bind. We trust that they need help and don’t ask questions when they ask for money… You either give it to them or walk by like they don’t exist. When we do give it to them; we never ask, “What are you going to do with my 5 dollars?”. We, as Christians or even non-Christians give when there is a need, because God put compassion in us and we feel we have a responsibility to help. I’m not saying we are going to cure homelessness, but we would if we could because of the level of compassion we have for one another. I understand that choices got them there, but have more compassion than usual next time… Have that awkward conversation and ask them how they are doing and if they know they are loved, because they are people too and God loves them just like you…

Before I left Cecil, I told him that I was going to be his prayer warrior for the next 7 days and I told him that something amazing was going to happen in that 7 days… I came back the next night and he was sitting in the same place with the same cup, but nothing had changed… He asked me again if I had anything for him and while I was sitting with him, a man dropped a 100-dollar bill in his cup. He looked down in his cup with big eyes like he didn’t believe it, then he looked over at me and said, “You got anything for me preach man?” With a smile, I gave him a hug and said good night. I am still praying for Cecil, so if you want to join me that would be greatly appreciated.

The lesson here is no matter what amount of money we think we need to get by or how much is in “our” cup, we always want more… because there is nothing but emptiness at the end of the day in that… Money and other things “of and in this world” are empty and temporary… Like Cecil, we all want more than what God has blessed us with… Even if we find ourselves on a street corner homeless and missing a leg… God has you, so trust in that and be filled with that promise…

October 29, 2009 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | 1 Comment | Edit

Blessed be…and wait…

Today I woke up and  I thought to myself, “Lord? What are we going to today?” and “How can I make a difference in someone’s life?” … I didn’t accomplish very much, but in a way I did… I woke up with this burning desire to write and share a story with you, then I went to work like every normal day… Tonight is when things really seemed to change for me. I had this ringing in my mouth from where the oral surgeon ripped out my wisdom teeth, but dinner was great and conversation was awesome with Barry. Anyways, I will get on with it…

I learned first hand that I need to lean in to him i.e. Jesus when I am not sure of an outcome or result of our human mistakes… We live with consequences in life and we all have to face the music at some point… It’s like when you were a kid and you were bad in school; you didn’t want to go home and tell your mom and dad what you did… seemed like 8-3:30 flew by and soon you were standing in the living room getting what was coming your way…lol I know, I had many of those…

I take what happened today as a lesson of not taking what God puts in your life for granted. Not to say I took it for grated, but I will definitely appreciate it a lot more the next time around.. You are probably wondering what I am talking about, well that’s where you have to use your imagination… That’s where I got in trouble the first time… Talking too much.>>>

You ever have those friends that talk all the time. (My friend s are thinking right now, “Yeah, you!”. lol I know I do, but I am talking about those friends that talk just to hear themselves talk, like silence is the last thing they want to feel; because to them its awkward. Truth is, we are probably like that at some point with God in our prayers… we talk so much we can’t hear anything coming back… I know I have that problem and so do some of you.

Isn’t it true that when something happens to you in your life that stops you in your tracks or knocks you off your path, you all the sudden you want to hear an answer? It’s like we have to know the end, before we can begin to make sure its safe for our hearts to move ahead; so that we don’t get hurt… That’s where faith comes in… So, what I am going to do is wait and have faith… I am going to wait for him to show his will… He always shows his face no matter what you or I say to retract or go back from a situation, whatever it may be…

I choose him over anyone or anything that is going on here, because he is so much bigger then me and my problems. I challenge you to do that… Tonight’s one of those nights that I will never forget the way I feel… Was it because of fear? I don’t know… but I know the Bible tells us not to fear 365 times… One for every day, AMAZING. So, that is what I will do. I will stand still and humble, waiting on his breathe to breathe on me to show me his way, his light, and his truth…

Lastly, when I am at a point of hurt and confusion in my life, I love the closeness I feel with God… Don’t you? It is so tangible and present, because we are depending on him so much for one thing or whatever is happening at that pivotal moment in our lives… its like when I pray I feel like I crawling up in my dad’s lap weeping for his will to show through and its the safest place in the world… That is the intimate relationship I have with my Heavenly Father… Thanks for listening. I just needed to write to feel better. Have a great night.

