Kameolontti wrote:
Do you know the Carthagian Unitarians? There was a real power struggle over which way Christianity would evolve in the early centuries.
They held the First Council of Nicaea, where Arianism was denounced as heresy but not before being strongly defended by those that viewed it as the truth.
In the end, the matter was solved through warfare. The pro-Arianist forces were outmaneuvered by expedition from Rome leading to purging of Arianism and the destruction of the military might that supporter Arianism.
Looking at these things it's hard to take any of the dogmas seriously. Then again, Catholics did and refused to tolerate any alternatives and if their dogmas changed then they believed in them and murdered anyone who "offended" them by saying otherwise or "ridiculing" this attitude that there is only one truth, whatever it was for them at the time and that everyone else are blasphemers and heretics and that it was "merciful" to torture them to recant their heresy so their soul could be saved - for no amount of bodily suffering could possibly compare to the salvation of the everlasting soul.
As such I do find the study to the Church history and Biblical history to be interesting. It's incredibly significant, it's only the most influential and powerful set of beliefs in all of human history which still continues to mold how much of the world thinks, feels and acts.
In fact we might still have things like slavery and we wouldn't have anything in the semblance of modern welfare societies or the advanced Western nations without Christianity.
It is the religion that shapes the country, not the country that shapes the religion. Just look at how countries all that share a religion tend to be in very similar situations.
It is also interesting to note that the Catholic zeal and "taking seriously" as opposed to things like Lutheran "it's the thought that counts" is superior mechanism for the continued existence of the religion. For no religion can stand the test of time by being exceedingly tolerant of others and less than serious about it's dogmas and conventions. Wimps don't become top dogs - certainty, regardless of where it stems from conquers uncertainty and ambiguity.
This is why Catholicism is doing so well and Lutheran Church is slowly setting itself into a grave it has dug for itself.
The church was constantly fending off Heresies through out it's history. Some would die out for a while like Gnosticism and reappear later in slightly different form. I believe the Dan Brown books are preaching a form of Gnosticism. Many of them were originally pagan beliefs that were incorporated into the Christian doctrine. I ain't qualified to debate the right or wrongs of them. But will say this, since Arianism sez:
Quote:
Beginnings
The early history of the controversy must be pieced together from about 35 documents found in various sources. The Trinitarian historian Socrates of Constantinople reports that Arius first became controversial under the bishop Alexander of Alexandria, when Arius formulated the following syllogism: "If the Father begat the Son, he that was begotten had a beginning of existence: and from this it is evident, that there was a time when the Son was not. It therefore necessarily follows, that he had his substance from nothing".
Bishop Alexander of Alexandria was criticised for his slow reaction against Arius. Like his predecessor Dionysius, he has been charged with vacillation. The question that Arius raised had been left unsettled two generations previously. Therefore, Alexander allowed the controversy to continue until he felt that it had become dangerous to the peace of the Church. Then he called a council of bishops and sought their advice. Once they decided against Arius, Alexander delayed no longer. He deposed Arius from his office and excommunicated him as well as his supporters.
and John 1:1 starts with "King James Bible
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." which sez he was God from the get-go.
But that doesn't matter to me, believe in Christianity and Catholicism because of it's good works, as you pointed out.
Now to your other point, the state of Christianity world wide. Where christian leaders have bowed to PC demands, the attendance has fallen. Where the leaders have stood firm, like evangelicals, the congregation has grown.
Am mainly basing my views on
Rodney Stark and
David P. Goldman. Neither are practicing Christians.
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What about the Coptics, do they think they are the true church and the Orthodox and Catholic are heretics?