Elizabeth Bocanegra
History
May 29, 2014
Saint Ambrose: Rise of the Charismatic Authority
Ambrose of Milan is said to have been the doctor of the church. His masterful rhetoric and theology of doctrine was used to teach others, but more importantly was used to further the power of the church. Through various diplomatic and rhetorical tactics Ambrose of Milan managed to gain the acceptance of the people and influence those in power. Ambrose Bishop of Milan who himself makes an immense amount of contributions to the authority of the church used his influence over Roman Emperors granted to him through his charismatic authority as bishop to further the interest of the church and the poor. Through his influence over Roman Emperors Ambrose of Milan was able to greater the power of the church in the empire in a manner in which not many others could.
Ambrose was born AD 339, to a distinguished Roman family. His father, Aurelius Ambrosius, was the Praetorian Prefect of the Gauls, the highest rank in the Roman civil service. Ambrose’ education was typical of the time. He began his education around the age of seven with reading and writing, arithmetic and Greek grammar under the instruction of the pedagogue. At about the age of fourteen Ambrose continued his education and began to learn the art of oratory . Because the instructors at these institutions were normally pagans, most Christian children would also be sent to a clergyman for instruction on basic Christian elements. For this reason Ambrose was sent to Simplician, a well-educated presbyter who was well versed on philosophy and theology . It was Ambrose’ extensive education that allowed him to place himself in a position to influence others lives.
At the age of twenty-six Am...
... middle of paper ...
...o the Lord through the Church. Theodosius understanding of sin and his shame for his massacre can be seen as a triumph in the churches authority, the church through Ambrose’s law will now have control over how humanity in Rome is to be punished.
The Bishop of Milan came to be known as Saint Ambrose because the many contributions to the growth of the church that he has been attributed to. He used his charismatic authority to gain the support of the people and the influence over the Emperors to make decisions that would empower the Christian Church is remarkable in a time when just a century before there was immense amount of persecution towards Christian believers. Saint Ambrose was the determining force in the early history of Christianity that allowed the rise and shift of power that permitted the church to become the governing force in the Roman Empire.
Pope Urban II was sought by Alexius Comnenus, a Byzantine Emperor who wanted the papacy to help his army hold off the advancing Seljuk Turks in Asia Minor. The reason for Alexius Comnenus contacting the pope rather than another emperor or monarch wasn’t just the fact they were secular, but because the pope would have more power to persuade the people. The Gregorian movement in 1050-80 was ultimately was responsible for the new instilled power of the papacy’s position over nonreligious rulers. The pope agreed to aid the Byzantine emperor, but he also had his own agenda when it came to the military advances and the new power of his position. The papacy did not intend to only help the Byzantine Empire but to further save all of Christendom from being overrun.
In conclusion, this book was intriguing. It gives historical context and shows what the Roman Empire was like. It also demonstrates Christianity in a new way. The transformation of Antipas is, however, the most intriguing part of the book: a noble man of Rome who became a Christian and gave his life to save another. This book offers an intriguing story to a man mentioned once in John’s Revelation.
Francis of Assisi is one of the most influential personalities in the entire world. In the book ‘Francis of Assisi: Performing the Gospel Life,’ Cunningham recounts the life of this humble monk who lived in the medieval times, and shaped the Christian life, which spread in Western culture throughout the rest of history. I believe Cunningham accurately accounts for the life of Francis of Assisi, and in doing so; he provides a trajectory of the Christian faith from its early and historical proponents through its fusion with western culture, and its subsequent spread throughout the world.
Ambrose tells that the “Church “should be viewed as one’s home. If peace is in one’s home therefore, we want Peace in the Church also (Wogaman 48). He emphasizes this by, “where there is rich and poor, slave and freeman, Greek and Syrian, patrician and plebeian, we are all in Christ” (Wogaman 48). Ambrose goes into detail to explain, riches will be left here on earth, one should only take “Faith with you and allow righteous to be your companion with your faith”. ( Wogaman 49). He further explains that the poor is not really the poor, because the Lord hears their cries. He tells that faith is far precious than “Silver and Gold”, having these riches could lead to pollution of one’s faith (Wogaman 49). Ambrose gives the scripture Philippian 2:9, “I am rich enough in the name of Jesus. He probes on how if one desires to be “rich, you must become poor, and then you will be rich in all things, if you are poor in spirit. Not property, but in spirit, makes one rich” ( Wogaman 49). The “Lord is one’s portion” explains Ambrose (Wogaman 50). Ambrose uses his writing to empower the Priest to really seek and Trust God and not in material things. Things are only temporal; one has to know Jesus for who
Francis impacted the world in many ways. St. Francis formed many traditions and cultures to the Christian faith. St. Francis founded an order that takes on of his followers with him all around Italy claiming to be itinerant preachers in 1209. On St. Francis’ free time, he would preach to people in churches, stores, restaurants, and even in the streets! He went out of his way to help people he didn’t know. This taught people how to be generous and caring. St. Francis created an organization called The Order of Friars Minor. The Order of Friars Minor stands for the Franciscans. The Franciscans means “brother.” The Order of Friars Minor was founded to go out into the towns and preach the word of God. The Franciscans also helped the poor and sick around. They brought food to the poor and cared for them. The Franciscans visited the imprisoned and comforted
Deeply rooted in Catholic tradition, he was able to see and embrace “ante litteram” the entirety of Christian principles of education, as would be defined by Pius XI in his encyclical Divini illus Magistri
...Gospel with the greatest amount of individual liberty and the minimum of regulation. Cardinal Hugolino, the late Gregory IX, assisted Francis in the completion of the Rule of in 1223. All this effort took its tool on the health of Francis, he started realizing that he was nearing the end of his life. Since he believed he had lived like Christ, he pleaded to die like Christ.