October 22, 2009 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

A “tough” subject for Christians… and non-Christians…

One thing is promised… No matter where we go on our path and our journeys we will always come home. We all have left our hometown for college to seek out  a “better life” or  move to the “big city” to make those dreams we so desire to come true… and one thing always happens… We come back to visit the ones we love;)… and after this life we will do the same thing by going back to be in the arms of our Lord.

I left Nashville to go to college and then left again after college to move to Atlanta not knowing that God had put me on a spiritual journey. Through all of that time of confusion and questions, I know that I have found him. He was knocking on the door to take care of my loneliness and hurts… I left Nashville to get away from the pressures, “crowd” that led me down a path of destruction, and I know that he has protected me in this time. I have never had this much “joy” in my life…

I want to talk about a tough subject… I was with a friend of mine yesterday and he is moving away for the first time just like I did… He is one the most loving, understanding, and compassionate people I have ever met. He deals with spiritual battles just like you and I. He is asking himself on this journey, “What if the way I am is okay in the eyes of God? “ I mean he did make us right?” or “How do we know our interpretation of the bible is “right” ?” See, his heart is split into two. His heart loves the Lord, but he is attracted to men… He has been battling this his whole life… He came from a Christian family with a great up bringing. He seems to have a good relationship with his mom, but dad not so much… He is very successful and is very smart… He is in search of the “happiness” that we all are and he is no different from you or I. We all are split in one way or another just like him. We all sin and our hearts are split in two just like him… between what we want which is sometimes out of our sinful nature and what God wants for us…Read Romans 7 if you don’t believe me…

Homosexuality is a tough thing for Christians to talk about… I am in no way arguing for it, but I don’t wan to throw it our of conversations either… I know first hand from working with the “gay” society that it is a selfish, demanding and ultimately lead to “death”, but they love each other and take care of each other like no other society I have seen before… That is a fact. If they want kids, they make it happen. Man goes to room “A” and woman goes to room “B”. Boom there ya go… If they own a business, they make sure to give back to the community. Working in that environment I learned a lot about that lifestyle and the one thing they all shared for each other is “love”. What is God? LOVE! He loves them the same way he loves you… They were born with their own sinful nature just like you were…

Here is some good news… Looking around from my seat on Sundays; I see some of the guys I worked with waiting eagerly to hear Andy Stanley. See, I go to a church that is a “seekers” church and the guys from work bring their partners and other friends to be in a “safe” environment. That is so awesome!!!! Something powerful is churning in their soles to hear the truth, the way, and the word… They are torn just like you and I, with sin… If we can accept them for who they are and know that they are loved just like you and I, then we can maybe win back those hearts that have been scorned by the church in the past… Think about it, it’s hard to ask someone to stop doing something wrong in the eyes of God, if they don’t know why or even if it is wrong… Let them come and learn… figure it out in their own time of their own Journey… but be that light Jesus tells us and Peter to be (Mathew 15)… Help them understand our ways, but most importantly take the time to understand the differences people bring and where they come from with love in your heart… Today and until he finds that peace he is looking for with God; I pray for my friends journey… Thanks JL

October 21, 2009 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | 1 Comment | Edit

Letter to my family… Thought I would share with you all too…

Family,

I wanted to write to you guys to tell you how much you guys mean to me and how much I love each one of you. As most of you know, I started a blog, which is a journal on-line. Scary thought… With this blog, I want to reach people that are just like you and I. People are out there that deal with the same “stuff” we do in our lives. In no way is this expression to put out dirty laundry or make a false witness. I am honest about everything in my life with everyone I come in to contact with. I have to be. I work with high school kids and through that experience of transparency I have learned that there are real problems and brokenness out there that need to hear us say,” Hey, I have been there; I know how you feel and look how we made it out of this” Whatever  “this” is…

I think the coolest thing about our family is that we are BIG, with a lot of stories and a bunch life lessons. The Lowry’s, Minors, Brogdon’s, Thornbury’s, Moore’s or whoever is a part of my story has taught me a lot about life. That is so awesome and encouraging to me. We have all been through a lot together and I understand that a lot of our experiences are fresh and sometimes hard to talk about. I love to write and that’s how I get through things in my life. I see a counselor every week, but I have found that expressing myself through words and how I see life is so much more of a benefit. When I pray to God it is always in letters and that’s how I express myself. I am sorry for offending any of you with my efforts. I love all of you and each one of you brings something special to the altar.

The “old school” is out and now in these times, there is Internet and virtual networking. I am leveraging all of “that” for God’s glory and I think it is bringing a lot of good… The feedback has been very encouraging due to the number of emails and comments being left… If it touches one person then I know its worth doing… We don’t agree on everything and I know I can’t please everyone, but I will continue writing and sharing with the world. People that are reading it probably aren’t changing anything in their lives now, but little by little, chip by chip, maybe the voice can speak clearly and be heard…

I know I am not perfect and perfection isn’t the goal here, but I changed my life and I am focusing more than ever on God; because he is my way and the only way for me… Maybe not you, but it works for me. Thing is, I know that he is so fond of each you and wants to know each of you intimately. I hope it doesn’t take any of you guys a life time to figure that out if you haven’t already. You are all loved and I want to see each one of you in Glory one day. My passion is people that are like me and how I was before accepting Christ in to my life. I feel like I can connect with almost every occupation , because of the life we have gone through… I understand that all people are in different places in their walk then I am and I respect that… Your story is a part of my story and I will try my hardest to in the future take the negative things we have learned together and give them a positive spin or more encouraging outcome… I have no motives in this… but to reach people that are doing life just like I am trying to find meaning… and that meaning for me is the truth and word of our Heavenly Father who wants that for you. Thanks for your time and again I love each of you.

October 18, 2009 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

Dating? How do we do it???

What a question? I wish I knew the answer… I do have some insight on what not to do though… I think that when we meet someone for the first time or we are in a group setting and you notice a guy or girl that is solo hot; There is a part of us that jumps right in to growing old together, sitting out back on the patio watching the waves roll by… Am I wrong? I mean, you wonder what the kids would look like, what your bank statement would say, or what country club you would be a VIP member at… I myself have definitely jumped the gun a few times and learned many life lessons through dating.

The first date is always euphoric and exciting. We have all felt that funny feeling you get in your gut that reminds you to floss 100 times, to change clothes 10 -20 times (depending on your sex) or to call all of friends for a pep talk… I have friends that do that… Not me;) I think its great! Dating can be one of the most exciting things we do in life and it can be one of the biggest headaches out there. Some first dates end with a kiss and others end the next morning, depending on your belief system…

I myself have learned to wait to bring the “physical” into a relationship. It just confuses things and eventually robs the other person spiritually when you are having sex in your relationship. I think you should be friends first and make sure you can spend eternity with your “friend” before jumping in the sack. All that really matters in life is the “friendship” you have with your spouse. Hate to break it to you, but we will all grow old, be wrinkly… and bald. Lol I have excepted that outcome in my life;) Beauty on the outside is fleeing all of us everyday. We need to look deep inside someone, before we move closer to marriage. Setting boundaries is one of the hardest things we do as Christians, much less humans…We are all sexual beings and it is the most beautiful gift God gave all of us, but only in confines of marriage…

I guess the only answer I have for you on dating is that when you are hanging out or maybe even at dinner, just imagine Jesus sitting at the table listening to your conversations and knowing your thoughts about the person opposite of you… and guys look at the girl sitting across the table as if she is God’s most precious daughter… You can’t really argue with that now can you?;)

Not asking for perfection or anything, but always try to get better at whatever you are doing in life…

October 17, 2009 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

Dependence

Dependence is one of the hardest things we as humans go through. For the first 10-13 years, we are all dependent on mom and dad to get things done for us and for others 20-25  . Then something happens to our hearts… We are conformed and shaped to this world. We are told by our culture how to dress, what type of people to hang out and what image we should cling on too… I was just like that. I wanted to impress my friends, get the girl, and be the coolest guy on campus, high school, and college… You name it, I was or had it…