Although popular knowledge of early Christians emphasize their persecution and severe ostracism within the Roman Empire, a closer study of Roman law reveals that Christianity and being Christian were not crimes in and of themselves. As a matter of fact, citizens of the Roman Empire were free to worship any god. Even their proclamations about Jesus were not considered heretical. On the contrary, it was not out of the ordinary to declare a human to be divine. After all, the emperor himself was thought by many to have been divine. In addition, the “secret meetings” of Christians to celebrate the Lord’s Supper often portrayed, as highly covert and something the Christians attended in fear of being found out, also were not illegal. As a matter of fact, most of the rituals and beliefs associated with being a Christian in ancient times were not deemed criminal. In actuality, the Roman Empire punished Christians for breaking laws that were applicable to every Roman citizen.
The Edict of Milan, issued in 313 AD, opened the way for people in the Roman Empire to practice the Christian religion. With this edict of religious toleration came the right for Christians to worship openly. They also regained possession of their places of worship and all of the contents associated with these religious buildings. Not only did this allow freedom for Christians to worship openly, but they were also given the opportunity to have influence in the government and private sector of the Roman Empire. The far reaching effects of Christian influence around the world are still seen today.
...sition to reform as Pope Paul III, but again the changes he wished to implement during his papal reign were not entirely popular. Pope Paul III and Pope Julius III had a less forceful nature then Caraffa, so when he was provided with the role of Pope, he did not hesitate to take action upon the issue of debasement and dissent which he had been intolerant of for so many years, but had not capabilities to act against.
•The execution of “this Christ” suppressed the “dangerous religious movement” of the Christians for a time, but then it quickly broke out again, first in Judea, but then spreading rapidly as far as Rome
The Christian church has endured struggles to remain dominant throughout history. Following the resurrection of Christ, many other religions appeared and quickly gained traction. Within Christianity itself, lied different beliefs all disputing each other. Through this internal fight for dominance, blossomed early church theologians. These theologians conveyed a fresh set of ideals that forever transformed the beliefs in the church. Many of which fought for their specific beliefs and reinforced them with biblical foundations. Among these was the theologian Clement of Alexandra who represented that perfectly. His teachings changed the church for the better and brought light to the hidden darkness of heresy. Throughout his life, Clement influenced the early church and in turn effected the beliefs still held by the church today.
Like St. Augustine, he ignored God for much of his early life but had a conversion and became a symbol of the Early Church. He accounts this in Chapter X of book eight of his Confessions, " While I was deliberating whether I would serve the Lord my God now, as I had long purposes to do." This shows that St. Augustine, like all of us, was called to live a religious life. Church Leaders like Bishop St. Ambrose are especially called to heroism, "As Bishop of Milan, St Ambrose became an ardent opponent of the Arian heresy, as well as a renowned preacher" (Armenio 70). If Ambrose had not been a member clergy he might not have been able to have the political power that he
The rise of Christianity was already taking place in the Roman Empire, but the Edict of Milan was of importance for future generations of rulers. It allowed for the development of religions and the chance to freely express their spirituality without consequence. Christianity swept through the empire more rapidly and became an ever moving force throughout Europe. The transformation of this religion was great and to this day, Christianity is still widespread and present in many countries.
Saint Augustine, born Aurelis Augustinus, was an influential and great philosopher and theologian of early times. He was considered the most important of the Latin Church Fathers. His writings of sermons gained fame, notably Confessions and his Treatise City of God. Through his work he helped distinguish the church in Western Europe from the church that it had reformed elsewhere.