I was conformed to this world. I was independent away from my parents and didn’t care what anyone else had to say… That’s where I went wrong… My independence started in with drinking in high school and then later in college the drugs came. I had no clue what I was getting myself into at the time. Other then my uncles that lived 6 states away, I had no “real” leadership at home. (My mom was great, but I hid everything from her. What she didn’t know couldn’t hurt her.) My step-dad and I were cool later on in life, because we shared an addiction. I never really trusted him… You could tell there was always something he was hiding… He is the addict I was telling you I was raised by… I started smoking pot with him when I was 16 and he we like many parents and let us drink in the basement in high school… as long as we were at home doing it, well it was okay… again, Great leadership!

During college, I would sometimes come home for the weekends and one night I somehow fell down the hardwood stairs in our basement. He helped me up, looked at my swollen ankle and said, “meet me in the garage, I have something that will help that”. Curiously I did, and with a pipe (the tube of a hollow pen) in my mouth, him holding a piece of aluminum foil asking me, “do you trust me?” with a lighter and a deep breathe I smoked what was the beginning of my oxy-cotton addiction. Man, I wish I could go back… So much hurt and loss after that… I was dependent on drugs in which the world told me to be… I let the enemy in and he won.

The good news is that overtime I have conquered my addictions. but everyday is a battlefield of temptation… Not one morning goes by that I don’t wake up and the first thing I want to do is find the neighborhood drug dealer and get high… I don’t because I know the consequences of that lifestyle… I depend on God for that void being filled with his love… He gives me that love and affection that I desire so much.

I know there are those of you that are dependent on something of and in this world… I challenge you to give it up to God and see what his will is for you… Let him fill your cup. I had to learn some lessons the hard way and I don’t want that for you. Don’t go along with the crowd or be conformed to this culture. Be a man or woman of God; See where that takes you…

Lastly, I was talking to some friends the other night at small group and we were talking about how people will say, “God never gives you more than you can handle”. I think its false. I think he gives us more then we can handle to help us understand that we need him, before anything else, you need him… If our cup gets so full that it is overflowing with our problems and desires of and in this world, that is when he i.e. God is waiting on us to drop it or pour out all of OUR desires and wants and make it his and his alone… The is true dependency on him… God Bless…

Honesty…

The best lesson of honesty that I got today is from Steve Miller… He said, “I’m a joker, I’m a smoker, I’m a midnight taker, I sure don’t want to hurt no one…” I listened to that song today and he was completely “real” with all of us when he wrote that… I think I can relate with him in that I used to be just like him. I thought what ever I was doing to myself didn’t hurt anyone else, so why not do it… What a lie the enemy tells us… Today, sadly I sat and “people watched” from the bar I was watching the UT game and I came to the conclusion that we as a society of 20 something’s watching football at noon pounding jaeger-bombs and seeing how much we can drink are in trouble…

I mean, I’m not saying I don’t like to enjoy a beverage every now and then or catch a buzz on some good whiskey, but damn people… We are taking it to an extreme aren’t we? You know that guy that sits at the bar with his beer belly and favorite sports team on his shirt. I know I do… Truth is that he is hiding from something in his life…

People like him or even her (ladies are not excluded) that get lost in sports, TV, video games or anything other than reality are dealing with some major issues… We call them “Flee-errs” in the Christian world. To flee the scene of life or turn your attention to something that is meaningless in the grand scheme… There are three types of people: Rationalizers, Flee-errs and Fixers… You can decide which one you are later. I am talking about the guy that looks forward to that one “BIG” game all week and nothing else matters, but that and a 12 pack to see how housed they can get…You have been there and so have I… I love college football, but it turns from a game to an addiction… We all chase that dragon at some point in our lives and pretty soon the effects are felt less and less and the consequences become worse and worse…In no time, we are 50, overweight, malnutrition , lost and afraid of what sober feels like… But hey! One hell of a fan of some team you have been cheering for since college. Where does that get you? Am I stupid for asking the question? Not American for loving football on the weekends? No! I am saying that balance and moderation are important… We are going to have many “broken” people and maybe even families because of alcohol. It’s the sleeper!!! You never know when its got you and choking the life out of you…

Let me share something with you… Whatever you are doing now, doesn’t change in 10, 15, or 20 years from now. Look at the past 10. Have you changed any? We get stuck in these patterns and we can’t change what/who we are, because of the path with have put ourselves on… there are a number family members all over that drink 20 beers a day at 50 and are no longer with us;). We all have them in our family… Alcoholism is a hard thing to see, but if you are being “housed” every time you drink then you might be fleeing from some realities in your life…

I am transparent with you in saying that I am a flee-err! I flee from the fact that I build a facade for people so they don’t see the real me, but always getting better. I flee from the fact that I am not perfect, but in my mind, I think I am… Sick huh?  I may say things to people that deep down I don’t mean, because I am running from that emotion someone or something makes me feel… I am guilty of it, but I see what I am doing… I am always trying to get better. I want you to look at yourself and ask yourself if you are hiding from anything in your life that hurts. Know that its okay to hurt… The bible never said we wouldn’t hurt… He fills that hurt or pain that you have with his love;  if you let him…

Maybe its drugs, sex or rock-n-roll?;) I don’t know… Whatever it is will catch up with you in the end… Whatever you think you are hiding so well, will show up one day… I want you to know that I love all of you and don’t want to see you in a position of regrets or pain that you don’t really have to go through… If you catch the “bad” and the “ugly” in your life now and do something about it like talking to a counselor, minister or a good friend that excepts you for you and nothing more or less.. I know it can really help you in the end.

I thank God for those friends I have in my life! I love God and I love People! JL

October 11, 2009 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | 1 Comment | Edit

Great Night with a WARNING…

So tonight, I had a great night with my small group… We talked about life; where we’ve been and where we think God wants us to go… The whole time I was sitting there thinking that if I would have gone to Vegas this weekend I would have been missing this awesome conversation and thick cigar.

About a month ago I went to my friends and told them that I didn’t want/need to go to Vegas for a bachelor party, because it wasn’t a place I needed to be. There is a lot of trouble there and that is the last thing I need to do is be in the “Lions Den”… I went last year and made some poor decisions that I regret, but through the bloodshed, I was forgiven. I learned a lesson about the enemy. We are not perfect and no one is asking us to be… but YOU know how it goes in Vegas…

Well, tonight I was reminded of Roman 7. When Peter is talking about why he keeps doing the same things, he hates about himself… I love this… Romans 7:14-20

“We know that the law is spiritual; but I am un-spiritual, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do, I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[a] for I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.”

Did you get that? Just to get you thinking… Who/what is he talking about. We are all slaves of the flesh…

After we left, I was praying in the car and I felt disconnected, because for me after a spiritual filled night the enemy starts working on me… He is real and he is FULL of lies. He will strangle you in your thoughts and attack you in your dreams. “In the name of Jesus” is a powerful sentence… Always be on guard. He always tells me I’m not good enough or that people are going to think your nuts, but then I always think of Paul who slayed Christians as Sal and then weeks later went in to the same towns proclaiming Jesus. Wow.. they must have thought he was off his rocker… but no; he had been touched by the ultimate love and creator…:)

Speaking of that, I was having dinner the other night with a friend from high-school/college and he said something that struck me… He said, “I’m 28 and I’m still trying to figure out what I want in life and my purpose here”. He said,” I’ve got the girl, the boat, the house and the money”. “People would kill to have my life”. I thought to myself, “maybe its right there and maybe it’s a relationship with your heavenly father…” I didn’t want to scare him off with that, so I started asking questions and I told him through that how I had changed my life and began growing my relationship with Christ… He rather looked at me like I was crazy, but a part of him took me seriously because he is one of my old’ friends. I mean, I have known the guy since we were 14 and he has seen a change in me, but most of all I hope I can be an example of Christ for him… You never know who is watching you, so be a great example… Thought I would share some randomness with you early this morning.. Have a great Friday!

October 9, 2009 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | 2 Comments | Edit

Sexual Immorality…

In some way, shape, we all are in relationships… Weather it be a dating relationship or just friends, we all have one question. What is sexual immorality? I mean, what are boundaries in a Christian Relationship or even a non-Christian relationship? Let’s be honest… I think for a lot of us, we quickly jump in to a relationship and try to find all the great things out about that person and then ultimately justify having sex with them… Well, he is a good guy, so I think I can take him to that intimate place… Or she is a good girl and she loves me, so I think I might take our relationship to the next level. What is the next level? hmmm… Could it be a spiritual thing rather than a physical thing? Is there a reason why God didn’t want us to sleep with everyone we were in a relationship with? I think so… What about unwed pregnancies or diseases? What about kids that see your example of relationship and follow down the same path of brokenness you do? God’s law does and will protect us from that hurt and lie…

For me, it was a game. I wanted to sleep with as many girls as possible in high school, college, and even post college, because that’s how I was trained and no one besides my mom told me it was wrong. My culture told me while I was growing up that sex was awesome, so do it a lot and enjoy yourself with as many women as possible, but use protection. (like that made it okay) I never knew what is was to have a “real” relationship. “Real”, meaning two people pouring in to each other honestly… I used girls! I think after I experienced loosing that “one” girl in high school and then in college, it all started… I always had a motive or wanted to get something from her (whoever that was that night or season in my life). I never wanted to know her; I just wanted to please her physically, because that was how I was taught and shaped to have relationships… Just another notch in the belt. Sad huh? My mom didn’t teach me that, but the men and friends I had in my life. (I don’t blame you guys, but you feel me!)

There is poor leadership in this world for our young people and a mentality I speak of is going on all over the world right now. My own dad, the “great” leader he is told me I wasn’t doing “right” by not sleeping around getting what I can… That’s probably why he is 48 and the dad of a 5 year old???

People are conformed to this world and learn that sex is one of our worst addictions… How many of you go out every weekend and try to be laid or hook up? I know you are out there, because I did it too. Why not learn from “Hollywood’s” way of love and try God’s formula. ( Great book on relationships is Chip Ingram’s Love, Sex, and lasting relationships…) Chip tells us to “become” the right person, set our hopes and dreams around God and Walk in Love (which is a choice)… Rather than finding the right person, falling in love and then setting your hopes and dreams around that ONE person. I think we all need to take a step back and look at our story. I think if you are anything like me or you are having a tough time with relationship, this book can help you… Have a great week! Check this out !!! Click on the Oct. 5th segment. I’m the last story in an interview I did for Chip…

http://www.livingontheedge.org/home/broadcasts/online_daily.php.

October 5, 2009 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

I get my nails done…

Yes, Ladies it is true. I get my nails done just like you. Many guys would call me gay or metro, but I look at it as taking care of me i.e. Landscaping….It is okay guys! Drop your insecurities and fears, because there is nothing like sea salt on your legs while someone is massaging you… I was in their yesterday and I almost fell asleep! Here are my top 5 reasons for getting them:

1)Let’s face it, when we as men drop our pride and take the time in one’s appearance it says we care just enough! We aren’t being cocky or prideful, but confident in who we are…

2) It feels good! They come with a mini-massage and man it can be awesome…

3) Stress-reducer-Taking an hour or so to get a manicure and pedicure can give guys some down time to relax and take their mind off some of the pressing issues we have to deal with during the week. This is good for a healthy heart…

4) It looks and feels good!- If her man is at the construction site all day, then the hands can get beat up and that isn’t cool to go or wife when you try to touch her softly…

5) Healthy Feet and Hands- During pedicures dead skin is exfoliated away, helping to diminish calluses and potential dead skin build-up that can lead to bigger problems down the line. During both manicures and pedicures, the cuticles are cleaned up, which eliminates painful and unsightly hangnails.

Guys! Take the advise and oh yeah, this is for the ladies too; DO NOT CUT YOUR NAILS IN FRONT OF YOUR GF OR BF. That is so gross! Spend the $20 and let the professionals do it!

October 4, 2009 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

Private: A little Encouragement…

Wow.. Today is Monday and man, the past 2 days have been awful. I woke up yesterday sweating with a fever and the shakes. I thought I was going through detox or something ha-ha… Anyways, I am feeling much better today and wanted to share with you a cool story my meme (Betty i.e. Grandmother) AKA Hollywood told me the other day.

See… most of my family, just like most families in this country don’t really talk about religion. It can start arguments and sometimes make people feel uncomfortable that maybe don’t have a strong belief system. I’ll admit, it is so hard for me to talk about religion with my family and that bothers me… I can go up to a complete stranger and find a way to ask him/her where they are in their walk, but I can’t ask my own family members if they love the Lord… btw- I do that a lot. I love to go to Waffle House at 3 am and buy a meal for a homeless man or even some random man/woman sitting at the bar with me. That’s where the realness of people comes out… Sad, but true… You can put me in any scene and I think I can find a way to talk about Jesus…

So my grandmother was telling me that my aunt (who will stay anonymous) had a glimpse at just how BIG God is… I think my aunt believes in something, but I’m not sure where she stands on the whole Jesus thing. (I pray to have that conversation with her one day.) She doesn’t go to church, but recently she has been going to these prayer meetings every morning at work. Which is awesome…?

I know that God is really working on her, because the other night she was going to a concert in Mississippi and the weather was horrible with flash flooding and lightning. They barley made it there… This was an outside concert venue, which had been canceled once before due to weather… More than half way there; from the passenger seat, she was looking around and said to herself, “There is no way this show is going to happen”. Then with big eyes and an open heart, she looked up to those dark and gloomy clouds and said a soft little prayer, “God if you’re there, please let this show happen; I really want to see this tonight if its in your will.” About an hour later, sitting there in her seat, she looked up and she saw the most beautiful clear skies… I think God was winking at her:)… WOW!!! Little by little, he chips our doubts and our fears away. If that isn’t some shed of proof that he is real and does listen, then I don’t know what is…

A lot of us are the seeing and then believing types, that’s okay… He can answer all of our prayers, big or small. If its in his will, it will be done…. We have to have faith in him that he can and will show up when we least expect it… He is so faithful to us… Have a great week.- JL

September 28, 2009 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | 2 Comments | Edit

Paid in Full…

Today is Friday and a beautiful day here in Atlanta… I hope everyone is having a blessed day, because our God is nothing but good. I will get right to it; I was at coffee with a friend of mine today and we were talking about how God changes us over time. I told him a cool little story I got from my dad, who is raising my 5-year-old brother that just started school this fall. I know what you are thinking… 5 years old.

Brooks’ had a rough start with this whole school thing… He didn’t want to go at all and everyday the first and second week he cried and cried when mommy dropped him off at school. I think we can all relate to Brooks with this one… There isn’t one of out there that wasn’t a little afraid on the first day of school. New people, new surroundings, and new things to learn. It is easy for us to feel like we are just a number in any of these types of situations in life. I think this is where most or all of our insecurities come from; because of the way we may look , who we hang out with or how we act. Kids can be very mean and leave scars for life… Ask my classmates! I was an a**!

I was rough on people and I had no reason to be other than I was insecure with who I was… Yes, I was a bully at one time. I wanted to paint this facade for people that I was a bade**! If they didn’t see that rough and tough side of me, then they would see right through me.. They would see that I was a softy who they wouldn’t fear… but the truth is that I was one that would cried to the movie,” The Land before Time” and “Old Yeller”. I mean, I slept with Little Foot until I was 12… ha-ha I know a few of you out there had a stuffed animal you slept with every night.

Well, lets get back to Brooks and this story… The first thing  Brooks’ had to do during this time was to let go and admit to himself that he had no control in this matter. He had to deal with going to school and he had to except that mommy could stay with him all day. So, he does what any 5 year old would do and asks the teacher every 10 minutes, “When’s mommy coming to get me?” So after the 3rd day of that, the teacher put a clock next to his desk and told him that mommy would be back to get him when the clock says three… Wow, can we say HIGH MAINTENANCE already! Brooks has never been away from his mom and this was rough for him to go through, because they have spoiled him rotten.:)

I think I was just like Brooks… except after the 3rd grade I acted embarrassed when mom would drop me off at school… Like every other kid there didn’t have a mom!!!! lol we all want independence and during those times we show hatred towards the people that love us the most… I wish I could go back and give my mom more hugs on those mornings she dropped me off crying, because of the things I said to her… I was rotten and mean to her to make her think that I didn’t need her… Well, I’m 26 and still need my mama…

There is a lot of symbolism with this and the way we view God in our everyday lives. Brooks felt alone and betrayed, because he was left in a loud and scary place that he couldn’t rap his mind around the fact that this is normal for him to go to school for 8 hours a day… We all feel alone in a dark place in this world at one point or another and during those times of loneliness our Father is knocking and waiting… Waiting on you to open the door and let him in… he has an offering that nothing in this world can match. I know, I had nothing… What I did have was  a cocaine and methamphetamine addiction… No one in this world knew it, but me and him… I hid it from everyone and acted like my life was normal for a very long time… Shocking? Some of you knew me during that time and you knew the mess I was in. The disease started early and I am proud to say that I have been clean for 3 years and 2 months… Praise God, because he took me with all of that… I don’t want you to think I a m dwelling on the past, but you have to know my story before you can really listen to what I am saying… For me, in the beginning of my walk in faith it was easier to connect with someone that has been where I have been and lived what I had lived…

We want to do things on our own and on our time… We don’t want anyone to tell us what to do… We build up this fortress and wall, so that no one can see who we really are… That is most of our greatest fears…the truth is that no matter where you go, no matter where you move, no matter who you are at this very moment; there is good news… He loves you with all the “stuff” you have going on in your world. Thanks for listening today. You can suggest things for me to shine a light on… Don’t be shy or a stranger…

My prayer: Father God, thank you for everything that you are doing here on earth! Thank you for my friends, family, and thank you for the person that you are shaping in me… I pray for all of those that are in the wilderness of their lives or feel alone in this world. It is easy for us to pull away when times are tough, but you never pull away… I pray to lean in to you when times are tough. Your faithfulness and promise is enough for me and I ask that you make me a blessing, because you have blessed me with so much… In your son’s name I pray, Amen.

September 25, 2009 Posted by voice4jesus | Uncategorized | | No Comments Yet | Edit

He Reigns!!!

My name is Justin Lowry and I am an addict with family full of addicts. I do love my family, friends, people, and God. That pretty much takes care of everyone… I love to talk and express new ideas and opinions,  so I decided to make a blog… I wanted to talk about what God is doing in my life and let people out there that are like me, hear a voice for, and from Jesus hints the name of the site…

I think that we all have a story and every story is so very important to hear. Mine is a little complex… Long story short, I am the brother of a 5 year old and a son of 2 addicts ha. I admire my mom and my Paw-paw ( Amazing dude!). You will learn more as you get to know me, so lets start with the purpose of this… I embrace that I am affected by drugs and alcohol everyday of my life, so I want to help others that struggle in that aspect. I have a passion for High School students and addicts. We all got lost somewhere and that place usually starts in high school or for some of us when we were brought in this world.

God is present and tangible and does amazing things for us, but we are far too busy to see it sometimes. Another goal for this blog is to encourage you and let you see that there is no more bondage in my life and that the chains are broken by the blood on the cross and through my Savior Jesus Christ… I want that for you… I want to touch my friends, family, and others who haven’t felt his love. He wants that so badly for you and so do I. I am pretty outspoken about a lot of things in the Christian world and I know that there are some of you that won’t agree with what I have to say… But so what!

Lastly, I was a non-believer for 23 years of my life. Through brokenness and the Holy Spirit jumping in me changing me forever I have found a passion for people that feel they are not worthy of his everlasting love like I was… I lived a fast life before excepting Christ and for that I feel like I can connect with almost any occupation… I can act like my shoes size sometimes, but others I am real and will tell you like I see it. No matter where you are or what your story is, you are loved…

My prayer today: Dear  Heavenly Father, thank you for this day and thank you for this amazing technology to reach 1000′s that have never heard your voice. God, I pray that you bless all that read this blog and open their eyes and hearts to you Lord. I pray for those  that don’t know you or believe  that your son came in to this world 2000 years ago and hung on a cross, died and walked 3 days later. What an amazing thought!!! I pray all of this in Christ’s name… Amen